Geekazine

Wirecast is a great way to switch live. It’s also a great way to record now, edit later. But what if you want to record multiple cameras now, and edit later? I show you two ways you can do that with 4-panel recording.

Get Wirecast Here

Advantages of 4-Panel Recording

If you are recording video solo, and have 2 or more cameras to switch from, this allows you to keep your hands off the keyboard/mouse and simply focus on the recording aspect of this. You can do 2 camera, 4 camera, or even more – depending on the power of the computer.

With multi-panel recording, your cameras area already synced up. They also share the same audio, which you could use Wirecast’s Multi-track to record different sources.

If you do any 4-square interviews for podcasts, you can also use this to your advantage by adding the overall shot, or side-by-side shots into the mix.

If you are sending out your video to be edited by someone else, this also can save upload time, and a lot of questions.

Method 1 – Create a 4-Panel Capture to Record from Wirecast

This will take a little bit of thinking, but this will work if you have only one computer, and no hardware. Keep in mind, your computer will be working hard at capturing and recording, so you’ll have to be aware of they type of machine you’re using to do this. If your computer meets only the minimum requirements of Wirecast, you probably won’t be able to do this.

With that said, you’ll now need to figure out whether you want to use 1 Master Layer, or multiple. I highly suggest 1 scene in 1 Master Layer because we’re trying to keep it as simple as possible.

Next, we need to figure out resolution. Keep in mind, when you are recording more than one camera, you want to double the resolution so you can edit back down to the original. That means if you record video in 720p (1280 x 720), you need to double the screen size so you don’t look pixelated in the end (2560×1440). If you publish in 1080p (1920×1080), the screen has to be 3840×2160, or 4k.

Same thing goes with the video output. You will need to create an output setting to match the size and bit rate. I used the 720p 4MB profile and changed to 1440p 16 MB.

Method 2 – Output to Recorder, Another Program

The easier method is to use the monitor configuration, and output to another computer or hardware to record the screen. I do this all the time when I want to record video.

I do this by using an HDMI out to a Blackmagic Design Video Assist. It can capture the audio and video easily, and takes part of the load off the main computer. I can also capture to another computer running Wirecast, vMix, OBS, or a program such as Premiere Pro (if it has a capture option).

In Wirecast, setup all 4 cameras (make sure you also set up sound as desired). Configure the output display to a 4 screen configuration, using the 4 scenes you set up. Make sure you uncheck the option to add labels – you want to only capture sources.

Record, then Edit

Now it’s time to record the video, then edit in your favorite editor. Some programs will have a “Multicam” option, which allows you to switch cameras as you play the file back. You can then go back and make adjustments, add graphics, and finalize the way you need.

Wirecast is a great way to switch live. It’s also a great way to record now, edit later. But what if you want to record multiple cameras now, and edit later? I show you two ways you can do that with 4-panel recording.

Get Wirecast Here

Advantages of 4-Panel Recording

If you are recording video solo, and have 2 or more cameras to switch from, this allows you to keep your hands off the keyboard/mouse and simply focus on the recording aspect of this. You can do 2 camera, 4 camera, or even more – depending on the power of the computer.

With multi-panel recording, your cameras area already synced up. They also share the same audio, which you could use Wirecast’s Multi-track to record different sources.

If you do any 4-square interviews for podcasts, you can also use this to your advantage by adding the overall shot, or side-by-side shots into the mix.

If you are sending out your video to be edited by someone else, this also can save upload time, and a lot of questions.

Method 1 – Create a 4-Panel Capture to Record from Wirecast

This will take a little bit of thinking, but this will work if you have only one computer, and no hardware. Keep in mind, your computer will be working hard at capturing and recording, so you’ll have to be aware of they type of machine you’re using to do this. If your computer meets only the minimum requirements of Wirecast, you probably won’t be able to do this.

With that said, you’ll now need to figure out whether you want to use 1 Master Layer, or multiple. I highly suggest 1 scene in 1 Master Layer because we’re trying to keep it as simple as possible.

Next, we need to figure out resolution. Keep in mind, when you are recording more than one camera, you want to double the resolution so you can edit back down to the original. That means if you record video in 720p (1280 x 720), you need to double the screen size so you don’t look pixelated in the end (2560×1440). If you publish in 1080p (1920×1080), the screen has to be 3840×2160, or 4k.

Same thing goes with the video output. You will need to create an output setting to match the size and bit rate. I used the 720p 4MB profile and changed to 1440p 16 MB.

Method 2 – Output to Recorder, Another Program

The easier method is to use the monitor configuration, and output to another computer or hardware to record the screen. I do this all the time when I want to record video.

