Introducing SlingStudio: The new bar in professional-grade multi-camera production and live video broadcasting

· Industry’s first affordable, wireless, portable multi-camera video production system allows users to record, switch, edit and broadcast high-definition content in real time

· Broadcasts live video to streaming platforms like Facebook Live and YouTube

· Post-production streamlined with single recording destination and timeline-aligned recordings; importable to Adobe Premiere Pro CC using free SlingStudio plug-in

· Wirelessly connect any HDMI-enabled camera to SlingStudio with CameraLink; smartphones connect wirelessly via Capture app for iOS and Android

· Effortlessly switch, edit and manage production with iPad Console app, eliminating the need for additional software or costly dedicated switchers

· Available May 2017 at B&H Photo Video and MySlingStudio.com with pricing starting at $999

SlingStudio LogoLAS VEGAS, April 24, 2017 – Sling Media L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corp., delivered a new standard in multi-camera and live video production with the introduction of its groundbreaking SlingStudioTM system. Starting at $999, SlingStudio is the industry’s first affordable, wireless, portable multi-camera production solution that lets users of all skill levels record, monitor and edit four HD video inputs from up to 10 connected cameras and smartphones. SlingStudio can output live video to streaming services like Facebook Live and YouTube, and simultaneously record to a USB hard drive, USB SSD or SD card for post-production.

SlingStudio 1“Existing multi-camera video platforms run upwards of $5,000 at a market entry point. Where Facebook and YouTube have democratized live streaming, SlingStudio is democratizing the gear that directors need to make those streams great,” said Vivek Khemka, DISH chief technology officer. “With its accessible price and easy-to-use apps, SlingStudio changes how content creators can think about producing video.”

The SlingStudio system requires the SlingStudio hub and free Console app for iPad. Optional accessories include a Battery, USB-C Expander and CameraLink. The CameraLink wireless adapter plugs into any HDMI-enabled DSLR or video camera to wirelessly transmit 1080p60 video to SlingStudio.

“We consider SlingStudio a high-production, low-cost concept,” said Khemka. “It’s powerful and flexible enough to allow directors to knit together professional-quality video with the equipment they already have on hand – from high-end cameras to audio gear to smartphones.”


Download the SlingStudio spec sheet .PDF
Place an order for SlingStudio (US$ 999) at B&H Photo Video.

How SlingStudio Works

From setup to the shoot to post-production, SlingStudio simplifies all aspects of multi-camera video. Learn more about how SlingStudio works:

Setup: Capture video from different angles by wirelessly connecting up to 10 video sources (DSLR cameras, video cameras, smartphones, personal computers, etc.) to a single SlingStudio using its private, video-grade Wi-Fi network; Internet connectivity is not required. Elimination of cables dramatically reduces setup time, and allows for cameras to be placed anywhere (within 300 feet of the SlingStudio hub) and easily moved.

SlingStudio Product Map

SlingStudio 3HDMI-enabled DSLR and video cameras connect via SlingStudio’s CameraLink wireless adapter (sold separately) or to SlingStudio’s HDMI input port. Smartphones using iOS and Android operating systems directly connect to SlingStudio wirelessly using the Capture app available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play; no CameraLink needed.

Production: The iPad Console app (available for free download in the Apple App Store) is required to manage video production with SlingStudio. It allows directors to monitor and create live-to-tape video from up to four (out of a maximum of 10 connected) input sources simultaneously, and drag and drop video into a composition window. Here directors can create dynamic video compositions like picture-in-picture, split and quad views; edit in popular transitions like cut, dissolve and wipe; add text overlays and lower thirds; and mix audio. All of this can be done in real time as live video is streamed to platforms like Facebook Live or YouTube, and simultaneously recorded to a USB hard drive, USB SSD or SD card for post-production. External audio sources, audio mixers and output monitors can also connect to SlingStudio for advanced production needs.

SlingStudio iPad Console app 2

Post-production: Individual recordings from each camera feed, plus the live-switched video and audio line-in, are saved in a single storage location, eliminating the need to wrangle and import multiple storage drives from each camera. With just a couple clicks of the mouse, the entire project file can then be easily imported into editing applications like Adobe® Premiere® Pro CC and others.

The SlingStudio integration for Adobe Premiere Pro further simplifies and speeds up post-production. Adobe Premiere Pro users who download the SlingStudio extension can import all recordings into a project timeline with all clips and editing decisions preserved and aligned. This includes the video from each source camera, as well as the live-switched program and quad-view feeds.

“Connected workflows allow editors and filmmakers to work more efficiently and focus on the creative,” said Sue Skidmore, head of partner relations for professional video at Adobe. “The SlingStudio integration with Adobe Premiere Pro offers an exciting new option for connecting production and post-production into one seamless experience.”

Accessories

SlingStudio CameraLink 2CameraLink for $349: CameraLink plugs into the HDMI port available on most DSLR and video cameras to create a wireless connection up to 300 feet from the SlingStudio hub. Its internal battery provides up to two hours of power. See supported cameras and devices at MySlingStudio.com/compatibility).

