How to Broadcast Live Over the Internet

This USB microphone from Logitech can be placed on a desk and can pickup sound from several areas.

Today, thanks to the Internet and a great selection of off-the-shelf hardware and software, it's possible for anyone with 'Net connection--whether dialup or broadband at almost any speed--to become a "broadcaster." Plus, there are hundreds of folks out there willing to help with advice and "how-tos."

Things You'll Need

• Computer with connectivity to the Internet--broadband is preferred, but dial-up will work for most audio broadcasting.
• USB microphone, such as those available from the Logitech Corporation or a good-quality USB headphone with attached boom microphone.
• USB or Firewire video camera designed for use on the Internet
• Lighting such as a common lamp, goose neck table light or you can spend thousands on state-of-the-art new LED lighting systems.
• If you want to play music have some way to access it, such as files on a hard drive
• Free programs such as Skype, AOL, Google and Yahoo audio and video conferencing software.
• Registration on Internet sites such as live365.com, ustream.com, bitgravity.com, stickam.com, utube.com..

Instructions

Start slowly and learn how to use your equipment

1. 

   One of the best ways to understand how to use microphones or headsets as well as video cameras is to sign up with your favorite networking company such as Yahoo. Or, sign up with Skype.com and learn to video conference with your friends, You can also use just the audio portion to make very low-cost phone calls all over the world.

   This will allow a low-stress atmosphere to learn how to adjust lighting, camera angles, how loudly to speak into your microphone or headset, plus it is lots of fun to not only have a phone conversation, but to also see the other person at the other end. This is especially wonderful for those who have loved ones or friends in other countries.

2. Once your confidence level is increased the next step is to become a "broadcaster" by logging onto sites such as stickam.com and create your own "channel." These sites offer the option of live broadcasting where users just sit in front of the camera and extemporaneously talk to anyone else logging into their channel. Those logging in may also have audio and video cameras and each participant may see and talk to each other. Usually there is also a text-based chat room associated with these channels.

   Many of these sites also allow users to create pre-recorded programming and play it at scheduled times they do not want to be live.

   Other uses for this type of Internet broadcasting is radio stations broadcasting their talent live on the Internet as their show airs. These Internet broadcasts then extend their potential listening audiences beyond their local markets to the world.

3. Video broadcasting may not be for some and sites such as live365.com provide channels for anyone wanting to be a DJ, a sports commentator, political pundit or a religious broadcaster. It is not free, however.

4. The Internet has many professional video broadcasters today. Pioneers such as Leo Laporte (www.twitlive.com) have many such video podcasts. When Laporte began working in commercial television production costs were in the thousands of dollars per show. Today, his "studio" is in a small cottage in Peta Luma, Calif., and utilizes the same type of video cameras used by individuals to film their kids and vacations as well as professional microphones.

   Leo has tens of thousands of viewers each week--all on the Internet and he pays for it all with small advertisers and small voluntary donations from viewers.

5. Take the plunge. Invest in a decent quality video camera and become the next Walter Cronkite or Johnny Carson. you already have almost everything else you need: a computer and connection to the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• Research how others utilize Internet broadcasting by logging onto as many of the sites as you can. Sites such as stickam.com and ustream.com have hundreds of people doing live broadcasts from their homes and offices 24 hours a day. See what they do and if you like it, utilize what you learn.

• Wanna-be DJs should remember that if you plan to move beyond the dabbling stage playing music that there are copyright laws in place. You will need to get legal approval and possibly pay a rights fee to play copyrighted music. One way around these restrictions is to only play new bands or artists who do not have copyrighted material. But, keep in mind, if these bands or individuals perform copyrighted works of others, you are liable, not them, for the broadcast fee payments. Also remember that you are responsible for what you broadcast and if your taste leans toward the more risque entertainment you must make sure all are of legal age. Many broadcast sites allow users to set passwords so only specific persons can access their material.

References

• Great source for Internet broadcasts
• Set up an Internet radio station
• Learn streaming broadcasting by the numbers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• These folks also do web broadcasting right