I do this by using an HDMI out to a Blackmagic Design Video Assist. It can capture the audio and video easily, and takes part of the load off the main computer. I can also capture to another computer running Wirecast, vMix, OBS, or a program such as Premiere Pro (if it has a capture option).

In Wirecast, setup all 4 cameras (make sure you also set up sound as desired). Configure the output display to a 4 screen configuration, using the 4 scenes you set up. Make sure you uncheck the option to add labels – you want to only capture sources.

Record, then Edit

Now it’s time to record the video, then edit in your favorite editor. Some programs will have a “Multicam” option, which allows you to switch cameras as you play the file back. You can then go back and make adjustments, add graphics, and finalize the way you need.

Cutting the cord is a lot easier, and YouTube wants you to watch through them. But there are other options in services that have been around for years. I pit YouTube TV up against two terrestrial services – AT&T DirecTV NOW and Spectrum TV.

Cable TV Offering

I live in a Spectrum TV area. This used to be Charter, but the company did a name change after they purchased Time Warner TV. You might have Cox, Comcast, Frontier, TDS, or another service in your area. Your results, and channel lineup may vary. I would love to hear what your service offers for Internet TV.

Spectrum has 3 tiers of cable. Basic, Silver, and Gold. For this video, we’ll focus on the basic tiers with no bundle options. Spectrum basic TV is $64.99.

My internet also goes through Spectrum, which I  end up with a hefty bill close to $200 a month. One note – even though I have a $10 bundle credit, I also have to pay $8.85 surcharge for getting broadcast TV – local CBS, NBC, etc. I have to pay for receivers, unless I decide to use the app, which is available on iOS, Android 4.2 and better, Amazon Fire devices, Roku, XBox, and Samsung smart TVs.

Basic will give me 239 channels, but keep in mind, the first 60 channels are doubled, as they have a SD and HD version. I do get about 30 additional music only channels, local access channels, and OnDemand and PPV options.

There is also a DVR option, but for additional cost. If you can wait, you’ll be able to see OnDemand the next day – with no fast forward option.

If I wanted to get 447 channels including premium channels like HBO and Showtime, I would pay an additional $40/month.

You can connect up to 15 devices, but only 5 can be used simultaneously. The app also only will display up to 1080p in my area. The cable boxes only do 1080i at best themselves, but many channels on the network don’t stream in anything better than 1080i.

DirecTV NOW

This is AT&T’s offering. DirecTV also has a Satellite TV package, but for this video, we’ll focus on DirecTV NOW. No hardware required.

Plans start at $45 / month for 65 channels. They have 5 different tier plans, including one that includes more spanish channels. Since I have an AT&T unlimited phone service, my HBO is free, and I also get a discount of $15 / month.

They also have a cloud DVR option, which is in BETA at the moment of this review. It’s a good start to the offering, but does have some bumps. Most notably the ability to start the recording on the current show.

You can watch on iOS, Android, Chromecast, Roku, or Fire TV. There is promise for XBox and Samsung TV, but at the time of this review, it was not available. It may be available if you can run an internet browser. directv NOW has a 2 device limit.

And even though DirecTV NOW says they support 4K, I could only get channels in 1080p. This might be for their satellite over streaming service.

Overall, the interface is easy to use, but the opening of the app, along with calling up the guide, is pretty slow.

Deep dive with the video I did last year – Is Hulu Live TV worth the $40/month

YouTube TV

The new kid on the block is YouTube TV. You can connect this up fairly easy, and there’s a 14 day trial. $40 / month with upgrade options. Missing is HBO, Cinemax, and other premium channels. But adding premium channels is pretty straighforward. Each channel also comes with a 14 day free trial. In all, with the extra options, I could pay up to $95/month.

Keep in mind, YouTube TV is still not available in all areas. But it does have a good US coverage if you’re around a city with 200k or more people.

There is a family share option, which you can allow others in your household with YouTube accounts to sh...

Cutting the cord is a lot easier, and YouTube wants you to watch through them. But there are other options in services that have been around for years. I pit YouTube TV up against two terrestrial services – AT&T DirecTV NOW and Spectrum TV.

Cable TV Offering

I live in a Spectrum TV area. This used to be Charter, but the company did a name change after they purchased Time Warner TV. You might have Cox, Comcast, Frontier, TDS, or another service in your area. Your results, and channel lineup may vary. I would love to hear what your service offers for Internet TV.

Spectrum has 3 tiers of cable. Basic, Silver, and Gold. For this video, we’ll focus on the basic tiers with no bundle options. Spectrum basic TV is $64.99.