Video Encoding:
1080p60 up to 30 Mbps
1080p30 up to 16 Mbps
720p60 up to 16 Mbps
720p30 up to 4 Mbps

1 x HDMI Type D connector supporting 1080p60, 1080i60, 1080p30, 720p60, and 720p30 video inputs.
2-channel HDMI embedded audio (48 KHz, 44.1 KHz, 36 KHz, 16-bit) H.264 High Profile 4:2:0

Download the CameraLink spec sheet .PDF
Place an order for the SlingStudio CameraLink ($349) at B&H Photo Video.

SlingStudio Battery 1Battery for $149: The SlingStudio Battery provides up to three hours of power for portability.

Lithium-ion 11.1 V, 7350 mAH battery with 4 hours charging time (via power supply included with SlingStudio).

Operating temperature: 32ºF to 95ºF (0º to 35ºC).
Weight: 1.34 lbs (610 g).

Download the SlingStudio Battery spec sheet .PDF
Place an order for the SlingStudio Battery ($149) at B&H Photo Video.

SlingStudio USB-C Expander 1USB-C Expander for $49: The USB-C Expander supports wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for live broadcasting, and connects to USB 3.0 hard drives or SSDs for recording content. Seagate is SlingStudio’s preferred storage supplier.

2 x USB 3.0 Type A Female and 1 x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port

Download the USB-C Expander spec sheet .PDF
Place an order for the SlingStudio USB-C Expander at B&H Photo Video.

Availability

SlingStudio starts at $999 and will be available in May at B&H Photo Video, the leading retail source for videographers, or directly from Sling Media. The SlingStudio system enters the market at a significantly lower price point than existing multi-camera video platforms that cost thousands of dollars and often require additional expenses related to compatible equipment and product training.

Tech Specs
  • Portable and compact: 1.43 lbs, (H) 7.87” x (W) 5.59” x (D) 3.54” and tripod mountable.
  • Wireless: 5 Ghz 802.11ac, 4×4 MIMO, specially tuned video-grade Hotspot to connect to different video sources; dual-band 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz 802.11ac client mode to connect to Internet for live streaming.
  • 1080p HD multi-camera recorder: Up to six simultaneous recordings. Includes four video inputs, live-switched program and quad-view of input, plus a separate audio line-in input recording.
  • Multi-camera live monitor and switcher: Monitor up to four video sources and switch between 10 different video sources using the Console app for iPad.
  • Professional grade video: High-definition resolutions up to 1080p60 at 30Mbps (using H.264 encoding) with the ability to effortlessly synchronize audio and video.
  • Live broadcasting: Simultaneous recording and live broadcasting of program output. Max bit rate for live streaming is 8 Mbps (input source bit rates up to 30 Mbps). Supported platforms currently include Facebook Live and YouTube. Support for other content-sharing websites is coming soon.
  • Ports: USB-C, HDMI video input, HDMI video output, audio line-in.
  • Storage: Storage via SD or USB-C drives. Optional USB-C Expander available to connect USB 3.0 drives.
  • Device compatibility: SlingStudio hub compatible with iOS and Android smartphones via the Capture app, and HDMI-enabled DSLR and video cameras connected to a CameraLink or via the direct HDMI input. An Apple iPad is required to operate the Console app. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit www.MySlingStudio.com/compatibility.
Product Video and Application Photos

Editing SlingStudio video with Adobe Premiere Pro

SlingStudio at basketball game 1

SlingStudio at basketball game 2

SlingStudio at concert 2

SlingStudio at concert 3

SlingStudio at wedding 2

SlingStudio on scene with news crew

For more information, or to sign up for news alerts, visit www.MySlingStudio.com.

About Sling Media

Sling Media empowers video producers and consumers with its video capture, compression and delivery technologies. A wholly owned subsidiary of DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH), Sling Media L.L.C. is behind the groundbreaking SlingStudio multi-camera production system that changes how directors, of all skill levels, can think about creating and sharing professional-grade video content. Affordable and portable, SlingStudio makes it simple to wirelessly connect multiple cameras to record, monitor, edit and broadcast HD video in real time. Since 2004, Sling Media has been a leading provider of multiscreen smart TV solutions embraced by both consumers and television service providers. Visit www.MySlingStudio.com and www.Slingbox.com.

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About The Author

After completing my degree in Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas, I managed a video production studio "back in the tape days" while waiting for the digital video revolution to arrive and for the internet to become mainstream. Things started to get interesting in November of 1997 when I launched The XL1 Watchdog, my first web site dedicated to digital video technology. In January of 2001, that site morphed into DV Info Net — the Digital Video Information Network. More than fifteen years later, the longevity of DV Info Net is exceeded now only by its popularity and reputation as one of the leading technology information resources in the broadcast and professional video markets.

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