In this post, we will tell you which kind of Live Video Broadcasting Tools are available. Before we start, we should say that there are two categories in Live Broadcast Toolbox.
The first one is the live streaming softwares. The second one is the live streaming hardwares. We will tell the software and hardware live streaming tools and give a simple comparison for them.
Streaming Softwares vs. Streaming Hardwares, Which is Better ?
Live Streaming Softwares are programs that run on a computing device like your laptop or desktop computer.
Live Streaming Hardwares is a physical box that is fed by your camera and audio sources or your video mixer. A hardware encoder connects directly to the internet to send the feed.
The answer to question of which is better, it depends on your use case.
If you are broadcasting your game in your computer, you need only Live Streaming Software. This software application has ability send broadcast to some providers(Facebook, Twitch or etc.).
If you are streaming to a TV channel from your camera, it’s good to have a Live Streaming Hardware. These hardwares also has the ability to send broadcast to some providers(Facebook, Twitch or etc.). But it’s a little bit a complex option.
As a result, If we compare streaming softwares and streaming hardwares, streaming softwares is more simpler to use than streaming hardwares.
Live Video Streaming Softwares
1- OBS (Open Broadcasting Studio)
OBS is a free and open-source software. OBS provides real-time encoding, recording, and broadcasting. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
OBS was released in September 2012 and continues to receives updates regularly to improve user experience. OBS and OBS Studio were created and are maintained by Jim.
The open source project is continuously improved and developed by OBS Studio Contributors.
Also, we are using OBS Studio in our tutorial video and documentation.
2- XSplit
XSplit Broadcaster is one of the most popular application for live Internet broadcasting, with a user base ranging from hobbyists to prominent professional casters around the world and is available in multiple languages.
XSplit allows users to record or live stream any type of media, while taking advantage of Live TV production features that anyone can learn to master.
3-Wirecast
Telestream Wirecast is one of the best professional level software encoders on the market. It has features that are not elsewhere. Live switching, picture-in-picture and transitions make it a full-scale attack on encoding video.
Also, Wirecast has some great sports features as well that, in my opinion, would take any live sports broadcast to the next level. Scoreboards, live replays, real-time scoreboards on the top of the screen are all cool qualities.
Live Video Streaming Hardwares
1-Teradek VidiU
Teradek VidiU is one of the most popular live streaming hardware.
It allows you to control the device via web interface so you don’t need a PC.
Also, other Teradek models include the Cube, Beam, Clip, and T-Rax which are all built for different use cases and projects.
2-BoxCaster
BoxCast is a complete, easy-to-use live video streaming solution for organizations.
BoxCast is the simplest live HD-streaming solution available. All you need is power, an internet connection and a video camera.
With BoxCast, you schedule your broadcast ahead of time meaning one less thing to keep track of on the day of your event. Your viewers will get a perfectly-sized picture on any device – smartphone, tablet or computer.
Plus, there’s no buffering and no annoying ads to distract from your streamed content.
For one low price, you can stream unlimited events to unlimited viewers and store content indefinitely without worrying about overages.
3-Tricaster
Tricaster is the most common hardware option for churches that utilize multiple cameras for live streaming.
It allows you to show multiple video sources. It gives you the option to show those watching the live stream something different than what’s being shown to those on-campus, and more.
Also, the cost of a TriCaster can vary significantly based on your needs and the model you choose. It price ranges from $5,000 to over $25,000.
To sum up, we would like to give a brief simple and compact information above about the tools that are used for live streaming. I hope this post has been useful for you. If you have any question, please contact us from the web site.
You may want to check How to Live Stream with Wirecast using Ant Media Server in 4 Easy Steps, Scalable Ultra-Low Latency Streaming Solution in Cloud, and What is Transcoding? Why Is It Important for Streaming?
Also, Join the Ant Media community and be a part of the community.
