Webcast Production Guide
For the latest version of this guide, please visit The NewMediaGuides.com
Please note: this is how we’re webcasting for now - There are certainly other (probably better) ways to make this happen and the technology involved with no doubt be evolving rapidly.
Technical Requirements
- access to a dedicated server running Shoutcast Server or a streaming host provider
- USB Microphone
- Virtual Audio Cables
- Skype
- Streaming Encoder & Audio Recorder - Sam Broadcaster or SimpleCast will record a stream while it is being webcast.
You can watch a screenshot video of how we webcast using Method#1 here.
Method # 2
- any Microphone
- Skype
- Streaming Encoder & Audio Recorder - Oddcast (an open source program) will also record an audio stream while it is being recorded.
You can watch a screenshot video of how we webcast using Method#2 here. Also, check out Mediacast’s Guide to using Oddcast.
We have not been able to use this method with all soundcards and the audio produced has often been a bit more ‘metalic’. Stay tuned for updated info as our experimentation continues. It is a much simpler method though and has the advantage of being entirely free.
Shoutcast is a fairly simple piece of free software, produced by the makers of Winamp, that allows people to stream live audio and video. I believe Shoutcast can only be installed on the server level, which means most people who have set up domain hosting probably do not have access to the root directories of the server that hosts their domain, and so cannot install Shoutcast themselves. Contact your hosting provider for any special arrangements they’ve made for Shoutcast Streaming. There are also a variety of companies that provide stream hosting services for a fee. You can see a list at http://www.radiotoolbox.com/hosts/ Worldbridges plans to soon offer stream hosting services, but does not yet do so. Since we are still in the experimental stage of things, we are willing to share our server resources with those interested in experimenting with interactive webcasting . If would like to try hosting your own show, please submit a Program Hosting Request Form
Because your soundcard will need to capture audio from not only your mic, but the other end of the Skype call and any recorded audio played on your computer, you need to select ‘What U Hear’ (Windows XP) or ‘Stereo Mix’ (older versions of Windows) in your recording volume properties. You will also need to activate the Virtual Audio Cables software and most likely you will need to use a USB mic.
How to get started?
The first and most difficult part is figuring out how to record both sides of a skype call. Give the instruction above a try and stay tuned to this space for a more detailed video guide on how to do this. In the meantime, here are some other resources that might help.