The Digital Insider | Category: Audio and Video

Top 10 Live Streaming Tips for Schools | Boost Your Broadcasts This Spring Break!

Discover the top 10 live streaming tips every school needs to know! Learn how to improve broadcast quality, pick the right gear, and create engaging school live streams this spring break.

As schools across the country embrace digital media and remote engagement, live streaming has become an essential tool for education. From broadcasting spring break performances and sports to streaming graduation ceremonies and classroom projects, high-quality live video can enhance communication and school spirit. In this blog post, we’re sharing the top 10 live streaming tips for schools—covering everything from camera setups and audio gear to network requirements and budget-friendly solutions. Whether you’re a teacher, IT director, or student media advisor, these expert tips will help you elevate your school’s live streaming game with ease and confidence.

Watch the full video below:

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Top 10 Tech Tips for Education

An affordable PTZ camera is better than no PTZ camera
Take Advantage of Automatic Features
Integrate with CMS Lecture Capture Systems
Utilize NDI to Stream Throughout the Entire Building
Let Students Use the Gear – Get Hands-On Experience
Invest in good audio Equipment
Use a Reliable Internet Connection
Schedule Regular Maintenance and Updates
Implement a Backup Plan
Sign up for eduStreamTV!

Tip 1: An affordable PTZ camera is better than no PTZ camera

Flexibility: PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras offer the ability to capture different angles and movements, enhancing the quality of your live streams. Whether for a lecture, event, training or more
Cost-Effective: Even affordable PTZ cameras can significantly improve your broadcasts compared to static cameras.
Professional Look: Provides a more dynamic and professional appearance to your live streams.
We have PTZ cameras starting at under $1,000

Tip 2: Take Advantage of Automatic Features

Cameras have come a long way with advancements in technology, making automatic features much more reliable.
Auto Focus: Ensures the subject remains sharp and clear, even as they move around.
Auto Exposure: Adjusts the brightness and contrast automatically to suit different lighting conditions.
Auto White Balance: Corrects color tones to ensure natural-looking images under various lighting environments.
Auto Tracking: Allows the camera to follow the speaker automatically, keeping them in focus and centered.

Tip 3: Integrate with CMS Lecture Capture Systems

Streamlined Management: Integrating your live streaming setup with a Content Management System (CMS) like Panopto or Kaltura helps in organizing, storing, and sharing recorded sessions efficiently.
Accessibility: Makes it easier for students and staff to access and review content at their convenience, enhancing the learning experience.
Enhanced Features: CMS platforms often offer additional features such as analytics, interactive quizzes, and searchable transcripts, which can further enrich the educational content.

Tip 4: Utilize NDI to Stream Throughout the Entire Building

Efficient Video Distribution: Network Device Interface (NDI) technology enables high-quality video streaming over local networks, allowing you to distribute video feeds across the entire campus seamlessly.
Cost-Effective: NDI reduces the need for extensive cabling and hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for schools.
Versatile Applications: Use NDI for morning announcements, live events, and classroom broadcasts, ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged.
NETGEAR Pro A/V Switches are our number 1 NDI Solution!

Tip 5: Let Students Use the Gear – Get Hands-On Experience

Skill Development: Allowing students to operate streaming equipment helps them develop valuable technical skills that are increasingly important in today’s digital world.
Engagement: Hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding and interest in the technology, making learning more engaging and interactive.
Responsibility and Teamwork: Students learn to work collaboratively and take responsibility for managing the equipment, which can enhance their teamwork and leadership abilities.

Tip 6: Invest in Good Audio Equipment

Importance of Clear Audio: Clear audio is crucial for effective communication during live streams. Poor audio quality can detract from the viewer’s experience, even if the video quality is excellent.
Types of Microphones:
- Omnidirectional Microphones: These microphones capture sound equally from all directions.
- Cardioid Microphones: These microphones pick up sound primarily from the front and sides.
- Supercardioid Microphones: Similar to cardioid mics but with a narrower pickup pattern.
Audio Mixers and Interfaces: Investing in audio mixers and interfaces can help manage multiple audio sources and ensure balanced sound levels.

