The Windows Media Encoder can be downloaded here. Flash Media Live Encoder 3 is located here. If you are looking for an encoder to do both formats at once and also switch between sources and add titles/graphics to your live stream check out Wirecast. Download a 30-day trial here.
System requirements are fairly standard; we always suggest building the best box you can. Here are some guidelines:
3.2Ghz Pentium 4 or dual core processor or better
Windows XP Pro, Vista or 7.
1GB RAM or better
Available FireWire and/or USB ports
If using one camera, we recommend a Sony HandyCam or similar models from other vendors with USB or FireWire outputs connected directly to the PC. The camcorder can be your video & audio source if that is sufficient for the program content.
If you are using a video switcher, the output of that device and your sound mixer should connect to video capture device, such as the Canopus ADVC-110 or 300 or an internal capture card, such as the Osprey-210.
If you are looking for a great all-in-one solution, check out the TriCaster!
If you are doing audio only, check out these equipment packages.
If you are starting an online radio station, SAM Broadcaster is very easy to use and works perfectly with our streaming network.
You will need to send one stream to our streaming network entry point for each bitrate you wish to offer you program in. You need to ensure that the upload speed of your available Internet connection can handle the sum of these streams plus 20-20% overhead.
For example, if you are sending us a 56k and 300k stream, you would need at least 425k upload speed.
You can test your connections upload speed at this page.
Try a test near your location and one as far away as possible to get a good average.
Please remember to account for other users that may be sharing your connection at the time of the webcast. The more bandwidth you make available the better chance you will have for a stable, un-interrupted program for your viewers.
If you are unable to secure a reliable hard wired Internet connection, you may want to consider bonded cellular wireless connectivity. The Portabella BBNA from Mushroom Networks will allow you to combine up to 5 USB based cellular wireless data cards as well as 2 Ethernet based WAN ports for wired connections. This device can offer faster and more reliable streaming than using just one of either type of connection.
If you need high speed service on-site, we recommend Speakeasy. We use them for our Internet connection in our studios and have been very happy for the past 10 years with their SDSL and bonded T-1 services.
Check for availability at your venue.
If possible, we should test the setup a day or so in advance.
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