In the digital era, live streaming has become an important tool to reach a wider audience. Whether it’s broadcasting sports events, church services, corporate meetings, or live shows, a multi camera streaming software is a must-have. In this article, we’re diving deep into the top five multi camera streaming software available in 2023. Let’s start.
The Value Added by Multi Camera Streaming
Streaming content live using multiple cameras is not just about sophistication. It’s about creating an immersive and dynamic viewing experience. Using more than one camera allows producers to present different perspectives, capture reactions, and add depth to their content. The ability to switch between cameras, zoom, pan, and frame shots brings versatility and flexibility, transforming live streaming into a powerful storytelling medium.
Breaking Down the Top 5 Multi Camera Streaming Software for 2023
As we continue to evolve in the digital age, the world of video production has been revolutionized. What was once a process that required expensive and standalone production technology can now be achieved with affordable and compact software solutions. Let’s take a closer look at the top five multi camera streaming software for 2023.
1. TVU Producer
TVU Networks has established itself as a leader in the cloud-based video production arena. Their flagship product, TVU Producer, is a comprehensive multi-camera virtual production toolkit accessible via a web browser.
Key Features of TVU Producer
TVU Producer is designed with a virtual production switcher at its core, supporting up to 12 video sources by default. The user interface is clean and intuitive, based on a familiar video multiviewer paradigm with large windows for Preview and Program.
TVU Producer allows for native graphics overlay, such as JPEGs, PNGs, and GIFs. It also supports online graphics and text from Singular.live and URL graphics from Singular.live and Dizplai.
The software can replay up to five videos, create picture-in-picture effects, mix audio, record live video sources, and distribute live shows to social media sites like Facebook Live, Instagram, Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube.
Operating TVU Producer
TVU Producer offers several ways to input live video sources into the cloud. One method is using the free TVU Anywhere broadcast app that can stream a smartphone camera’s video to the cloud. Other external IP sources can be assigned to an input.
Other devices that can be used as sources include the TVU One video transmitter, TVU Nano router, TVU RPS remote production solution, and TVU Grid video distribution and switching system.
Benefits of TVU Producer
TVU Producer brings several advantages to the table. For starters, it is a robust yet user-friendly video production tool suitable for a wide range of applications. It is known for its stability, low latency, and frame accuracy, making it an ideal solution for streaming over standard internet connections.
Being cloud-based, it eliminates the need for expensive hardware. TVU Producer can be used by a single producer or a team located anywhere with an internet connection. It is also priced on a pay-as-you-go basis, starting at $35 per hour, after a 20-hour free trial period.
Try TVU Producer through their 20h free trial offer currently running.
2. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source software that enables video recording and live streaming. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, OBS Studio allows producers to switch between live video sources, playback recorded video clips, add graphics and text, and mix audio.
OBS Studio Features
OBS offers a flexible production environment, allowing producers to set up different scenes for their production ahead of time and define the media sources necessary for each. The default UI opens with a prominent video window, Scenes and Sources boxes, Scene Transition selector box, and Audio Mixer.
OBS Studio Functionality
OBS Studio supports a wide range of plug-ins that enhance its functionality. One such plug-in brings NDI support to OBS, making any video source on a Local Area Network available for a show. Other plug-ins enable advanced scene switching, streaming to multiple CDNs simultaneously with RTMP, and replay sources.
Advantages of OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a highly used open-source software with a wealth of online tutorials. It supports a wide range of production control options and capabilities. Furthermore, it has a rich catalog of plug-ins that add more capabilities. Best of all, it’s free unless you opt for paid plugins.
3. Vmix
Vmix is a software video production and streaming solution that runs on Windows 10 PCs. Vmix supports multi-streaming to three platforms at the same time, including social media sites and custom destinations.
Vmix Features
Vmix supports a variety of input sources including multiple video cameras, graphics, titles, video calls, web content, social media, instant replay, NDI and SRT devices, and live and recorded audio. It also enables shows to be recorded or recorded and streamed simultaneously.
Vmix Functionality
Vmix offers a friendly user interface based on the concept of Preview and Program. Switching between the two is done with a click of one of the transition buttons. Vmix also supports external devices, such as an Xbox, MIDI controller, keyboard, and others, to control productions.
Vmix Advantages
Vmix is a powerful yet easy-to-grasp video production solution. It syncs streams and encodes multiple frames. It supports the most commonly used features a producer may wish to integrate into any given production.
4. Streamyard
Streamyard is a live streaming, cloud-based service accessed via a browser. It is designed to make live streaming simple, with an easy and intuitive interface.
Streamyard Features
Streamyard offers three versions: Free, Basic, and Professional. The Free Version includes 20 hours of live streaming per month, six on-screen participants, and works with Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch, and Twitter. The Basic and Professional levels offer more features, including support for more on-screen participants, multi-stream destinations, video recording, and full 1080p video support.
Streamyard Functionality & Pricing
Streamyard offers a free version, a basic plan for $20 per month, and a professional level for $39 per month. The Basic and Premium monthly subscription prices quoted are for users committing to a year’s subscription.
Streamyard Advantages
Streamyard does what it does well and simply. More complex production elements can be introduced by using Streamyard in conjunction with other software and hardware products.
5. Sony Virtual Production
Sony Virtual Production is a multi-camera, cloud-based live video production solution. Rather than using a mobile television studio, Sony has virtualized the key elements of that workflow in the cloud.
Sony Virtual Production Features
Sony Virtual Production supports up to eight source inputs and includes transitions, picture-in-picture, overlays, and audio mixing. Finished productions can be streamed to multiple social media sites.
Sony Virtual Production Functionality & Pricing
The cost of the Sony Virtual Production service varies depending on how much streaming time is purchased. An hour of virtual switcher use is priced at 49 Euros + VAT.
Audience & User Base
Sony Virtual Production is currently restricted to European customers only. The company is targeting a variety of users, including broadcast organizations and non-broadcast video producers.
Advantages of Sony Virtual Production
Sony Virtual Production offers video producers a way to sidestep much of the expense of traditional production. Working in the cloud transforms video production workflows, bringing a new degree of freedom and flexibility to how shows are produced.
Engaging Your Audience with Multi Camera Streaming
Live streaming is where the viewers are. As of January, nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults streamed TV shows multiple times a week. With the right multi-camera video production tool, video producers can reach these viewers with high production values, making their content more entertaining and engaging. A multi-camera production done properly has a huge competitive advantage over a single-camera production.
In conclusion, whether you’re a professional broadcaster or a beginner, there’s a multi camera streaming software that fits your needs and budget. The key is to identify your requirements and choose a solution that offers the best balance of cost, functionality, and ease-of-use.
