Did you know that thirty-seven percent of consumers feel that live streams are the most engaging kind of content?
There are many ways to make use of live streaming in your schools. Maybe it’s a sports game, a school play, or a guest speaker.
Contrary to what many people believe, it’s easier than ever to broadcast live events. With just a few simple tools, you can reach a wide audience and give people the chance to experience your school’s events.
To make things easier for you, we have put together a guide that explains how to broadcast. Keep reading to learn more.
Find the Right Kind of Equipment
When it comes to livestreaming sports or other live events, having the right equipment is key.
The quality of your audio and video gear will have a big impact on the overall viewing experience, so it’s important to choose the right setup for your needs.
Let’s start with audio sources. If you’re live streaming an event such as a high school baseball game, you’ll need a way to capture the sounds of the game.
A microphone is an essential piece of equipment for any livestream. For high-quality audio, consider using a lavalier microphone or a shotgun microphone.
Both of these options will allow you to capture clear, crisp audio from a specific location. If you’re on a budget, a smartphone microphone can also work in a pinch.
Next, let’s talk about video sources. If you want to livestream a sports game, you’ll need a camera with a fast frame rate and a long focal length.
This will allow you to capture the action on the field or court without losing detail. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is a good choice for high-quality video; however, you can also use a smartphone or webcam if you’re on a budget.
In addition to audio and video sources, there are a few other accessories you may want to consider for your livestream setup.
A tripod will help you keep your camera steady, and a light kit can help improve the overall lighting of your shot.
If you’re using a smartphone or laptop to livestream, you may also want to invest in a portable charger to ensure that your device stays powered throughout the event.
How to Broadcast Live: Top Software Choices
If you’re planning to broadcast school sports or other live events, you’ll need the right software to make it all happen.
But keep in mind that it can be challenging to stream a high school sporting event if you do not have the proper skills and training. This is why it is a great idea to hire a live-streaming service to help advise and train your team.
If you do choose to stream your own event, here are some of the types of software that you’ll need.
Encoding Software
Encoding software compresses your audio and video signals so that they can be transmitted over the internet. This is an essential step in the live-streaming process.
It will allow you to send your signal to a wider audience without using up too much bandwidth. There are many encoding software options available, ranging from free options like OBS Studio to paid options like Wirecast.
Switching Software
Switching software is used to switch between different video sources during a live event. For example, you might use switching software to switch between a camera on the field and a camera in the stands.
Switching gives your audience a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience. There are many switching software options available, including vMix and Livestream Studio.
Simulcasting Software
Simulcasting software sends your live stream to multiple platforms at the same time.
This can be useful if you want to reach a wider audience. Some popular simulcasting software options include Restream and Castr.
Editing Software
You can use production and editing software to add special effects and graphics to your live stream.
This can include things like overlays, lower thirds, and on-screen graphics. The most popular video editing program is Adobe Premiere Pro.
Choose a Streaming Protocol
Finally, you’ll need to choose a streaming protocol for your live event. RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) and HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) are the most popular streaming protocols for live events.
RTMP is generally used for lower-latency streams, while HLS is better suited for higher-latency streams. Which protocol you choose will depend on the needs of your event and the capabilities of your streaming platform.
Know How You Will Share Your Stream
There are many ways to share your stream, depending on your goals and the resources you have available.
One option is to create a dedicated webpage for your stream.
This can be a standalone page on your school’s website, or you can use a platform like YouTube or Vimeo to host your stream. To share your stream on a dedicated webpage, you’ll need several things.
First, you will need to use an embed code provided by your streaming platform. This code can be added to the HTML of your webpage, allowing your stream to be displayed on the page.
Another option is to use social media to promote your stream. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have built-in live-streaming capabilities, making it is easy to share your stream with your followers.
You can also use hashtags and other social media features to help promote your stream to a wider audience.
If you have a large email list, you can also use email marketing to promote your stream. Send out an email to your subscribers with a link to your stream.
Secure a Stable Internet Connection to Stream Live School Sports
If your connection is slow or unstable, it can cause problems like buffering, dropped frames, and poor video quality. This can be frustrating for your audience and can make it difficult for them to enjoy your stream.
It is especially important to have a strong internet connection if you have multiple people accessing the internet at the same time.
Consider upgrading your internet plan or switching to a different provider if you’re not getting the speed you need.
You can also boost your internet speed by using a wired connection. This is because wireless connections are prone to interference.
If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer or streaming device directly to your router.
Set Up Your Equipment and Run Tests
It is essential to take time to set up your equipment and run some tests to ensure that everything is working properly.
This will help you avoid any technical issues during the actual event. It will also give you peace of mind that everything is ready to go.
To set up your equipment, start by placing your camera in the desired location.
Make sure it’s positioned in a way that captures the action. If you’re using a tripod, adjust the height and angle of the camera to get the best shot.
If you’re using a microphone, make sure it’s positioned to capture clear audio.
Next, connect your camera and microphone to your computer or streaming device. Depending on your setup, you may need to use cables or adapters to make the connection.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment to ensure that everything is connected properly.
Once your equipment is set up, it’s time to run some tests. Start by opening your streaming software and making sure that it’s connected to your camera and microphone.
Then, adjust your audio and video settings to get the best quality. You may need to experiment with different settings to find the right balance between quality and stability.
Once you’re happy with your audio and video settings, it’s time to test your internet connection.
Start a test stream and watch it on a different device to make sure it’s working correctly. If you notice any issues, try adjusting your internet settings or troubleshooting any problems you encounter.
Understand How to Broadcast High School Sports
If you want to make it easy for people to watch your school’s high school sports, it is a great idea to learn how to broadcast live events.
Make sure to find the right equipment, have a stable internet connection, and test your equipment before starting your broadcast.
If you need help broadcasting your school’s live events, WSN Live can help. Don’t hesitate to find out more about our professional quality sports streaming services today!