Torn over hardware encoder - I don't wanna subscription - Joel W Smith

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Torn over hardware encoder - I don't wanna subscription

Clay

First, thank you for sharing your expertise. Your ability to communicate complex systems succinctly is without parallel.

So I'm currently in a holding pattern for the blackmagic design web presenter hd. However, after re-reading your live stream encoder reviews, I have to wonder if the $495 BMD (just announced) will cut the mustard. I would rather the church spend the money on a great encoder/streamer and avoid a steep subscription price. The Ray is fairly pricey given it still requires a subscription, and the VidiuX limits to one format (lowest common denominator Facebook) and only has HDMI inputs (I know I can convert but it seems like a step backwards). I would like to be able to stream to Facebook, Youtube and our website (the website or YouTube could go up later if limited to two streams). So two questions. 1. What am I compromising by going with the BMD Web presenter HD? 2. Is the smart money on a subscription plan with a good encoder OR a great encoder and no subscription plan?

Context: Livestream worship in a sanctuary. I'm a pastor who made the mistake of knowing just enough tech. Have been running budget livestream since COVID with soundboard to audio interface ZOOM u-24 , webcams, Sony 6600, cammlink etc. Am migrating to big leagues with Roland V-1 SDI, 2 PTZ optics, Sony 6600. After two wiggle outs on Sunday morning, I banished HDMI (not completely--just can't take communion).

joelwsmith

Clay

Hey Clay, thanks for reaching out and for the kind words!

As far as banishing HDMI, I don't blame you one bit. 🤣

When you break down the new Web Presenter HD and the VidiU X, they are essentially the same type of product. Both will only stream to one destination at a time. While the Web Presenter HD can technically stream to another destination when connected to a computer via USB, I don't consider that a main feature since it still requires a computer to handle the encoding.

Therefore, knowing that information...

You will still need some kind of subscription if you want to use one encoder (Web Presenter HD or VidiU X) and stream to multiple platforms like Facebook and YouTube simultaneously. You will have to stream to a platform that can simulcast your single stream out to each destination.

or...

You will need to purchase an encoder for every platform you want to stream to. And you will need a good internet upload bandwidth to handle the multiple simultaneous streams.

IMO, smart money is definitely in getting an encoder that can be used anywhere (BYOD). That is going to be the most versatile and reliable long-term solution.

Clay

Thank you. So glad I asked. We missed you could only stream to one platform at a time (duh us). The Teradex route seems the most feasible. Sharelink $25/month 50GB plan will cover us. Now as for Vidiu X versus Vidiu Go. With the X I would need to drop a SDI-HDMI micro converter (and also re-write the by-laws to allow up to 12 inches of HDMI to be used in worship). Adds two more connections and one more piece of hardware but is $800 cheaper. The Go (and the somewhat the X) seems tailored for people "Go" who will be shooting in different locations. I'm sure we could utilize the ability to go live from camp once a year, but I know for certain I will be using an encoder with ethernet 60 times a year in the church building. Am I tracking with you? Or is a BYOD smart money more along the lines of those shiny Pearls that keep catching my eye?

joelwsmith

Clay

The Web Presenter HD and the VidiU models are all stand-alone encoders that can be used on nearly any streaming platform, so they are part of the BYOD (BYOE if you want to call it Bring Your Own Encoder) I mentioned earlier.

So knowing that, keep in mind you can use those encoders to send your stream to all kinds of providers. You're not tied to Teradek's Sharelink service with the VidiUs, for example. You could use any of those encoders to send your stream to a platform like Castr.io, which has $10 and $15 monthly plans that will do all you need, and you're not really limited on bandwidth/upload with plans like that.

With a service like Sharelink or Castr, you will need to embed the YouTube Live player in your website. If you want a platform that offers its own embeddable player apart from YouTube and Facebook, then you need to look at more expensive subscriptions like Boxcast, Vimeo, Dacast, etc.

Clay

Alrighty. I'm off to the races! Thanks for your help. and for the tips on embedding Youtube live player. Vidiu X.

joelwsmith

Clay