Live stream hardware setup
The live stream setup that will work for your business depends on a variety of factors. The main factor revolves around the decision whether or not to make it a permanent installation at your business location (which would be the case for hybrid classes).
We've created resources in our Support Center on the best hardware to use:
When making hardware investments for hybrid classes, there's a few things to keep in mind.
Tip #1: You'll need space to set up a various pieces of equipment. For example, for each live stream room you want to set up, you'll need the following:
- Your laptop or a desktop computer
- Your webcam or camera to connect to your laptop/computer
- Your audio interface device
- Your microphone/headset
Tip #2: Plan out where your equipment will be placed so you can determine how long all of your cables should be.
Tip #3: To avoid downtime, invest in a spare audio interface, webcam, and microphone/headset. Also make sure you have extra cables available (in the correct lengths).
Tip #4: Run a speed test for your location at the times when your live stream classes will be taking place. If your speeds are too low, you may experience poor video or audio quality, and delays on the live stream. Make sure to reach out to your Internet Service Provider if you need to increase your available bandwidth.
Tip #5: A hidden cost to think about is needing additional lighting. If you notice the lighting in your live stream is too dark or too bright, you may want to add lighting to your space, change the type of bulbs you're using, or make other adjustments.
Tip #6: Install signs or even lights that indicate when you are live streaming. This will help other staff members and clients be aware of when a class is being live streamed.
Tip #7: Be aware of what the camera will be recording and what sounds the audio will pick up. You may want to use tape to outline what will be in and outside of the camera frame during a live stream (just make sure the tape is not visible). For example, you can check audio in the following ways:
- Can doors being open and shut be heard?
- Can conversions in different places in your business be overheard?
- How loud of a noise must be made in order to be heard on the live stream from twenty feet away or further?
It may be a good idea to map out where clients or staff will be overheard if they talk while a class is being live streamed.