OBS Dockable PTZ Controllers

OBS 24 is now available and in this tutorial, you are going to learn how you can set up dockable PTZ camera controls inside of your OBS interface for PTZOptics cameras. Once you have downloaded the latest version of OBS (which should be 24.0 of later), you should make sure that you uninstall any previous version of OBS. Once you have uninstalled a previous version of OBS you can go ahead and install the latest 24.0 or later version.

Dockable Camera controller for OBS 24

Download the version 24.0 release candidate here for testing – https://github.com/obsproject/obs-studio/releases/tag/24.0.0-rc1

The new feature you can use to create custom PTZ camera controllers are called “Custom Browser Docks” and it can be found under the main “View” dropdown menu nested in the “Docks” area. If you have never ventured into this area of OBS, you will notice you have the ability to reset and lock the current OBS user interface. You also have the ability to quickly open or close any of the dockable modules inside of your layout. Go ahead and play with your layout and determine which modules you want to access before moving forward. (more…)

Posted by Paul Richards
OBS, PTZ
Dockable Modules, OBS, OBS Docking, Open Broadcaster Software
0 Comment

Our Mobile IP Video Production Kit

In this video, we demonstrate our mobile IP video kit which includes our TP-Link network router, PoE network switches, wireless cables, and HDMI to NDI converter. This system is set up for multicast NDI video traffic and is perfect for mini IP video production setups. If you are interested in learning about IP video production and networking than this cool little mobile kit is something you might want to learn about.

IP networking kit

We have already posted a blog about how to setup all of this gear here. Also, check out the entire kit with Amazon links here – https://kit.com/PTZOptics/ip-video-production-kit

So let’s talk about why we set up this mobile IP video production network. First of all this networking gear from TP-Link is affordable and it gets the job done. The set up of this equipment is incredibly straight forward and therefore is enabling beginners and advanced users to get started on a budget. Once you have followed our network set up guide you can have an 8-port video production system that supports multicast. All of this equipment also supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) and the possibilities of which video production system or software you use is endless. (more…)

Posted by Paul Richards
AV over IP, Broadcast, Camera Control, How To, Live Streaming, NDI, NDI HX, Networking, Video Production
IP Networking, IP Video Production, Network Switch for NDI, NewTek NDI, Router for IP Video
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How to use the PTZOptics NDI HX camera with Epiphan Pearl-2

The Network Device Interface (NDI) protocol is a powerful way to transmit and control video over IP (Internet Protocol). It is perfect for live video production as it provides for high-quality video and low-latency transmission. This guide covers setting up the PTZOptics NDI HX camera with the NDI protocol using the Epiphan Pearl-2 all-in-one NDI production system.

Epiphan Pearl NDI Setup

1. Set Camera Resolution

The recommended resolution is 1080p at 30 frames per second. For scenes with a lot of fast-moving action, such as sporting events, 1080p at 60 frames per second is recommended.

2. Attach External Monitor

(more…)

Posted by Paul Richards
Epiphan, How To, NDI, NDI HX, Networking, NewTek, Video Production, Videos
Epiphan, Epiphan Pearl, NDI, NewTek NDI
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How to connect Zoom with vMix, Wirecast, or OBS

In this video, we demonstrate just how easy it is to bring professional video production software and hardware directly into a video conferencing software like Zoom. There are basically three audiovisual aspects of this process. The video or webcam. The microphone source and the speaker source.

For our video source, we use a virtual webcam output from our video production software. From vMix this means that we are going to use the external feature. Once this feature is on we can simply bring the video into Zoom video conferencing from the camera option.

: using video production software in zoom video conferencing

: how to bring vmix into Zoom

For the audio source, you can use a virtual audio cable. Alternatively, you can use an HDMI capture card with the audio and video captured together. In this way, you can convert HDMI to USB and bring those audio and video sources into Zoom. Finally, for our speaker output, we are using in-ear monitoring systems. This is important because we do not want to create an audio loop with the professional headset microphones that we are using.

