Start Live Sports Streaming Business using StreamNow

Start Live Sports Streaming Business using StreamNow

Great matches are often played in big fields or stadiums, great players are seen and surrounded by thousands of viewers. That being said, there are millions of untold stories and unseen players who perform quite well but never get noticed. But with technology, one can now easily showcase their talents by streaming live sports online. With time, online sports streaming has become quite popular and it is quite simple to implement.

It increases the traffic towards your site and provides a medium to all the users to cherish their favourite game or player.

Why Should One Start Live Sports Streaming?

With the advancement of internet, most of the work is done online; people prefer using the internet for fun, networking, entertainment, etc. In the same way, they prefer watching matches and other sports online, rather than watching it at home on TV. They get the flexibility of watching their favorite shows anywhere, anytime using their smartphones, tablets, laptops and other gadgets. It’s simple to create a live streaming app, to allure and cater the online viewers and increase the traffic on your site.

1. Live Streaming your Sports Attract More Audience:

The Internet has broken down all the geographical boundaries and now, people are easily connected with each other irrespective of where they live. Live sports streaming can help you gain more audience worldwide which brings more recognition and viewership to your website.

2. Live Sports Streaming Let you Earn more Revenue:

An interesting live streaming content from your website can bring you new business opportunities and new clients, letting you earn more revenue from your website. In the same way, live stream sports website provides greater revenue than any other website. Sports has its own fan following and people are crazy about one or more sports, which they never want to miss. Start live streaming to provide them a platform where they can enjoy their favorite sports and can see their favorite player. You can also charge the users and clients for watching online or can have a subscription fee or per view system to earn more.

3. Live Sports Streaming Provides a Great Exposure:

Start live streaming to get the exposure as well as to great way for amateur sports to get acknowledgment. Professional sports get a lot of lime light but there are other sports as well which need to be showcased to get the attention and recognization. People are more interested in seeing things live than in seeing the recorded ones when it comes to sports.

There are several websites which are providing users a platform to view their favorite sports and with time, they have included a lot of sports in their list. The viewer can enjoy watching the live match of tennis, basketball, hockey, UFC, rugby, baseball, etc. One can also enjoy other sports like racing including the NASCAR, MotoGP, Formula 1, etc.

With the ever increasing viewer base, several video hosting platforms are being developed so that one can easily build live sports streaming website or can create a live streaming app. But not all of them are good and provide best results; sometimes a user might face buffering issues, reconnecting issue, quality issues, etc. But with the aid of StreamNow, one can overcome all such issues and provide the user the best quality live streaming video. Now you might be interested in knowing how to do so. Keep reading and you will get your answer.

StreamNow – Live Streaming Software:

StreamNow

Conventional live streaming software are quite big in size, have a lot of complex code, very expensive and may require special knowledge to deal with. But now you can easily live stream even the local tournaments or matches played in your schools or localities. For this, you only require a camera and flexible streaming software which allows you to live stream all your sports activities and various stuff. For this StreamNow is the best Video Hosting Platform available in the market. It allows you to live stream sports or events on your website.

StreamNow is an excellent solution to start Live Sports streaming that allows you to create your own live streaming app or even plug it into your website to allow live streaming. It is easy to use and one can start live streaming with it in the simplest manner. StreamNow software allows you to transmit good quality video and audio to the viewers. You can choose various subscription plans from the available ones as per your need either on monthly basis or pay per view basis.

If you want to know exactly how it works, here is a complete guide to live-streaming.

Important Live Streaming Elements:

If you are looking for a live streaming connection, you would need following elements:

  • Recording Camera

For connecting through live streaming, firstly you will need a camera. You can select a camera as per your budget. However, if you are looking for full-time live streaming than a good quality camera would be the perfect one. The video camera will allow you to capture all details, various moments and game factors like focusing on some particular video part or interviewing a player.

