How to Stream a Wedding Online?

[Robert Benda]

Hi, guys,

I'm trying to figure out the simplest, most efficient way to stream a wedding (or anything else) online (and a phone is not an option). I'll be using UStream, and the goal is to use the feed from the center, aisle camera, a Canon 5d Mark ii.

Any suggestions? So far, my only idea is:

I recently saw a HDMI wireless unit intended to be used with an remote monitor. Could I use that to go into a computer? There are a few laptops with HDMI 1.4 inputs. Otherwise, I suppose I'd need an intermediary device.

[Edward Carlson]

If you want to cut among the cameras and stream the final switched output to the interwebz, the Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio has a built-in encoder. I know that it works with Livestream, I'm not sure about UStream. You will need an operator for the switcher, and a computer to actually do the streaming itself. The computer doesn't have to encode anything, so something like a Mac Mini or laptop could do it. Make sure you get a wired network drop at the venue, wireless is not fast enough or reliable enough.

[Robert Benda]

Thank you, though I do not want to intercut cameras. We've been asked about streaming weddings a few times, and I think a single camera feed, as long as it's well done (rear center aisle for instance) will do.

I just have to find the best, simple way to do it. I'm not having any luck with Google searches other than webcams which, no thank you.

[Edward Carlson]

Blackmagic has you covered for one camera, too. The Intensity Extreme will let you input an HDMI source to your computer via Thunderbolt. Ustream officially supports it according to their FAQ.

[Dave Partington]

Look at Teradek for a decent HDMI transmitter / receiver in to an Black Magic Intensity Shuttle (or extreme) for capture to a laptop.

There are cheaper models around - but this page will give you a start. It's not cheap to do what you're looking for but running cables may not be practical at a wedding and cheap domestic HDMI transmitters are mostly junk and won't work once you're in a live environment.

http://www.teradek.com/pages/cube

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/products/intensity

Of course you realise you can't get a clean HDMI from a 5D2 right? And it will only be 480p once the camera is recording and not HD.

[Robert Benda]

Streaming 480p will probably be preferable. I'll be in a lot of places where I'll have to use a 4G hotspot or, at best, wifi, to stream.

Considering my level of service, I may wait for more reviews of this new HDMI transmitter, a new $275 unit that Joe Simon checked out.
At $275, Is This the Cheapest Universal Wireless HDMI Monitoring System Ever? No Film School

Though I often won't even need the transmitter. Many locations, our rear camera is actually all the way in back, where it would be just as easy to plug it straight into a discreetly placed laptop.

The Intensity Shuttle from Blackmagic looks like what I need to capture my signal to the laptop. Thank you.

[John Knight]

Just bought this to livestream a conference. Worked a treat!

LiveShell PRO, LiveShell official page