Event Livestreaming Equipment: Setup for Beginners

What You Need to Livestream an Event

Alright Maverick, we last met at Event Livestreaming Benefits where we debriefed you on what livestreaming is and why it’s beneficial. And before we go any further, yes, we are going to continue with the copious amounts of Top Gun references, because it wouldn’t make sense otherwise.

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We’ve graduated from the basics and now it’s time to get into some more intensive training. Are you up for it?

Now we get to put our knowledge to the test and start using some equipment before hitting the runway. So, let’s warm up those engines and start capturing some live content. ‍

Necessary Equipment for Departure

Like we mentioned, we understand the what and the why of live-streaming but what about the how? How do we livestream and what equipment should we use?

Depending on the scale of what is being live-streamed, the equipment needed to produce your content will vary. Take for example someone live-streaming on social media, the equipment needed for that content will be much less than say a live-streamed red-carpet event for the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.

Generally speaking, however, there are some basic devices that are essential for a successful live-streamed event before you can go buzz the tower:

[#section1]1. A Camera That Suits Your Needs[#section1]

This kind of seems like a given, right? But the type of camera you select plays a large factor in the quality of your content.

We wouldn’t necessarily repeat ourselves for such highly trained pilots, but we will just this once. Your choice of camera equipment is largely dictated by the type of content you plan on capturing at your live event. Luckily, there is a wide variety of cameras to select from to ensure you find the best fit for your event.

With that being said, choose the wrong camera, and you’re on the highway to the danger zone. Meaning, the quality of your feed may suffer, and you could face limitations in your livestreaming if your camera is not well-equipped for the scale of your event. Unfortunately, not all cameras are designed for livestreaming purposes, and thereby using one that isn’t designed for live content can result in an unclear signal.

When looking to purchase a camera, consider looking into the:

• HD video resolution
• HDMI or SDI output
• Zoom
• Image stabilisation
• High frame rate

Luckily for you, if you are shopping new, most if not all newer cameras support HD resolution. However, if choosing to shop used equipment, be sure to confirm that the camera can produce a 1080p resolution.

If you want to livestream an event, it would be important to make sure that the camera can in fact output live video. When looking to buy, check your output specs to ensure that your HDMI or SDI signals are crystal clear. For your knowledge, most DSLR cameras are unable to produce cleans for a streaming device.

[#section2]2. High Quality Audio Equipment[#section2]

Fun Fact: Even if the visual component of the livestream is broken or lagging, viewers are more likely to continue watching if the audio quality is strong.

Similar to making your camera selection, choosing your audio equipment can also vary greatly depending on the scale of your livestream. From low quality audio devices like built-in microphones on your mobile devices or entry-level cameras, to professional grade audio equipment like XRL microphones, choose the best that suits your needs.

Implementing a basic wired mic in place of a built-in microphone can easily improve the audio experience of your viewers. And for the highest quality audio streaming equipment, our TGAV crew would suggest investing in the XLR microphone.  

[#section3]3. Lighting Equipment for the Best Visual Experience[#section3]

Lighting is a key component of your livestream. Whether you’re a gamer or putting on a large live event, your audience wants to be able to see you and what’s going on around you. Obviously, the size and purpose of your event will dictate what type of lighting equipment will best suit your needs. But for TGAV, we will stick to focusing on lighting for live events.

When selecting your lighting equipment, there are some things to consider: location, purpose & lighting type.

Think of questions like:

• Will you be livestreaming indoors or outdoors?
• What is the tone of the event?
• Will the lighting need to be adjusted with movement?
• What is the venue?  

Answering these questions will help direct you towards the best lighting equipment for your stream. In today’s industry, leading lighting producers have created equipment for whatever your situation may be.

The brightness, colour temperature, heat production, and energy saving capabilities have a direct impact on the overall quality of the video output, so select your equipment carefully. For live events on location, all these factors and more, fall on you to be constantly correcting. Shadows, tones, brightness, and contrasts have to be meticulously monitored to make sure your audience is getting the best visual experience.

Within our controlled TGAV studio LED lights, LED spotlights, and other fixtures work together create the best lighting effects for your stream.

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[#section4]4. The Right Internet Connection & Device for High Upload Speed[#section4]

An internet-enabled device could range from anything starting with a smart phone or smart tablet to a computer. But what’s really important, is that whatever internet connection you need for your event, make sure that your internet is able to reach G-10 like speed, maybe even G-10.2, but that might be pushing it (we hope you saw that reference coming).

The speed of your internet connection and how you are going to achieve G-10 like speed, should be at the top of your priorities before heading into a streaming event. Your internet connection determines how fast your audience can view and engage with your content.

Streaming to larger consumer video platforms like YouTube are often blocked by workplaces and universities because larger consumer platforms are not white-labelled, limiting your accessibility.

In its place, consider using a quality online video player (OVP) that provides:

• Monetisation
• Video Security
• Customisation

OVP adopts a Content Delivery Network (CDN), which is designed with a network of servers in locations all around the globe. In turn, this creates the shortest route for video streams. Adopting a CDN over a consumer platform has better:

• Upload Speed
• Quality
• Security

Needless to say, we have a need for speed. No seriously, you want equipment that will quickly upload your live content online. Sorry we couldn’t not include that one in there.

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[#section5]5. Encoder for a Seamless Transfer[#section5]

What is an encoder exactly? Well video encoding compresses video files so that they are viewed as a seamless video rather than individual frames – without ruining the quality of the video.

For livestreaming purposes, consider hardware or software encoders.

• Hardware Encoders – Uses an algorithm to encode video into streaming content. Supporting a range of sources, hardware encoders most frequently support HDMI or SDI outputs. What makes them so useful? They can support continuous streaming without fault, and therefore are a popular choice for professionals.
• Software Encoders – Typically programs that are part of a computing device such as a laptop or desktop. For video content, software encoders should be coupled with a capture card such as: vMix Video Streaming Software, Wirecast Live Production Software, OBS Studio Broadcasting Software or VidBlasterX Video Production Software 

Integrating mixing and production tools, software encoders are less expensive while also integrating customisation features. In comparison to hardware encoders however, they lack latency speed (or that G-10 speed), which is something to consider when selecting your equipment.

The combined efforts of your fleet of equipment will capture audio and visual content, encode it, and then distribute it live on the streaming platform of your choice.

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[#section6]6. Additional Equipment for Even Greater Dimensions[#section6]

• Green screens
• Visual effects
• Advanced lighting gear

Contrary to popular opinion, sometimes more IS better! Consider these additional pieces of equipment to really bring your audience along for the ride. Whether you want to convey that you’re flying around the world in an F-14 Tomcat or just want a cool visual background, this extra equipment can help bring your livestreaming vision to life.

As we mentioned in our last blog, livestreaming is all about making sure your audience is engaged with your content. Therefore, including some or all of the above can help do just that. We suggest investing in high-grade livestreaming production equipment or look into hiring a trusted and experienced audio-visual team *insert TGAV* to take care of your production needs.

If you need access to additional gear or need a location to stream, our TGAV studio is equipped for every one of your needs. Loaded with green screen and visual graphic technology, your wish is our command.

Get in Touch

Talk to us, Goose! We want to hear from you.

Check out www.tgav.au to view some of the best event livestreaming equipment in our catalogue and give us a call at 02 8850 2223 to speak with one of our AV and Top Gun experts.