Tip 7: Use a Reliable Internet Connection

Stable Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is essential for uninterrupted live streaming.
Bandwidth Considerations: Ensure your internet plan provides sufficient bandwidth to handle high-quality video streaming, especially during peak usage times.
Upload speed recommendations:
- 3-5 Mbps for 720p videos
- 5-10 Mbps for 1080p
- 15-25 Mbps for 4K
Cellular Bonded Encoders: If a reliable internet connection is not available, consider using cellular bonded encoders such as YoloLiv YoloBox, LiveU Solo Pro, or Kilvoiew P3 Series

Tip 8: Schedule Regular Maintenance and Updates

Preventive Measures: Regularly maintain and update all streaming equipment and software to prevent technical issues. Proactive maintenance can help avoid unexpected problems during live events.
Never Schedule Updates on Event Days: Avoid scheduling updates on the days of an event to prevent unexpected disruptions.
Update Together: Ensure all components, especially for NDI setups, are updated together. This includes cameras, encoders, network switches, and other related equipment to maintain synchronization and compatibility.

Tip 9: Implement a Backup Plan

Preparedness: Always have a backup plan in place for technical difficulties to ensure the stream can continue smoothly. Being prepared can save your event from unexpected disruptions.
Secondary Equipment: Keep spare cameras, extra cables, and backup microphones ready to use in case of equipment failure. This ensures that you can quickly switch to backup gear without significant downtime. A YoloBox can be a great resource in a pinch.
Alternative Internet Source: Have a secondary internet source, such as a cellular encoder, This is especially important for critical live streams where uninterrupted connectivity is essential. Some cameras can even stream directly to an RTMP destination

Tip 10: Sign up for eduStreamTV!

eduStreamTV is a three day event with vendors and experts focusing on the way live streaming benefits education in today’s hybrid learning environment. These are tips, tricks, and tools for lecture capture, remote production, and live video streaming in education. We are here to provide you with the tips, tricks, and tools you need for live streaming in the education field.

One registration gains you access to three days of informative webinars, interviews with industry guests, live demos, chances to win great prizes, and more!

REGISTER HERE

Learn more about Live Streaming in Education HERE

Products we recommend for live streaming in education:

Franklin.TV Powers Multi-Format Broadcasts with Facilis HUB16 Server and DaVinci Resolve

Facilis’s recent article highlights Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio, and how they serve the 34,000 residents of Franklin, Massachusetts, with a full-spectrum community media operation. Founded in 2012, the organization started in a modest trailer and has since grown into a 5,000-square-foot multimedia facility complete with two TV studios, two radio studios, and even a professional kitchen set for culinary shows. Executive Director Peter Fasciano, a veteran of the broadcast industry, has overseen this transformation and continues to push for innovation across both television and radio.

Their media production demands are high, often generating up to 500 programs annually, which range from local interview shows to podcast-ready radio features. To keep this complex operation organized and efficient, Franklin.TV relies on a Facilis HUB16 server with 96TB of storage, directly connected to multiple Dell workstations running Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve. These systems handle everything from multi-cam TV footage and Zoom calls to full audio mastering and podcast editing. Each workstation connects via a dedicated 10Gb Ethernet line to the HUB16 for lightning-fast access to shared media.

The HUB16 also serves as a nearline archive for completed projects, allowing the lean team, just five full-time staff plus freelancers, to remain nimble while managing a heavy workload. The production team uses a streamlined “strip production” approach, recording up to five shows in one sitting and editing them over time for staggered release. Facilis has proven to be a rock-solid storage solution, and as Fasciano puts it, “We don’t have full-time IT—Facilis just works.” With scalable storage, strong support, and reliable uptime, Facilis helps Franklin.TV do more with less while delivering professional-quality community programming.

Learn more about Facilis below:

How Virtual Production with LED Walls Is Revolutionizing Filmmaking and Cutting Costs

A recent post on True View Inc.’s LinkedIn explains how virtual production is rapidly reshaping the film industry, offering stunning visuals, real-time environments, and major cost savings. By combining high-resolution LED video walls with powerful real-time rendering engines like Unreal Engine, filmmakers can now create immersive digital worlds without the need for expensive on-location shoots.

Why Virtual Production Is Disrupting Traditional Filmmaking
Traditional film production often runs into costly roadblocks, including:

High expenses for location shooting
Weather-related delays
Travel and logistics for large crews
Long and expensive post-production VFX work

Virtual production solves these challenges by bringing the environment to the studio. Productions like House of the Dragon and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are already showcasing how this tech can deliver cinematic quality while dramatically reducing overhead.