With all of that in line, we have the ability to create incredibly professional-looking zoom video conferencing webinars.

using zoom video conferencing with OBS wirecast or vmix

Posted by Paul Richards
Cloud, Magewell, PTZ, Video Production, Videos, vMix, Zoom Video Conferencing
using zoom video conferencing with OBS wirecast or vmix, vMix, Zoom, Zoom Video, Zoom Webinar
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5 Things to Consider Before Live Streaming Your Radio Shows

Live streaming is a fantastic way to expand your listener base and add a new dimension to your radio programming. Not only can you tap into the growing market of consumers listening to streaming audio on their smartphones, but you can also get your current listeners more engaged and listening longer. If you are thinking of live streaming your radio shows, here are five things to think about before you get started.

live streaming camera for radio

1. Get Your Studio Camera Ready

Take a look around your studio and think about what it will look like on camera. Your studio space may have been designed for acoustics but not for appearance. Perhaps it has been a while before anyone considered what it looked like. Don’t worry, you won’t need a complete renovation. Cameras don’t have to cover every inch of the studio, so some creative use of backdrops, paint, and posters may be enough to spruce up the space enough to look great on the live stream.

PTZOptics cameras for radio broadcasting

2. Don’t Forget the Lights

In the past, studio lighting was designed to help DJs, hosts, and operators see what they were doing. Now, with the addition of video live streaming, you will need to make sure that you have appropriate lighting. It will likely need to be a bit brighter in the studio but, with the right lighting configuration, everyone can look great on a camera without being blinded by the light.

Radio Broadcasters with PTZOptics cameras

3. Focus on the Audio

It can seem overwhelming to DJs and hosts to suddenly find themselves on camera. They may have been working in an audio-only medium for years. Help put them at ease by telling them that they can ignore the camera at first. They will still be hosting a radio show. The cameras are there to help listeners gain another perspective of the show. The hosts and guests don’t need to “talk to the camera” or worry about the shot. They can just do their thing and let the cameras capture the moment.

4. Consider Your Advertisers

Live streaming has the opportunity to add substantial value to your advertisers’ investments. Take some time to think about how you will handle the new opportunities. In addition to the possibility of an expanded audience, you can also add features such as video running during commercial breaks and on-screen sponsorships during program segments.

live youtube chatroom in radio broadcast

5. Leverage Social Media

No matter where you host your stream, make sure to take advantage of social media to promote your on-air and streaming programming. If you have guests, ask them to share their appearance on social media and be sure to tag them on your station social media accounts. If sharing your stream over services like Facebook and YouTube, be sure to monitor the comments and interact with your viewers.

And Don’t Forget

You have some creative people in your on-air talent pool. Remind them to have fun! They will likely find even more ways to leverage this new channel to reach new listeners and connect with them in new ways.

Learn more about live streaming radio and podcasting stations

See how we WCHE 1520 AM radio starting live streaming on Facebook and YouTube here.
Check out our technical guide on live streaming radio shows here.
5 things to consider before live-streaming a radio show here.
The StreamGeeks review live streaming a radio station here.

Posted by Paul Richards
Audio, Broadcast, Live Streaming, Podcasting, Radio
Radio on Facebook Live, Radio Streaming
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How to Live Stream a Radio Broadcast

Radio stations are taking to social media and live streaming their weekly shows on content delivery networks such as Facebook and YouTube to great effect. To learn more about how radio stations are live-streaming their once audio-only broadcasts, the team here at PTZOptics visited a local AM radio station to help them live stream an hour-long AM radio broadcast to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The great thing about live streaming radio stations is the focus on the conversation and the radio hosts access to great guests and interesting topics that translate very well on social media. For many radio stations, live streaming on social media is a low hanging fruit when it comes to growing the station’s audience. Social media opens up new ways for viewers and listeners to share their favorite shows with their online networks of friends.

radio host live streaming with ptz camera

How to live stream from a radio station from Paul Richards

(more…)

Posted by Paul Richards
Broadcast, Facebook Live, How To, Radio
Broadcasting from Radio, Live Streaming Radio, Radio Station on Facebook
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Live Streaming from a Radio Station

I have a new found love for radio. After recently learning that many of our customers here at PTZOptics are radio stations, I did a little research. I found out that Radio as a medium is still very much alive and well! Podcasting is something I understand. In fact, our team has recently built a live streaming/podcasting studio in our new marketing office. But the idea of broadcasting on live AM or FM radio. It intrigued me… Dare I say scared me…

live streaming camera for radio

So our team reached out to a local radio station to see if we could help them host a special live broadcast that included live streaming to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Twitch. After learning more about radio, I found out that radio station owners are quite happy how well radio is performing today. According to a Nielsen Total Audience Report based on first-quarter 2019 data, 92 percent of U.S. adults still listen to radio each week. The idea that radio still plays such a huge role in today’s fast-paced age of social media helped me connect the dots about what’s really going on in the digital streaming, podcasting, and social media arenas.

