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Onsite Encoding Requirements

Overview

This document will cover the technical requirements for a successful webcast when streaming
directly from a venue (client office, theater/hall, hotel conference center, or temporary space such as
an open field). If a location (venue) cannot accommodate any items listed, this must be addressed
during the first technical call with all parties.

Technical Requirements for Onsite Streaming Services

  • An IP Address for each stream requested. Standard set-up is a primary and secondary
    stream for redundancy purposes which, would mean two (2) assigned IP Addresses on two
    ports. All cabling such as CAT 5/6, is to be provided by a venue representative “cable to
    table”.
  • Each IP must have open access to the internet with the below listed requirements in place
    • Publicly accessible, Static IP is preferred over a Dynamic IP - this is preferred but
      private IPs with QoS will work.
    • Ports 80 and 1935 must be open and remain open for the full duration of any testing
      or event.
    • Firewall, gatekeeper or other security protocols must be disabled if in place.
    • IP, Alternate IP, Gateway, Subnet Mask, DNS, Alternate DNS.
  • Network connectivity Each encoding unit must have an individual port assigned that travels
    a unique path out to the internet. If this cannot be accommodated, we recommend traveling
    through separate network switch at a minimum.
  • Bandwidth requirements are no less than 5 Mbps per connection with standard
    requirements and no less than 10 Mbps per connection for HD requirements.
  • Communications port We recommend a wired third port for a communications laptop. This
    is to allow for open communications without impacting any encoding device. Should this be
    unavailable then a wireless network may be used in its place with the understanding that a
    shared wireless network may have congestion due to usage and image communications.
  • One (1) dedicated phone line that can make national and/or international phone calls with an
    accompanying handset
  • Dedicated clean power circuit of 20 AMPs with two (2) power strips/surge protectors
    provided by venue.

Detailed network requirements documentation can be accessed here: https://webcasts.com/networkresources/

Broadcast Signal Requirements

The Audio Video signal requirements should be shared with any vendor secured by a client.

  • Two (2) identical mixed program feeds via HD/SDI with embedded audio is recommend as a
    broadcast standard. HDMI as a prosumer source may be accepted due to limitations with a
    specific venue or A/V crew.
  • One (1) XLR mixed audio feed for audio back up.
  • All Cables to be provided by the Audio/Video partner(s).


Location/Venue Logistics & Requirements

  • Work area to have one (1) six-foot table with chairs accommodating up to three individuals.
    Additional tables and chairs may be required should there be a need for additional
    equipment and/or personnel.
  • Venue IT representative to be available at the location for all test times as well as the
    event(s)
  • Any restrictions concerning access to location or venue must be communicated on the first
    technical call by the client or location (venue) representative.

Glossary

  • IP Address: A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer
    using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network
  • Static IP / Dynamic IP: When a device is assigned a static IP address, the address does not
    change. Most devices use dynamic IP addresses, which are assigned by the network when
    they connect and change over time
  • Quality of Service (QoS): A control mechanism to provide high-quality communication over a
    best-effort network by over-provisioning the capacity so that it is sufficient for the expected
    peak traffic load
  • Network Switch: A networking device that connects devices together on a computer
    network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination
    device
  • Megabits per second (Mbps): A measure of data transfer speed (a megabit is equal to one
    million bits)
  • HD/SDI: High-Definition / Serial Digital Interface
  • HDMI: High-Definition Multimedia Interface