  • Internet Connection

Internet connection is the key element that connects your all data i.e. video and transfers or allows the live stream to other users across different parts of the world. For this, you need a good quality high-speed internet connection. A wireless connection is a great option that allows you to connect to the internet with the help of portable hotspot which you can purchase from any mobile store.

  • Encoding Device

To deliver a live streaming video, now you need some encoder that converts data into another format. For this, you can use either hardware encoder or software encoder. Live content must be formatted correctly and streamed so that it is available at another end in same quality and therefore for this, good quality encoder with codecs is required. A hardware encoder might cost you more than the software encoder and Flash Media Live Encoder is a nice option which is absolutely free.

  • Streaming Service

Now for live streaming your video, you need a streaming service and StreamNow is the best option that you can avail as it allows you to create your profile, save and edit the live streaming video as per your requirements. You can also monetize your stream through banner ads and earn some decent money.

Features of StreamNow:

StreamNow Live Streaming

  • Better communication. StreamNow live streaming software allows the viewers to connect with the video or live streaming stuff and provides them with a platform to express their views and opinions. It also helps in increasing the brand value and website recognition.
  • Good Audio Visual quality. StreamNow software delivers continuous live streaming along with great audio visual quality. You will never face any technical issue while streaming or any other problem while the transmission of the content to the users, which in turn give you satisfied viewership base.
  • Easy subscription plans and Payment options. You can choose and subscribe from the available subscription plans that suits your budget and requirements. You can either go with monthly subscriptions or per view plan. Along with this, you can also pay easily through StreamNow.
  • Scalability. StreamNow live streaming software is very easy to use and can be accessed easily through the internet for watching live contents and various sports activities.
  • Android/iOS support. StreamNow support both Android and iOS operating system and therefore allows viewers of both categories to access the live streaming contents and online order or subscription to the channel.
  • Dynamic Subscription and Themes. StreamNow live streaming software allow you to go with dynamic subscription through which you can monetize your window and if any user wishes to watch your video or live streaming content, he has to first subscribe your channel through the required amount.
  • Customization. StreamNow also allows you to enhance your window through various skins and themes through which you can attract your viewers. With the help of various customization options, you can control and design your brand while live streaming through StreamNow.
  • Analytics. With the help of analytics provided on the StreamNow user Dashboard, you can analyse and manipulate the most preferred or least liked contents. You can also sponsor your live streaming video or any other content based on the analytics.

Benefits of Using StreamNow:

StreamNow is a live streaming framework that allows streaming services for every type of sports and business activities. From small chess competition to live football streaming, StreamNow provides you live streaming along with earning money and generating huge profit every year and brand recognition to your website. This can happen through live streaming ads alone.

StreamNow continuous streamed contents allow advance buffering due to which the video never breaks. You can connect your website with StreamNow software and start live streaming without any hassle. It allows you to promote your website and video contents in more productive manner, which can be appreciated by the users worldwide.

You can also create a blog and write few contents on it and have some logo which will also help you in gaining brand exposure. You can also manage various recorded files as per their content quality. StreamNow allows you to manage everything through its available tools and options. But, it’s quite obvious that streaming meaningful and right contents always draw more audience to your website.

StreamNow lets you send the highest quality video streaming and automatically creates lower video qualities as per the user or viewer requirements and internet connectivity. Along with this it also allows you to control the audio and video equipment, sources and encoding.

StreamNow also let you create a shorter, edited video clip of the live stream event which enables the user to see the highlights of a video and create an interest to see the whole. You can select the best part of the whole live streaming event and design your own highlight clip. StreamNow automatically detects the encoder settings and the required bitrate itself.

StreamNow is the best software for your website to connect with live streaming and gain worldwide exposure and audience. It allows you live stream sports and video as long as you want, there are no restrictions at all. Along with this you can also earn more revenue through Ads and users subscription, through your website and brand it and make it worth. 

If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to drop a line or two in the comments section. I shall reply in a day or two. Keep watching this space for insights on live sports streaming. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep yourself abreast of video hosting platforms and live streaming software. My best wishes are with you and your live streaming venture. Cheers!

