A Bubble Machine, a Confetti Cannon, and a YouTuber walk into a room… That’s the start of fundraising in 2018. New tools for accepting donations directly through YouTube and Facebook live streams are finally reaching scale at a time when live streaming is all the rage. So, I am excited to dedicate this blog post to putting the “Fun” back into “Fundraising”.
Recent Posts
Fundraising with YouTube and Facebook Live Streaming
Posted by Paul Richards on Mar 13, 2018 2:57:25 PM
Topics: Live Streaming, non-profits
Recording Professional Video Interviews
In today’s episode of Back to Basics, we go over professional techniques for setting up cameras to shoot video interviews. Video interviews are great for both recorded and live streaming applications. Whether you are recording an exciting collaboration project or discussing a new project launch with your company CEO, video interviews can bring to life almost any conversation. This video tutorial reviews camera placement, lighting and tips for creating amazing video interviews.
When you are shooting a professional interview on video you should consider how many cameras angles you will need to provide the viewers an engaging experience. If you only have one camera than perhaps you could add a second PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera. PTZ cameras can actually look like multiple cameras as they move between preset positions allowing producers to frame subjects in view before transitioning to a new live take. In this presentation, we review the classic 3 & 5 camera video interview setups.
Topics: Video Interview, camera setup
Introducing the Phoenix Audio Stingray USB DSP Microphone Mixer
Posted by Paul Richards on Dec 6, 2017 9:12:33 AM
Very often when it comes to web based video conferencing systems we find ourselves searching for a high quality DSP audio mixer that includes USB 2.0. Well, this week Zach Flanagan from Phoenix Audio dropped by and shared with us a great solution called the Phoenix Audio Stingray.
Topics: phoenix audio, Smart USB Audio Mixer, phoenix audio stingray, DSP USB Mixer, USB Audio Mixer
This is a really cool time to be part of the video production industry. The immense culture shift toward digital media and smartphone usage is increasing the demand for video by leaps and bounds. After reading the Huffington Post article “Yes, It’s time to get serious about vertical video”, I have to say that the data is compelling. So compelling that it starts to flip everything we about 16:9 video resolutions and makes you think twice about 9:16.
Consider the fact that smartphone users hold their phones vertically 94% of the time and more than half of all video is now consumed on mobile devices. Jill Sherman, SVP, Social Strategy reports that Widescreen (16:9) and square (1:1) will have a hard time competing with vertical video (9:16) when it comes to mobile video consumption.
So I did a test and the results were pretty interesting. Yes, I did see more organic video views a 9:16 vertical video versus a similar 16:9 widescreen video. These test are difficult to draw too much information from because the views depend so much on the content and user behavior but the test did have a striking resemblance to a test performed 1 year earlier on YouTube vs Facebook Video content on Facebook.
Topics: Live Streaming, Video Production, #multiplecameras
What is the best USB 3.0 Extender? This one may surprise you!
Posted by Paul Richards on Aug 25, 2017 3:31:51 PM
Topics: USB 3.0, USB extenders
Broadcasting from the Boardroom - The latest trend in ProAV
Posted by Paul Richards on Jun 19, 2017 11:36:05 AM
Hello Pro AV & Broadcast Professionals!
Just getting back from InfoComm 2017, and a major trend appeared. Videos are being made inside traditional meetings spaces more than ever before. Not only are more rooms “video enabled” as we say in the industry, but every video conference, live streaming and webinar software includes a big red “record” button nested prominently inside the interface. That big red button is getting used more than ever, contributing to the staggering 300 hours of video being uploaded to YouTube every minute!
We have all sat through a recorded webinar right? They are getting better, but the majority of recorded webinars are sub-par in comparison to polished videos viewers are becoming more and more accustomed to. I would guess the last recorded webinar you watched is something your co-workers would call “death by powerpoint”. It’s not uncommon to come across recordings on YouTube with poor audio and video quality BUT when you do come across a video that was helpful and well prepared… that’s when users start to click the “subscribe” button. This is where social network sharing and communities discussions can start to uplift your video content and take your content further.
Topics: Broadcasting, USB video conferencing, Live Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Production, AV
HuddleCamHD releases new Wireless USB 2.0 Webcam Adapter at the 2017 InfoComm Show
Posted by Paul Richards on Jun 6, 2017 3:19:18 PM
Topics: wireless usb conference camera, Wireless USB, infocomm
YouTube Live vs Facebook Live - A side by side review
Posted by Paul Richards on Jun 1, 2017 10:41:56 AM
Topics: YouTube Live, Live Streaming, Video Production, facebook live
Two Camera Zoom Room System for Video Conferencing
Posted by Paul Richards on May 4, 2017 12:21:11 PM
Topics: Zoom.US, zoom, Zoom Rooms