Streaming Made Simple

HELPING LEADERS BECOME

B E T T E R S T E WA R D S .

Streaming Made Simple Presented by: Teradek

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Table of Contents NOT STREAMING YET? 3 EXCELLENT REASONS TO GET STARTED

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“Streaming” — the constant flow of digital media across the Web — has become a key form of communication to audiences and viewers around the world. It’s a rapidly growing field which Teradek aims to democratize — not only for professionals, but also for everyday people … especially church leaders.

Here’s why streaming makes so much sense in houses of worship.

By Andrew Ng

STEP UP YOUR STREAMING GAME

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From newbie to pro, here’s some equipment advice from the experts.

By Andrew Ng

WHAT QUALITY CHURCH LIVE STREAMING LOOKS LIKE

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With the advent of live streaming and A/V communication, we are at the forefront of a media revolution.

Make sure your church is ahead of the curve.

By Andrew Ng

MAXIMIZING MINISTRY: EXAMINING ALL YOUR STREAMING APPLICATIONS Coming in February 2016

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Streaming Made Simple

Not streaming yet?

By Andrew Ng

excellent reasons to get started

“Streaming” — the constant flow of digital media across the Web — has become a key form of communication to audiences and viewers around the world. It’s a rapidly growing field which Teradek aims to democratize — not only for professionals, but also for everyday people … especially church leaders. Here’s why streaming makes so much sense in houses of worship. #1: It’s cost-effective.

Perhaps the best reason to consider streaming is stewardship — namely, its low-cost barrier to entry. Because this technology has stemmed from the television, music and sports industries, a vast infrastructure of economical solutions already exists.

Whereas traditional broadcasting in houses of worship usually requires a large budget for equipment, the production team and more, streaming runs on cost-effective platforms and technologies. Many of the companies working to make streaming more affordable (Teradek included) have roots in traditional broadcast and high-end production. As such, quality and reliability of the technology is at the forefront, as is a focus on affordability and — hugely important — simplicity. #2: It’s not as complicated as it sounds … and you’re not going it alone.

For pastors who are unfamiliar with live streaming, the best thing they can do is surround themselves with people and companies who are.

Fortunately, many companies, like Teradek, are invested in making live streaming more affordable and accessible.

For comparison’s sake, let’s look at the three main technology components required for traditional broadcasting: transmission connectivity (usually satellite connection), capturing tools (cameras and additional content), and transmission tools — the hardware and products that actually send the capturing tools to the final destination. Each of these key components can be scaled to suit a live streaming format.

Transmission connectivity. Connectivity essentially determines the stability and quality of any broadcast or live stream. In the traditional 4

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broadcast world, connectivity is achieved via satellite connections.

So, when you see a local news van driving around with a large digital antenna at the top of the vehicle, they’re using a satellite to make that connection. This is a very stable — yet considerably expensive — means of transmitting data and video.

For the everyday live streamer (including a house of worship), connectivity can be achieved using a business-grade and even consumerlevel internet connection from a local service provider. And, because internet is already being provided to businesses and residential locations, it’s a technology that already has a reliable infrastructure and support.

Recently, cellular connectivity has hit the radar, as well. Amazingly, the same connection that a personal cell phones uses is now able to provide the amount of bandwidth needed for live streaming. These speeds are most commonly identified by carriers advertising as LTE, 4G and 3G, to name a few. Cellular connectivity is popular because it’s basically available anywhere you can make a phone call. So, for portability and remote live streaming (retreats or mission trips, for example), this is an excellent solution that Teradek supports.

Capturing tools. Cameras come in all shapes and sizes. Features are virtually endless — as are price points. In the past 10 years, however, costs for great cameras have really come down, making them much more accessible.

All Teradek’s products have been created with this availability in mind.

Regardless of the Teradek streaming device you choose, it’s designed to work with virtually all cameras with video output, of which the two most popular connections are HDMI and HD-SDI.

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STREAMING PROFILE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Throughout the year, congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold general (worldwide) and local multi-congregation conferences and other meetings. Streaming allows more members and friends to participate in these special events by offering overflow seating at alternate meetinghouses, reducing travel time, difficulty and expense. Streaming also allows remote members to participate more fully. Teradek’s product offerings have enabled The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to achieve these opportunities, and more than 1,000 units have been deployed to these locations.

Church congregations have had proprietary streaming options available since 2008. In 2014, a review of the technology and options available on the open market led to the development of a new streaming system that combines cloudbased media services and off-the-shelf encoding solutions with a custom administration website.

Transmission tools. Whether your church is doing traditional broadcasting or live streaming, the workflows call for an encoder. This piece of technology takes the audio and video and uses the transmission connectivity to produce a product for an audience. Encoders receive the full-quality video signal from cameras and, in real-time, convert the video to a format that’s able to send over the transmission connectivity.

Like most of the other key elements in the workflow, these devices are specialized and produced for professionals in demanding environments.

Providing a solution to this component in the workflow is Teradek’s specialty. The quality of real-time conversion and encoding comes from the highest level of traditional broadcasting; it’s just packaged in products that are more affordable — and easier to use — for everyday organizations. #3: Its reach is virtually limitless — and immediate.