How LED-Powered Virtual Sets Work
The setup is both cutting-edge and efficient:

LED Panels: Wraparound high-resolution LED walls create dynamic backgrounds.
Real-Time Rendering: Engines like Unreal Engine generate environments that update instantly.
Camera Tracking: Physical camera movements are synced with the digital background for seamless perspective.
In-Camera VFX: Visual effects are captured live, reducing the need for post-production.

The Cost-Cutting Benefits of Virtual Production
While the initial setup requires investment, the long-term financial benefits are game-changing:

Shoot multiple virtual “locations” in a single day
Eliminate weather delays and reduce scheduling risks
Cut down travel and accommodation expenses
Speed up post-production timelines

What was once limited to big-budget studios is now becoming accessible to indie filmmakers, thanks to rental studios and more affordable virtual production tools.

Strategic Use for Maximum Impact
Many productions now adopt a hybrid approach, using virtual sets for key scenes while incorporating traditional location shoots when necessary. This strategic blend balances creative vision with cost efficiency.

The Future of Film: Big Stories, Smaller Budgets
Virtual production is empowering storytellers of all scales to do more with less, allowing more budget to go toward talent and creativity, not logistics. As the technology continues to evolve, expect to see more ambitious, visually stunning films made faster and more affordably than ever before.

Everything Panasonic is Showcasing at NAB 2025: New Cameras, PTZ Innovations, KAIROS Updates, and More

In this article by Gary Kayye for rAVe PUBS, Panasonic Video and Audio Systems North America (PAVNA) unveils its full slate of technology and product innovations set to be featured at NAB Show 2025. With a focus on IP-based workflows, remote production tools, and scalable AV solutions, Panasonic is targeting professionals in broadcast, live event production, education, and corporate AV environments. The showcase emphasizes flexibility, integration, and advanced automation to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced production landscape.

Here’s a breakdown of everything Panasonic is doing at NAB 2025:

AG-CX370 Handheld Camcorder
- Next-generation model following the popular CX350
- Features 12G-SDI output, GENLOCK input for multi-camera sync, and 4-channel audio
- Compact, portable, and energy-efficient—ideal for field production
KAIROS Live Production Platform (Version 1.8)
- Adds multi-unit control for larger productions
- Integrates with Singular.live and Viz Flowics graphics platforms
- Supports new resolutions including 16:10 and 5:4 for more flexibility
KAIROS Alliance Partner Network Expansion
- EIZO joins the network with its 30.5” HDR ColorEdge PROMINENCE CG1 display
- Monitor verified for SMPTE ST 2110 workflows
- Enhances studio setups with seamless compatibility
Media Production Suite Plug-ins
- Includes AW-SF400G Ver. 2 video mixer plug-in
- AI-based keying removes need for green screens
- Smart Switching and auto-framing features for PTZ camera workflows
AK-UCX100 4K Studio Camera
- Supports 2,000 TV lines of resolution
- Compatible with HLG/BT.2020, 12G-SDI, ST 2110, NDI High Bandwidth, and SRT
- Works standalone without requiring a CCU
AW-UE160W/K 4K PTZ Camera
AW-UE150AW/AK 4K PTZ Camera
AW-UB50 and AW-UB10 Box Cameras
4K Memory Card Camcorders (AG-CX20, LUMIX HC-X2100/X1600/X1200)
WX-AM800 Beamforming Ceiling Microphone
WR-AV800 AV Processor
- Controls up to four ceiling microphones and eight PTZ cameras
- Syncs audio and video for smooth, automated conference and classroom experiences

Panasonic’s NAB 2025 booth will highlight its commitment to future-ready, IP-centric workflows for professionals across industries. From live production and streaming to studio automation and hybrid learning environments, Panasonic continues to lead with tools that are flexible, efficient, and fully integrated for today’s AV landscape.

Read the full article by Gary Kayye for rAVe PUBS HERE

Learn more about Panasonic below:

AJA Video Systems Previews New IP, SDI, and Audio Solutions for NAB Show 2025

In this article from ProductionHub, AJA Video Systems President Nick Rashby shares an inside look at what attendees can expect from the company at NAB Show 2025. As industry professionals prepare to gather in Las Vegas for the media and entertainment industry’s premier trade show, Rashby discusses the top tech trends shaping the future of broadcast, AV, and content creation, and unveils several new products that AJA will be showcasing.

AJA anticipates major conversations at this year’s NAB Show to focus on IP video workflows, color management, and cloud-based production. These areas are rapidly evolving, offering exciting new capabilities while also introducing operational complexities. As hybrid environments become the norm, professionals must find efficient ways to bridge traditional SDI infrastructure with modern IP-based technologies.

