- Q: What is webcasting?
- A: Check out our crash-course, ʻWebcasting 101ʼ
- Q: Do I have to buy any encoding software?
- A: While there are many encoderʼs available for purchase online, including our favorite mix of webcasting presentation & encoding - Wirecast, you can always use the free Adobe Flash Encoder or Windows Media Video Encoder as simple solutions to get you up and running.
- Q: What upload speed is required to operate WorshipStream from my ministry?
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A: Webcasting, preliminary connection recommendations are as follows:
- Minimum UPLOAD bandwidth (constant, not burst): 2Mb/sec
- Minimum DOWNLOAD bandwidth (constant, not burst): 4Mb/sec
These speeds should be fairly standard for any broadband connection. DSL connections will most likely offer higher downloads, but insufficient upload bandwidth. Please check with your ISP provider to make sure you have an appropriate bandwidth connection speed (example: Comcast, Qwest, etc.) Don't let your bandwidth limitations get in your way though, call us for help if you have questions!
- Q: Can I use my own Handycam or Camcorder I bought at a big box store?
- A: Sure, most of todayʼs consumer grade cameras (video cameras, not still cameras) will connect successfully to your encoding software on your computer. For high-quality webcasting we recommend a camera that has a 1.29” sensor or greater. Panasonic, Sony & JVC all make great cameras that fit these recommendations.
- Q: Can I use the camera built-in to my computer (i.e. iSight or Sonyʼs Motion Eye, etc.)?
- A: Yes, weʼve run test on several built in cameras and have successful broadcasts keeping the bandwidth upload rates in the 200 – 300 kps (kilobytes per second) range. Try out your camera and let us know how it goes! Weʼre always interested in what equipment our customers are using. And we love to learn how they like it.
- Q: Do I need special microphones to capture audio?
- A: The microphone built into your camera or signal from your audio console should be fine.
- Q: What kind of processing speed does my computer need to make WorshipStream work effectively?
- A: A dual core processor is preferred, but weʼve successfully broadcast programs from a variety of laptops and tower computers from manufacturers such as Dell, HP and Sony.
- Q: Is it legal for me to stream our whole service? What about the music?
- A: You can legally stream your message, announcements, etc. with no problem. If you want to stream your entire service then you will need a license to broadcast the copyrighted material, including music. There are several solutions available at a very reasonable cost. Christian Copyright Solutions has a church streaming license available at www.copyrightsolver.com. CCLI is also working on a streaming solution which will be available at CCLI.com. However you choose to do it, please respect both the original artist and the law by doing this the right way. It is your responsibility to ensure that the material you are broadcasting is legal.