Right now, the Internet is able to reach virtually anybody, anywhere. The same can’t be said of traditional broadcasts. This far-reaching immediacy is one of the best reasons for church leaders to consider streaming.

Whether it’s communicating to church members who can’t make it to an event, or spreading the Word to audiences around the world, streaming is an incredibly powerful vehicle for communication, expansion and expression.

Many houses of worship that are already streaming consider community a top priority. For them, the ability to constantly share and document events has proven essential in developing and maintaining strong communities.

Now that streaming has become more widely available — and at lower costs — church leaders can harness this technology and free themselves up to focus on what they truly love: ministry.

Critical success factors: Online training for regional technology specialists and volunteers — combined with a trained call center staff — was critical to ensuring event success.

Challenges: Internet bandwidth constraints and costs remain a challenge to wider participation in many areas of the world.

Content streamed: Regional conferences, leadership training, youth programs and other similar events are streamed using both live and pre-recorded content.

Who manages the streaming process? Local congregations schedule and run their own webcast events, as desired. The online media services are centrally managed, allowing for improved support access for event assistance.

The benefits of streaming: Streaming technology has allowed new meetinghouses to be physically reduced in size because they are more technologically capable, reducing overall expense and impact.

Streaming technology has also helped congregations of different languages participate in regional conferences together, as the originating content can be routed through the church’s translation resources.

Members and leaders alike save time, expense and energy by reducing travel burdens.

Most important, streaming increases the number of opportunities to worship, together.

Andrew Ng is Marketing Manager at Teradek in Irvine, CA. www.teradek.com churchexecutive.com

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Streaming Made Simple

Step Up your Streaming Game From newbie to pro, here’s some equipment advice from the experts

By Andrew Ng

In the previous issue (“Not streaming yet? 3 excellent reasons to get started”), we talked about the main reasons churches are getting into streaming: it’s cost-effective, not overly complicated, and its reach is virtually limitless and immediate.

Now that we know the “why,” let’s get into the “how.”

Here’s our best equipment selection advice for church leaders at any level of streaming prowess.

For beginners If you’re a church leader who wants to start streaming content, a few equipment options can get the process started rather effortlessly.

If you already have a camcorder or are ready to purchase one, consider a VidiU Mini. It fits in the palm of your hand and is typically mounted on top of your camera. It has a built-in two-hour battery and is USBpowered; so extending battery life — with USB power supplies — is easy and affordable. Just plug the HDMI output on your camera into the HDMI input of the VidiU Mini; cables are included with your purchase.

Then, connect your VidiU Mini to the Internet, which can be supplied either through Wi-Fi or your smartphone or iPhone. After that, input the destination of your stream. We have natively integrated some of the most popular Content Delivery Networks (CDN), including Ustream, Livestream and Youtube Live, but the possibilities are endless with the VidiU Mini’s manual destination function. All settings and configurations are accessible through the free VidiU app, available for both Android and Apple devices. You can also use a computer!

If you don’t have a camera yet or plan on buying one, check out the free Live:Air app, which lets you stream with just an iPad: http://teradek.com/pages/liveair. You can add titles, graphics, lowerthirds, and even multiple camera angles. All you need is an iPad; an iPad Air 2 is highly recommended.

For intermediates /advanced streamers If your goal is to ramp up your church’s streaming efforts, consider a few scalable products mentioned above. However, while the VidiU Mini is an excellent solution, the VidiU would be a level up. About the size of a deck of cards, VidiU features an onboard OLED screen for quick adjustments and configuration.

It also offers two additional methods of connecting to the Internet: an Ethernet port for a hardline connection and a USB port for cellular modems.

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Left: Teradek’s free Live:Air app is a turn-key solution for beginners and a featurepacked workflow for experts.

A portable setup for capturing retreats and gatherings in the field.

Below: Now shipping, Teradek’s VidiU Pro simplifies premium streaming, bringing broadcast technology to the masses at an affordable price point. An all-in-one streaming solution, VidiU featues enhanced Wi-Fi, built-in recording, several new streaming options and simplified workflows.

The process of encoding a live stream requires significant computer processing (CPU), as does the function of switching, adding graphics, and transitions. A hardware live streaming appliance – VidiU or VidiU Mini – relieves the processing demand from your switcher and lets you disperse the payload. So, if the switcher is processing a lot of video, this reduces the chance of a switcher failing or “freezing” by allowing your live stream to go uninterrupted.

Again, the Live:Air app is a great option. Advanced users would benefit from its ability to add multiple camera angles wirelessly using additional iOS devices. For example, by running Live:Air, you can have your iPad Air 2 capture a wide angle of the congregation, a separate iPhone can provide a close-up of the altar, and an iPod Touch can focus on the band.

Multiple camera angles can also be achieved with typical cameras.

Just keep in mind that each camera used with Live:Air will need at least a VidiU Mini; however, you can also use the VidiU, VidiU Pro, or the Clip and Cube encoders. Additionally, Live:Air lets you transition between these angles and even do a picture-in-picture.

