Live streaming on the go. It’s one thing to go live with a professional setup from the comfort of a studio or home, but attempting to livestream while out and about is a completely different ball game. Unless you can take a studio truck with you when you stream, you’ll lose all the convenience of a strong Internet connection and backup equipment. Luckily, these days, there are things that can be done to optimize and get the most out of the small devices you carry with you. Where outdoor streaming was once limited to large corporations hosting large events, it has become more accessible in recent years. Live streaming technology is constantly evolving, allowing anyone with a good camera and a mobile hotspot connection to share an effective and reliable stream while out and about.
Table of Contents
Outdoor Streaming Devices
- Video camera
- Microphone and audio equipment
- Encoding software and a laptop e.g. wirecast, vidblaster, OBS
- A cloud-based and secure video streaming platform (like Zidivo!)
- Reliable internet connection ready to handle the demand of your broadcast
Network Connection and Speed
One of the most important issues involved in broadcasting outside is the Internet. Indoors, you can position yourself right next to your Internet router or, even better, take advantage of a reliable Ethernet connection to share the stream. When outside the options are much more limited. Depending on where the business or individual plans to stream from, they will have to compete in potentially saturated bandwidth. Highly populated or urban areas can be a nightmare for outdoor transmissions, as there may be thousands of other people simultaneously trying to gain a cellular connection. For this reason, professional live streams cannot rely on cellular networks for a reliable and secure connection. Fortunately, there are several ways for broadcasters to acquire a connection that is reliable enough for live streaming.
Streaming Apps and Content
For live-streaming an event in an outdoor setting, live-streaming providers will use a mobile-on-camera hardware encoder. These devices typically use an H.264 encoder to compress your video footage in real-time. Some cellular bonding devices can use your CDN directly without the need for another server. These devices can also be configured in real-time to deliver video bytes directly to your production facility. To provide an Internet connection to a mobile on-camera encoder, you can purchase several physical USB dongles and plug them into the encoder with a working cellular bonding connection.
On-camera hardware encoders that include cellular bonding require an external USB modem from cellular providers. You purchase this outdoor streaming device separately and then plug it into your encoder to provide reliable Internet connectivity. In general, you will want to purchase a USB modem from each of the major cellular providers in your area. This will help you avoid dead spots. Plus, you’ll need a data plan for each. Often, this involves getting at least 4 data plan subscriptions. However, up to 8 is sometimes required for the highest quality broadcast.
Security and Privacy
The security measures you use to protect the privacy of your live stream will be established through your live streaming platform and, possibly, your website portal. For example, you can use login protection with domain restrictions to secure your private live stream. You can create a membership login through your website portal (Squarespace, Ghost, WordPress, etc.) or use SproutVideo to easily create a hosted video website.
Then, through your live streaming platform, use domain restriction and limit access to your website URL. The live stream will only be able to load and play on your website. Both of these security measures combined ensure that only people with login credentials can access the live stream, and it protects the embedded code by preventing the live stream from running outside of your website.
Conclusion
Outdoor live streaming can be challenging if you haven’t take care of these points that mentioned above. As we mentioned above, outdoor live-streaming events are some of the most exciting and important to cover. Fortunately, the technology for outdoor live streaming has come a long way in recent years. The tips we’ve included in this article will hopefully allow you to stream on the go with minimal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ans: Outdoor streaming refers to the process of capturing and broadcasting live or recorded content from outdoor locations. It can involve various activities such as events, sports, or simply sharing outdoor experiences. Unlike traditional streaming that often takes place indoors, outdoor streaming leverages portable equipment to bring the audience closer to nature and real-world events.
Ans: To engage in outdoor streaming, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment. These include a high-quality camera or smartphone, a stable internet connection, a microphone for clear audio, and a reliable streaming platform. Additionally, consider items like a tripod for stability, extra batteries for extended use, and appropriate weather-resistant gear to protect your equipment outdoors.
Ans: Yes, you can stream live outdoor events using a mobile device. Many smartphones today come equipped with high-resolution cameras and sufficient processing power to handle live streaming. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, choose a reliable streaming platform or app, and consider using external microphones or accessories for improved audio quality.
Ans: Yes, there are legal considerations for outdoor streaming. Ensure you have the right to broadcast any copyrighted material, and be aware of privacy laws when capturing people or private property in your stream. Additionally, some outdoor locations may require permits for commercial streaming. It’s crucial to research and adhere to local laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues during your outdoor streaming activities.
Ans:Outdoor streaming can pose challenges, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. Rain, wind, and extreme temperatures may impact equipment performance. To mitigate these challenges, invest in weather-resistant gear, use protective covers for your equipment, and plan for alternative locations or dates in case of adverse weather. Always monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to adapt accordingly.
