What do you need to start? (Remember, these are the basics. The minimum items you would need to make a live streaming event happen.)
1. Video Camera: Whether you’re using a high end professional camera or a family, handheld video camcorder; this is what you’ll need to begin. It will need a way to connect to your computer so that the computer reads the video signal. This usually happens through a firewire connection that might be on your camera (unless your camera is really old).
2. Computer: You’ll need a computer that is relatively new. It can be a PC or a Macintosh computer. It will connect to your camera through the firewire connection. Make sure your computer has a firewire port.
3. Video Server: This can be through a paid medium such as Quicktime Server, Flash Media Server or others that will charge you to stream your content over the internet. There are also free Video Service companies that will allow you to Stream your content on their website; giving you a link for others to go to, so they can view you “Live”.
4. Good Lighting: Even if you had the most expensive camera on the market, it will look horrible if the lighting is not good. This can range from the bright sunbeams that burn through your lens or the color balance that is way off and having your subject looking too yellow or red. Take the time to create a good color balance and lighting that will not be distracting to those viewing.
5. Good Sound: This is also another basic that can ruin your webcast. If you are using the recorded microphone from your camera and the object of whose being taped is more than 10 feet away, chances are the sound is going to start sounding very hollow. This can be corrected if you are able to purchase a good handheld microphone and can connect it directly to your camera.
