Live Streaming and Webcams

It was recently mentioned to me that Livestream now has a mobile app for iPads and such.  The question was, can we use this with the NRMPS Livestream accounts.  Well here's the email;

Chris,

I see from reviews that it appears we can generate livestream broadcasting on iPads.

Is that right?

Is it worth working on?

Do you recommend trying or recommend against trying to do so?

I found your instructions on shared Google Drive, but it starts with "buy a camera," which led to the above questions.

Thanks,

This seems to be a growing topic, so I thought it might be helpful to share my reply..

Keen,

The Livestream app is for personal Livestream accounts.  It will not work with our corporate account.

Staff are welcome to create a personal Livestream account and use the app, however I would strongly suggest Google Hangouts On Air instead.  It's free, they already have a Google account, and there are far more useful features with it over the Livestream product.

Here's my take on webcams listing them from worst to best;

• (Just okay to use) - Mobile devices including smart phones and iPads.  Generally the image quality while streaming on these devices is poor.  Sound is compromised by the placement and movement of your hand on the device.  If handheld, the image is shaky exasperating the already poor quality.
• (Better) - Built in webcams.  Usually the image quality is good.  Especially on newer laptops in the system such as the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.  Sound is good but you still need to be mindful of making noises near the mic with your hands. (Take off any wrist jewelry).  Video is good but still shaky if you are holding the laptop with your hand.
• (Very Good) - An HD External Webcam.  This is the preferred device for streaming.  The image quality is very good.  The sound quality is very good and in some cases in stereo.  It's portable and easy to use.  You're not tied down to your laptop or mobile device, in other words, you have more freedom to setup the camera any way you like.  Most models come with a threaded hole for mounting on a tripod or other standard camera mount.  << Very handy feature for the classroom >>

My personal suggestion is the Logitech c920, but any of the Logitech or Microsoft HD webcams would be a good choice.  If you're getting a lot of interest in streaming and you think it would be helpful, Jeff and I could put together a presentation on Google Hangouts On Air.  Just let us know.