My internet also goes through Spectrum, which I  end up with a hefty bill close to $200 a month. One note – even though I have a $10 bundle credit, I also have to pay $8.85 surcharge for getting broadcast TV – local CBS, NBC, etc. I have to pay for receivers, unless I decide to use the app, which is available on iOS, Android 4.2 and better, Amazon Fire devices, Roku, XBox, and Samsung smart TVs.

Basic will give me 239 channels, but keep in mind, the first 60 channels are doubled, as they have a SD and HD version. I do get about 30 additional music only channels, local access channels, and OnDemand and PPV options.

There is also a DVR option, but for additional cost. If you can wait, you’ll be able to see OnDemand the next day – with no fast forward option.

If I wanted to get 447 channels including premium channels like HBO and Showtime, I would pay an additional $40/month.

You can connect up to 15 devices, but only 5 can be used simultaneously. The app also only will display up to 1080p in my area. The cable boxes only do 1080i at best themselves, but many channels on the network don’t stream in anything better than 1080i.

DirecTV NOW

This is AT&T’s offering. DirecTV also has a Satellite TV package, but for this video, we’ll focus on DirecTV NOW. No hardware required.

Plans start at $45 / month for 65 channels. They have 5 different tier plans, including one that includes more spanish channels. Since I have an AT&T unlimited phone service, my HBO is free, and I also get a discount of $15 / month.

They also have a cloud DVR option, which is in BETA at the moment of this review. It’s a good start to the offering, but does have some bumps. Most notably the ability to start the recording on the current show.

You can watch on iOS, Android, Chromecast, Roku, or Fire TV. There is promise for XBox and Samsung TV, but at the time of this review, it was not available. It may be available if you can run an internet browser. directv NOW has a 2 device limit.

And even though DirecTV NOW says they support 4K, I could only get channels in 1080p. This might be for their satellite over streaming service.

Overall, the interface is easy to use, but the opening of the app, along with calling up the guide, is pretty slow.

Deep dive with the video I did last year – Is Hulu Live TV worth the $40/month

YouTube TV

The new kid on the block is YouTube TV. You can connect this up fairly easy, and there’s a 14 day trial. $40 / month with upgrade options. Missing is HBO, Cinemax, and other premium channels. But adding premium channels is pretty straighforward. Each channel also comes with a 14 day free trial. In all, with the extra options, I could pay up to $95/month.

Keep in mind, YouTube TV is still not available in all areas. But it does have a good US coverage if you’re around a city with 200k or more people.

There is a family share option, which you can allow others in your household with YouTube accounts to sh...

I’ve been working on a Pi Project for a media streamer. Since getting the newer Raspberry Pi 3B+, I wanted to put it in a case with proper ventilation. That is why I went for the iUniker Pi case. But it was a small challenge to get together.

This case is called a 9-layer case because it is just that. Each layer can be modified for the project you are using. However, putting it together is not as easy. It can become a puzzle pretty quick, and I did drop a couple screws during the install.

The case comes with fan, heatsinks for memory and processor, and the 9-layers that make up the case. I take you through the process of setting it up for use.

iUniker is a company that focuses on Raspberry Pi products. From fans, to cases, screens, power supplies, and more. Find out more from iUniker.com

Get the iUniker Raspberry Pi 3B+ case here.

I’ve been working on a Pi Project for a media streamer. Since getting the newer Raspberry Pi 3B+, I wanted to put it in a case with proper ventilation. That is why I went for the iUniker Pi case. But it was a small challenge to get together.

This case is called a 9-layer case because it is just that. Each layer can be modified for the project you are using. However, putting it together is not as easy. It can become a puzzle pretty quick, and I did drop a couple screws during the install.

The case comes with fan, heatsinks for memory and processor, and the 9-layers that make up the case. I take you through the process of setting it up for use.

iUniker is a company that focuses on Raspberry Pi products. From fans, to cases, screens, power supplies, and more. Find out more from iUniker.com

Get the iUniker Raspberry Pi 3B+ case here.

Last year, I purchased my first fabric LED light for the travel streaming case. It has lowered my bag weight – so I can put in more gear, it’s easy to assemble, and – most important – it’s easy to affix to walls and bend for a better splay of light. So when I decided to get LED lights to backwash my chromakey screen, I decided to go fabric.

Neewer Foldable LED Lights

I have been a fan of Neewer camera and light products for many years. in 2015, I showed you how to make an inexpensive studio light using the Neewer 160CN lights. I still own those, and use when I need a portable rig.

