Streaming: here are the right tools and tips so that everything goes smoothly

The term "streaming" is certainly not something new in video components, but in recent years, especially in these pandemic times, this technology has proved both useful and popular.
The term "streaming" simply means “an audio/video data flux transmitted from a source to one or more destinations through a telematic network, typically the Internet". 

Streaming and downloading, let's be clear

It is important to clarify from the outset the key difference between streaming technology and simply downloading something.
Streaming, unlike the full file download, allows you to start playing the file itself while the rest of the data has yet to be sent and downloaded. 

It is not necessary, for example, to download the entire video file to start seeing it played, but the device used for the player (computer, mobile phone, etc.) need only download part of the data packets to start viewing "almost" in real time. "Buffering" refers to the time lag between user action and when the video or music actually starts playing.
With modern ultra-fast data lines this time lag is practically zero.

So unlike downloads, streaming, which just as often airs in real time, requires a whole series of dedicated tools that we will see below.

Streaming hardware 

In addition to all that is needed for a good video recording, streaming also requires specific devices that can pick up audio and video signals and relay them in digital format on the network. 

To simplify and clarify the concept, here is what you need:

• video acquisition devices (video cameras and similar) 
• microphones for audio recording
• mixer and switcher to create the data stream
• lighting and potentially a green screen for shooting
• special software to be installed if we use a computer as a "core"

This being said, let's see point by point what the best solutions might be to build a streaming set-up. 

What do you need to make high-quality video footage? 

Let's start from this first point because if we don't have high-quality audio and video, the finished product will be unsatisfactory or unprofessional at any rate.

Obviously there are different degrees of "quality" when it comes to video products and the tools used can also be very expensive. However, this isn't to say that cheaper tools can't guarantee very good results.

Ribalto has various solutions in its catalogue but, as always, we have chosen products that represent excellent value for money. 

Video camera

In terms of video cameras there are almost endless alternatives nowadays, and our catalogue is also full of choice.

One of the most suitable recommendations for streaming today is the RGBlink PTZ NDI camera, a competitively-priced, exceptional tool in terms of size, quality and versatility.

Despite its compactness, it offers outstanding performance thanks to the highly-accurate lens, 1/2.8-inch high quality CMOS image sensor and the optical zoom: 20x f = 5.5 ～ 110mm with a definition of up to 1080p@25/30/50/59.94/60.

Although the camera is very small, it can be installed and positioned anywhere and thanks to the pan and tilt functions, which can also be controlled remotely, it also lets just one person manage all the shots, a typical situation for YouTubers and gamers.
There's an SD connection and, of course, an HDMI connection. 

Let's not forget the audio side...

We have also repeatedly stated this in a recent article on our blog dedicated to audio/video recordings (include link to the article for on site link building): poor or – worse – inaudible audio ruins a video shoot with no chance of recovery.
The choice of microphone is fundamental and, also in this sense, the Ribalto catalogue is full of ad hoc solutions!

ELGATO Wave:3 it is a cardiod microphone particularly suitable for broadcasting, also thanks to its elegant design and black finish. In addition to this aspect, which is by no means secondary, there is considerable substance. It has a sample rate of 48/96 kHz, a frequency response of 70-20000 Hz and a dynamic range of 95 dB (115 dB with Clipguard), while the maximum SPL is 120 dB (140 dB with Clipguard). 

There are also a couple of precautions that make it a really useful, powerful microphone such as the USB connection, a handy mute button above the chassis and a direct connection for monitor headphones. 

Similar but at a lower price, the SR-MV2000 by Saramonic is a valid alternative. This model is USB-connected, is cardiod and has excellent sonic qualities.

Mixing the sources ...

Streaming is often used for programmes and footage in real time, in  live mode. 

If we have only one video camera, this can be solved relatively easily, but if we need to combine multiple video cameras and/or external contributions, then we should inevitably include a mixer.

MINI-Pro by RBGlink is certainly an ideal product for anyone looking for a compact, simple and functional camera. MINI-Pro is able to function both as a mixer and as a two-channel video/switcher, with no fewer than four independent inputs from the HDMI resolution measuring up to 4K60, it includes complete pixel-to-pixel resizing functions for both the PIP (the window inside the main video) and the background video layers and, first and foremost, its design features an interface with very large coloured buttons that make it user-friendly as soon as it's switched on.

These that we have just described are essential tools to produce technically high-quality streaming but to package an "artistic product" of superior quality and give our videos a more "professional" veneer we can use other equally useful tools.

Correct shooting depends on correct lighting...

This is an assumption that each of us has checked several times during video shooting, at all levels.
It doesn't matter how expensive and advanced our camcorder is in terms of performance, but if we have poor or wrong lighting, the shots will always come out wrong. 

If we want to avoid that typical "amateur" effect with shadows and grainy and low-contrast images, we have to equip ourselves with one or more light sources. 

Elgato produces a series of luminaires that match our purpose. Key Light Air, Key Light and Ring Light are LED lamps with a light and attractive design that can be used close up and further away and guarantee a powerful and well diffused light. They have adjustable colour temperature and intensity and, thanks to the flexible stand, can be positioned easily and save space.

Key Light Air connects via Wi-Fi to PC, Mac, Android or iPhone devices and can be adjusted (brightness and colour) via the Control Center app and get real-time feedback on the screen.

Let's create our virtual studio ...

How to create an impressive virtual background for our shots, so as to give our programme that professional look? 

The answer is green screen. Through what is also referred to as "chroma keying" it is possible to simply merge a virtual image behind those who are shooting simply, using any video mixing programme.

Elgato Green Screen MT is a retractable wall-mounted chroma key panel and anti-crease fabric that allows you to remove the background, for streaming or videoconferencing on Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, Teams, OBS and any other platform. This product uses a decidedly low investment to enhance the quality of streaming and video shooting...  

Wi-Fi transmission

Until now we have assumed that the transmission of final digital data streams was via cable connection. 
But what if we wanted to broadcast everything via Wi-Fi?
Also in this event, Ribalto can offer you a simple and handy solution!

Hollyland Mars 300 PRO (Enhanced) is the right tool! It incorporates the latest 5G wireless encoding, decoding and transmission technologies and offers line-of-sight transmission up to 120 meters to the receiver and up to 90 meters to a Wi-Fi app.
In the "Enhanced" version, it has two external antennas on the transmitter, plus a spare one.
The transmitter provides a single HDMI input plus an HDMI loop-out for viewing on an external monitor. Using the Hollyview app for iOS or Android, you can monitor live video transmission over a Wi-Fi connection.
The Mars 400S PRO has very similar features, but it is able to manage two apps. 

Managing internal communications to technical staff...

With a set-up assembled with the above products, we are already able to package a high-quality  feedand without necessarily resorting to large staff teams, each with a specific role assigned.
But what if we have different needs and we have to coordinate a team of people perhaps located in different locations?
The solution is called intercom. An intercom system allows you to manage a flow of communications between the control room and the technical department, based on assignable operating logics.

In the Ribalto catalogue, we find the exceptional solutions offered by Hollyland like, for example, the 4 unit-pack Mars PT1000 C
It is a Full-Duplex system with four beltpack transceivers and allows two-way communication over a distance of up to 300 metres. It includes a base station, four belt transceivers and five headsets. The base station is powered by an AC power supply with 4-pin XLR connector or batteries included. 

Hollyland Solidcom M1-4B (4 belt pack) and Solidcom M1-8B (8 belt pack) are two high-end intercom systems in the range and offer best-in-class performance, thanks to the 1.9 GHz full-duplex transmission and a wireless range of up to 600m.