What is a Live Video Production System & Why Does My Business Need It?

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly resulted in widespread change around the world, particularly in regards to the ways that we do business. Seemingly overnight business owners were forced to go from the traditional office to scattered teams and remote work environments. While this certainly presented many challenges, it also presented opportunity, particularly in regards to the introduction of the live video production system into more businesses for day-to-day communications and operations. 

As businesses have largely pivoted work environments to include heave use of real-time video, many turn to the live video production system in order to get their communications handled. But what is a live production system, exactly?

What is a Live Video Production System?

The live video production system is a combination of equipment and tools that together provide broadcast quality communication power for businesses. The technology includes camera and audio equipment, a switcher, any essential hardware and software elements required to distribute high-quality video to your audience in real-time. The technical details, specifically the number and type of cameras or the required hardware or tools that are included in a live video production system will vary based on individual business needs.

The broadcast streaming ability is purely limited by budget. Businesses with a higher video production budget can expect to deploy more extensive, complex systems complete with integrated displays, processors, and GPUs as well as storage suitable for any need.

The Power is in the Switcher

Realistically, the power of any live video production system lies within the switcher. In fact, this is the primary difference between delivery of a high-value, professional grade live production or a subpar production that your audience will instantly recognize as less than great. Production switchers have evolved extensively over the past several years from a piece of equipment that was reserved for TV stations and was only really used in broadcast studios to a key component to any live video production system.

The product switcher is used to switch between multiple camera views, to initiate graphics and things like overlays or other video feeds, and for a variety of other needs. This multi-functional piece of equipment can be operated by a single engineer which makes for a live production that can ultimately be created by a single in-house individual that operates the switcher between multiple stationary cameras that are placed within the business. Professional, quality broadcasting to your desired audience is more possible than ever before!

What Does a Live Video Production System Do?

The live video production system provides your business with all of the important elements of a live-broadcast communication system including the camera system, audio equipment, production switcher, and essential interactive distribution software. Paired with an internet connection or an intranet, you’re quick on your way to releasing professional live stream communications to your intended audience in-house, on-campus, online, or anywhere in the world!

The equipment and unique tools involved allow you to produce professional appearing live productions that switch between multiple camera views to keep your audience engaged, include overlay graphics such as important notes or statistics, and add special effects for additional audience interaction.  Bring in other pieces of video or feeds to support you storytelling power and know that the graphics that you’re delivering to your audience are absolutely superior.

Why Does My Business Need a Live Video Production System?

Still wondering why you should be considering a live video production system for your business? If you haven’t already jumped on-board with live video production and the communication through live video streaming in-real time for your business, consider these benefits and potential solutions that are provided with a live video production system:

• Reach unlimited viewers in your business, outside your business, locally or worldwide.
• Record live streams so that you can use them for future communications, training or other needs.
• Engage in real-time with your audience, whether it’s your team or an entirely new group.
• Deliver professional quality video the way your audience wants it.
• Use state of the art broadcasting equipment.
• Provide instant video for immediate interaction with those most important to your business.

Since the pandemic, brands are live streaming more than ever. Whether you’re building up your social media presence, or hosting a live event, from marketing conferences to in-house communications, live streaming is a key element for many brands and continues to be incorporated into business models on a regular bases. In fact brands are using live video for everything from executive briefings and training to presentations and lectures as well as the sharing of major events, concerts, or other important engagement opportunities for prospects, clients, and coworkers.

So, what is a live video production system? It’s a full-service live streaming setup of equipment including the cameras, broadcasting equipment such as a production switcher, and all appropriate storage equipment as well as any other required hardware and software required to provide live video to your intended audience in real-time from anywhere, anytime, and to any place in the world. If you’re not sure what a live video production system can do for your business, give Beverly Boy Productions a call – we’d love to explain it further!