Tag Archives: live-streaming

Ustream is Introducing Some Additions to their Pro Broadcasting Service

Information, video, , , ,

Ustream Pro One of the growing trends among the online video services including YouTube and Ustream is to offer pro services. During NAB Ustream is introducing some additions to their Pro Broadcasting service Ustream Cloud Platform including:

  • live playlist
  • hd–enabled web broadcasting console
  • video on demand upload
  • new player technology
  • live close caption

The Ustream’s Pro Broadcasting service also now includes a linear programming capability which allows the broadcaster to take a recorded program and then run it on a continuous loop 24/7 or schedule to broadcast at a specific time. Ustream also has an integrated social stream, which allows the broadcaster to moderate a chat while the viewers can chat using either Twitter and Facebook.

The Ustream Pro Broadcasting Service has over 5000 global customers. One of the new partners for the Ustream Pro Broadcasting is Discovery Communication which will offer a 24/7 broadcasting of Animal Planet Live.

Ustream’s CEO Brad Hunstable will be moderating a panel at NAB “Re-inventing 24/7 Broadcast Media with Live Video Streaming Solutions” in South Hall Room S224 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. If you are there it will be a panel worth going to.

New Tek Lowers the Price of the TriCaster 450: Are They feeling the Heat

audio, Gear, Information, video, , , ,

NewTekNewTek has lowered the price for the TriCaster 455 by $6000, it is now $9995. The TriCaster 455 is described as “the affordable, integrated solution to produce your 4-camera, 14-channel, HD live show with maximum creative firepower—but with minimal proportions.”-(NewTek) Within the podcasting community the TriCaster was made famous when it was first used by Leo Laporte and TWIT. For the longest time if you were a podcaster and wanted to do your shows live, the TriCaster was the way to go. Now though there is a new player in the field, LiveStream which offers the LiveStream Broadcaster, and the Studio Family of Products. The Livestream Studio™ HD50 is $6,999 and the Livestream Studio™ HD500 is $8,500. Both which offer similar options that the TriCaster offers for a much lower prices.

If NewTek the maker of the TriCaster is feeling the pressure than this is good for the live video podcasting community. True competition is always good, it leads to lower prices and better products. If this means a new TriCaster is on the way, well that is even better, either way it is good news.  The TriCaster 455 is an excellent product and this offer is only good until June 27, 2013.  If you are thinking of buying a TriCaster this is the time.

Google Hangouts Live Opening to the Public

google, Information, Media, video, ,

One of the problems that Google Hangout has it is limited to 10 people and you can’t record or embed it on your Web site or YouTube. Over the next couple of weeks Google is going to open up Google Hangout Live, which was being tested by a limited number of users to the public in countries around the world. Now you can do a hangout and have any number of people watch it live. There is also an embed code so you can have people watch the videos live directly from your Web site or your YouTube account. This will allow people who aren’t part of Google + or even Google to watch the video live. The videos will also be recorded and upload to your YouTube channel and to your Google+ post. In order to start a hangout on air yourself you do have to agree to the terms of services. This will link your Google + account with your YouTube channel.

If you are on Google+ you can see what hangouts are live and you can watch by click on the Google Hangout symbol on the left. The top group are the hangouts that available to watch. It also has a list of hangouts that you can join and participate in. So far the ones I have started to watch have not had any commercials, the question is whether this will continue. If it does then this could be a big blow to sites like Justin TV and Ustream.

It will be interesting to see how this works as more and more people start using it. One problem I see already is that some Google Hangouts that are going live, may not be work place or family friendly. I am not sure how to solve this problem. Also although Google Hangouts Live has opened up around the world, it is still limited to a small group of countries and China is not one of them, although it is available in Hong Kong.

Mushroom Unveils Streamer PRO at NAB

NAB, video, , ,

Web-based video is growing at an almost daily pace, including live-streaming video from events of all kinds, such as sports, concerts, trade shows, and more.  Today at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas Mushroom Networks unveiled their latest offering for the live video market – the Streamer PRO.

“Streamer PRO delivers the ability to stream high-quality video from any location, to any content delivery network (CDN) using any digital video camera.”

The Streamer PRO utilizes both 3G and 4G connections in harmony within one streaming connection to handle the demands of live video streaming.  It comes with a built-in adaptive video encoder, so webcasters will only need their camera, and no longer be required to carry a separate encoder for content streaming.

The Streamer PRO is available today from www.mushroomnetworks.com.

NAB Coverage Sponsored by GoDaddy.com Save 25% on a 4gh Hosting Account Use Code NAB.

The Smallest Live-Streaming Video Solution Launches at CES

Information, video, ,

Contour announced a partnership with Japan-based Cerevo to unveil the world smallest and least expensive live-streaming video solution. Contour is a hands-free video camera maker and in 2011 they released the Contour+ and ContourROAM cameras.  The Contour+ works seamlessly with the Cerevo LiveShell for live streaming video solution.

The Contour+ weights only 5.3 oz and has a 170° wide angle lens. It delivers HD video up to 1080p at 25/30 fps or 720p at 50/60 fps. With the new Contour Connect App any iPhone and soon Android can be used to stop and start and recordings. Contours exclusive Bluetooth technology allows Contour Connect to turn the users cellphone into a wireless viewfinder, so the user can adjust shots in realtime. There are multiple mounts available allowing the camera to be attached to almost anything. What the Contour+ was missing was the ability to stream directly to the Internet.

Cerevo LiveShell

That is what Cerevo adds to the equation the Cerevo LiveShell. The Cerevo LiveShell attaches to the Contour+ by HDMI cable and then it can send out a live stream either by wired LAN or 802.11 b,g and n compatible wireless LAN. The Cerevo LiveShell can run for 2 hours on batteries. You can control the LiveShell thru a Web-based application on a smart phone or computer. The LiveShell has a maximum resolution of 480p. It is the first device that was given the “Ustream Compatible” seal of approval by Ustream. It does come with a power adapter allowing for 24/7 stable broadcasting. If you want to see an example, the Cerevo LiveShell is currently running in Akihabara, a section of Tokyo, Japan. The Cerevo LiveShell works not only with Contour products but a multiple number of video cameras, including cameras with analog inputs.

Contour began in 2003 when two University of Washington undergraduate students attempted unsuccessfully to film a ski run down a slope. The company now makes world-class hand-free video cameras, for the adventure and sport enthusiast in all of us. Cerevo is a Tokyo, Japan based company started in 2007 they specialize in live streaming. The Contour Connect is currently available in the iTunes store and should be coming to Android 2.2.1 and above in April. The app is free. The Cerevo LiveShell was launched in Japan in November 2011 and will be available through the Contour Web site starting February 1, 2012 for $299. The Contour+ is available now for $499.00. If you want to stream your adventures live to Ustream than you need to take a look at both the Contour+ and their new partner Cerevo LiveShell.