Tips for Broadcasting Live Video

Requirements for Live Video Conferencing

Two Steps to Take Before Broadcasting Live Video:
Step 1
Test the UPLOAD speed of your Internet connection.

Using a computer or Internet connection that does not meet the minimum requirements may produce audio break-up and poor video quality.

The upload speed determines which screen size and frames per second you can use.

• UPLOAD - how fast content is delivered from your computer to others.
• DOWNLOAD - how fast your connection delivers content to your computer.

Important Notes:

A. The download speed that is provided by most IPS's is usually 3 to 4 times faster than the upload speed. Example - a 1.5mb DSL or Cable Internet connection could mean the upload speed (used to send your video), is only 256 Kbps.

Your upload and download speed can be affected by the number of other people sharing the same Internet connection.

B. For optimal video conferencing, the download speed of other's in the room must be at least as fast as your upload speed.

C. If anyone in the room experiences audio break-up, the person broadcasting video needs to select a lower frame rate and/or smaller screen size.

D. A Guest with a slower connection may choose to receive just the audio by clicking the Tools/Features button, and then select Co-Browser from the menu. If the Operator's video appears in the upper right corner of the meeting room, a Guest can disable that incoming stream by right-clicking on the video, and then select 'Disable Operator Video' from the menu.

Test your upload Internet speed click Begin Test below, when testing is complete, compare your UPLOAD and DOWNLOAD speeds to the Live Video Conferencing options you are trying to use below.

Speed Test requires at least version 7 of Flash. Please update your client.

Your Computer (Hardware) Requirements

Microprocessor (CPU): 2.6 GHz processor or faster
Memory (RAM): 1 GB or more

Your Internet Connection, Bandwidth Requirements
                    (Includes the VoIP Audio)

176 x 144 screen size

Example: An UPLOAD speed of 430 Kbps is required in order to broadcast your live video using the
               176 x 144 screen size and at a frame rate of 10 FPS. See the chart below.

1

FPS

 74

Kbps sending or receiving

3

FPS

170

Kbps sending or receiving

5

FPS

160

Kbps sending or receiving

10

FPS

430

Kbps sending or receiving

352 x 288 screen size

Example: An UPLOAD speed of 507 Kbps is required in order to broadcast your live video using the
               352 x 288 screen size and at a frame rate of 10 FPS. See the chart below.

1

FPS

157

Kbps sending or receiving

3

FPS

420

Kbps sending or receiving

5

FPS

595

Kbps sending or receiving

10

FPS

507

Kbps sending or receiving

640 x 480 screen size

Example: An UPLOAD speed of 517 Kbps is required in order to broadcast your live video using the
               640 x 480 screen size and at a frame rate of 10 FPS. See the chart below.

1

FPS

224

Kbps sending or receiving

3

FPS

625

Kbps sending or receiving

5

FPS

908

Kbps sending or receiving

10

FPS

517

Kbps sending or receiving

 

Step 2
Bandwidth efficiency tips, and how to create a white background.

Using a light background reduces the amount of bandwidth required when broadcasting video, and requires less processing from the webcam. A well-lite room produces the best quality image. Dark backgrounds and poorly-lite rooms require more bandwidth and place a higher demand on the webcam. This often results in poor image quality and requires a faster Internet connection for those receiving the broadcast.

Creating a White Background

To produce a white studio background, hang a white bed sheet with two 150 to 200 watt lights behind the sheet. Behind the webcam, place sufficient lighting to remove any shadows that appear on your face.

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