With the increasing rise of online celebrities and influencers, the digital world has gotten a lot more interesting. It is no more only about posting pictures and videos, doing challenges and writing articles. Read on this article “Streaming Set Up: 10 Best Live Streaming Equipment for Beginner in Malaysia” now to find out more about the latest and largest way of having an online presence.
What is live streaming?
First of all, let’s learn what streaming is. Streaming media is a data transmission method that people use when watching videos on the Internet. It is a way to transfer video files point by point, usually from a remote storage location. By streaming a few seconds of files at a time on the Internet, the client device does not have to download the entire video before it starts playing.
Live streaming, on the other hand, refers to any video that is sent over the Internet instantly instead of being recorded and saved. This option of streaming is available for any social network content, video game streaming and even TV broadcasts.
What are some types of live streaming platforms?
Live streaming can be done on various free and paid platforms. Here are some of the platforms for you to consider.
- Social streaming – This is the platform that is very commonly used by everyone now on social media. When your favourite influencers and celebrities want to ‘go live’, they use social media as their platforms. It is free, high engagement and they already have thousands and millions of followers there. Examples of social streaming include Instagram Live, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, etc. Even LinkedIn followed suit and launched live streaming for the professional platform.
- Vimeo – This is another platform that is a well-designed online video streaming service that lets users submit and advertise their videos with a lot of flexibility. It features a variety of video solutions to assist organisations to get what they need, regardless of their strategy or infrastructure. They provide additional protection and unique features that cater to the demands of medium and large companies.
- Panopto – This platform is a software firm that specialises in lecture recording, screen-casting, video streaming, and video content management tools for e-learning environments. It is well-known for being a leader in managing any video content. Some firms utilise it as a video CMS, however hire a separate service for stable live streaming, which isn’t the best choice for growing small enterprises. However, it is still a popular streaming option.
- Qumu – This live streaming platform is an enterprise video platform that allows businesses to create, manage, protect, distribute, and track the success of a live and on-demand video. Executive webcasts, virtual events, staff collaboration, and training are all common use cases for the company’s solutions. It is best known for providing a single CMS that can handle both on-demand and live streaming. While its technology is advanced, it is limited to internal communications applications.
- Brightcove – This platform runs on the cloud. It is a video publishing and distribution platform used by media companies, enterprises, and organisations all around the world. Its business strategy focuses on three main areas: enterprise communications, marketing, and monetization. Its business solutions include live streaming, branded video galleries, and other features.
Why do people live stream?
Lots and lots of people are turning to live stream now and then. Not only celebrities but also normal people like our friends and acquaintances. Here are some reasons why people do live streaming.
- Use of a wide range of content – You have the freedom to use a range of video and multimedia formats, such as photos, text, and live chat. You may also turn your live streams into on-demand entertainment by repurposing them. This allows you to increase the number of people who see your video.
- Increase your brand’s or individual’s reach – Platforms will favour live content. This is one of the reasons why through live streaming, you can achieve more individual reach. For example, when you use Facebook Live, your followers will most likely see it in their news feed as compared to you sharing a picture or a video on demand. You may produce more leads for your business or gain more followers for your brand by increasing your exposure.
- A rapidly expanding industry – One of the fastest-growing sectors is online streaming. Aside from websites dedicated to live streaming, most social media sites now support live video. For example, Instagram Live, YouTube Live, Music.ly Live and many more. As of now, anyone with internet and digital devices are able to watch and create live streams.
- A reimagined Live TV – Live TV had such a big impact because it provided viewers with up-to-date, informative, and accessible content. Thanks to the Internet plus video industry, audience can watch whatever they want, whenever they want to. Online streaming provides limitless content that can be accessed for free on any smartphones. It is more flexible than watching TV as they can watch on their phones and, on most occasions, afterwards watch the live video recording.
- The human touch in live streaming – Live broadcasting enables true connection, which builds a bond with viewers. A human aspect is added to a live stream by the fact that it is genuinely live. When speakers make an error, stumble, or giggle over something, viewers recognise the genuineness and empathise with them. Any content developer must be able to relate to their audience. Viewers recognise honesty and empathise with speakers when they make an error, stumble, or giggle about something.
What’s the best live streaming equipment checklist of essentials in Malaysia?
For all the first-timers in live streaming, here are some best streaming equipment you would need to start with!
High-Quality Cameras
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This high-quality webcam is able to transmit 720p video at 60 frames per second. This camera is ideal for gamers and who wish to broadcast their gameplay live on any live streaming site and normal people too. It also comes with a light ring that gives the best lighting for streaming. It’s also quite simple to set it up. Simply connect it to your computer and you’re ready to live stream to your viewers!
