What Equipment is Needed to Stream Live Video?

If you’re considering live streaming business services, church sermons, or even an eLearning program to your audience, chances are you’re wondering what equipment is needed to stream live video. Streaming live video is a must, especially as many businesses have been forced out of their offices and factories and into their homes amid the worldwide crisis resulting from COVID-19.

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Whether you’re looking to live stream video as a way of staying connected with your customer or clients, or you’re most interested in staying in touch with the appropriate employees as you shift to a remote work environment, we’ve got you covered with a list of the required live streaming camera equipment that you’ll need to get started.

Live Streaming Camera Equipment

First things first, you cannot possibly live stream anything without some sort of camera equipment. A video camera that is capable of producing quality video will run about $300 or more. Smartphone cameras will work for the most basic live stream setups but are really not ideal.

Entry-level camcorders are better but again, are not ideal. In fact, the top live streaming equipment is likely to be owned only by a professional and that’s a professional camcorder, cinema camera or EFT camera. Any of these are going to cost upward of several thousand dollars.

Of course, the type of camera that you have and use for your livestream will really be dependent on your individual needs. With proper audio and lighting, you can get away with a moderately priced mid-range camera option such as a DSLR camera which is typically around $2,000.

Keep in mind that the equipment you use will directly portray the value of your brand to your audience. Poorly-produced live streams can send the wrong message to viewers.

Live Streaming Audio Equipment

To produce top quality audio for your live stream you’ll need various types of microphones. On the lowest end of the spectrum, you can purchase basic lavalier mics for under $20 each.

These are recommended over the existing built-in microphones that come with the entry-level video camera you may already be considering for your first live stream.

Again, going back to quality and reminding you that the quality of your live stream directly portrays a sense of value that viewers will have for your brand, it is recommended that you get a higher level microphone such as an XLR microphone that will deliver exceptional audio for your live stream.

Live Stream Mixing Equipment

Various video mixing equipment will also be required in order to produce the best quality live stream video content. For the most basic live stream equipment setup, you may only start with one camera and mixing or switching equipment would not be necessary.

However, if you can capture multiple video sources and/or multiple sources of audio in a single setting, the hardware to mix the footage and the sound becomes essential to the production.

This equipment can cost upwards of several thousand dollars. An investment like this is often not ideal for a business or brand considering just an occasional live stream production.

However, going back to quality, and the fact that quality directly relates to the perceived value of a brand, we recommend having some ability to mix audio and video sources for ultimate user experience.

Live Streaming Encoders

Another popular piece of live streaming video equipment is the encoder. These are used to reduce the file size, limit buffering of the video stream, adjust the aspect ratio and resolution of the stream and change the format.

Encoders allow for the compression of files with the compromise of quality. Both hardware and software encoders exist for the purpose of encoding video and data of your live stream content.

Live Stream Accessories

Once you have the basics, a number of accessories will be needed to tie your live streaming equipment together. You’ll need things like cables, camera tripods, extra batteries, and various forms of lighting.

The exact type, amount or style of accessories that you need will again depend on your unique live stream needs. Larger live stream productions will of course require additional accessories as compared to a simple, single camera live stream.

Content Delivery Network

Finally, you’ll need a content delivery network in order to get your content to your audience. Some choose to use YouTube as their Content Delivery Network (CDN) while others opt out of this due to security reasons or the lack of ability to white label the program.

For obvious reasons, workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities seeking to live stream generally aim to use their own CDN or an online video platform to deliver their content.

Keep in mind that the CDN will be made up of a network of servers that are based in various areas around the world. Much like the internet works, the CDN will distribute your live stream content from the closest CDN server.

The CDN provider is responsible for the speed, quality, and security of your content and therefore should not be a decision you make without advanced research and understanding.

Hiring a Professional Live Stream Production Crew

Instead of worrying about all of this equipment needed to stream live video, why not hire a professional live stream production crew? Team Beverly Boy knows how important it is to produce top quality live stream video content for your brand or business.

We’ll put our two decades of experience in live stream production to work for you using top quality live streaming equipment that will result in the professionalism and quality your brand deserves.

Remember what we said about quality impacting the perceived value of your brand? Our live streaming services will deliver exceptional quality when you need it most!