In response to these trends, AJA is introducing several cutting-edge solutions at NAB 2025:

BRIDGE LIVE 3G-8: A powerful IP video workflow bridge featuring eight bi-directional 3G-SDI connectors. Ideal for live streaming, remote production, and multi-format delivery, it supports a wide range of codecs and formats including H.264, H.265, NDI, SRT, and HLS.
DANTE-12GAM: A compact 12G-SDI Mini-Converter designed to bridge SDI and Dante® audio ecosystems. It supports AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110-30, offering a portable solution for tight installations in mobile trucks and event spaces.
KUMO 6464-12G: A next-generation router with 64×64 12G-SDI connectivity, offering high-bandwidth, silent operation in a compact 4RU chassis. Built for scalability and flexibility, it’s ideal for broadcast, post-production, and professional AV environments.

Each of these new products directly aligns with growing industry demands. The BRIDGE LIVE 3G-8 answers the call for multi-channel IP streaming and remote collaboration, while the DANTE-12GAM supports the industry’s shift to IP-based audio workflows. The KUMO 6464-12G, with its silent design and broad SDI standard support, provides essential routing capabilities for productions handling complex signal paths.

For professionals attending NAB 2025, AJA invites visitors to Booth SL3310 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 6–9, where product experts will be on-site offering live demonstrations and in-depth insights. More information is available on AJA’s NAB landing page.

Read the full article from ProductionHub HERE

Learn more about AJA below:

Top Church Production Tools from NAB 2025: Must-Have Gear for Worship Tech Teams

In this article from ChurchProduction, readers get an inside look at the top products for churches unveiled at the NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas. With thousands of exhibitors showcasing the latest in video production, broadcast, and live streaming technology, the event was packed with innovative solutions perfect for houses of worship. After days of hands-on demos and in-depth conversations with manufacturers, the ChurchProduction team selected five standout products that deliver exceptional value and performance—especially for small to mid-sized churches looking to upgrade their worship production setups.

One of the top highlights is Hive Studio from PTZOptics, a revolutionary browser-based video production platform built directly into PTZOptics cameras. Designed for ease of use and accessibility, Hive Studio allows church tech teams to control cameras, automate movement, match color, and live stream—without needing any additional software or hardware. This cloud-based solution is ideal for churches with volunteer-driven teams or those managing remote productions, as it enables real-time control from virtually anywhere.

Another standout product is the Panasonic AG-CX370 Handheld Camcorder, a feature-rich upgrade to the widely-used CX350. Designed with the house of worship market in mind, the AG-CX370 offers pro-level features such as 12G-SDI output, GenLock input, and four-channel audio support. Its compact form factor, energy efficiency, and flexible connectivity make it perfect for recording worship services, midweek content, and multi-camera live streams.

These tools reflect a growing trend in church production: user-friendly, professional-grade technology that empowers churches to produce high-quality content without overwhelming complexity or cost. Stay tuned for more from ChurchProduction as the full Top 5 list from NAB 2025 rolls out—each product carefully selected to help worship teams elevate their media ministries with confidence.

Read the full article from ProductionHub HERE

NAB Show 2025 Draws 55,000 Attendees, Showcases Global Media Innovation and Technology Trends

In this article by George Winslow for TVTechnology, the 2025 NAB Show is spotlighted as a leading global event for media, entertainment, and broadcast technology professionals. Held in Las Vegas and concluding on April 9, the show attracted 55,000 registered attendees from 160 countries. Of these, 26% traveled internationally, and a record-setting 53% were first-time attendees—highlighting the show’s growing global influence and appeal within the broadcast and content creation industries. Organizers have announced that the 2026 NAB Show will return to Las Vegas from April 18–22, 2026.

The 2025 NAB Show served as a hub for innovation, showcasing emerging technologies and providing a platform for key conversations shaping the future of storytelling. Karen Chupka, executive vice president of NAB Show, emphasized that this year’s event reflected the ongoing transformation of media and entertainment, with a focus on empowering creators through advanced tools and technologies. Dominant themes included artificial intelligence, the booming creator economy, and the integration of sports and media technology.

With nearly 1,100 exhibitors—125 of them first-timers—the show featured major global brands such as Adobe, Canon, AWS, Sony, Microsoft, and Verizon. The expansive show floor, equivalent to more than eight soccer fields, became a dynamic marketplace for next-generation broadcast and video production solutions. High-profile attendees and speakers from companies like NBCUniversal, TikTok, YouTube, WWE, and ESPN contributed to over 550 conference sessions and 1,000+ speaker presentations, offering thought leadership and hands-on insights.

