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How can I stream live video from my site?

by Stewart Alexander
14 replies
Here's the scenario...

I have a client who is planning a similar type of "Dancing With the Stars" fund-raising charity event. They would like to stream it live on the website I built for them (WordPress) and add a "Text to vote/donate" judging system for the 6 couples who will be competing.

What kind of technology should I be looking at to use for streaming the live event on the website?

What SMS platform/system would you recommend for the voting/donating and judging?

They have an experienced video production team on-board, but out of loyalty to me would like to know if I can provide the streaming and texting services.

Any kind of pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Thank you.
#live #site #stream #video
  • Profile picture of the author jamesdj1
    Hi Stewart,

    I'm an AV guy, marketer and entertainer here in Las Vegas.

    Quick and easy set up.. you'd be surprised.

    I prefer to use USTREAM - You're On - Broadcast Live Streaming Video, Watch Online Events, Chat Live, send a Tweet, follow on Facebook, MySpace, record your Live Shows for live video. FREE with ads.

    Set up account.... set up your channel to do your broadcast... grab code.. put on clients website so it cam be viewed live.

    Far as doing VOTES Results.. can't assist on that.

    Stand by for how to videos I just shot for you that will show you how easy this can be. Uploading them now.
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    • Profile picture of the author chris86924
      Jim,

      I have a question, I was looking to live stream the outside weather for Duck hunters up where I live. I was looking at ustream which looks like it will work, but I was wondering what kind of webcams people use. I just want a simple panoramic cam that people can see the outside weather. Do you have any ideas
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      • Profile picture of the author 9999
        Great info on UStream, may give this a try!
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesdj1
    If they have video production team you're good to go and fortunate. I'd use them in every way possible.

    Just go over to ustream and get to know the ins and out of their site/service. I'd handle the web set up and hand over to their audio video guys.

    Be sure to download the ustream producer software. it's the free version.. works fine.. u dont have to use it as you can simply log on the site and broadcast from there. I prefer not having to login directly to the site and use the software.

    They also have a free app and you can do a basic broadcast from phones. cool for simple stuff but audio is not great.

    AUDIO is most important for any video work especially if doing music/entertainment stuff of course.

    I'm sure you'll be able to use high quality cams if they have video production team.. very nice! obviously the dirty easy home set up I'm showing will be different than using their cams.. bottom line is.. be the ustream.tv guru resource guy. :-)

    This might help someone. sorry it's sloppy production work but I did off the cuff to get up quick. When I do tutorial they're pro all the way.... but this will give basic guide/idea of the process and just how easy this is.

    Broadcast Tutorial 1.

    Broadcast Tutorial 2.
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    • Profile picture of the author Stewart Alexander
      Originally Posted by jamesdj1 View Post

      If they have video production team you're good to go and fortunate. I'd use them in every way possible.

      Just go over to ustream and get to know the ins and out of their site/service. I'd handle the web set up and hand over to their audio video guys.

      Be sure to download the ustream producer software. it's the free version.. works fine.. u dont have to use it as you can simply log on the site and broadcast from there. I prefer not having to login directly to the site and use the software.

      They also have a free app and you can do a basic broadcast from phones. cool for simple stuff but audio is not great.

      AUDIO is most important for any video work especially if doing music/entertainment stuff of course.

      I'm sure you'll be able to use high quality cams if they have video production team.. very nice! obviously the dirty easy home set up I'm showing will be different than using their cams.. bottom line is.. be the ustream.tv guru resource guy. :-)

      This might help someone. sorry it's sloppy production work but I did off the cuff to get up quick. When I do tutorial they're pro all the way.... but this will give basic guide/idea of the process and just how easy this is.

      Broadcast Tutorial 1.

      Broadcast Tutorial 2.
      Thanks for putting in the time to answer my questions Jim. Reminds me of the good old days on the WF. Good job!

      I have looked at Ustream as an alternative and you've cleared up some questions I had. One other question I have is, when using Ustream, how can the viewer watch the stream without being interrupted by ADS and without having to sign up as a premium member?

      Is it possible?

      Thanks once again.
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      • Profile picture of the author Stewart Alexander
        Just found out how to get ad free streaming on Ustream, so no need to answer my last post Jim.

