Webcasting is a cost efficient way to get your media to millions of potential viewers over the Internet. Most streams on the net are live broadcasting, otherwise known as true streaming. Live streaming passes the information straight to the computer or broadcasting device without the need to save it to a hard drive.
On demand is another option for media streaming. The process of on demand webcasting is completed by a technique known as progressive streaming. The content is saved to a server for an extended amount of time as apposed to live streams, such as sporting events, which are only available one time.
With the right equipment and qualified technicians, your company or business can take advantage of the world of webcasting at the click of a button.
What Avenues Are Available?
After connecting your camera’s audio and video feeds to a computer through an encoder and converting software, it is then sent to a host server. Through the host, the webcast is made available to your viewers. Windows Media Player, Flash, YouTube, and Microsoft Silverlight are all popular hosts for avid web-based broadcasters.
QuickTime, Adobe Flash, and Windows Media and Silverlight all offer components compatible with both live and on demand broadcasting. They offer the convenience of a player compatible with computers and mobile devices.
Streaming technologies such as the ones mentioned above compress the size of your audio and video files so they can be played in real time. The different codecs used to make your webcast compatible to different devices may be a bit cumbersome to decipher. Enlisting the aid of an A/V professional can save you long hours online.
YouTube Live
YouTube is a well-known video sharing site that offers a plethora of information. While broadcasting your files here may be an ideal scenario for reaching audiences of all backgrounds, YouTube is selective of those whom they allow the privilege.
You’ll need a good-standing account and a passable amount of followers and video views. The listed requirements don’t specify the details of followers or views but it has to be a factor in enabling accounts. Otherwise, there isn’t much other explanation for the increased rate of denials.
If you managed to be granted access, you will find the new Live Event function on your Video Manager page. Clicking it will open all live, upcoming, or completed events you have stored in your account. ‘New live event’ will create a new event. After that, getting started isn’t much different from a normal upload.
You can post to your subscribers or share your event via the usual social media avenues. YouTube Live still awards you the option of disabling viewer comments and allowing live events to be embedded. Enabling embedding may be a win-win for you and your followings. You’ll be able to add your event to your own website as well as showing it on your YouTube watch page.
Aside from that, YouTube webcasts don’t vary much from any other source. Again, if it all sounds like an unfamiliar language, don’t be afraid to call in the pros.
Practice Practice Practice
Very few webcasters knock it out of the park on their first swing. With so many deciding factors, it’s normal to make a mistake or two when you’re starting out. Don’t give up on it if it doesn’t work out how you planned. In retrospect, companies who opt to take the webcast route as opposed to managing a 500-employee conference call can potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
Rookie Mistakes
Just because you’re being recorded rather than standing in front of an audience, doesn’t mean that your webcast should be taken lightly. Consider your target market and the type of experience you’d like to create. A good webcast is informative yet engaging. Unlike sitting in a crowded room, a bored participant has the luxury of simply closing out your broadcast and continuing on with their day.
Plan ahead. Play with different delivery methods. Creative scripting, clearly graphed charts, and well organized information are key to keeping your viewer’s attention.
Can you get your point across without the use of video? If you’re camera shy or lacking in the energetic approach needed for a good webcast, consider the option of an audio only event. A non-video webcast is a lot quicker to complete and saves you on your initial investment. The focus will be off of you and on to the product/issue/topic at hand.
Speak clearly into well-tuned audio equipment. Stick to getting to the meat of the matter and avoid excessive ramblings. Engage your audience with a call to action. Question and answers or post-webcast chat invites are a great way to receive feedback to use next time.
Check Your List
Video webcasts, especially live feeds, should test their lighting options before beginning to shoot. Soft, even lighting is best. Avoid distracting glares, especially on foreheads and hairless craniums. Also look for “blackout zones” black hair on a black backdrop will cut off half of the host’s face, it’s distracting and not very attractive.
Speaking of backdrops, make sure your draping is well secured. What’s worse than having your set fall down in the middle of your webcast? Stay with neutral, solid color patterns. Blacks, royal blue, and bright busy patterns don’t show up well on camera. The same is true for your cast’s wardrobe. Do a dress rehearsal before streaming; don’t be afraid to do a last minute change. It’s better than hypnotizing your audience with a psychedelic jacket.
Make sure all podium microphones are properly adjusted to your speakers height. Speak with them ahead of time; if they don’t plan on using the podium at all, it’s just a waste of space. Rethink the layout of your set to flow with the time of program you’re shooting.
Projections should be clear and free from interference. Pull the screen up over the speaker’s head if they tend to wander around while presenting. It won’t alter the lighting on the speaker as they pass. A “confidence monitor” is an easy addition for an A/V technician. The speaker can reference slides without breaking eye contact with the audience.
Washington, D.C. is home to many a corporate meeting, seminar and business event. Each week, the foundation of our country crams in over triple its normal population. Transferring to the world of webcasting can save your company money on funding business trips and renting large hotel conference rooms. If your staff isn’t already equipped with a quality Audio Visual personnel and equipment, investing in their services is a minor investment that is certain to produce global return. Planning out your purpose and double-checking for efficiency can multiply your following after your first broadcast.
