logo

Live Production Software Forums


Welcome Guest! To enable all features please Login or Register.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
crooker  
#1 Posted : Sunday, April 20, 2014 12:51:50 AM(UTC)
crooker

Rank:: Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/19/2014(UTC)
Posts: 18
Location: Medicine Hat, AB, Canada

Thanks: 1 times
Hey folks...

I'm a complete Noob, so please bear with me, and I hope that my question(s) will spark a constructive discussion.

I'm looking to build a multi-purpose portable live HD streaming rig with 3 cameras. Because our startup costs needs to stay low, I'm looking at building with consumer (HDMI) cameras for now, and moving up to more professional cameras if I can make some money renting the rig.

I've been doing a LOT of research and almost went with the Newtek Tricaster40, but decided that trying to future-proof an all analog device might bite me in the butt down the road. I've also looked at many software solutions (VidBlaster, Wirecast, VMix) and decided that VMix Pro was the way I wanted to go.

Note, I haven't decided on a streaming service. Any recommendations? Price is a consideration, and the ability to embed the live feed on any site.


On Paper my proposed setup looks like this:

Intel core i7 processor
16 Gigs ram
1 128 Gigabyte SSD for system drive
1 1TB SSD for recording (Is this necessary? Or am I fine with a 7200RPM drive?)
1 Blackmagic Decklink Quad

Audio -
Behringer X32 digital audio board
Various and sundry mics, cables, and other fun stuff.


Now, for cameras, I wanted to start out fairly inexpensive by getting a decent quality consumer rated camera like the Canon VIXIA G20. It has HDMI out, which always concerns me, both from a connector stand-point (no locking) and from a cable length standpoint. I want to maximize cable length so I can maximize the types of broadcasts I can do.

Because the Decklink Quad is HD-SDI, I'm going to have to convert the HDMI output of the camera to HD-SDI into the VMix unit. The benefit of this is, the HD-SDI can survive MUCH longer cable runs than standard HDMI.

If I was to convert the HDMI to SDI at the tripod with a Blackmagic HDMI to SDI Mini Converter, will I be able to run that signal acceptably over 100' SDI cable? 200'? (Honestly, I probably wouldn't need more than 100', at least for now)

I'm sure any replies to this will generate 100 more questions, but it's a start.

Thanks, guys! I'm looking forward to getting my feet wet with VMix
Rehan  
#2 Posted : Monday, April 21, 2014 6:49:44 AM(UTC)
Rehan

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/29/2013(UTC)
Posts: 54
Location: Mississauga, Canada

Thanks: 10 times
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
crooker wrote:
Note, I haven't decided on a streaming service. Any recommendations? Price is a consideration, and the ability to embed the live feed on any site.

Take a look at http://www.scaleengine.com ... At $0.09/GB (with a $25/month minimum), the price is excellent. It works well on most devices, and it's easy to embed using HTML.

Quote:
If I was to convert the HDMI to SDI at the tripod with a Blackmagic HDMI to SDI Mini Converter, will I be able to run that signal acceptably over 100' SDI cable? 200'? (Honestly, I probably wouldn't need more than 100', at least for now)

With good quality coax cable, you should be fine over 200 feet. I'm using some non-Blackmagic converters (Chinese brand, from eBay) for signal distribution to TVs throughout our building, and they've been working quite well.

What I do for recording is to output via HDMI and then record with an AVerMedia Live Gamer Pro. It helps reduce the load on the PC, and the operation of the LGP is very simple. It works well for our needs, where recording sessions are usually less than 1 hour...it may not be ideal for other folks, depending on the situation.
Maximus  
#3 Posted : Monday, April 21, 2014 9:56:20 AM(UTC)
Maximus

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/25/2012(UTC)
Posts: 178
Location: Barbados

Thanks: 2 times
Was thanked: 24 time(s) in 24 post(s)
Hi Crooker,

The Beringer X32 is a great Audio Board and I can second scaleegine.com as a streaming service. Like Rehan says, with good Digital cable you can get at least 200ft. I use Blackmagic HDMI to SDI converters when I need to.

You may want to consider SSD's in raid 0 for recording and large 7200rpm drive for Storage.

Good luck with your new system.

Maxi
crooker  
#4 Posted : Monday, April 21, 2014 2:59:26 PM(UTC)
crooker

Rank:: Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/19/2014(UTC)
Posts: 18
Location: Medicine Hat, AB, Canada

Thanks: 1 times
Rehan wrote:

Take a look at http://www.scaleengine.com ... At $0.09/GB (with a $25/month minimum), the price is excellent. It works well on most devices, and it's easy to embed using HTML.


Wow. Just looked into Scaleengine. Looks great! I like it because it ain't pretty, but it works like a hot damn. (kinda like me... ;)

r@wisla  
#5 Posted : Tuesday, April 22, 2014 3:38:20 AM(UTC)
r@wisla

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/5/2013(UTC)
Posts: 280
Man
Location: Poland

Thanks: 29 times
Was thanked: 40 time(s) in 37 post(s)
Hi crooker,

Firstly, take look at: http://www.vmix.com.au/supported-hardware.aspx

You forgot about graphic card. Choose a good one from nVidia.

Think about:
1. Different capture card. Not only Blackmagic Decklink Quad is recommended (look http://forums.vmix.com.a....aspx?g=posts&t=2124 or http://forums.vmix.com.a....aspx?g=posts&t=2111 )
2. Different HDMI->SDI converter. I use Atomos Connect H2S and don't need to worry about powering it up - it has a built in battery + additional Sony battery. It works for more than 5 hours.

Had no problems with HD signal on good 100-meter cable.
Damn2Good4U  
#6 Posted : Tuesday, April 22, 2014 7:43:57 PM(UTC)
Damn2Good4U

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/26/2013(UTC)
Posts: 373
Man
Location: London

Thanks: 41 times
Was thanked: 37 time(s) in 36 post(s)
crooker wrote:
Rehan wrote:

Take a look at http://www.scaleengine.com ... At $0.09/GB (with a $25/month minimum), the price is excellent. It works well on most devices, and it's easy to embed using HTML.


Wow. Just looked into Scaleengine. Looks great! I like it because it ain't pretty, but it works like a hot damn. (kinda like me... ;)


Check out http://inacdn.com they are very good...
Users browsing this topic
Guest
Forum Jump  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.