        Thanks
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        • Profile picture of the author pradz19
          Originally Posted by Stewart Alexander View Post

          Just found out how to get ad free streaming on Ustream, so no need to answer my last post Jim.

          Thanks
          Hi Stewart,

          I just wanna ask you, how you were able to get ad free streaming on Ustream. Your reply will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

          pradz
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew H
    Far as doing VOTES Results.. can't assist on that.
    Well as far as the video, I've never done that but with regards to VOTES that is easy. Use Twilio and setup a voting system.

    Googled it and found Twilio actually shows you how to do it step by step: How To Create a Simple SMS Voting System Using PHP

    Good luck!

    EDIT: I wish everything I needed to do for clients was in such an easy guide
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    "You shouldn't come here and set yourself up as the resident wizard of oz."
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesdj1
    Glad to help Stewart.

    Keep us posted on the event and how it's taking shape and when it is.

    Post the video access here so we can watch the show.

    Last year I was close to buying a high def cam that had proper audio inputs as well as video in's and outs but just don't do all that much live video streaming to justify the purchase at this time.

    Higher end cams will have the necessary and proper connections to make it pro all the way. Should not be a problem for them based on them having a team so I imagine they have broadcast quality equipment.

    The set up I showed is a down and dirty home style method. I get decent results using it however.
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    • Profile picture of the author Stewart Alexander
      Originally Posted by jamesdj1 View Post

      Glad to help Stewart.

      Keep us posted on the event and how it's taking shape and when it is.

      Post the video access here so we can watch the show.

      Last year I was close to buying a high def cam that had proper audio inputs as well as video in's and outs but just don't do all that much live video streaming to justify the purchase at this time.

      Higher end cams will have the necessary and proper connections to make it pro all the way. Should not be a problem for them based on them having a team so I imagine they have broadcast quality equipment.

      The set up I showed is a down and dirty home style method. I get decent results using it however.
      Sure will keep you posted. They are planning to broadcast sometime in Spring, no date has been set yet. I'll keep you posted. it's a charity organization so it's all for a very good cause. Hope it works out for them.

      Thanks again for your feedback. Has been a big help in pointing me in the right direction.
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      • Profile picture of the author ConnorMarc
        Hi James,

        I tried to use uStream for my church's site.

        It worked the first time, which was a test, but hasn't worked since.

        Nothing changed...it just stopped working.

        I wonder what's the deal with that.

        We're currently using 2 paid live-streaming versions that target kinda niche Christian communities.

        I'd love to hear your thoughts.

        Sincerely,
        Marc
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        Online Presence Consultant in Atlanta, GA | Christian Counseling Atlanta |
        Cash for Junk Cars
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        • Profile picture of the author jamesdj1
          Originally Posted by ConnorMarc View Post

          Hi James,

          I tried to use uStream for my church's site.

          It worked the first time, which was a test, but hasn't worked since.

          Nothing changed...it just stopped working.

          I wonder what's the deal with that.

          We're currently using 2 paid live-streaming versions that target kinda niche Christian communities.

          I'd love to hear your thoughts.

          Sincerely,
          Marc
          Hi Marc,

          Well.. something indeed has changed for it to stop working more than likely on your end. Ustream has and still is doing hundreds if not thousands of live streams every day.

          I'm far from a ustream pro user. I'm more of a hobbyist with it but all I know is.. I stream live when I want, record the videos, and they're still available to view from over a year ago.

          Did you, were you using, their free desktop software Ustream Producer?

          I mainly use that without having to log into their site or visit the site. Just launch it and go live in minutes.

          I'd start by downloading the software again and checking all settings. Really don't know what other suggestions to offer.

          Hit their forum as there's a decent active community of helpful folks it seems.
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  • Profile picture of the author CageyVet
    Ustream
    Livestream
    Qik which is my favorite because they have some great mobile features that you can stream directly from your phone.
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    I'm just an opinionated ******* Today!
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    • Profile picture of the author Howard88
      Hey Stewart, how did your event go? Or have you done it yet? I've got a similar fundraising event that I'm going to be doing and would love to hear how you're faring with yours.

      I'm looking for some kind of online voting system where you vote with your money. I'm thinking of using a credit button system. So you buy a certain amount of credits to vote with and then you use those credits to vote for who you want to win, if you run out of credits you can buy more.

      Do you guys know of anything like this that I could use? Thanks, Howard
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