On demand is another option for media streaming. The process of on demand webcasting is completed by a technique known as progressive streaming. The content is saved to a server for an extended amount of time as apposed to live streams, such as sporting events, which are only available one time.
With the right equipment and qualified technicians, your company or business can take advantage of the world of webcasting at the click of a button.
What Avenues Are Available?
After connecting your camera’s audio and video feeds to a computer through an encoder and converting software, it is then sent to a host server. Through the host, the webcast is made available to your viewers. Windows Media Player, Flash, YouTube, and Microsoft Silverlight are all popular hosts for avid web-based broadcasters.
QuickTime, Adobe Flash, and Windows Media and Silverlight all offer components compatible with both live and on demand broadcasting. They offer the convenience of a player compatible with computers and mobile devices.
Streaming technologies such as the ones mentioned above compress the size of your audio and video files so they can be played in real time. The different codecs used to make your webcast compatible to different devices may be a bit cumbersome to decipher. Enlisting the aid of an A/V professional can save you long hours online.
YouTube Live
YouTube is a well-known video sharing site that offers a plethora of information. While broadcasting your files here may be an ideal scenario for reaching audiences of all backgrounds, YouTube is selective of those whom they allow the privilege.
You’ll need a good-standing account and a passable amount of followers and video views. The listed requirements don’t specify the details of followers or views but it has to be a factor in enabling accounts. Otherwise, there isn’t much other explanation for the increased rate of denials.
If you managed to be granted access, you will find the new Live Event function on your Video Manager page. Clicking it will open all live, upcoming, or completed events you have stored in your account. ‘New live event’ will create a new event. After that, getting started isn’t much different from a normal upload.
You can post to your subscribers or share your event via the usual social media avenues. YouTube Live still awards you the option of disabling viewer comments and allowing live events to be embedded. Enabling embedding may be a win-win for you and your followings. You’ll be able to add your event to your own website as well as showing it on your YouTube watch page.
Aside from that, YouTube webcasts don’t vary much from any other source. Again, if it all sounds like an unfamiliar language, don’t be afraid to call in the pros.
Practice Practice Practice
Very few webcasters knock it out of the park on their first swing. With so many deciding factors, it’s normal to make a mistake or two when you’re starting out. Don’t give up on it if it doesn’t work out how you planned. In retrospect, companies who opt to take the webcast route as opposed to managing a 500-employee conference call can potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
Rookie Mistakes
Just because you’re being recorded rather than standing in front of an audience, doesn’t mean that your webcast should be taken lightly. Consider your target market and the type of experience you’d like to create. A good webcast is informative yet engaging. Unlike sitting in a crowded room, a bored participant has the luxury of simply closing out your broadcast and continuing on with their day.
Plan ahead. Play with different delivery methods. Creative scripting, clearly graphed charts, and well organized information are key to keeping your viewer’s attention.
Can you get your point across without the use of video? If you’re camera shy or lacking in the energetic approach needed for a good webcast, consider the option of an audio only event. A non-video webcast is a lot quicker to complete and saves you on your initial investment. The focus will be off of you and on to the product/issue/topic at hand.
Speak clearly into well-tuned audio equipment. Stick to getting to the meat of the matter and avoid excessive ramblings. Engage your audience with a call to action. Question and answers or post-webcast chat invites are a great way to receive feedback to use next time.
Check Your List
Video webcasts, especially live feeds, should test their lighting options before beginning to shoot. Soft, even lighting is best. Avoid distracting glares, especially on foreheads and hairless craniums. Also look for “blackout zones” black hair on a black backdrop will cut off half of the host’s face, it’s distracting and not very attractive.
Speaking of backdrops, make sure your draping is well secured. What’s worse than having your set fall down in the middle of your webcast? Stay with neutral, solid color patterns. Blacks, royal blue, and bright busy patterns don’t show up well on camera. The same is true for your cast’s wardrobe. Do a dress rehearsal before streaming; don’t be afraid to do a last minute change. It’s better than hypnotizing your audience with a psychedelic jacket.
Make sure all podium microphones are properly adjusted to your speakers height. Speak with them ahead of time; if they don’t plan on using the podium at all, it’s just a waste of space. Rethink the layout of your set to flow with the time of program you’re shooting.
Projections should be clear and free from interference. Pull the screen up over the speaker’s head if they tend to wander around while presenting. It won’t alter the lighting on the speaker as they pass. A “confidence monitor” is an easy addition for an A/V technician. The speaker can reference slides without breaking eye contact with the audience.
Washington, D.C. is home to many a corporate meeting, seminar and business event. Each week, the foundation of our country crams in over triple its normal population. Transferring to the world of webcasting can save your company money on funding business trips and renting large hotel conference rooms. If your staff isn’t already equipped with a quality Audio Visual personnel and equipment, investing in their services is a minor investment that is certain to produce global return. Planning out your purpose and double-checking for efficiency can multiply your following after your first broadcast.