Noteworthy conference tracks included the inaugural Sports Summit, focusing on the convergence of sports, tech, and media, and The Business of Entertainment, produced with The Ankler, which explored dealmaking, advertising models, and the impact of the creator economy. High-interest sessions on artificial intelligence, AWS, and sports streaming drew large crowds, highlighting industry demand for innovation and practical knowledge.

Further underlining its support for digital creators, NAB launched its new Creator Council—an advisory group composed of influential voices from the creator space to guide the show’s future direction and ensure alignment with evolving creator needs. The event also featured major product announcements, including Sony’s HDC-F5500V and HDC-P50A cameras and Verizon’s pioneering portable Private 5G Network solution designed for live broadcasters.

As one of the most influential media and entertainment expos in the world, the 2025 NAB Show reinforced its position as a critical event for discovering cutting-edge broadcast technology, forging global partnerships, and defining the next era of content creation.

Read the full article by George Winslow for TVTechnology HERE

TriCaster Gets Zoom Boost: Vizrt and Zoom Team Up to Transform Remote Broadcasts

In this article, Vizrt and Zoom are redefining hybrid live production through a powerful new partnership. The companies announced that Zoom’s video conferencing capabilities are now natively integrated into TriCaster—Vizrt’s industry-leading production platform.

“This collaboration introduces native Zoom integration to the TriCaster product line, helping content creators produce more engaging and professional-quality broadcasts,” the announcement notes. This move will allow seamless participation from remote guests, making live streaming and hybrid production smoother and more engaging than ever before.

The timing is significant as content creators seek Skype alternatives ahead of its sunset. With Zoom functionality now part of TriCaster’s remote tools, production teams gain improved workflow efficiency, flexibility, and high-definition feed quality—key components for modern digital storytelling.

Vizrt CEO Rohit Nagarajan shared the broader vision: “By integrating Zoom natively into our leading TriCaster product line, we’re unlocking new possibilities for more creative, inclusive, and interactive productions.”

Zoom’s Andy Carluccio echoed the sentiment: “The native integration of Zoom into the TriCaster is a huge step forward in modernizing professional broadcasts… empowering production teams to bring remote guests into their shows with confidence and clarity.”

This forward-thinking integration sets the foundation for future advances, including AR/VR capabilities, interactive HTML5 graphics, and enhanced enterprise-grade tools, ensuring content creators stay ahead in an increasingly connected world.

Learn more about Vizrt below:

The Friday Roundup – Camera Suggestions and Editing Advice

Don’t Buy a Camera For Youtube Without Watching This Video I don’t generally delve into the world of video cameras or recording devices because it’s a market that is so broad and so hard to keep up with. To be honest, the real subtext of that…

Grass Valley Redefines Live Production with K-Frame VXP and AMPP-Powered Tools at NAB 2025

As described in this article, Grass Valley set a bold new benchmark at NAB Show 2025, unveiling its latest innovations for scalable, high-performance live production. Key highlights include the new K-Frame VXP switcher, an updated Karrera panel, and two powerful, AMPP-powered applications: Event Producer X and Sport Producer X.

Designed for 4K UHD HDR workflows, the K-Frame VXP delivers the same elite-level performance as its larger SXP and CXP counterparts, now in a compact form factor built for fast-paced, content-rich live environments. With support for SDI, IP, or hybrid connectivity — and a 48×24 I/O footprint — it’s optimized for flexibility across broadcast, sports, concert, and event production.

Paired with the redesigned Karrera control panel, operators get faster access to live controls and eight keyer tactile interfaces — ideal for today’s pressure-filled broadcast environments.

Meanwhile, the spotlight shines on Event Producer X and Sport Producer X, Grass Valley’s newest AMPP-native applications that empower single operators to handle switching, graphics, replay, and audio — all from one seamless UI. Event Producer X is especially appealing for corporate events, education, worship, and news — bringing pro-level quality without requiring a full crew.

Sport Producer X brings the same efficiency and quality to lower-tier sports and esports, leveling the playing field with tools that once required full production teams.

With these launches, Grass Valley continues to lead the charge in cloud-powered live production, simplifying workflows without sacrificing performance or creative freedom.

Learn more about Grass Valley below: