How to Do a Live Webcast with Multiple Cameras

Wondering how to do a live webcast with multiple cameras? Using Dacast and Wirecast, you can easily do a live broadcast, even in high definition. Music producer Calzo Houdini has laid out everything you need in a perfect guide on how to live stream video.

First, we would highly recommend reading Calzo’s original blog on the subject. It covers everything to get up and going. The blog is done from a musical standpoint. However, the advice is universal and can be set up for anyone doing multi-cameras in a studio environment. Instructions are covered under three basic principals. These principals are:

1. Internet connection speed
2. Hardware
3. Software Encoders & Streaming Providers

Internet Connection Speed

Calzo gives the sound advice of trying to secure at least a 20mb per second upload speed if you plan to do an HD broadcast. A general rule of thumb is to not exceed about half of your upload speed in your broadcast quality. So if you need a 10mb per second feed for HD, that means you will need 20mb per second on your upload speed.

Not sure about your upload speed? Do the free TestMy.net upload test to verify.

Coming back with only 2-5mb on your upload speed? That means high definition broadcasting is out of reach. However, it does not stop you from doing a high-quality stream. 1mb per second and up is generally considered great quality by web standards.

Other points to consider are that a wired connection is always preferable to wireless. If you are using Wi-fi, make sure your path to the router is clear and try to leave more overhead in terms of your upload speed with that of the stream quality.

Hardware

To broadcast, you are going to need a camera. The stereotype is a large, bulky camera that gives excellent quality but costs in the thousands. While this would be optimal, only requiring a capture card, in addition, to get started, there are easier alternatives.

Calzo, in particular, suggests the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920. Through being a webcam, this avoids having to do a capture card and greatly simplifies the process. It’s much more affordable than a traditional camera, as Logitech sells it for $99. You can generally find it for even less, with Amazon selling it for $69.95 at the time of writing this.

Now the C920 is not the latest HD webcam from Logitech, in fact, there is a C930. However, the price point is an important factor since you are doing a multi-camera stream. Saving $30-40 per camera can add up when you need several for your broadcasting needs. Also, if you are using webcams through a software encoder setup, you will likely need a creative way to feed them both into your desktop. Calzo suggests a Belkin USB hub to achieve this.

Software Encoders & Streaming Providers

The fact that this is going to be a multi-camera stream does limit the encoder options a little. Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder is the “go-to” option for many because it’s free. However, it doesn’t offer supper for camera switching.

For this, Calzo suggests the battle-hardened Wirecast encoder by Telestream. The encoder is not cheap, as runs for $495 or $995 depending on if you want the regular or Pro version. You can get a 10% discount on the encoder here, but it will still run as the most expensive aspect of your streaming project. Thankfully, the encoder offers a free trial and is incredibly easy to switch between the different inputs, making it ideal for a multi-camera project.

The other part of the equation is a streaming provider. Calzo recommends Dacast on account of the great stream quality, embed options and how it seamlessly works with Wirecast. Dacast plans start as low as $25 a month and offer streaming through a CDN which powers Apple, Facebook and more. This means you get top of the line, worldwide delivery and don’t need to worry about congestion if you attract a large audience. Embed options are available for your website, Facebook and Twitter at all plan levels, giving you flexibility in reaching viewers as well.

Lock, Load, and Multi-Cast

That’s it, you have everything you need to begin doing a multi-camera cast. If you are using this for music, be sure not to miss Calzo’s original post as he goes into more detail for DJ’s in getting this setup.

Below is an excerpt from the original article and a link back to it.

“I use Dacast. Despite Dacast not being a free to use service, it is very reliable and you get great stream quality. You can embed your stream into your own website, on Facebook or view the stream perfectly on all mobile devices like iPads, Android, iPhone, etc.

Dacast and Wirecast work seamlessly together. Wirecast is already setup with presets for Dacast to get you up and running quickly.”

Title: How to set up a 2 camera HD live stream for music producers & DJ’s

Organization: Calzo Houdini
Posted: November 23rd, 2014