Building your best Livestreaming experience with the professionals at Sound Planning

You might have noticed: We are in a new era of information display and transmission.  You may have heard terms like ‘Livestreaming’ or ‘Simulcasting’ before… but what do these terms really mean and how can they really benefit your organizations? Let’s explore these terms below before we discuss how to achieve professional livestreaming results for yourself!

First, let’s break down the basics: 
What the heck is a livestream? When you are “Livestreaming” or “Live Streaming” a live event, it means that you are using sound and video equipment and software to first capture and record, and then immediately transmit (or “Stream”) the recorded event. Whether you realize it or not, you have most likely seen a livestream video recording before– any event on your TV that is broadcasting “Live” can be considered a version of livestreaming. Today, livestreaming refers to a live broadcast that can be viewed on your computer, phone, tablet, or other device, but you should still think of livestreaming as something people will view like they will view a professional TV program. Livestreams are usually sent to (or “hosted” on) a specific audio-visual platform, such as Facebook Live, Twitch, Discord, YouTube, etc. What the heck is a simulcast? When you are streaming a livestream video to more than one platform, that is called a “Simulcast.” For instance, if you are hosting a service or event, such as a graduation, a memorial service, or any event where attendance unfortunately must be limited, you can provide interested members of your community the option to livestream the event or to view a live recording of the event in a different space. This is often referred to as “Overflow Simulcasting,” because the event is being recorded and broadcast to multiple platforms. 

Now that you have a better understanding of livestreaming and simulcasting, you most likely already have several good ideas for how to use these powerful tools to stay connected to the members of your church or other house of worship. But before you jump in head first, remember that “Good enough for now” won’t be good for you or for members of your organization in the long run. Professional livestreaming results aren’t just something you can find overnight; like any good TV program, good results often rely on custom programming options in the recording capture software and hardware and often more dynamic video capture options, such as livestreaming with PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras controlled remotely. Before you take your next steps, you should also take the time to understand your audience. Who will you be transmitting to? How comfortable are they with technology? What events would be good candidates for tools like overflow simulcasting? This may seem daunting, but don’t worry: whatever your needs, Sound Planning is here to help. 

Sound Planning knows churches and houses of worship! In addition to 15+ years of experience in church sound system design and implementation, all of Sound Planning’s integrators are committed to customer care. This can include custom programming for the cost-efficient and expertly installed sound and video equipment and software– including the use of touchscreen technology for one-touch perfection when recording– and especially when livestreaming! To keep your audience connected and fully engaged consider key equipment upgrades; livestreaming with PTZ cameras controlled remotely is a great way to keep your livestream efforts more organic– a great way to keep your members returning week after week. This commitment also includes keeping your specific needs, skill level, and volunteer or staff capacity in mind to make sure that the end product is not only good for your wallet– Sound Planning wants to make sure that you can use what you get, no exception.

In order to achieve the professional livestreaming results you’re looking for, you will need to know your audience; consider your equipment; and trust in the professionals to give you custom programming and equipment options best suited to your organization. As discussed in a previous blog post, the Design-Build model is a powerful tool that centers you, the customer, in every aspect of your new or upgraded system. Sound Planning’s expert design-build planning and implementation gives you the support you need for this build and beyond. The expert sound system and AV integrators at Sound Planning are here to support your church or house of worship before, during, and after install. 
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Don’t wait– contact Sound Planning, Chicagoland’s premier audio-visual design-build integrators today!

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