Mobile Live VR and Interactive Streaming for under $10K

Technology never ceases to amaze, here at Videoguys you can find not only smaller portable equipment but mobile streaming equipment for under $10K. Mark Alamares discusses some of the affordable equipment that is available today.

$10K Buys a Mobile System for Interactive Streaming and Live VR

Mobile streaming presents a new paradigm for live streaming. Imagine being able to switch with a compact unit with several wireless cameras or mobile phones that can be mounted on helmets or placed at different locations. You currently have the ability to switch multiple cameras if you connect a VR backpack to a battery-powered Roland V-1SDI 4-Channel HD Video Switcher (battery cable required). It has three SDI and two HDMI inputs that allow for multiple camera and computer sources. You can even attach a VR rig to the VR backpack. Cameras or mobile phones can be placed in different locations to transmit wirelessly and serve as additional inputs. This allows you to create content in real time, in the field, with minimal encumbrances. You’ll basically have the freedom to stream from anywhere a cell connection is available. The cost of a mobile streaming system is around $10,000. Here’s the cost breakdown: Three action or mini-broadcast cameras (GoPro or Marshall Electronics), $500 each One backpack VR, $2,500; encoding software (Telestream Wirecast Pro), $1,000 Battery-powered video switcher (Roland V-1SDI), $1,500; mobile battery pack (Anton/Bauer or IDX), $500 Mini-monitor/digital recorder (Atomos Blade or Blackmagic Design Video Assist), $500 Cellular bonding unit (LiveU or Teradek), $3,000–$4000 Cables and connectors as needed Just as portable video and handheld film cameras ushered in a creative revolution during the ’50s, ’60s, and especially the ’70s (when film crews took their cameras to the streets), mobile streaming has the potential to provide an equal or greater creative effect in streaming. These real-time events or shows would leverage the live aspect of streaming and create a premium event with viewer participation with instantaneous feedback via social media. Users can also provide comments, specific directions, or information to the operator/broadcaster in real time. Social media integration and interactive user engagement through polling, voting, and other added elements could further enhance the stream. As with game streaming, the interactive stream could draw users deeper into the story and conversation.

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