ZowieBox streaming Setup

[waldrpw]

I am the stake clerk and stake technology specialist in the Tremonton Utah West Stake. I've been managing our stake conference streams for several years now, and inherited an old Teredek VidiuX streaming encoder that eventually failed. Through the process of trial and error I have developed a hardware setup that works very nicely, is easy to operate, and will support up to 5 different stream keys for 5 separate YouTube Live accounts. It provides a simple method to switch to an on-screen display during the sacrament, as well as allowing the operator to mute the audio during the sacrament prayers.

The church's technical direction gives several options for a streaming platform, however we have found that YouTube Live is the best for sacrament meeting streams. It allows a better degree of security and control, and will allow the operator to delete the stream after each meeting which is in keeping with the church's direction not to record sacrament meetings.

This is perfect for our stake as we have 4 wards in addition to the stake that meet in our stake center, and our other buildings each have 2 or 3 wards in each. One great advantage is that it can be operated from a web browser which doesn't tie the operator to any single device platform or operating system. We have those who use an iPad, some using MacBooks, and even an inexpensive Chromebook or PC.

I cancelled our stake's Zoom account, which was costing us over $160 per year. I still use Zoom for shorter interactive meetings but have never needed to extend beyond the 40 minute limit on a free Zoom account. I'm attaching a one-line diagram showing how our equipment is connected, as well as a sample material list for reference and an HD image that we use for an on-screen display during the sacrament.

[rmrichesjr]

That's a very impressive setup!

With the encoded stream going from the Zowietek Streaming Encoder to the Facility Ethernet Switch, what is the purpose of the separate Ethernet cables between the switch and the camera (other than power from the PoE injector to the camera)?

With rumors and perhaps more than rumors that the FM groups will be removing wired networking in favor of 100% Wi-Fi, have you made any plans or preparations to switch to Wi-Fi rather than Ethernet cable?

In case it might save other units some money on cables and perhaps other equipment, two online vendors that have good to very good quality product at very good prices are Grumpy Man Cables ( https://grumpymancables.com/ ) and B&H Photo ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ ). I have no connection with either vendor except as a very satisfied customer.

[seanhyte]

I cancelled our stake's Zoom account, which was costing us over $160 per year. I still use Zoom for shorter interactive meetings but have never needed to extend beyond the 40 minute limit on a free Zoom account.

Why is/was your stake paying for a Zoom license? Zoom is at no cost to stakes because the Church picks up the tab. You need to configure you Zoom accounts here where you will not have the 40 min limit. https://meet.churchofjesuschrist.org/ (You can have one account per ward and another for your stake).

[waldrpw]

Regardless of who picks up the tab, Zoom is an unnecessary expense. I posted this merely as an option. The technology specialists who operate our streams have been very happy with the setup.