Question: We’re a small church who wants to broadcast our service live on ustream.tv. We researched using the Tricaster and Anycast but they were both out of our price range. Is there anything we can put together bought from a store or made from equipment we already have? Suggestions on the bare bones minimum to something more advanced without spending alot? Any suggestions?

Answer: Here is what we recommend:

Bare Bones Minimum:

• Broadcast from web camera to web
• Ability to switch from multiple desktop video sources
• Audio is voice from single headset
• Recording by ustream only

Equipment

• PC with Webcam or MAC with iSight
• USB Microphone Headset
• PC using Webcam Max for multiple camera effects or
• Mac using Camtwist (If you’re on the PC, CamTwist won’t work, but WebCam Max will. CamTwist is free. WebCam Max costs $29.95, but is well worth it.)

Pros

• Easy to setup – equipment you already have
• Cost effective entry – nothing to purchase
• Simple and effective

Cons

• Too easy if you wanted an elaborate production
• No external audio options such as music or sound effects
• Only one camera
• One person show with headshot
• Shots are static – no additional video
• Interaction from audience limited to text chat

Middle Ground

• Push webcam or high quality camera to the web
• Ability to switch from multiple video or desktop video sources
• Audio comes from multiple sources originating from audio mixer

Equipment

• PC with Webcam, Mac with iSight or prosumer camera
• connected via a firewire cable sitting on tripod
• USB Audio Mixer output to either the PC or Mac inputs.
• External inputs can be from various sources
• Audio Headset to monitor audio
• PC using Webcam Max for multiple camera effects or
• Mac using Camtwist (If you’re on the PC, CamTwist won’t work, but WebCam Max will. CamTwist is free. WebCam Max costs $29.95, but is well worth it.)

Pros

• Easy to setup
• External audio options allow variety with music and/or sound effects
• Multiple cameras keep the production interesting

Cons

• Can be costly
• Practicing production (switching between cameras, audio levels) is necessary to achieve a seamless, professional looking webcast
• Learning curve can be steep
• Interaction from audience limited to text chat

All Out Super Studio

(click photo for larger view)

Premium Subscribers only: Download detailed explanation of All Out Super Studio

• Ability to Broadcast from 4 high quality cameras to the web
• Ability to switch from multiple desktop and external video sources
• Audio is from multiple sources originating from audio mixer
• Ability to take phone calls
• Ability to have guest video and audio in separate windows
• Record out to MP3 file

Pros

• Professional looking webinar
• External audio options allow variety with music and/or sound effects
• Multiple cameras keep the production interesting
• Audience interaction with phone calls and text chat
• Ability to view guests

Cons

• Can be costly
• Practicing production (switching between cameras, audio levels) is necessary to achieve a seamless, professional looking webcast
• Learning curve can be steep or quick
• Bandwidth

Related items

• Producer’s Huddle Recap: January 31, 2010
• Producing Construction Company Videos
• Making Video Files Private
• Creating Heart Shaped Video
• Ustream Producer is Just Cool