Accompanying radio’s resilience in communications today is the massive growth of live video streaming. Many traditional media outlets (including radio, TV and print outlets) now incorporate live video streams as part of their day-to-day content. Over the past few years, live video streamers have grown into professional producers of content for outlets such as YouTube and Facebook. According to research compiled by Inside Radio ,”the new data also validates the growth of streaming audio with half of all adults now also using use their smartphones to stream audio.”

To help our local radio station reach a larger audience, we live-streamed the one-hour radio show to LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Twitch. It was incredible to see how excited everyone at the radio station became as they saw their very first show being broadcast on social media. Live streaming a radio broadcast has its challenges but unlike other broadcasts, I have been part of, radio stations already have the “audio” side of things taken care of. So all we really had to worry about was setting up lights and video cameras because the radio station was easily able to give us an audio output from their mixing board. (more…)

Posted by Paul Richards
Audio, Case Studies, Facebook Live, Live Streaming, Livestream Studio, Videos
Radio, Radio Broadcasting, Radio Streaming, Streaming Radio, Video Radio, Video Radio Stream
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How to Deliver High Bitrate Streaming to Multiple Channels with Limited Bandwidth

When streaming live, you want to be sure to offer the best possible quality for the type of content you are featuring. Different types of content demand different levels of quality, especially when it comes to bitrate and framerate. As we will see, higher bitrates and frame rates can increase quality, especially for high-action productions like sports streaming. However, increasing quality can also increase the amount of bandwidth necessary to send your steam to your audience. This becomes even more of an issue when you are sending your content to multiple channels like your own CDN (content delivery network), Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, or LinkedIn.

So, how can you deliver the best possible quality to multiple channels while not overwhelming your available bandwidth?

What is Bitrate?

Bitrate is one way of looking at the quality of your stream. It refers to the number of bits of data per second that are transmitted over a network. In the case of live streaming, those bits of data contain the audio and video of your stream. It is usually represented in bits per second and, in modern data transfer, those are generally in the millions. So bitrate is traditionally expressed in megabits per second or Mbps. The higher the bitrate, the more data that is being transmitted and the higher the quality of the video.

When streaming video, an encoder takes all of the audio and video from the camera and microphones and brings it together into one package. It then compresses all of that information to send to your audience via your CDN and other streaming channels. Compression is the process of removing all the unnecessary data to make the files small enough to travel over the internet. This is done using a particular protocol, usually h.264, which is designed for video compression. The settings of the compression process determine the amount of data that you will be sending over the internet. And this is conveyed at Mbps. If the bitrate created is too low, the video will look blurry and pixelated. If it is too high, and the network can’t handle it, you will see lost frames, jittery video, and sometimes, the stream will fail.

As a point of reference. Akamai, one of the largest CDNs, recommends a bitrate of 8Mbps for high-quality High Definition video.

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the measure of how much data your network and internet connection can handle. This can be a bit confusing because, with many internet service providers (ISPs) there are two numbers to pay attention to, the amount of bandwidth available for downloads and the amount available for uploads. For streaming, the upload rate is what counts.

Bitrate and Bandwidth

You need to be sure that your streaming bitrate doesn’t exceed your upload bandwidth. In fact, you will likely need to be sure that your bitrate is below your bandwidth to give your stream a little breathing room. This is also important if you are sharing your internet connection with other users who may use some of your bandwidth. If your bitrate exceeds your bandwidth, you will have buffering issues, lost frames, and even complete stream failure.

It is also important to remember that your bandwidth needs to cover all of your streams. So, if you are sending a 6 Mbps stream to your CDN, and another 6 Mbps stream to Facebook, and another to YouTube, you are already up to 18 Mbps.

What if You Don’t Have Enough Bandwidth?

If you are trying to send a high-quality stream, high bitrate stream to multiple channels and simply don’t have enough bandwidth for more than one, there are other options. Cloud encoders allow you to send one single stream to a cloud-based service that will then send it to multiple channels for distribution. So, if 6 Mbps is all your ISP can handle for uploads, you can use that bandwidth to send one stream to your cloud encoder. The service will then send high-quality streams to your CDN, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch, or wherever else you want it to go.

