By Full Compass LiveWithin months, students from pre-school to graduate school will don their cap and gowns in anticipation of graduation. Family members and friends will settle in, anxiously and excitedly waiting for the program to begin, so they can watch their loved ones cross the stage and receive their diploma. But here’s the catch: the majority of them won’t be on campus for the event.
But here’s the catch: the majority of them won’t be on campus for the event.
Location, space available, and a variety of circumstances can make it impossible for everyone who wants to attend an event to actually be there in person. Full Compass has the next best thing – the right equipment to liveDefinition:
Live broadcast of an event or program without substantial delay or editing. stream the graduation ceremony or event directly to proud relatives and friends, as it’s happening.
Live streaming is quickly establishing itself as a social norm and it’s a great solution for bringing crowds of people together who are all eager to be in the same place at the same time. All you need to stream your own event is the right gearDefinition:
Musical or performance equipment., a coverage plan, and practice. Let's get started.
Gather the Right Gear
The first place to start? With the right video camera. Whether you choose to rely on one single camera or several, it’s important to do your research. We recommend Sony’s new PXW-Z150 camcorder for its high-quality imagery, but also for its wireless ability. In a pinch, this camera can wirelessly transmit a signal from your camera to a computer or streamingDefinition:
A method of sending a continuous flow of digital content over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, and often, tailors itself to the user's receiving capability. device.
Most of us don’t have professional audio and video mixing studios at our fingertips so why not let devices like the NewTek Tricaster or live streamingDefinition:
A form of live broadcast using internet services. software do it for us? Many of these options allow you to use a hard-wired set up, but can go wireless too as well as broadcast or “go live” to millions like Aunt Betty in Omaha.
If you’re more comfortable sticking with a hard-wired system, then a video streaming and and/or recording device like the Matrox Monarch HD or HDX, is a terrific option. This powerful piece of equipment allows you to simultaneously record and stream with reliable high-quality audio and video and also allows you to broadcast the event directly to the web.
Speaking of audio, to stream the best and most reliable audio to your audience, you’ll want to plugDefinition:
A connector, normally male and attached to a cable. directly into the podium in the venue or straight into the mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals.. With this set up, you’ll completely avoid competing with cellphone users for wireless bandwidthDefinition:
A range of frequencies that a device can generate, reproduce, or process. This usually implies little or no alteration within the range., which won’t be at a premium that day.
Plan Your Coverage Before the Big Day
To get a better idea of what you’ll need, map out the venue and create a coverage plan. As part of the plan, decide where you’re going to place your camera(s). Setting up your camera away from the crowd and in a place where people are less likely to block your view is very important; so is giving yourself space, so no one can bump into or trip on your equipment.
Plus, if you’re setting up more than one camera, make sure one is facing the podium to captureDefinition:
To acquire audio and/or video, and convert it to a file. speeches and the awarding of diplomas. Post ceremony; simply adjust its aim to capture the processional. Meanwhile, the second camera can be used for more general “big picture” views of the entire audience, as well as “up close and personal” views that catch individual reaction shots.
Having all of this prepared ahead of time will ensure a smoother process on the day of the ceremony.
Be Prepared and Practiced
You’ll want to practice your coverage plan to be sure your camera angles capture all the action, and to make sure you can clearly hear what’s being said. Don’t leave this important step for the day of the ceremony!
You and your team of camera and audio operators should also practice your basic camera moves. Make sure they know how to panDefinition:
Horizontal pivot of a camera or light, opposite of Tilt, or the placement of a sound element in stereo or surround sound. and tiltDefinition:
The up-down pivot of a light or camera. Opposite of Pan. See PTZ., and zoomDefinition:
Continuously variable enlargement or reduction of an image. in and out, smoothly, so the image at home is engaging, rather than distracting.
Finally, you’ll want to discuss what to do if you have an equipment failure, and a backupDefinition:
1. (verb) To create a copy of existing software to insure against loss of the original. 2. (noun) The copy of the original software. process. Having all of this prepared ahead of time will ensure a smoother process on the day of the ceremony.
Reach out to your Full Compass Sales Pro at 800-356-5844 for more information on these and other products.