 

How to Start Live Streaming? – An Ultimate Guide

How to Start Live Streaming? – An Ultimate Guide

You might have noticed by now that many businesses and brands are live streaming their events to their target audience. Be it a new product launch or a panel discussion on product specifications, live streaming of events has become commonplace these days. There are even many websites which are related to streaming videos online, live and/or recorded. However, your purpose of live streaming might be different. You might be completely new to making a live stream and might want to know more about how to make a live stream and the purposes it can serve. Here are few things that might help you on how to broadcast live.

You might be thinking that live streaming would involve a difficult procedure and would need you to have technical knowledge of the equipment to be used. Yes, it is the case. Nevertheless, it is not so difficult to learn things about how to live stream because here we would be discussing everything – right from what is live streaming to the point of how to start streaming along with the tools to be used. Let us start with getting to know about what live streaming is.

LIVE STREAMING:

StreamNow Ustream Clone

Live streaming is the process by which videos are broadcasted in real time making use of the internet. Thanks to the internet, live streaming of events can be done from any part of the world which can be viewed from anywhere. With the increase in speed and reliability of internet, it is now possible to broadcast videos without any delay or lag in transmission. Live streaming has come a long way and is now a technology that is accessible to anybody. There are many websites like LiveStream and UStream that enable the users to live stream their content. Also with the advent of these sites and various apps which provide live streaming services for low-cost, live streaming which was once a tedious process, has now become a simple task. With even social media like Facebook and Instagram allowing its users to go live, almost every person is able to create content and broadcast live to his / her audience. Today events related to sports, music, conferences, political discussions and religious meetings etc. are being broadcasted live.

HOW TO START A LIVESTREAM:

Here comes the big question. How to you stream live events? To put in simple words, you can stream live events with StreamNow, a scalable live streaming turnkey script that streams videos with low latency. It is optimized for multiple monetization channels and is priced at cost-effective rates. 

Another question to be answered is- what all do you need to take care of before you actually start? Though it is as simple as using an internet-connected smart phone with apps like YouNow and Periscope, it is not recommended to do so, if you want good video and audio quality. If your purpose is not to deliver any professional content, then using the above resources would be sufficient. But if you want to live stream content for professional purposes with high-quality video and audio, then you should be using turnkey scripts such as StreamNow.

Below is the list of live streaming equipment you should be using to ensure that you go live in a conventional way:

1. CAMERA:

Having a camera is compulsory as it is the device that is going to shoot content. It could even be a smart phone or a tablet that can be used to shoot the content, but you are not recommended to use them as they would reduce your options in subsequent steps. Instead, a web camera with USB connection will be a good choice. USB will allow you to easily connect the camera to your laptop or PC making it easy to stream video using the internet. However, if you require higher quality videos, using a DSLR or a digital video camera is recommended. There are many models of DSLRs available in the market with different precisions in capturing. Depending on your budget, you might choose a convenient model. Cameras which can shoot HD videos cost around $1700 dollars with various other features included in them.

Live Streaming Camera

2. DEVICE TO CAPTURE THE VIDEO:

While the camera is used just to shoot the video, we need a device that can capture this video to make it visible to the audience as and when it is being shot. A web camera with USB can be connected to the computer directly, so there is no need of a separate device to capture in this case. But if you are using any other camera, then we definitely need a capture device. Hardware encoding devices can function as capture devices and are available on a large scale in markets. We have them available in the form of external devices that work as plug-ins to connect the camera and the computer. Apart from them, we can even install cards in our computers to serve the purpose. BoxCast, AVerMedia and many other companies manufacture these hardware encoding devices and can be purchased from eCommerce sites also. Other than a hardware encoder, you might also need a software encoder that will be used to import video from USB input or capture device. Also, as most of the cameras record videos in various formats which are not suitable for streaming, you might find it necessary to use a software encoder. Software encoders are available for free but if you wish to use professional encoders you can purchase them. Depending on the amount you choose to spend on streaming live videos and your specifications, you can make a choice between hardware encoder and software encoder.