Join us for another battle royal in slow motion, instant replay. Today we demonstrate a great workflow for setting up high frame rate and high bitrate live streams for sports. Today we use a live ping-pong match to demonstrate a 4 camera instant replay system with 60 frames per second recordings at 100 Mbps. With four cameras all recording in 1080p at 60 fps we are able to use four cameras for instant replays during our live production. We also have 8 cameras in our production for use during our live sports broadcast. The entire broadcast includes ceiling-mounted PTZOptics 20X-SDI cameras, along with PTZOptics ZCams and vMix.

Using the vMix instant replay system we are controlling everything with an xKeys jog-dial and T-bar system designed for live instant replay. Then the entire production is streaming in 1080p at 60fps using 6 Mbps. This high bitrate stream is the re-distributed or “restreamed” to LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Periscope (Twitter). In this way, we can use EasyLive to transcode our high bitrate live stream and effectively reach 5 content delivery networks. Check out this entire live stream and enjoy the post-show podcast where our hosts break down some of the events we have planned for this summer. We also break down the technology we are using for live streaming this ping pong match. (more…)

Posted by Paul Richards
Broadcast, How To, Live Streaming, Video Production, Videos, vMix, XKeys
EasyLive, GoEasyLive, live production, ping pong, Sports Streaming
0 Comment

Roland V-1HD & V-1SDI Video Switchers w/ PTZOptics Cameras

Welcome to this tutorial on how to use Rolands video switchers with PTZOptics cameras!

Roland V-1SDI

Today we tested out the compact and portable Roland V-1HD and V-1SDI four-channel video mixers with PTZOptics Pan, Tilt, and Zoom cameras. These Roland video mixers are ideal for live video production with their ability to mix multiple video sources, provide live multi-view video outputs and output the entire production at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. These Roland video switcher can be used to cut, fade and apply effects to multiple video sources. The switcher offers a wide variety of ways to produce your production, including hands-on buttons, a T-Bar, and remote control from a tablet, phone or computer on your network. Today we will just be covering hands-on control as we set up our Roland video mixers with multiple PTZOptics cameras. Each PTZOptics camera will be connected to the video switchers via HDMI or SDI and also connected to the HC-JOY serial joystick controller for pan, tilt and zoom camera control.

Roland V-1HD Switcher

The first step in setting up this switcher is to plug in the included power supply and power the unit on using the black power button next to the power cable input. Each Roland video switcher has 4 inputs and 2 outputs, one of these outputs is designed to preview your shots and the other can be used to output your video production to a live streaming encoder such as OBS or a large screen display system. In this example, we will take the HDMI program output from the Roland V-1HD and connect it to our computer using an HDMI to USB capture card. In this way, we can use the free and open source OBS Studio software to live stream our content to websites such as YouTube or Facebook Live. Note: You can also install the PTZOptics Camera Control Plugin for OBS to control your cameras inside of OBS. Check out our video here to learn more about PTZ camera controls inside of OBS.

live streaming with Roland video switcher

Note: The Roland V-1SDI features SDI program and preview outputs. So you may need an SDI to USB capture card to bring the video feed into a computer encoder.

Now that we have set up our video output, we can also set up our video preview to see a live multi-view screen of all of your cameras. The Roland V-1HD is Rolands HDMI Switcher. For this switcher, we will plugin HDMI inputs. If you are using the Roland V-1SDI you can connect your cameras via SDI and still have extra inputs for HDMI to be used for computers or other HDMI devices. SDI cabling is generally used for long cable runs to remote cameras. The locking SDI connectors ensure a secure connection preferred by most professionals. Luckily, PTZOptics 12X, 20X, and 30X SDI camera models all include both HDMI and SDI. Besides the cable type, setup is the same for both video switchers.

Cameras for Roland Video Switchers

You can now begin adding your inputs. Today we will be using 2 PTZOptics cameras 12X and 20X SDI cameras for our inputs, however, there are 4 input slots if needed. The Roland V-1HD feature 4 HDMI inputs and the Roland V-1SDI features 3 SDI inputs and 1 HDMI input. PTZOptics cameras can output 16 different resolutions and frame rates which can be set with the yellow resolution dial on the back of the camera. We tested each of the resolutions for compatibility with the V-1SDI and V-1HD for compatibility.

Note: If you are are using the V-1HD there is a switch on the back panel to set the switcher up for either 1080p, 1080i, or 720p. Make sure to set this switch to the resolution type you are going to be using before setup.

SDI Level A vs B

Note: The Roland V-1SDI supports both Level A and Level B SDI inputs. PTZOptics cameras out SDI Level A. Therefore you should navigate to the to Roland V-1SDI menu by holding down the Menu Button for 2 seconds. You can then use the DSK and Auto buttons to navigate through the menu and use the T-Bar to switch the settings. You may also want to change your frame rate settings in this area as well. After making any settings changes you will need to restart your switcher.