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In a dark environment, this webcam can clearly stream videos without losing any detail. It accomplishes this with its ‘Automatic Low Light Correction’ feature, which adjusts your video to fit the dim lighting, automatically. It’s also perfect for live streaming because you can switch your background seamlessly while live streaming. You can effortlessly combine live pictures from your game while broadcasting and interacting with your audience.
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With ClearFrame image-processing technology, this Lifecam is a full-featured webcam. Smooth, detailed video and crystal-clear audio are provided. It can take full high-definition (HD) quality video up to 30 frames per second thanks to its 720p sensor. This video equipment provides HD video and good sound, which you could share with friends and family on social networking sites.
Microphones
This is another one of the most necessary equipment when it comes to live streaming set up. For live streaming, you’ll need a good microphone because the audio quality is crucial. The good news is that even the greatest microphones for live streaming aren’t that expensive. You can choose between a USB microphone or XLR microphone.
In order to choose, you need to decide if you want your microphone to connect directly to your laptop of if you want to utilise a mixer. You’ll need a USB microphone or adapter to connect directly to your computer or tablet. If you want to use a mixer, you would most certainly need an XLR microphone.
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Feature
Since this microphone is USB-connected, you can simply plug it into your laptop or computer. This entry-level microphone is a solid recorder with crisp treble, vocals, acoustics, and other features that make it suitable for recording and live streaming. It has a cardioid polar pattern, which minimizes annoying fan and keyboard noise. During live streaming, this enables crystal clear audio communication.
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This is a must-have for streamers and gamers searching for a USB microphone with excellent sound quality. It has Plug N Play functionality, making it simple to use. It also includes popular features such as a tap-to-mute sensor and an LED mute signal. The flexible, adjustable stand of this adaptable microphone allows it to be used on any surface. This is truly an excellent microphone for streamers.
Feature
This professional streaming microphone is compatible with a wide range of devices, including computers, laptops, gaming consoles, and more. It features a high-definition recording technology with cardioid and omnidirectional recording modes. It works well with most common programmes such as YouTube, Skype, and SoundCloud, among others.
Good Lighting
Live streaming is all about video and showing your audience your face or products. This is why having good lighting is extremely important. Sometimes, just turning on your lights in the room might not be enough as shadows may cast on your face or on camera it seems dark. It is best to get an external light source to be put in front of you. This will give your face a bright look and allow your audience to see you clearly as well.
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Feature
This equipment is designed for live streamers and can be used comfortably on a table or from the floor. It comes in 10 inches and 12 inches. It is designed with three light modes; strong, warm and mix lights so users can choose one that fits their usage. It also has a high CRI of 80+ that shows natural faces well and restore the true colours of any makeup. With LED soft lamp beads, it helps to protect your eyes.
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This ring light is suitable for live streamers, photography, makeup and more. It is attached to a flexible tripod with different height range. It comes in three temperatures of colours; warm, soft and white lights. It is lightweight, making it portable and easy to carry so you can use it either for outdoors or indoors.
Audio Interface/Audio Mixer
Audio mixers and audio interfaces are both very simple to operate. Each has its own set of advantages, but when it comes to putting together your live streaming set up, either option is a must-have.
If you intend to live stream with many people, hence many microphones, using an audio mixer is ideal. Whether it’s mic’ing up a group of people or recording a variety of sound sources such as instruments. This can change the volume of each mic to ensure that the vocals of every person is the same or that your instruments are controllable. Recording tracks and podcasts are the most common uses for studio interfaces. However, for individuals who desire high-quality audio and prefer to mix with software rather than an audio mixer, they are vital live streaming equipment.
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Feature
This mixer is suitable for any live streamers. It is designed with simple controls that can collate sounds from various sources like guitars, bass, etc. into one place to listen, monitoring or routing. It achieves the highest sonic quality at all levels while also boosting low noise levels for exceptional audio performance during a live stream. It’s simple that even beginners can mix the four levels quickly and smoothly.
Feature
This audio interface is easy, cost-effective, and efficient equipment to record music on your laptop or PC. It has a combination input with a XENYX pre-amp that can be used with any microphone. It can also accommodate your instruments, such as the guitar or bass, with ease. It also has headphone and RCA stereo outputs for convenient monitoring.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if it’s your first time live streaming, good job in deciding to. It takes confidence apart from all the best live streaming equipment checklist of essential in Malaysia listed above. All the best and hope it reaches great heights for you!