This bundle from STREAMSTAR features the WEBCAST LiTE streaming and live switching software plus a four-input HDMI capture card. The combination allows you to intercut between four local video sources - cameras or any other non-HDCP HDMI sources - and can also receive up to four remote sources via IP. In addition to switching, the software can stream to the Web at up to 720p60, with settings to support a range of CDNs (content delivery networks). It can also record the program (PGM) feed at web streaming or archival quality for later upload or editing. The software is for Windows 7 64-bit and is intended to run on select HP and ASUS hardware configurations (please refer to the system requirements). The user interface has been laid out to put what you need at your fingertips all of the time, and is touchscreen-enabled for users with touchscreen displays - otherwise keyboard and mouse operation is possible, too.
With Internet video increasingly supplanting television broadcast, the demand for a comprehensive switching and streaming solution is ever growing. Given features such as a media player allowing you to build playlists, the ability to play back a range of codecs without transcoding, and an integrated audio mixer, it is possible to manage an entire production from just this application. Potential user groups include news programs, live event coverage, houses of worship, corporate event coverage, and really anyone managing multiple cameras - in studio or on location - while limited to a small production team.
Capture and Output
HDMI Capture Card Included
A four input HDMI capture card is bundled with WEBCAST LiTE, allowing you to bring in four local sources of video - from camcorders, media players, and more (HDCP encrypted sources are not supported for legal reasons)
Output Over and HDMI and IP
The program feed can either be output for local viewing using an HDMI port on the host computer's graphics card or encoded and send out over IP for Web streaming or delivering to a live feed to another WEBCAST system at a remote location
Video Switching
Mixing Modes
You will find three traditional switching modes familiar to users of hardware switchers. However, the way these modes are implemented has been updated in line with the benefits software-based switching enables:
- Direct Cut: Select a new source - a camera or from the media player - simply by tapping on in tap on it in the user interface
- Crossfade: Like Direct Cut, except the cut is executed via an automated crossfade of user-defined duration. Duration adjustment bar (T-bar) is also provided
- Transition: When selected, the cut is executed via one of the predefined transitions. Select the transition type from the selector matrix and complete the cut by tapping any source preview player (camera, media, playlist, replay, etc.). The duration of the transitions is adjustable and transitions can be modified or customized to suit production needs
Keying and Effects
Dual DSK Channels
Use the DSKs (downstream key) to insert one or two independent video/graphics layers above the camera layers with full transparency support
- Overlays: Layer for insertion of static or animated graphics like lower 3rds and bumpers titles
- Logo: Layer for the insertion of a production logos, station ID bugs, or any animation
Media Ingest and Playback
Ingest External Content
An additional input channel is provided to supplement the camera feeds with content such as a PowerPoint presentation, PDF files, a computer desktop, song lyrics, a Skype feed, or even an additional video source such as an auxiliary switcher
Instant Playback without Transcoding
WEBCAST LiTE offers instant video clip playback and management. Unlike many other switchers, which need to transcode any material before it can be used in live production, WEBCAST can instantly play back any material without transcoding. From the Media panel, users can:
- Load an unlimited number of clips for instant use in the production
- Set clips parameters and options
- Set loops
- Control audio
- Sort and reorder clips
- Assign clips to playlists
- Preview clips
Media Management and Playout
All clips that are used within the WEBCAST system can be assigned to content related groups - called playlists. That enables the user to organize media clips into various programming blocks that can be used during live broadcast at any time. Comprehensive controls are available to control and manage the content of playlists. Typical usage would be programming blocks like highlights from recorded replays during a sports event break, commercials blocks, prerecorded interviews, music videos, or any other prerecorded material to bridge over a "dead spot" in a live broadcast. Playlists enable the user to:
- Create an unlimited number of playlists for instant use in the production
- Set playlist parameters and options
- Set each playlist to play on a loop
- Set clip loops within the playlist
- Control the audio of the whole playlist
- Control the audio of each individual clip within the playlist
- Sort and order playlists
- Sort and order clips within a playlist
- Preview all clips within a playlist
Web Streaming
Built-In H.264 Encoder
WEBCAST LiTE features a proprietary H.264 encoder, offering a multitude of streaming profiles to support the requirements of many popular CDNs (content delivery networks). All streaming settings can be saved in profiles for repeated use
HD 720p Streaming
The built-in H.264 encoder is capable of streaming of 720p resolution video at 50 or 60 fps and in a datarate of up to 10 Mbps. WEBCAST LiTE offers support for a wide range of integrated streaming platforms (CDNs) and streaming options, plus all streaming parameters are adjustable
Program Feed Recording
The PGM (program) output feed can be recorded as a file for immediate upload or delivery to the client. The parameters of the .MP4 file generated are identical to the settings of the live production stream
A high-quality version of the PGM feel can also be recorded to an internal or external hard drive in HD MPEG-2 at 18 Mbps or SD MPEG-2 at 10 Mbps
A high-quality version of the PGM feel can also be recorded to an internal or external hard drive in HD MPEG-2 at 18 Mbps or SD MPEG-2 at 10 Mbps
Audio
Audio Mixer
A full featured audio mixer offers faders, level indicators, and controls. This way all of your audio mixing can be handled in software, rather than requiring an external hardware mixer
AVF - Audio Follows Video
Integrated into the Audio mixer is the AFV - (Audio Follows Video) functionality for all camera audio channels. When turned on, the audio mixer is controlled by the video mixer and audio automatically crossfades whenever you switch sources
Third-Party Audio Card Support
In addition to audio brought in through the HDMI inputs, WEBCAST LiTE can also take audio from any Windows compatible sound card or audio interface. This means you can bring in audio from other sources that just microphones/devices connected to the cameras
Split Screen and PIP
PIP Screen Layout
Create PIP (Picture In Picture) layout in which a smaller image or images are superimposed over a main image that fills the screen. Predefined PIP templates are provided by default, and an intuitive content management procedure populates the individual PIP elements. Once prepared, the PIP setup can be switched to PGM Out, or saved for later use. The appearance of the PIP setup (borders, line weights, colors, and shadows) are controlled from within the settings section, and changes can be applied live
Split Screen Layout
Create a split screen layout in which the image is divided into multiple parts. Predefined SS templates are provided by default, and an intuitive content management procedure populates the individual windows within the split screen. Once prepared, the split screen setup can be switched to PGM Out, or saved for later use. The appearance of the split screen setup (borders, line weights, colors, and shadows) are controlled from within the settings section, and changes can be applied live
Operation
Touchscreen Support
Where a touchscreen monitor is available, WEBCAST LiTE can be operated by simply pressing the desired softkey. Keyboard and mouse operation is also supported if a touchscreen is unavailable
Dual Monitor Support
Use two monitors, one to harbor all of the controls and a second dedicated to the input video feeds plus the PGM output
Cascade Multiple WEBCAST LiTE Systems Over IP
Supports Four Remote Sources
In addition to the local camera/video inputs, WEBCAST supports up to four remote video sources via IP. This means live contributions from all over the world can be brought together and incorporated into the program. In addition to the four IP inputs, the PGM feed can be output over IP for use by a remote system running WEBCAST software
Additional Features
Multi-system PAL or NTSC operation
True 4:4:4:4 ARGB video processing
Supports select X-Keys USB control devices