Livestream releases software version of Studio video switcher, gives producers an even more portable option
Back when Livestream announced its Studio HD500 all-in-one, the company told us a software-based equivalent would be coming at some point during Q1 2013. Well, folks, today's the day the Livestream Studio family grows by one, welcoming the addition of a software-based switcher tool that aims to be yet another on-the-go option for roving broadcasters. As expected, both professional and recreational producers will be able to control an array of elements from the comfort of their own machine -- including, but not limited to, up to five live video output feeds (yes, it can handle HD) and a real-time, multi-view video canvas which allows for live transitions and audio mixing. It's also worth noting Livestream isn't constraining the Studio software to its own web platform, meaning that, as is the case with the HD500, streams can also be shared to third-party places like Ustream, Akamai and, you guessed it, YouTube Live.
In what's perhaps the only caveat attached to this particular version, Livestream's decided to make this release only compatible with Windows PCs that are coupled with a Blackmagic Design capture card. However, a company representative did tell us an OS X solution is indeed in the works and should be coming once the next iteration of the product gets launched -- mum's the word on when exactly that'll be. All that aside, though, the new Studio version goes on sale around the world starting today for a cool $1,999 -- a price tag which Livestream CEO Max Haot believes to be ideal so that "anyone can make their own production studio to mix, produce and go live instantly at an affordable price."
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Livestream Launches HD Multi-Camera Live Production Switcher Software
Now for the first time, anyone can build an affordable, broadcast-quality, live production control room from a PC connected to any Blackmagic Design® capture and playback device with Livestream Studio™.
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12, 2013 – To help further its mission to democratize live video, Livestream (livestream.com) announced the release of the Livestream Studio™ (http://www.livestream.com/studiosoftware), the software-only edition of its successful live video switcher hardware, the Livestream Studio HD500. Now, anyone can build a live, multi-camera production switcher that competes with hardware products on the market for a fraction of the price. Livestream Studio works exclusively with any Blackmagic Design® capture and playback device and runs on Microsoft® Windows.
Key features include:
• Live Multi-camera: Up to 5 live video inputs or output via connected Blackmagic Design® devices
• HD Live Video Output: Analog, HDMI or HD-SDI via connected Blackmagic Design® devices
• Multi-view: Full field-rate multi-view to preview your cameras in real-time with audio levels
• Live transitions
• Live audio mixing
• Graphics overlay and titling
• Record to full resolution Blackmagic Design® MJPEG AVI
• Media players: Mix video clip files while switching live broadcasts
• Built-in live streaming encoder: Built-in encoder enabling one-click live streaming in HD multi-bitrate to the award-winning, ad-free Livestream Platform or any platform of your choice, including YouTube™ Live, Ustream™, Akamai™, Wowza™ Media Server and any CDN or server that supports RTMP
• Support: includes two months of the industry's only 7 day a week phone support with knowledgeable customer service and technical support
"As more events, venues and producers decide to capture and broadcast live, the industry has been screaming for more affordable and flexible live video options," said Max Haot, CEO and Co-founder of Livestream. "Today, we're furthering our goal of democratizing live video production by delivering what the market has been waiting for. By unlocking software out of the hardware model at a reduced cost, we're lowering the barriers to entry so anyone around the world can build their own live production switcher." The Livestream Studio is designed to perform as a broadcast-quality live video switcher when using live video output (HD/SD SDI, HDMI, Component, S-Video, Composite) and is ideal for applications such as in-venue screen broadcasting, live-to-tape productions, network and local television programming, all with or without streaming to the web platform of your choice. Additionally, the Livestream Studio includes two months of the industry's only 7 day a week phone support with knowledgeable customer service and technical support. The Livestream Studio is available worldwide today for $1,999 at http://store.livestream.com. Download now the free evaluation version available at livestream.com/studiosoftware.
