How I Stream

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How do you choose equipment?

Start By Determining Your Video Broadcasting Needs

So what are you interested in broadcasting live.  For me it was video games.  I needed to get set up right away for a bit under $1,000.00.  Are you just doing a regular daily vlog? A small webinar or online calss? Do you dream of being an internet DJ one day. Figuring out your specific broadcasting needs will allow you to determine the type of live streaming camera equipment and setup that you should that will make sure that you are providing the best show to your audience.  

Make Sure You Have A High Speed Internet Connection

Video capture is really just half the battle. For a truly successful live stream, you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection that’s not only fast but reliable. Don’t connect to an in-house internet connection that everybody else is using even if it’s super fast. The best option is to use a portable Wi-Fi router that will not go wonky in the middle of your stream.

How Are You Going To Broadcast Live?

Once you decide to use an actual video camera instead of just your mobile device or webcam, you’ll need an encoding software that will convert all of your content into a package that can be distributed on the web.  While there are many options out there, all of them tend to be built upon the standard that is OBS or Open Broadcaster Software.  I prefer the StreamLabs version but to each there own.  

What Equipment am I currently using to stream?

CyberpowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6GHz CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 6GB, 16GB DDR4, 512GB Pci-E Nvme SSD, WiFi Ready & Win 10 Home (GMA1400A, White)

I picked this items because I wanted a computer that was going to be able to handle my gaming and broadcasting needs but I didn't want to spend too much.  I also didn't want to spend a lot of time hunting down the various parts to build my own....then actually assemble the thing.   I have been very pleased with it's performance overall as a system.  CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Master series is a line of gaming PCs powered by AMD’s newest Ryzen CPU and accompanying AM4 architecture. The Ryzen 5 CPU is the core to the series with fast processing speeds and up to 6 cores / 12 threads for effortless multi-tasking. The Gamer Master also includes the latest AMD Radeon or NVIDIA’s GeForce series of graphics cards to deliver high frame rates and impeccable image quality in the newest PC games.

USB Microphone MAONO A04 Plus Cardioid Condenser Podcast Mic 192kHz/24bit Plug and Play, Provide Two Mic Holders for Livestreaming, Voice Over, YouTube, Gaming, ASMR

I wanted a microphone with a boom so that I could get it close to my face but out of the way on my desk.  While there are some great mics out there at a much higher price point than this bad boy, I have been quite pleased with quality of this microphone.  I enhance the noise cancellation through a filter in OBS and with that it works exquisitely.  USB Microphone Kit Plug & Play -with professional sound chip set, which let the USB microphone hold high resolution sampling rate. Sampling Rate: 192kHz/24bit. With a good cardioid polar pickup pattern, high output and low self-noise function, the microphone can accurately reproduce even the most subtle sound. It is suitable especially for studios, recording, broadcasting, meeting and gaming etc.

YOTOCAP USB 3.0 Capture HDMI Dongle 4K 1080P 60fps HD Video Capture Card Video Game Capture 1080P Live Streaming Converter Recorder Plug and Play for Xbox One PS3 PS4 WII U YT-265U

I wanted a capture card so that I could play video games from older consoles as well as games directly from my computer but I didn't want to spend a fortune.  I took a risk and purchased this off brand capture card and it has not let me down yet.  I love it and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to purchase the name brand version that is well over $100.00.  

Product Features:

* UVC standard. Plug and play. No need to install driver.
* High quality video recording, 1080P 60fps video capture and streaming.
* USB 3.0 high speed port, powerful to get HD video captured into you computer up to 1080P.
* Support multi streaming software, allowing life video streaming, webcasting and video conference.
* With USB 3.0 to Type-C convertor, supports Windows, for Mac or Linux OS.

Emopeak Silent Wireless Mouse, E2Pro-Max All Button Noiseless Click with 2.4G Optical Mice 3 Adjustable DPI Levels with USB Receiver

I really needed a mouse that you couldn't hear obnoxiously click all the time.  That's really the only reason I purchased this one.  So far it's been a great mouse and I would probably purchase again.  A satisfying wireless mice is expected to give you secure connection, precise track and comfy grip. Emopeak E2 Pro wireless optical mouse features advanced 2.4G wireless technology that ensures reliable connection within 33ft. You deserve it!

Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches (HB-UM43)

I needed more than one the few USB 3.0 ports offered on my computer so I bought this to add more ports.  Add up to 4 devices with the Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub. The thin, lightweight design makes the Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 hub a great travel companion to expand your laptop’s USB 3.0 port into four. Fully backwards compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 products. Furthermore, each port has a power switch, allowing for individual port control.  With Super-Speed USB 3.0, you can now transfer data 10 times faster than older USB 2.0 standards. Speeds of 5Gbps are a vast improvement over USB 2.0’s 480Mbps top speed. The Sabrent 4-Port USB Hub utilizes the most advanced technology but remains compatible with the older USB 2.0/1.1 standards.

RCA to HDMI, AV to HDMI,GANA 1080P Mini RCA Composite CVBS AV to HDMI Video Audio Converter Adapter Supporting PAL/NTSC with USB Charge Cable for PC Laptop Xbox PS4 PS3 TV STB VHS VCR Camera DVD

I haven't gotten a chance to use this one yet but I purchased so that I can stream some of my classic consoles.  Though I still need to purchase a few more adapters and cords for some of my older consoles, this device along with my capture card and and HDMI cable will let me stream the classics.  It converts RCA (AV, composite, CVBS) signals into HDMI signals so you can watch your video on a modern TV with HDMI ports. The analog to digital conversion in this module employs 10 bits maximal 162MSPS sampling, black/white level expansion, color transition improvement, dynamic range expansion, blue stretch , auto-detect and auto-convert the composite signal to 1080p(60HZ) output. Making video come alive, delivering the sharpest, most realistic HD visuals available.