Live streaming with EX1

[Craig Seeman]

I use my EX1 to stream regularly. It seems like you’re also using Ustream Producer software. You’ll notice that I’m also the “Cowhand” on the Telestream Wirecast forum. Ustream Producer was an OEM program developed by Telestream for Ustream.

In order to use HDV for Producer you’d need to purchase the HDV plugin. You may also need to purchase Producer Pro although I’m not absolutely sure of that ($199).

Another option, although more expensive, is to use an MXO2-LE (north of $1000 US depending on options) but this would require that your laptop be a Mac with an Express port. This would allow you to use SDI and either downconvert to Standard Def in camera or in the MXO2 (SD uses less computer system resources than HDV).

You could try using the free Adobe Flash Live Media Encoder (available Free on both Mac and Windows). I haven’t tested to see if it’s HDV compatible but it may be. That would be the least expensive method if it can handle HDV. You’d probably want to download the Ustream Flash XML file for import using that method.

Another way about this would be to use the EX1 analog out, downconverted to Standard Def. and use one of the analog to firewire boxes such as those by GVG/Canopus.

[Nick Hall]

Thanks. What if I use my my Panasonic DVX100b which is SD only? Would that be simpler?

I don’t understand why the EX1 in SD mode doesn’t work with Ustream producer (not Pro). Can you throw any light on that?
Thanks again!

Tindog

[Craig Seeman]

[Nick Hall] “Thanks. What if I use my my Panasonic DVX100b which is SD only? Would that be simpler? “
Yes, that would just be DV on firewire. Much less processor intensive. Generally, streaming HD frame sizes at high data rates limits the online audience so most people still stream SD. You can certainly stream 16×9 in SD though. 640×480 or 640×360 at 500-700kbps can look good.

[Nick Hall] “I don’t understand why the EX1 in SD mode doesn’t work with Ustream producer (not Pro). Can you throw any light on that? “

EX1 doesn’t have an SD mode. It can downconvert though. Firewire doesn’t downconvert. Only analog and SDI although I’ve only used SDI. EX1R can do DV.

[Bob Tompkins]

The outputs on my EX1R are a little funky. There are only so many digital outputs. I do not know if it the same on the EX1 but you have to enable iLink through the menu function. Unfortunately this disables the rest of the digital outputs such as HDMI. Have you done this?

[Craig Seeman]

iLink on EX1 sends HDV video only. Does EX1R send DV? That would be the easiest solution. Otherwise analog or SDI out would need a “box” to input into computer.

[Nick Hall]

Thanks guys. Would this box do the trick then?
https://www.grassvalley.com/products/advc110
And if I converted the signal, does anyone know if Ustream producer (NOT pro) would be enough.
Thanks again

[Craig Seeman]

I can’t say firsthand but that’s exactly the kind of box I’m talking about for analog to firewire DV conversion. Producer should see that as a camera source I believe.

[Bob Tompkins]

The EX1R is selectable DV or HDV.

[Craig Seeman]

DV out of firewire would be a very simple solution.
Personally I’d never record DV but DV out of firewire is very useful for live streaming.

[Bob Tompkins]

I did it using Microsoft Live Meeting just recently.