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Live Streaming Basics
Overwhelmed with the technical details? You're in the right place.
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Step 1: Capture
First, you need a device to capture your stream. You can use almost any camera or device for streaming;
explore the most popular and user-friendly streaming equipment below.Streaming equipment to capture your stream:
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When you choose the right camera, you're taking the first step to ensure your viewers receive a high-quality broadcast.Most modern cameras and webcams attach to an encoder using a USB cable, a capture card, or over your computer network. Higher resolution cameras will render a cleaner broadcast to your viewers. We recommend streaming with a camera that provides 1280x720 resolution (or higher), commonly referred to as 720p HD.
recommended Cameras
eCatholic LIVE will work with most modern PTZ cameras (PTZ stands for a camera that Pans, Tilts and Zooms). If you already have a PTZ camera, please consult our team to ensure it is compatible with our software.
If you're looking to purchase or upgrade your camera as you begin with eCatholic LIVE, we recommend the Telycam Vision SE (available in black and white). The Telycam Vision SE outputs 4Kp60/59.94 video for clear, sharp, lifelike images even in low-light environments.
If you're interested in ordering a camera, our team would be happy to assist you during your setup and onboarding with eCatholic LIVE.
Talk With Our Team
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Turn your stream into a full production using a video switcher. Switchers allow you to input multiple cameras or video sources and "switch" between them with transitions for a professional-looking broadcast.There are many hardware-based switchers on the market to choose from and they all work perfectly with eCatholic LIVE.
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Step 2: Encode
Next, you need an encoder. The encoder converts your capture devices into a format that can be used for streaming.
Browse popular encoders that will work seamlessly with eCatholic LIVE.Popular encoding devices
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Introducing the Magewell Ultrastream, the [simplified] way to stream! This encoder is 100% automated and can be shipped pre-configured to stream for your eCatholic LIVE account out of the box! No setup, no configuration, no buttons to push or switches to flip. Simply set your broadcast schedule and the Magewell Ultrastream takes care of the rest!
HDMI and SDI options are available. Just reach out to our team to learn more about pricing and how to order.
Learn More
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Capture cards allow you to input your audio and video devices into your computer for encoding. Here are a few that work great:
Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus
A compact single-channel HDMI video/audio capture device with a built-in scaler. It also offers a loop-through HDMI port for local monitoring. Works with PC, Mac, Linux (USB 2.0 or Higher).
Magewell USB Capture SDI Plus
A single-channel 2K capture device that interfaces with your computer via USB 3.0. It features a loop-through BNC input/output that allows you to see your video on a downstream device while you are capturing it on your computer. You can also capture audio directly, without picture, or de-embed audio from the SDI stream. Works with PC, Mac, Linux.
Have a different capture card? We can make it work with eCatholic LIVE!
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eCatholic LIVE works with almost all streaming equipment. As long as your device can encode using the RTMP or RTSP protocols, it will work with eCatholic LIVE.
A few supported appliances:
- TriCaster
- VidBlaster
- Kulabyte / Haivision
- Teradek
- Cerevo Liveshell Pro
- StreamEez-Pro
- XSplit
Have something else? We can make it work with eCatholic LIVE. Just let us know what you are using during setup and onboarding.
Looking to upgrade your encoder? We recommend the Magewell Ultrastream encoder for a simple and reliable streaming experience. HDMI and SDI options are available. You can reach out to our team to learn more about pricing and how to order.
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Step 3: Transmit
Lastly, streaming requires an Internet connection with basic requirements.
Here's what you need to know.Broadcast requirements
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Below are the resolutions eCatholic LIVE supports and the required bandwidth for each for HD broadcasts:- 1920x1080 (1080i/p HD) - minimum 3.5Mbps upload speed
- 1280x720 (720p HD) - minimum 1.8Mbps upload speed
- 720x480 (480p) - minimum 1.2Mbps upload speed
What's your speed? Check out a free speed test. Remember, only the upload speed is important.
Test your Speed
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Below are the resolutions eCatholic LIVE supports and the required bandwidth for each for SD broadcasts:- 720x480 (480i SD) - minimum 350kbps upload speed
- 640x480, 640x360 - minimum 300kbps upload speed
- 320x240, 320x180 - minimum 200kbps upload speed
What's your speed? Check out a free speed test. Remember, only the upload speed is important.
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A multiple-bitrate broadcast* allows you to send several resolutions and bitrates simultaneously for optimized delivery to your viewers. eCatholic LIVE players automatically "adapt" to each viewer's bandwidth and device and delivers the appropriate bitrate and resolution.Sending multiple bitrates simultaneously takes substantially more bandwidth than single bitrate broadcasts. To calculate the bandwidth required, please use the following methodology:
Video bitrate 1 + Video bitrate 2 + Video bitrate 3 (optional) + Video bitrate 4 (optional) + Audio bitrate + 1Mbps overhead = Total required upload speed
Typically, a minimum of 5Mpbs upload speed is recommended for multiple-bitrate broadcasts.
What's your speed? Check out a free speed test. Remember, only the upload speed is important.
*With recommended hardware.
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Setting up your equipment
If you need help setting up your new live streaming equipment, we recommend scheduling an
on-site visit with a local AV company to ensure a seamless installation.
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Still have questions?
Let's chat!Have questions? Concerns? Sweaty palms? Our team is here to help (with a smile).
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