Streamalot: Streaming
Media Tips, Tricks, and Hints
Production
How do you digitize audio
and video?
To digitize audio and/or video you will need to install
a hardware or software encoder. Hardware Encoders are usally recommnded for use by more experienced users, so to keep things simple, the instructions here will be for using a software encoder.
Most basic software encoders are free and can be downloaded directly from Microsoft, ShoutCast, Real, and QuickTime. And most are very easy to use and simply digitize your content into
a compressed format.
How do I transfer the
original content to a computer to be encoded?
For this you will need to purchase and install a good quality sound card and/or video capture card (if doing video) on the computer that you will be using to edit and encode your content. This will allow you to transfer your audio and/or video content onto
your computer. Most media editing software allows you to import content from an external source dirctly into their program.
Note: The PC you chose to capture your content to should have a good amount of memory, a fast processor, and a large amount of free hard drive space in order to adequately handle the storage and editing needs your content may require.
What are some good programs
to edit my content?
There are many applications that can be used to manipulate/edit your media file. Sony sells a product called Sound Forge for editing audio that is very easy to use and very professional. They also sell a product for video editing called Vegas 6 that is again very good. Another great program for editing video is called Adobe
Premier Pro 2.
Is it possible to stream my content without having to save it into a file first?
Yes it is! Instead of capturing your content into an editing program, you instead would capture it using your encoder and stream it directly to your provider. This is called
a " Live Encode." This is the best method to use when your content itself is live and needs to be broadcast to your audience in real time.
How do I conduct and
setup a "Live Event"?
Streaming Live on the web is one of the more powerful aspects
of streaming media.
Here are the basics:
1. Plug your audio/video device/source into your sound or video capture card
on the back of your PC.
2. Adjust your desired settings in your encoder (source, bit rate, server information, etc.)
3. Make sure your source is feeding the content to your capture device, and then start your encoder/s.
4. Test your Audio levels through you Volume Control and/or
adjust video output from your source as necessary.
5. Test your stream by opening up a media player and connecting to your stream.
