Video Production Solutions
Who can use this feature
Any admin type
Supported features: Live Events
Introduction
The topics below are our recommended production tiers for recording and live streaming.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Streaming / Recording
Larix Broadcaster
Starting Budget - $0
Most iOS and Android devices can utilize a free RTMP streaming application called “Larix Broadcaster”. This application uses Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity to broadcast your video/audio. The setup is easy, and would only require a compatible device, and an (optional) tripod with a phone mount adapter to hold your device. This is a great beginner option that is versatile, and can use devices you already own, and does not sacrifice video quality.
Minimum & Recommended OS Versions
- iPhone running on iOS 12 (minimum) or better
- (recommended device: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 pro, or newer)
- iPad Air 2 running on OS 13 (minimum)
- (recommended device: any iPad Pro models)
- iPad OS 13 supports iPad's with an Apple A8 or A8X chip or newer
- Android device running Android 6 (minimum) or newer
- Recommended to only use an Android device that is on Android version 11 or newer
Apple is dropping support for devices with the A7 chip, more specifically the first-generation iPad Air and the iPad Mini 2 and iPad Mini 3. Stay away from getting any device with the A7 chip in it!
Optional Equipment
- If you don’t have someone to follow the action, you can always attach a compatible wide angle lens to your device to capture the entire playing area.
- Moment Lens (recommended) - read "Features & Compatibility" on their website product page before buying!
- Xenvo Pro Lens (cheaper alternative)
- Compatible Tripod for your mobile device (starts from $20+ on Amazon)
- Portable power bank for smartphone - live streaming on mobile devices drains the battery life quickly
Using Larix Broadcaster
If you're ready to learn how to stream with the Larix Broadcaster, read our help article here!
Logitech Mevo
Starting Budget - $500
Logitech has a great single and multi-cam option with their Wi-Fi cameras called “Mevo”. These easy-to-use cameras can record locally to an Micro SD card, and live stream to multiple social networks, as well as custom RTMP destinations such as your Vidflex™ platform. These cameras do require an iOS or Android device to connect with their Mevo application, so video production and all audio/video settings can be controlled from the mobile app.
You can read more about Logitech Mevo here - https://www.mevo.com/pages/mevo-camera
The budget for this option starts at $400 USD for a single camera solution. They do have a multi-camera option as well if you want to utilize more angles, or each camera can be used on its own. All stands and add-on accessories (i.e. Carrying cases, ethernet power adapters) are extra.
Optional Equipment
- Mevo Start Case (recommended)
- Mevo Floor Stand (recommended)
- Micro SD Card (recommended to have in case internet is not available, so you can still record your event)
- Ethernet Power Adapter (if Wi-Fi is not available, this adapter is required for live streaming)
A.I Streaming
Artificial Intelligence (A.I) - "auto-tracking" - streaming solutions are used for replacing a real person from operating the camera panning & zooming, while still following the action, and as opposed to a static shot of the entire playing area. It can be hard to find an A.I camera that fits your needs and budgets.
Some AI cameras do not allow for custom RTMP streaming, which is required to stream to your Vidflex™ platform.
As well as, some AI cameras require additional paid subscriptions to use the manufacturer’s service.
Pix4Team AI Robot
Starting Budget - $1650+ USD per unit
The A.I tracking solution that we recommend is called “Pix4Team” from the Move’N See company. These auto-tracking robots do require either a compatible camcorder, or mobile device to be mounted on the robot. Next, a mobile device or tablet is needed to initially set up and calibrate the robot through the Pix4Team apps, as well as control the attached device's live streaming and recording.
For the best performance, we recommend using a compatible camcorder
A compatible smartphone will work just fine, but keep in mind there is more stress on a smartphone when its capturing video for longer periods of time vs a camcorder, which may lead into the smartphone overheating.
The Pix4Team robot is capable of auto-tracking several different sports (Soccer, Basketball, Volley, Handball, Rugby, Hockey, Futsal, American football). Only one sport comes with the robot. If needed, you can purchase additional sport software later on.