For experts If you’re looking to improve your church’s already impressive streaming setup, consider VidiU Pro, which includes our ShareLink™ technology.

Until recently, this tool was only available to professional broadcasters; now it’s not only accessible to all streamers, but it’s also affordable.

ShareLink combines the power of multiple Internet connections to create a robust, reliable Internet connection. For example, when streaming in the field — where stable Internet connectivity is the most challenging — you can combine the strength of up to four iOS devices to “go live.”

While one phone’s connection is typically enough for a 720 HD stream, by adding more connections you can ensure a Full HD 1080 stream.

For stationary applications, using ShareLink is key to providing an uninterrupted stream. For instance, a venue might provide a dedicated Ethernet line for connecting to the Internet; however, that single Ethernet connection could drop out. To avoid this vulnerability, ShareLink can supply backup Internet connections via Wi-Fi, USB cellular modem, or iPhone connections.

We also recommend Live:Air for expert-level streamers. You can deploy the app as its own mobile production team in the field. Especially for retreats in remote locations, this app lets you take a professional workflow anywhere.

No matter where you are in terms of streaming expertise, there’s always room for improvement and a more impactful result. All you need is the desire to learn and the right equipment.

Andrew Ng is Marketing Manager at Teradek in Irvine, CA. www.teradek.com churchexecutive.com

Streaming Made Simple What quality church live streaming looks like

By Andrew Ng

With the advent of live streaming and A/V communication, we are at the forefront of a media revolution.

Make sure your church is ahead of the curve.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you can make with church streaming — and how can I avoid them at my own church?

One collective mistake is overcomplicating the technology needed to successfully broadcast. While it’s true that you need multiple components for a successful live stream, there are really only a few key elements that you truly need. By simplifying the experience, companies like Teradek make it easier to stream video without redundant parts.

If your church simply wants to get up and running (read: streaming), consider Teradek’s Live:Air app for the iPad, which lets you start streaming with the option to add titles, pre-made video, and more. If your church already has cameras, consider a tool like VidiU or VidiU Pro and you’re ready to go live. The next two steps are making sure you have Internet and a place you want to send the video.

Another common misstep is trying to find one product that meets every need you’ll ever have. You become caught up in this endless search for this ubiquitous product, which ultimately turns into a costly, time-intensive inconvenience. Whether it’s deploying to satellite locations or an online campus, the trick is taking a step-by-step method.

To offset this search, we’ve designed our products for scalability, which allows them to grow and adjust as a church’s demands develop. For example, the VidiU Pro — in its simplest form — can sit atop one single camera and connect to local Wi-Fi; however, if a church is interested in a larger production that requires additional production tools (a hardware switcher or external audio, for instance), the VidiU Pro could also provide a reliable connection that supports the extra hardware and allow you to successfully stream.

Additionally, if a church wants to take its production on the road, this is where VidiU Pro’s Sharelink functionality comes in handy. It lets users combine the strength of multiple Internet connections, including up to four iPhone links, to generate adequate bandwidth wherever you go.

In the interest of scalability, our product line supports all levels of experience, from beginners to professional television-level broadcasters.

There’s hardly a learning curve; terminology and UI is a standard across the board for our products.

Q: On the other side of that coin, what church streaming practices and tactics have been fruitful for the community?

For one thing, it’s vital to know exactly what they’re looking for and to enter the live-streaming world with well-defined long and shortterm goals. This isn’t exclusive to church streaming setups, but to any organization investing in a live streaming setup.

To begin this process, one of the best tactics is to collaborate with local organizations or individuals that are familiar with live streaming and churchexecutive.com

Teradek’s free Live:Air app is a turn-key solution for beginners and a featurepacked workflow for experts. A portable setup for capturing retreats and gatherings in the field.

the technology around it. On our end, Teradek designs, manufactures, supports, and ships all its products in-house. That level of control not only helps us understand our own products, but it also enables us to provide in-depth services to our customers if they have questions or concerns.

Now shipping, Teradek’s VidiU Pro

Q: How do live-streaming simplifies premium streaming, bringing best practices vary in a broadcast technology to the masses at an affordable price point. An all-inchurch setting versus a one streaming solution, VidiU featues more secular environment? enhanced WiFi, built-in recording, When it comes to the several new streaming options and fundamental technology simplified workflows. involved in live streaming for churches versus a secular environment, there isn’t much difference.

The basics remain the same, specifically the need for a reliable encoder, destination, and bandwidth.

With that being said, there often are more advanced features that secular environments are looking for to increase reliability and quality based on the hardware they use. With that ramp-up comes a higher price tag.

The real difference comes in the form — how the technology is applied and which workflow is best for the church setting. Most of the time, church volunteers operate the equipment for a live stream; in a more secular setting, a dedicated operator might be at the helm. This is why we’ve prioritized user-friendliness with our VidiU family of products. You don’t need to be an expert to operate Teradek products. With just one click of a button, anyone can go live.

Andrew Ng is Marketing Manager at Teradek in Irvine, CA. www.teradek.com S T R E A M I N G M A D E S I M P L E • CHURCH EXECUTIVE

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