3. HOST TO STREAM YOUR VIDEO:

Once you are equipped with the above-mentioned resources, depending on the estimated number of viewers your video would have (hundreds, thousands or more), you’ll have to search for a video streaming host. This video streaming host would serve as an online platform to deliver content to your audience and it should meet your server configuration and bandwidth specifications. There are many video streaming hosts like Livestream, UStream etc. available online. Before you start with broadcasting your video, you’ll have to establish a connection between your software or hardware encoder and the video streaming host. This can be done by logging in to your host account directly or by providing the password and URL or using the XML file downloaded to setup the encoder. The instructions required will anyhow be mentioned in your video streaming host website.

Once you ensure that all the above things are done, you are ready to start your live stream. Make sure that you have proper and strong internet connectivity before you start, as the internet is key to stream live without any interruptions. You can share the URL mentioned in your host website with your audience, which upon clicking would lead them to your live video. You can even access other settings of the video like restricting access to some users etc. With all this being done correctly, you will be able to successfully live stream your content.

Quality, synchronization of audio and video, delivery of content without any lag in transmission are three important things that have to be concentrated on if you choose to live stream. And all these factors are dependent on the standard of equipment you use and the internet connectivity. The greater the accuracy and precision of your equipment, the higher is the quality of your content.

StreamNow Twitch Clone

If you are looking to start a Ustream clone or a Twitch clone, it is recommended to use StreamNow. To know more about StreamNow and its sister products, visit Streamhash.  For any other queries on how to do live streaming and how to start a live stream using StreamNow, please contact the support staff.

If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to drop a line or two in the comments section. I shall reply in a day or two. My best wishes are with you and your live streaming venture. Keep watching this space for insights on live streaming. Cheers!

 

10 Quick Tips On How To Improve Live Streaming

10 Quick Tips On How To Improve Live Streaming

When it comes to live video streaming, there are few things that matter as much as viewer experience. Of course, with the number of tools in the market today, it’s easy for anyone to become a broadcaster. StreamNow, for instance, has taken the live streaming market by storm, allowing even small businesses to plug live streaming into their core platform. As you become more experienced at the video streaming game, you will gradually learn how to work a stream seamlessly. Nonetheless, whether you’re a novice or a veteran at live video streaming, this guide lets you in on ten tips that will show you how to improve streaming quality. Let’s get started.

Tip 1. Secure a Sturdy Internet Connection:

Bolstering your internet bandwidth to support consistent live streams should be your first step to live to stream. To begin with, getting a wired internet connection is a good idea because it can offer a far superior speed than a WiFi connection. In turn, the quality of your live stream will be augmented. Another reason to consider a cable over a wireless is the fact that a WiFi connection can often be hampered by environmental elements. Plus, your device may continually scan for networks in your vicinity, latching on to those it deems adequate enough. Of course, a WiFi network doesn’t necessarily make your connection any slower, but it certainly increases the odds of a downtime.

Secure a Sturdy Internet Connection

Tip 2. Plan Your Wi-Fi:

If for some reason you can’t seek a wired connection, work out an arrangement where you’re not too far from the Wi-Fi router when you stream. This won’t always be possible, especially if you prefer to live stream on the go, but remember that proximity to the Wi-Fi router can make a tremendous difference. If your router is on another floor, for instance, your stream may not flow as well only because your Wi-Fi signal is weak. This may seem like an obvious point but you’ll be surprised how many broadcasters overlook distance as a key parameter to improve video streaming.

Plan Your Wi-Fi

Tip 3. Engage With Viewers:

Engage With Viewers

The premise of a live stream is that it is as real-time as it gets, which means that it’s an excellent forum to engage with your viewers. Plus, by interacting with them, other potential users may gain a keyhole to your stream by virtue of others’ comments and likes. Viewers appreciate two-way communication with broadcasters; streams give them a channel to input their questions, observations, and comments. The best way to invite viewer participation is by opening a chat window next to your broadcast.

