Ready to smash the Teradek Vidiu; alternatives?

[jeremywillden]

I'll give another big +1 for OBS Studio on a decent laptop. Works great through the Church servers and YouTube (and other streaming sites for that matter). Keep the bit rate in the range of 2 Mbps for the Church servers or they tend to break.

[kaaloa]

Did you ever resolve the issue with your VidiU? Our stake has had 1 vidiu box For the past few years and it has never been an issue, but having that box be the “go no go” reason for failure forced to be have a backup in place. Currently I use OBS for that. We have our video feed run through my computer downstream for lower thirds/graphics and then HDMI out to the vidiu. This computer is also connected to the Lan via wire. In the event that vidiu goes down, I switch to the OBS software which is running in the background and hit “start streaming.” I would say the stream is down for not more than 30 seconds.

However, doing broadcasts like I do them is not for the average member especially since we are not broadcasting sacrament meeting during Covid life. Having 2 stake conferences a year is one thing, but having 9 sacrament meetings every week is a completely different animal. I am trying to think of the simplest way possible to set up the other wards in our stake for success, but there are so many variables that it is proving difficult.

So, wondering was other STS members are doing to help non tech inclined members to successfully broadcast their sacrament meetings.

Moku

[nitzer280]

Little late to this thread, but I, too, am done with our Teradek. It has flaked on us too many times and prior to one of our recent events, after a reboot, it never came back to life. (Teradek was willing to RMA, but the device is out of warranty and will likely take a considerable fee to get it repaired.) FM lent us their backup Teradek. I asked FM for two new Teradeks - one for prod, and one to always have on hand for backup - but was told our stake would need to fund these purchases. Instead of going with more Teradek units, I will test something like this. They're about 1/4 the price and will allow us to afford two devices.

https://www.amazon.com/URayTech-Support ... 261&sr=8-3

[dcburnett]

We also had nothing but grief from our vidiu/Azure setup. It would always pass our test broadcasts, and then fail in the middle of conference. We tried everything. Then Salt Lake kindly sent us a replacement vidiu, and we switched to Youtube Live. It hasn't failed since then. We think our vidiu was overheating, or had some thermal related problem.

[russellhltn]

We think our vidiu was overheating, or had some thermal related problem.

The couple of times I used ours it worked fine, but noticed it got pretty warm. I ended up zip-tying it to the tripod (single camera) in a vertical position to help the natural airflow.

[mawhiteley]

However, doing broadcasts like I do them is not for the average member especially since we are not broadcasting sacrament meeting during Covid life. Having 2 stake conferences a year is one thing, but having 9 sacrament meetings every week is a completely different animal. I am trying to think of the simplest way possible to set up the other wards in our stake for success, but there are so many variables that it is proving difficult.

So, wondering was other STS members are doing to help non tech inclined members to successfully broadcast their sacrament meetings.

Moku

The goal is remain simple and inexpensive (this might be a temporary solution), so using existing hardware/software options. Accordingly, our Stake has decided to have each ward call a Ward Tech Specialist(s) (WTS).

The WTS' responsibility would be Sacrament Meeting broadcasts using their smartphone and a small clamp on the podium. The service options are 1) Zoom (configured so participants cannot unmute), and 2) Facebook Live. We are leaving it up to each Ward. Youtube Live isn't feasible in most cases since a mobile device live broadcast is restricted for users unless they have 1000+ subscribers. The WTS will be trained by our STS (if needed). Afternoon lessons will be using Zoom for two-way discussions.

Other ideas?

[russellhltn]

Youtube Live isn't feasible in most cases since a mobile device live broadcast is restricted for users unless they have 1000+ subscribers.

The limitation is only if you use the YouTube app. If you use another app like Larix Broadcaster, then it's not an issue.

I'd also not rule out using a laptop with a webcam. It's also simple and has a number of delivery options.

[mawhiteley]

I'd also not rule out using a laptop with a webcam. It's also simple and has a number of delivery options.

Right, a laptop opens up a world of possibilities. However, we're trying to be small and inconspicuous. Sacrament meetings will be attended nominally, we don't want to obstruct view of the speaker. The broadcast is for those at risk, or who otherwise are unable to attend. Thanks.

[russellhltn]

However, we're trying to be small and inconspicuous.

If it's an external webcam, the laptop doesn't have to be right at the podium, but along side it. As long as it's in reach of the USB cable.

[sjstringham]

There is another thread on this topic - where a J-Tech device is used. And, a firmware update was created (currently on 1.0.4) that will auto-update the config from the church webcast site. Look under this thread.