Multiple HDMI cameras, Wirecast and Teradek encoder – Will this work?

[Michael Kellam]

Hi,

I have a streaming workflow in mind but am wondering if it is likely to work or if there is something else I need.

I would like to input 2-3 HDMI cameras into my Macbook Pro, switch them in Wirecast and then send out via HDMI to a Teradek Vidiu Go encoder that will actually encode the stream to RTMPS.

Does this sound like a workable workflow?

I am concerned about whether Wirecast and the Macbook pro can handle 2-3 HDMI cameras and how I would get the HDMI into my computer. (I have 2 Thunderbolt inputs and wasn’t sure if it would work to get a Thunderbolt adapter with multiple HDMI ports or if I needed another device.

I previously encountered issues with Wirecast streaming with a Logitech webcam, but I believe the issue may have been too much resource usage in encoding for the stream. In the above configuration, the hardware encoder would be doing that part, so I hope it would eliminate that issue.

Thanks for any advice you might be able to share.

Mike

[Craig Seeman]

[Michael Kellam] “Does this sound like a workable workflow?”

Absolutely.

[Michael Kellam] “I am concerned about whether Wirecast and the Macbook pro can handle 2-3 HDMI cameras “

That depends on the CPU resources and the settings you use. I’ve done two HDMI sources streaming to one destination all at 720p on a 2013 15″ MBP.

[Michael Kellam] “(I have 2 Thunderbolt inputs and wasn’t sure if it would work to get a Thunderbolt adapter with multiple HDMI ports or if I needed another device.”

Two Blackmagic Ultrastudio Mini Recorders for HDMI to Thunderbolt. For the third, a Magewell HDMI to USB3 device should work. Get appropriate compatible adaptor cables from Apple.

[Michael Kellam]

Hi Craig – Thank you very much for your reply! It’s very helpful.

Also, for everyone:

I spoke with someone at Wirecast and he recommended integrating an external capture card (KONA HDMI Capture Card, Blackmagic Designs Decklink or a Magewell Pro Capture Quad HDMI) with an enclosure from Sonnettech so I can capture all of the video with one external unit.

So I think I’m going to try setting this up.

Thanks a bunch!

Mike