Tip 4. Create Alternate Avenues By Recording:

Live streams don’t get recorded unless you explicitly record them. It’s a good idea to create an archive of recorded content for your streams because you can use this media later to create an on-demand platform. If you use a service like StreamNow for your live streams, you can easily curate recorded content on its sister platform, StreamTube. This gives you options to diversify your portfolio should you choose to later on.

Tip 5. Plan Ahead:

Plan Ahead

Live streaming is a legitimate business and it’s important that you take yourself seriously if you want your viewers to as well. Whether you’re streaming a basketball match or a church service, make an effort to be at the venue well in advance to evaluate the setting, lighting, and sound. You may also find that the internet connection you’d anticipated is far from the standard bandwidth and that you need to find an alternative right away. Planning isn’t limited only to your shoot. It also extends to marketing and promotions pertaining to your stream. Use social media and newsletters to give your audience a shout out about your broadcast. Ensure that your audience is engaged even when you don’t have a live stream that day; this will ensure that you stay relevant.

Tip 6. Sample Your Stream:

Sampling your stream before you blow it out to your audience is imperative. Run a stream before your scheduled start to check that your sound, lighting, and equipment are working optimally. It’s better to weed out any problems before your viewers spot them.

Tip 7. Employ a Content Delivery Network:

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) can sit beneath your live streaming platform to power your live stream to various corners of the world. StreamNow is a service that pairs well with just about any CDN, keeping your servers from getting clogged and lending your platform a professional touch.

Tip 8. Shoot In Multiple Definitions:

You may decide to shoot exclusively in high-definition to give your stream a crystal clear finish, but by doing so, you’ll be missing out on a considerable portion of the market. Keep in mind that only a certain percentage of your viewers may have access to high-speed internet, so it’s always wise to stream your content concurrently in standard definition.

Tip 9. Shelve Open Programmes:

Open programmes and applications can slow down your computer so if you find your stream lagging or faltering, you know what to do. Close or disable any open programmes while you’re live streaming because your computer’s capabilities may be restricted to a specific number of concurrent operations.

Tip 10. Be Punctual:

You owe it to your viewers to be punctual. Start streams on time by being at the venue well in advance and setting up your equipment. By being tardy, you may lose out on viewers who had logged in at the promised time. Also, set up a consistent schedule for your live streams. Reserve specific days in advance so that your audience doesn’t have to keep checking in on you to be up to date on streams.

With these 10 tips, you’re covered for your next 10 streams and beyond. Go on, see the difference for yourself.

A Guide to Live Streaming Equipment

A Guide to Live Streaming Equipment

Setting up a live stream is a straightforward affair, as long as you have all your elements in place. With technologies such as StreamNow making the rounds in tech circles, live streaming is proving to be more affordable and relevant for companies across the board. That said, it can often be daunting for a novice to procure the necessary live streaming equipment, technology and content to set up a streaming platform. If you just felt a twinge of recognition, this guide is for you. Here, we walk you through the video broadcasting equipment you’ll need to establish your very own live streaming service.

Live Video Streaming Equipment

1. Camera:

 

You already knew this, but what you may not know is that you needn’t invest in obscenely expensive live streaming camera equipment to set up a streaming platform. You can use your smartphone or a budget webcam just as well. Of course, if you are inclined towards rendering your stream professionally, an HD camera is your best bet. There are hundreds of models that you can choose from, and if you’re especially strapped for cash, it’s worthwhile to wait for a sale to clinch a great price.

Live Streaming Camera

2. Microphone:

If you’re tempted to settle for a cheap microphone, think again. A good quality microphone can take your stream from good to fabulous, lending a certain continuity and voice to your delivery. Granted, your camera most likely comes with a microphone inbuilt, but go for an external microphone if you’re seeking superior voice quality. This way, you can cut out the noise and channel sound effectively. Again, there are a host of microphones available in the market and waiting to catch a discounted price is a good idea. If you’d rather pick now, Micro Boya BY-M1 and Micro Audio-Technica AT2020 are favorable options.

