4K Live Streaming: Is it time to Produce My Events in 4K?

Discover the future of ultra high-definition streaming! Join us on this week’s Videoguys Live as James dives into the exciting world of 4K live streaming. We’ll explore the key benefits of 4K, tackle common challenges, and help you decide if it’s the perfect upgrade for your event production. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your live streams to the next level!

What is 4K?

• 4K is 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the detail of 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels).​
• Increased pixel count results in much sharper and more detailed images, making every frame look crisp and clear.​
• 4K resolution enhances color depth and vibrancy, providing a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience.​
• Perfect for sports events, concerts, and high-end corporate presentations.​

4K PTZ Cameras

• Capture in Higher Quality​
• Record in 4K even if you are producing HD​
• Leaves room to make edits and keep quality or use a digital zoom when needed​
• Available from most of our manufacturers:​ BirdDog, Canon, JVC, Marshall, Panasonic, PTZOptics, Vizrt​

​Software & Hardware with 4K Integration​

Software​

• Wirecast, TriCaster Mini S, vMix, OBS Studio​

Hardware:​

• Switchers - Vizrt TriCaster, JVC KMIP12, Epiphan Pearl 2, YoloBox Ultra​
• Converters – Kiloview N50 & N60, Vizrt Connect Solo​
• Encoders - LiveU Solo Pro, Kiloview P3 & E3​

​NDI Technology & 4K​

• NDI HX 3 High-Quality Video Transmission​: Low-latency video over IP networks​
• Ideal for 4K Streaming/transmitting video on a local network​: Send your video anywhere on the open web, or a closed network​
• Integration with Existing Workflows​: Seamlessly integrate more equipment into current production combing legacy cameras and NDI compatible cameras​

​NDI 6 Expands 4K NDI Capabilities​

• NDI HX3 Efficiency​: Improved efficiency for high-quality, low-latency video transmission over standard Ethernet networks.​
• HDR Support: Native HDR support for more life-like video with higher contrast and expanded brightness headroom1.​
• 10-bit Color Depth​: Native 10+ bit color depth support for smoother gradients, richer textures, and pixel-perfect precision​

Best Practices for using 4K

• Network Requirements​
• Advantages of using a 4K workflow​
• Future proofing content​

Network Requirements​

• Ensure you have a high-speed internet connection capable of handling the increased data rate of 4K streaming. A minimum of 25 Mbps per stream is recommended​
• While wireless networks are convenient, wired connections (Ethernet) are more reliable for 4K streaming due to their stability and higher bandwidth capabilities​
• Ensure your network is free from congestion by limiting the number of devices connected simultaneously. Use network management tools to monitor and optimize traffic​

Top 5 Reasons Videoguys Recommends Netgear ProAV M4250 Switches

1. Engineered for AV over IP​
2. Netgear is committed to ProAV​
3. Easy to Configure (GUI)​
4. Presets for NDI HX3 & NDI 6​
5. Recommended by all of our partners:​ PTZOptics, Vizrt, Birddog etc​

Advantages of using a 4K Workflow​

• Can stream and record in 4K – Picture looks clearer​
• Better low light picture quality –More Pixels to see in low light situations​
• Lossless digital zoom when exporting at lower resolution​
• More options for Post-Production work, Especially with NDI 6.​

Future-Proofing Content​

• Growing Adoption of 4K​
• Ensuring content remains relevant and competitive​
• Long-term cost savings by avoiding future upgrades​
• Stay up to date with industry trends​
• Growth of 4K content consumption and production​
• YouTube, Netflix, major sports networks​