Learn more about Pix4Team here - Pix4Team
Our team is able to fully support the Pix4Team robot! We can also assist with getting the purchase process started.
Contact us to learn more: support@vidflex.com
Required Accessories
- 13ft or more Heavy-duty camera stand
- If streaming from ground level, a 13ft camera stand is the minimum height required for the Pix4Team robot
- If streaming from above ground level (e.g. bleachers) then you can use a 6-8ft camera stand
- 1/4 female to 3/8 male screw adapter- needed to connect the Pix4Team unit to a heavy-duty camera stand
- This adapter is only required if you're not purchasing the stand from Move'N See website
Recommended Accessories
- Batteries are sold separately. Recommended to get 2 NP-F970 Li-Ion batteries and a charger, in case direct power is inaccessible at your venue
- Batteries are also charged by the robot when its plugged in
- Portable power bank (if using a mounted smartphone)
- Carrying case
- Micro SD card
Full Production Streaming
Starting Budget - $2000
You may wish to have a more involved and personally tailored production, introducing graphics, commercials, music, slide shows, lower thirds, and any other audio or visual accompaniments you can think of. Utilizing a laptop or mobile desktop, external cameras, microphones, and software or hardware encoding, you can have a full scale professional production.
Equipment categories listed below are typical things you will find in a full production live stream, not all are required, each has its own use and there are many options under each of these categories. We will list some recommended things that our existing customers use in their productions.
The budget(s) for these options vary widely depending on how complex you would like your live streaming or recordings to be.
Software Encoders
Software encoders can run directly through a computer, utilizing its processing power. Our system requires encoders that are RTMP compatible. If you need help determining the compatibility of your encoder, just ask us by using the help beacon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Below are some popular software encoder solutions. You can download any of the encoders by clicking on its link below. Watch an overview video to get a glimpse of how it works.
- OBS download — Free (Windows & Mac)
- vMix download — Paid (Windows only)
- Wirecast download — Paid (Windows & Mac)
Note: When looking for laptops or desktops, there are minimum and recommended specifications to look for to ensure that your machine will be able to handle the encoding load on its processor or graphics card.
You can read our recommendations here - Computer Hardware Requirements
Hardware Encoders
Hardware encoders are a good option as they’ll work fantastically out of the box with minimal setup. Their downfall is that they can be very expensive and can become outdated overtime as technology progresses.
Recommended Hardware Encoders:
Microphones (optional)
Starting Budget - $20
There is a wide range of microphones you can use in your live stream, from built-in camera microphones, to wired and wireless 3.5 mm input lavalier microphones; all the way up to wired and wireless XLR microphones that require an external mixer.
Cameras (required)
Starting Budget - $100
There are many options when it comes to cameras, with the most basic being a USB webcam. At the other end of the spectrum being a professional camcorder with a built-in hardware encoder such as the JVC GY-HM250U. Other cameras such as DSLR cameras and other handheld camcorders can be integrated into your live stream using a capture card.
Capture Cards (required)
Starting Budget - $100
Our article about capture cards goes over what they are, their best use cases, installation instructions, and some recommendations on models.
Learn more here - Capture Cards
Camera Switchers (optional)
Starting Budget - $200
Switchers can be useful tools for integrating more camera angles and other elements, where the inputs on your laptop or desktop machine may be limited. Switchers such as the Black Magic Atem Mini Pro ISO offer many features, such as multiple HDMI or SDI inputs (depending on the model), transitions, multi view and output preview, local source recording to a connected drive, picture in picture, chroma key for green screens, and different audio sources. All in one switcher, while only utilizing one input on your laptop or desktop. They can be controlled from the switcher themselves, or through their software.
Studio Lighting (optional)
Starting Budget - $60
Using lighting in your production will depend on your setting and what you are broadcasting. Lighting is most useful in interview / talk shows, and tutorial settings, where the lighting in the environment can improve the quality of your livestreams by making your camera catch more light. Lighting may not be useful and/or possible in some places, such as arenas or outdoor fields, where indoor lighting is strong or natural light is present.