How to Broadcast with QuickTime

Camcorders compatible with computer connection work with Quicktime Broadcaster.

While the standard QuickTime Player is limited to simple media playback, additional tools can greatly expand the program's capabilities. Apple offers the QuickTime Broadcaster as a free download, allowing users to broadcast media information across a local network or the Internet. Other users can connect to the appropriate URL and view the media live. QuickTime Broadcaster runs on OSX versions 10.4 and later, and works with webcams as well as stored media files (see Reference 1).

Things You'll Need

• Camera or Media File
• Network Connection

Instructions

1. Download the QuickTime Broadcaster installation DMG file from the Apple website. Open the DMG file to install QuickTime Broadcaster.

2. Connect any external devices you wish to use with the broadcast. Ensure they are powered on and recognized by the system. If you use a camcorder or similar device with prerecorded material, set it to "Playback" mode.

3. Open QuickTime Broadcaster. Choose the network you wish to broadcast across in both the "Audio" and "Video" drop-down menus. Check the "Record to disk" option if you wish to save the broadcast locally. Click "Show Details" when finished.

4. Check "Enable Audio Stream" in the "Audio" tab. If you wish to broadcast without sound, leave the box unchecked. Choose an audio file or hardware device in the "Source" drop-down menu. Select any specifically desired compressors or audio option, and switch to the "Video" tab.

5. Ensure the "Enable Video Stream" box is checked, unless you wish to broadcast with audio only. Choose a media source file or hardware device in the "Source" drop-down menu. You can use separate sources for the audio and video portions of the broadcast.

6. Enter the desired video resolution, and select a compressor and other video options if desired. A smaller video file will broadcast more efficiently over a network.

7. Note the IP address and port numbers in the "Network" tab. Other users will need this information to connect to the broadcast.

8. Click "Broadcast" to begin broadcasting. Press "Stop" when finished. While the broadcast is active, other users may access the media by navigating a web browser to the broadcast's IP address (see Reference 3).

References

• Apple Support: Quicktime Broadcaster
• Lawrence University: Quicktime Broadcaster Setup
• Apple Support: How to Broadcast a QuickTime Stream to a Reflecting Server