Live Telecast is the broadcasting of different events or functions at various locations without any delay in the telecast. The most commonly known live telecast or live transmission is the live TV news program.
Basics of Live Telecast
Live telecast is mainly done for events or programs that need to be immediately telecasted or transmitted over media. In olden days, Radio and TV were the most effectively used media for live transmission. Live news transmission over a Radio or TV was once the most heard or watched programs, because they were the only ways of media communication, unlike today. Now, there are many more ways for live transmission, thanks to the high-speed broadband internet.
Live telecast can be done even in the most basic form, i.e.over a mobile device. People who want to live telecast needs some basic understanding of what a live telecasting or live streaming is. There is a lot of difference between every camera, encoder and streaming platform. Even though these User interfaces may vary, the basics of live telecasting remain the same.
The following are the basic things needed for a live telecast:
- Video and audio source
- Video encoder
- Telecasting destination
- Internet connection
Video and Audio source
Live telecast needs one or more video and audio sources. A video source is generally a stream of video datausing which the video telecast is done. A simple telecastusually consists of one video and one audio source only. Whereas a more complex live telecast consists of more than one audio and video sources.Scenes or layouts are produced as a result of audio and video put together.
Few of the video sources are:
- DSLR camera
- A webcam
- A computer screen
- Camcorder
- Mobile or Tablet camera
Few of the audio sources are:
- Handheld devices
- USB microphone
- Audio files
- A lapel
Video Encoder
Live telecast needs an “Encoder” that is used to translate the video signal for the internet. An Encoder software needs to be installed for the same.
Live telecast involves many types of encoding devices like:
Mobile phone or Tablet
A Computer with a telecasting/streaming software
Dedicated hardware encoder
Live telecast over a mobile device or tablet has extremely limited live production capabilities. Hence a live telecast company does not rely on mobile devices for the same.
Let us see the encoding tools that can handle more professional live telecasts, that can add multiple cameras and layouts.
Software encoders
Live telecast requires a software encoder application to be installed that can neatly pack up the live telecasted videos and send them online for live telecast.A lot of paid and free streaming or telecasting software are available. Some of them are: Wirecast, Streamlabs OBS, OBS Studio, vMix, etc.
Hardware encoders
Live telecast involves a hardware encoder or a streaming hardware which is a device that handles all the encoding. The video and audio sources are directly plugged to the hardware encoder. Few examples of hardware encoder are: LiveU encoder and Teradek VidiU. Using a hardware encoder is more reliable and convenient than a computer with a streaming software.
Telecasting Destination
Live telecast needs a proper platform or online website for making the live video available for everyone to watch. Such destinations are called as Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
CDNs are offered for free online. Few of the CDNs include:
*Facebook Live
*YouTube
*Periscope
*Twitch
Paid CDNs are also available. Few of the paid CDNs are: StreamShark, Dacast, Livestream Vimeo
Internet Connection
Live telecast mainly needs an internet connection in order to deliver the streamed videos and audios online for people to watch. A simple broadband connection would suffice for a live telecast. We can also go in for a Wi-Fi or cellular internet. These internet connections have quite bad signals at times, so they are not fully reliable. The recommendation for a proper uninterrupted live telecast is that on should have approximately 1.5 times the stream’s bitrate.
Stages of a live telecast
Live Telecast or live streaming consists of the following stages:
- Connecting the audio and video sources to the encoder – The first step in a live telecast is connecting the audio and video sources to the hardware encoder.Live telecasters should make sure that every device has power backup. An AC power is best for devices like camera rather than battery power.
- Configuring the encoder – Configuring the telecasting or streaming settings like checking the resolution, frame rate and bit rate is very important.
- ·The live telecasters should put together the CDN. Then they need to fill up the telecast description, privacy details, etc.
- Find and Copy the URL and stream name from the CDN and paste it in the encoder.
- Click “Start Streaming” on the encoder and go live.
Live telecast involves a lot of preparatory work. Telecasters should check whether they’re equipped with extra batteries, they should check the internet connection and check if the sounds are proper.