Originally Posted by: mikekay 
I have been tasked with creating a streaming solution that can be sent to clients so that we can maintain high production audio and video quality. This would have to be an easy turnkey solution. I imagine a setup where everything is pre-connected and it comes out of a flight case - gets plugged in - connected to the internet - where I then use remote access and run the computer....this way I can see the stream, get the client to adjust lighting, camera placement, and test audio before going live.....Here are my questions:
A PTZ camera. They now come NDI capable - is this or USB based best?
Instead of a PTZ, is there such a thing as a IP gimbal....
We would stream these clients to our studio where the actual broadcast will take place. I can imagine a bunch of ways to do this. What would YOU do?
Budget of course is always a concern - but they are asking me to build it.....
Any ideas appreciated.
I'd triage the most important things:
-Great Audio
-Properly framed video
-Lighting
-Camera
Now what will each of those need?
-Great Audio
*some kind of microphone attached to the talent. A lapel mic is probably the best bet here, and wired. No batteries to fail on a wired mic, and simple enough for them to clip on.
*send this to a Zoom handy recorder that can act as a digital audio input when plugged into the computer.
*How will the guest hear? Including in-air headphones that multiple people use is nasty. Would have to send a new pair to each client and have them keep them for future use. They can plug into the Zoom handy recorder and have that be their monitor for everything.
-Properly framed video
*Must be on a tripod. There are many small and portable tripods are widely avaialble, I use the Benro Angel aluminum tripod when traveling.
*local or remote control of the tripod head? I recommend local to the client and you would talk them through the framing. A geared tripod head makes this really easy to get it level and straight. Can leave the baseplate on the camera so they don't have to use any tools.
-Lighting
*SMALL LED PANEL LIGHTS!!! Easy to plug in. Include no more than three: one for the key light, one for a hairlight or rimlight, and one to light the background.
*Each one will need its own tripod... get the cheapest one's you can find for light stands.
-Camera
*I highly recommend the ZCam E2C. Can be completely used with one ethernet cable, providing PoE, data, and control of settings through the computer. Zcam has software that turns the video feed from the camera into an NDI source and it works great. Plus the camera is small and compact. Couple this with a 24mm MFT cine lens (rokinon has low cost options) and you'll have an outstanding looking image!
*Also very easy to include an elgato hdmi converter and just use an hdmi cable from the camera to the device. Less headache than having the user go through another software program!
You'll need a computer to run their end, just use a laptop that has some decent capabilities, can probably get away with an $800 unit.
You will have to have everything completely set up to just turn on and open vMix. Might have to talk the guest through a few things but since they will be receivng the gear in the mail well in advance of the show, you'll have plenty of time to talk them through the setup.
I think all this could easily fit inside a medium sized pelican storm case with the pluck n pull foam.
Matter of fact, if you like how this sounds then message me and I can help you come up with an actual parts list and help you test it/set it up.
Lemme know!