Live Streaming Microphone

3. Encoder:

An encoder forms the confluence of your audio and your video, meshing your sound and your images together. There are two types of encoders you could consider.

Physical Encoders:

A physical encoder is a cuboidal device that contains jacks for your camera and your microphone. It can be connected to the web, allowing for a stream to be transmitted in real time. Here, it is important to note that a wired connection between an encoder and a device works best; alternatives like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can create lags, as can a shared internet link. If you’re conflicted about which encoder may work best for you, look at models by Vbrick, Tricaster or Matrox.

Encoding Softwares:

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of purchasing a physical encoder and would prefer to take a less expensive, yet just as effective route, an encoding software is your answer. While some come free, the more sophisticated ones come with a price tag. The catch here, though, is that a streaming software is intrinsically tethered to your computer, and you must carry your computer with you wherever you go in order to stream. Your microphone and camera, too, must be connected to your computer. Keep in mind that an encoding software requires a resilient, powerful computer, so if you have a limited RAM or have a computer with a low processor, this option may not be for you. Some good options as far as encoding software’s go, are Adobe Flash, Xsplit and Open Broadcaster.

4. Internet Link:

Internet Link

Without a strong internet connection, you may as well kiss farewell to your live streaming service. Make sure you pick an internet connection adequate enough to support content in HD or 4K. An upload speed of 2.5 Mbps is a good starting point, and to make sure that your bandwidth remains consistent, protect your internet link from others. To know your bandwidth speed, take a speed test online on speedtest.net. Another point to consider is getting a rock-solid wired connection. A wired internet link is far more sturdy than a wireless one and will offer you a lower latency in comparison. If your streams are captured on the move, then a wireless connection may be your only option, but even here, make sure that you don’t share access with other users to maintain optimal internet speeds.

5. Live Streaming Software:

Live Streaming Software

Typically, setting up a live streaming service would entail dozens of man hours of coding, designing and developing, in addition to various other resources. Luckily, the advent of turnkey frameworks has made setting up a live stream easier for businesses. StreamNow, a product developed by parent company StreamHash, is a welcome innovation for tech entrepreneurs. The framework fits easily into a company’s existing technology stack, offering it a real-time interface with customers.

When it comes to live streaming, it is important that you build your infrastructural ecosystem to be robust, especially if you plan to broadcast streams on the go. As you set sail on your new broadcasting adventure, make sure that you have all the right equipment for live streaming. This way, the winds will always be in your favor.

 

How to Choose Between Live Streaming Cameras

How to Choose Between Live Streaming Cameras

The most hackneyed and clichéd question that people often ask me is- What is the best webcam for streaming? It doesn’t take long enough for me to reply with an essential banality- There are no easy answers. Truth is that cameras are equipped with cutting edge technology. But that’s not the big story. The big story is that they vary in price, quality, specifications and other details. The apocryphal stories of people making certain live streaming camera commitments have little truth. Selection of the right camera is just a procession. The following questions should be answered with alacrity:

  1. What is my budget?
  2. Do I want to stream only live?
  3. Can the camera get along with my laptop/desktop hardware?
  4. What are the flexibility options to be considered?

Answer all the questions mentioned above. Let us now discuss the types of cameras for live streaming:

 

  • Webcams
  • IP Cameras
  • Professional Quality cameras

Webcams for Streaming:

Webcams for Streaming

The word ‘Webcam’ stands for a web camera. Webcams are digital cameras capable of sending live pictures from one location (where it is connected) to another location via internet. Latest desktops and laptops are configured with a built-in camera. Certain desktops do not have a built-in camera. Some webcams can be connected to the computer via USB or via Wi-Fi. Be informed that webcams do not have their own internet addresses. For all intents and purposes, a laptop/desktop computer is mandatory to connect to a network. In the absence of a computer, webcams cannot process images.