PTZOPTICS VIDEO SWITCHER COMPATIBILITY WITH ROLAND

After testing all the available resolutions and frame rates for the PTZOptics cameras and Roland V-1HD and V-1SDI, we have found that following resolutions are compatible. You can reference these charts on our included blog post linked below.

Once your inputs are in place we use an HC-JOY joystick controller to set up our shots. PTZOptics cameras can store hundreds of camera presets which can be recalled with a single button on a joystick controller or inside software like Wirecast, OBS, or vMix. These PTZ presets can be set up to view locations on a stage for performers and then quickly re-positioned to other locations providing your team with multiple camera angles using a single joystick operator. You can then use the various switching functions on the V-1HD or V-1SDI to switch between cameras and also add video effects.

You will notice 8 square white silicone buttons in the center of these video switchers. These buttons can be thought of as our input matrix. The bottom 4 buttons are used to select the input you would like to switch to next, while the top 4 switch inputs immediately. Therefore the bottom buttons queue up your preview screen and the top for buttons control the program output.

PTZ Joystick with Roland Video Switcher

When an input is selected it will turn Green, this means the input is in preview. Red means the input is live. There are many ways to cut between video inputs with these Roland switchers. There is also a built-in T-Bar used to fade in-between your preview and program inputs. Remember that fade transitions are usually reserved for artistic shots popular for introductions and endings of a production. But the cut function is generally the workhorse of most live productions. The 2 rectangular silicone cut buttons on the far right-hand side of the device will like be your go to buttons. You will notice multiple cut transition option next to the T-Bar. The rectangular one push cut buttons will immediately cut to whatever input is selected in preview.

Roland V-1HD Switcher

Roland Video Switcher Buttons and T-Bar

The T-Bar slider can be customized in the Roland settings to optimize your video production. There are also effects knobs and toggle buttons to the left of the input matrix used for adjusting effects. The knob and buttons to the far left of the Roland video mixer control output fade as well as options like freeze and BPM sync. As you can see these affordable and portable video mixers are a great way to create powerful video production on a budget, especially when paired with a couple of PTZOptics cameras capable of capturing multiple PTZ positions for your next event.

More on Hardware Based Video Production Switchers

Checkout this review of the Blackmagic ATEM switchers with PTZOptics cameras here.
Learn how the affordable Roland V-1HD and V-1SDI hardware video switchers work with PTZOptics cameras here.

Learn more about OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

PTZOptics also offers a free course on OBS available on UDEMY for coupon code “OBSFree” at this link - https://www.udemy.com/obs-live-streaming-course.

OBS 24 now features dockable web browser inputs here.
Our OBS Plugin has been updated for both Mac and PC here
Here’s how you can bring in RTSP video streams into OBS here.
Check out the new PTZ camera control plugin for OBS here.
Learn how to use OBS with the NewTek NDI here.
Checkout the latest version of OBS in this software overview for beginners with the StreamGeeks here.
Take our complete course on OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) with coupon code: OBS Free here.
Learn more about the PTZOptics OBS Plugin in the OBS Forums here.
A complete review video from PTZOptics on the OBS PTZ Camera Control plugin is found here.

Posted by Paul Richards
3G SDI, Broadcast, Live Streaming, OBS, Videos
Roland V-1HD, Roland V-1SDI, Roland Video Switcher
0 Comment

Cameras with Built-in Encoders

Cameras with Built-in Encoders

Did you know that PTZOptics cameras have built-in video encoder? That’s right. PTZOptics PTZ and ZCam camera models can encode and stream multiple high definition video streams simultaneously while still outputting video via HDMI, 3G SDI and/or USB 3.0. So what is an encoder anyway? And what is it used for? A video encoder is a device that converts video from one format into another.

PoE Ethernet video encoder

Many people use a video encoder to stream audio-video content for a variety of purposes. Encoders are useful for streaming to a content delivery network for example. Encoders can also be used to stream audio and video directly into your favorite video production application such as vMix, Wirecast or OBS. Video encoders are even used to stream content to video management servers where the video is then distributed to users all around the world. Because PTZOptics cameras have a built-in video encoder, unlike a standard camcorder our customers do not normally need to purchase an additional video encoder to stream the video and audio content coming from the cameras. (more…)