Am I able to use an HD camcorder to stream on UStream?

Question

I am looking at the sony, samsung, panasonic, canon, or JVC HD camcorder lines and wonder if they(or which ones don't) work with a UStream video stream.

Answer 1

Yes, but you will need to test which connection and resolution works for your situation.  Every HD camera has the ability to downgrade to SD.  Also, if you hook your camcorder with the supplied USB cable, your camcorder will normally go into a built in webcam mode (but with higher resolution that normal webcams), and your computer will normally recognize your camcorder as a webcam without any extra software or drivers.

- This will also depend on your particular internet service and bandwidth.  If you are doing everything UStream tells you to and you are having trouble getting the signal out, you will need to check with your ISP (and loca administrator if you are on a network).

*** Broadband ISPs normally sell your internet service based on speed coming into your location (download speed).  The outgoing (upload) data usually travels out at a fraction of the incoming speed since most users don't send out much data.

- This is why most webcams today still operate in the VGA resolution at 15-30 frames per a second.  In some cases, you may have to purchase a higher residential account or maybe even a business account to get enough outgoing bandwidth depending on your service, location, and ISP

- If you are on a network, you may also need to talk to your administrator.  Adjustments may need to be made to your routers and switches so your video signal has priority and more bandwidth to your outgoing video signal.