Whether you’re a home entrepreneur, a business, government, educator, community group, house of worship, entertainer, blogger vlogger, podcaster or you just want to engage with a group of friends, today more than ever you need to create engaging online live streaming and collaborative video content.
Many of us just want to simply improve the quality for the collaborative tools we use like Webex, Zoom, Skype, MS teams etc. or so many others, some of us want to engage a larger audience through things like Facebook or Youtube or Vimeo Livestreaming or more professional platforms, connecting with streaming software like OBS, VMix or Hardware solutions.
Maybe you are using your phone or tablet, your existing, or new more pro camera, or maybe you want a desktop, portable or web studio or larger live production style solution.
When it comes to Live Streaming and/or just making your conferencing, training or online video engagement, on any platform more intriguing and productive there is a lot to talk about.
From the cameras, their connectivity, and how they are set up and controlled, to audio mics, mixing and control, to lighting, to how to handle additional sources, integrate other live connections or streams, to how to connect and manage the flow of content, and so much more.
These are just a few of the various tools out there designed to improve your live streaming and collaborative video content. If you are looking for more robust options, click the link below to find out how Vistek can help.
Live Production Tools Available at Vistek
Sometimes, the amount of options and choices can sometimes feel daunting.
So to try to ease the pain and confusion, I will try to introduce you to some of the most common effective and affordable tools, options and choices at a variety of levels from simple thru to advanced.
But first a few of the common factors in any video collaborative tools or live streaming solutions are as follows:
The Basic building blocks of a streaming or live production system
A – The Essentials
- One or more Cameras (wide range of options) how are you going to connect?
- Audio Mics, Interface options – the #1 way to get better fast is to improve audio!
- Computer or smartphone running collaborative or streaming Apps/ software
or dedicated Hardware Streaming box - Lighting – yes Lighting!! – the #2 way to get better fast is to have better lighting.
B – Making it better – things to consider when setting up your studio
- Better Cameras, Interface connectivity, lens or PTZ control, remote paint, operator communication
- Others sources- other computers game consoles etc
- Teleprompters
- Video Source Switching Hardware & Software, extended input options and output options,
- Streaming Software/Hardware
- Interface options
- Audio mixing
- Bigger better lighting
- Monitoring
- Recording
- Remote sourcing
C – The delivery platform – Is it free or chargeable?
- Is it public?
- Is it secure or by invitation only?
- Is it managed? – Do you want stats on engagement or improved interactivity with your audience.
- Is it monetized? – I.E. Pay per view
D – How are you going to get it all connected
- Interface Boxes/cables
- Software Streaming Solutions
- Hardware streaming solutions
- Support systems
- Accessories
Working with your Phone or Tablet
Working with your phone or tablet is an easy and great place to start.
It doesn’t matter if you are using a collaborative tool with your smart device or streaming directly to Facebook or Youtube etc. there are lots of tools out there that can help you improve the quality of your video when using a mobile device.
Products for Live Streaming & Video Collaboration
Some of the best tools you can use to improve the quality of your broadcast are external microphones, setup accessories, stabilization tools such as handheld gimbals, on or off camera lighting and system controls.
Audio Accessories – Small plug in mics, wired wireless mic systems and interfaces for smart devices
- Saramonic Blink 500 B3 Lightning 2.4G Dual Channel Wireless Microphone
- Sennheiser Portable lavalier set w/(1) ME2-II clip-on lapel mic, (1) XSW-D MINI Jack TX (3.5mm), (1) XSW-D MIN
Wireless Audio Accessories – Require an optional interface cable for phone
- Saramonic Blink 500 B2 3.5MM 2.4G Dual Channel Wireless Microphone
- Rode Microphones WIRELESS GO Wireless Microphone System
- Sennheiser Portable lavalier set w/(1) ME2-II clip-on lapel mic, (1) XSW-D MINI Jack TX (3.5mm), (1) XSW-D MIN
Microphones for improved sound
- Saramonic LavMicro U1A Lavalier Microphone with Detachable Lightning Connector for New iPhone
- Saramonic SmartMic+ UC Lightweight smartphone Microphone with USB Type-C output
Interface Cables & Boxes
- Saramonic Smartphone Audio Adapt w/XLR
- Saramonic SmartRig+ Di Mic/Guitar Interface for iOS Lightning Connector
Handheld Rig With Audio
Setup Accessories – Phone and tablet clips, tripods for both floor & desktop, rigs and more
- Shape Phone Mounting Accessories
- Tether Tools Phone Mounting Accessories
- Joby Phone Mounting Accessories
Phone stabilizers
- Benro 3XS Lite Smartphone Gimbal
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo
- Zhiyun Smooth 4 Smartphone Gimbal
- Gudsen MOZA Mini-S Smartphone Gimbal
Lighting – Small portable and easy to set up lighting
- Litra Torch 2.0 On Camera LED Light
- Ledgo LG-E116C Soft On Camera LED Light Pad
- Nanlite Halo 16 LED Ring Light
- Godox A1 Flash for Smartphones
Advanced smart device streaming systems
- Roland GO:Livecast – Live Streaming Studio Solution for Smartphones
- Osmo Pocket – Connect to your phone and record or share high quality stabilized video images!
- “Sling Studio” – A total Live Production solution you can run with you Ipad and wirelessly connect other smart devices as cameras or use their interface options to connect any HDMI source wirelessly.
- Padcaster – Offers a variety of solutions and kits for setting up your phone or tablet as a live production camera.
Cover Image Credit: Sam McGhee on Unsplash