Top Live Video Production Equipment

When you're watching a live video stream on your mobile device or computer, it can be understandable to assume that the production was thrown together "on the fly." In reality, live video production requires just as much consideration - not to mention equipment - as something like traditional film or television production.

Thankfully, getting to the point where you can live-stream your own events is not necessarily as difficult as one might assume. It will require you to purchase some important pieces of hardware, but overall you can get your production up and running in no-time at all.

Live Video Production Equipment for Video Production Set-up

In an overarching sense, the major components that you'll need for any type of video production set-up include video equipment (meaning cameras), audio equipment (meaning microphones), lighting equipment, and the hardware you'll need to get your stream up and running.

At a bare minimum, you can purchase (or rent) a capable camera and audio package to live stream sports games, eSports sessions, concerts and similar types of events in a cost-effective way. Once you've put together your own "starter pack," you can then slowly add equipment over time to increase the professional look and feel of your live stream as much as possible.

Video Cameras for Live Video Production

Assuming that you don't want to stream from your smartphone (which, in fairness, does have its own built-in camera, microphone and Internet connection), you can get started with an option like the JVC KY100. 

If you're looking for something that isn't built exclusively for streaming and that will act as more of a multipurpose option over time, you might consider something like the JVC HM250U. It offers great video quality and is inherently portable, making it ideal for live-streaming events where you can't control every last aspect of the environment.

Audio Equipment for Live Video Production

When it comes to essential audio equipment for live video production, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Yes, it's true that a lot of the cameras you'll purchase will have their own built-in microphones. If you need to stream quickly and inexpensively, this will get you through the process. But for superior quality, you always want to go with an external microphone. Doing so will offer clearer recordings, and you won't have to deal with any obstructions like the natural hum of the video equipment itself that will almost certainly get picked up by a built-in mic.

Lavalier microphones from Sennheiser would be a great starter option to that end. A lavalier microphone is omnidirectional, meaning that it is capable of recording clear sound from all angles - not just what is in front of it. It can plug directly into your video source (like one of the aforementioned cameras outlined above) and can add another level of depth to your recording.

Mixing Equipment for Live Video Production

Mixing equipment like mixing boards are another critical component for successful live video production. Whenever you are recording and streaming something that is happening live, there is only so much you can control. Having said that, mixing equipment will give you as much freedom as possible when it comes to audio. If your microphones are picking up background noise or other unwanted obstructions, you can reduce them so that people who are viewing the stream can still hear what they are meant to. This is very similar to the type of equipment you would use in traditional video editing, only it has additional features that allow that content to go out live over the Internet at the same time.

Encoders and Mobile Live Video Production

Depending on the type of camera that you choose, some options will require that you have an external video encoder to actually send the information being recorded to your streaming platform of choice. Essentially, this acts as a gateway that takes the video from your camera and the audio from your microphone and brings it together into a single signal that is then transmitted to your live-streaming platform for those at home to enjoy.

Tips for A Smooth Live Video Production

Even when it comes to live video production, one thing that you don't want to forget about is light.

Just because something looks like it is properly lit to your eyes while you're standing in a room doesn't mean it will appear that way on camera. Especially when shooting indoors where you have more control over the environment, you'll want to invest in something like the Astra 1x1 from Lightpanels. This is a professional lighting solution that provides consistent light to illuminate your subjects as you're streaming.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of bringing in a partner to make sure your live video production goes off precisely the way you want it to. If you know what you want to record but don't have the equipment necessary to make that happen, or if you're looking for a partner that brings with them the necessary expertise to handle the streaming aspect while you focus on the event itself, enlisting the help of professionals is always recommended.

At TV Pro Gear, we offer a wide range of different video production services for you to choose from depending on your needs. Not only do we bring with us years of combined experience, but we're also intimately familiar with the unique approaches required to capture live events as well. TV Pro Gear also offers the Genesis-1 Flypack, which includes JVC GY-HC500 4K cameras, an integrated switching system, and more. In the past we have handled sports production, concert production, eSports, conferences, red carpet events and more - all of which we're prepared to do for you, too.

If you'd like to find out more information about all the essential equipment that is necessary to make sure that your live video streaming efforts go off without a hitch, or if you just have any additional questions that you'd like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don't delay - contact TV Pro Gear today.