The reason why I chose the Neewer Foldable LED Light is because of how I was going to affix them – on the ceiling casting light on my green screen. There are many different advantages to this 1′ x 1′ light – the main reason is how light-weight it is. I could use velcro to attach to the ceiling. And if it did fall down, it would only be an annoyance vs. a major injury.

The kit does have a collapsible aluminium frame to hold on a cowboy stand. It also comes with power, 2.4 GHz wireless remote (which can control up to 4 light sources), hand grip, and carrying case.

The LED light itself is 256 LEDs that can illuminate up to 5600K. If you need a color temp change to 3200k, the Fositan Fabric LED version (which is 1′ x 2′) is available. The light takes 48W of power, and you can dim via the remote.

The 1’x1′ LED light is $69.99

In the Video

I unbox one light and put it together. I add the diffuser, along with talk about other possible uses – such as a lightbox.

Last year, I purchased my first fabric LED light for the travel streaming case. It has lowered my bag weight – so I can put in more gear, it’s easy to assemble, and – most important – it’s easy to affix to walls and bend for a better splay of light. So when I decided to get LED lights to backwash my chromakey screen, I decided to go fabric.

Neewer Foldable LED Lights

I have been a fan of Neewer camera and light products for many years. in 2015, I showed you how to make an inexpensive studio light using the Neewer 160CN lights. I still own those, and use when I need a portable rig.

The reason why I chose the Neewer Foldable LED Light is because of how I was going to affix them – on the ceiling casting light on my green screen. There are many different advantages to this 1′ x 1′ light – the main reason is how light-weight it is. I could use velcro to attach to the ceiling. And if it did fall down, it would only be an annoyance vs. a major injury.

The kit does have a collapsible aluminium frame to hold on a cowboy stand. It also comes with power, 2.4 GHz wireless remote (which can control up to 4 light sources), hand grip, and carrying case.

The LED light itself is 256 LEDs that can illuminate up to 5600K. If you need a color temp change to 3200k, the Fositan Fabric LED version (which is 1′ x 2′) is available. The light takes 48W of power, and you can dim via the remote.

The 1’x1′ LED light is $69.99

In the Video

I unbox one light and put it together. I add the diffuser, along with talk about other possible uses – such as a lightbox.

While at Infocomm 2018, I checked in with Panasonic and the cool things they were doing at the booth. I saw an emmersive gaming projection unit, a video wall with interaction, their education area – containing digital whiteboards and video systems to stream and record. But as a video guy, I was really interested in the AW-UE150 4k PTZ camera coming out in December.

About the Panasonic AW-UE150

WIth at 1 inch MOS sensor and 20x optical zoom – along with their intelligent (i Zoom) feature, this PTZ camera will be able to capture video across a room at 4k 59.94fps. The camera also will have one one of the widest viewing angles at 75.1 degrees horizontal for optimal capture of a concert, presentation, house of worship, and more.

The camera can be connected using 12G-SDI, HDMI, optical fiber, and IP protocols like VISCA, OnVif, and even NDI.

Add the AW-RP150 camera controller

This is a  great way to control multiple PTZ and static remote cameras. The RP150 includes a one-hand operation joystick, and a large touch-panel LCD screen. The unit also has an LCD panel for camera monitoring.

Both items will be out in December, the UE150 is expected to be in the $12,000 range, while the RP150 will be in the $5,000 range. Check out Panasonic Pro Video for more information.

While at Infocomm 2018, I checked in with Panasonic and the cool things they were doing at the booth. I saw an emmersive gaming projection unit, a video wall with interaction, their education area – containing digital whiteboards and video systems to stream and record. But as a video guy, I was really interested in the AW-UE150 4k PTZ camera coming out in December.

About the Panasonic AW-UE150

WIth at 1 inch MOS sensor and 20x optical zoom – along with their intelligent (i Zoom) feature, this PTZ camera will be able to capture video across a room at 4k 59.94fps. The camera also will have one one of the widest viewing angles at 75.1 degrees horizontal for optimal capture of a concert, presentation, house of worship, and more.

The camera can be connected using 12G-SDI, HDMI, optical fiber, and IP protocols like VISCA, OnVif, and even NDI.

Add the AW-RP150 camera controller

This is a  great way to control multiple PTZ and static remote cameras. The RP150 includes a one-hand operation joystick, and a large touch-panel LCD screen. The unit also has an LCD panel for camera monitoring.

Both items will be out in December, the UE150 is expected to be in the $12,000 range, while the RP150 will be in the $5,000 range. Check out Panasonic Pro Video for more information.