Advantages are manifold. Simplicity is too strong an advantage to be not quoted. Ease of use is yet another plus point. You do not require any dedicated capture cards to control the functionality of webcams. Also, external power sources are not required. Webcams are affordable. For 100$, a good quality webcam can be obtained. As far as software is concerned, no additional software is required for the smooth functioning of webcams. It is assumed that you have all the software required to stream video content.

People often ask me this question- Can webcams generate high-quality images? No, they do not generate high-quality images. Moreover, they do not have any dedicated storage space to store images. Hence, they cannot be used as separate entities. They have to be used in liaison with computers.

Most of the webcams come with built-in microphones. However, the sound quality may not be professional. If you are looking for professional sound quality, a separate mic and sound channel are necessary. Webcams do not have sophisticated controls. As a result, features such as variable focus and zoom capability are absent. Another important feature that enables users to customize images is also absent. Well, the importance of such features depends on the purpose of the webcam. If you are looking to address a conference or deliver a lecture, a webcam with normal specifications should suffice. If you are looking for professional quality video and audio, do consider other options as well.

Before delving into further details, here is a quick rundown on what other features a typical webcam possesses:

  • Sensors: Sensors are capable of detecting movements. The moment they detect any movement, they will start recording.
  • Microphone: Microphone is an electrical equipment which is capable of converting sound into electrical signals.
  • Light: Light lets you know if the camera is in use or not.

IP Cameras for live Streaming:

IP Cameras for live streaming

As the name suggests, an IP camera has an IP address associated with it. This clearly implies that IP cameras have the ability to connect to the internet. They are independent of computers. Advantages are many. Versatility is not hyperbole. Thanks to POE (Power over Ethernet) capacity, it is easy to run IP cameras for 24 hours round-the-clock. If you are looking for live video streaming, IP cameras are ideal.

IP cameras are costlier than webcams. A good IP camera can cost you around $800 or more. Prices vary. IP cameras have sophisticated and advanced specifications. The protocols that these cameras use are not suitable for live streaming. Hence, you require an encoder to facilitate IP camera live streaming. Video encoders convert videos in one format to another format.
IP cameras offer better flexibility. Their location is relative to the location of computers. In many aspects, IP cameras are better than webcams.

Professional Quality Cameras:

Professional Quality Cameras

Both HDMI and SDI cameras are capable of pulling off miraculous live video streams. HDMI and SDI cameras are costlier than IP cameras. And yes, a separate capture card is required to set the live streaming tone. Capture cards are nothing but devices which are capable of converting video signals into usable formats. Capture cards are of two types-

  1. Internal capture cards
  2. External capture cards

Internal capture cards offer advanced functions and are cheaper than external capture cards. External capture cards are plug-and-play devices. Not all capture cards can work with analog video signals. Some capture cards work with digital video signals. Some cards are designed to work with both analog and digital video signals. Before making any purchases, it is important to check the particulars and specifications of the card. Professional SDI camera is the best camera for live streaming.

In professional HDMI and SDI cameras, you can expect utmost flexibility. Apart from changing and upgrading the lenses, you can do a lot of things such as widening the focus angle, you can change zoom and produce polished productions. Portability is good but not as great as IP cameras or webcams. HDMI and SDI cameras are heavier than IP and webcams. Let me not lie- Professional cameras aren’t that easy to handle. You should have prior experience and a fair bit of expertise to produce professional quality live video streams by using professional cameras. Unless and until you have a good learning curve, ‘ease of use’ doesn’t go hand-in-hand with versatility.

Learn – How To Create a Live Sports Streaming Website with StreamNow

Again, professional HDMI and SDI cameras are not gift wrapped entities. They cost you around $800 or perhaps more than a thousand dollars. Be ready to incur additional expenses for a super quality capture card.

If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to drop a line or two in the comments section. I will be happy to help you. Keep watching this space for insights on live streaming and cameras for live streaming. My best wishes are with you and your live streaming venture. Cheers!