Live Streaming Pricing Explained…

If you’re considering broadcasting live events, you may be wondering about how live streaming pricing is determined.

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to calculating pricing. For someone just considering their first event broadcast this can be a tad challenging.

So what are the factors that dictate live streaming costs?

Many different factors affect live streaming pricing. They generally fall under the categories of complexity, duration, equipment, extra features and of course the bandwidth consumed during live streaming. Let’s look at each of these in turn…

Complexity:
Simple setups can use just a single camera to stream live, whereas a complex live stream can use multiple video and audio sources. There may be several different locations as part of the same event and signals from these locations need to be delivered to a central location. From there, a production technician will operate a live switcher to put it all together and send the stream on its way. While these more complex streams are certainly feasible, they’re also more expensive – utilizing more manpower, more equipment, sophisticated technologies and of course increased bandwidth.

Duration:
The longer your event, the more expensive it will be. Costs like staffing, bandwidth, and venue all add up over time. A 24/7 stream in the style of a TV channel requires staffing, production-grade equipment, and even more bandwidth.

Equipment:
Not surprisingly, more streaming equipment incurs greater costs. Similarly, equipment quality can affect overall equipment costs as well. While broadcast-quality video gear is more affordable than ever, it’s still an important part of the budget.

Extra Features:

The more you ask for, the more it will cost. Features like Live Interactive Chat screens, customization of your display screen, additional viewers, ABR streaming for multi-bitrate streams, Login & Registration pages, password protection, etc., all add up to increased cost.

Live streaming services:
The final category of costs you’re likely to incur is for the live streaming platform you use. Luckily, there are professional-grade streaming platforms available that are both affordable and powerful. But first, let’s consider the differences between these professional video live streaming services and free social video platforms.

Why free platforms don’t save you money
Free live streaming services aren’t suitable for professional events for several reasons.

Ads. Free platforms heavily monetize all video content. Your content can appear next to or alongside of ads – even ads from your competition.
Content blocking. Free platforms like YouTube are the most heavily blocked websites in the world. Many businesses, schools, universities, and other institutions completely block access to these sites.
Third, these free services don’t provide professional-grade tools for your video and streams. Settings for security, monetization, custom branding or special features like Chat, are rudimentary or completely missing.

For these reasons, among others, we recommend considering professional-grade streaming platforms.

In terms of equipment and staff, here are the factors that dictate the cost of your production:

1. Cameras:

While a single camera alone can reduce the cost of live streaming, event streaming for business and require a pro-grade dedicated camera, even multiple cameras.

Better cameras have improved resolution and bitrates, output HDMI and/or SDI signals, have pro audio (XLR) connections, are compatible with live switching systems and encoding software or hardware – and when multiple cameras are used, are matching. Any reputable Live Streaming company will have paid careful attention to these details to produce the very best in terms of quality. A good mid-range camera with excellent video quality goes for roughly $3,000.

2. Audio equipment:

For basic live streams, you may think a video camera with a built-in mic may be OK, but think again. Built-in mics are generally very poor in sound quality. Audio quality is as important (sometimes more important) than video. Professional providers like us have the best in terms of quality and can connect our systems to the house PA mixers using professional XLR connections and leads, to get the best sound possible.

3. Encoders:

An encoder is a piece of hardware or software that transcodes a video into a format suitable for streaming. The encoder then sends this signal via a live streaming server to end viewers.

Some Live stream encoding software can be free (e.g. Adobe’s Live Media Encoder) but this is extremely limited in application. More professional software ranges in price from $600 to $1200. And of course, a professional software encoder also requires a high powered computer to run it. Complex, demanding multi-camera streams need a powerful quad-core i7 system with with top-of-the-line hardware connectors and ports to accommodate all your cameras.

Hardware switchers cum encoders on the other hand are dedicated pieces of live streaming equipment and range in cost from around $1500 to $15,000

4. Technicians and staff:

Beyond the cost of equipment, you’ll also need to consider live streaming pricing for technicians and staff. Keep in mind that each camera needs an operator, plus one person to live mix your stream. If you have to hire these people, costs will be higher. Overall, the cost of staff is variable, depending on location, experience and the duration of your event.

5. Live streaming platforms:

All streaming services include an allotment of bandwidth and storage. If you need to use additional bandwidth – which factors in resolution, number of viewers and duration of the event, you have to pay to increase your bandwidth.

It can be a bit overwhelming to consider so many factors, but that’s where we come in! From offering a range of professional services and optional features to building a customized mini-site for a one-time event or even a permanent Online Live Streaming platform with registration and payment collection features, we take care of everything, leaving you free to run your event.

For more information on Live Event Streaming visit us at www.mediastreams.ca or call us at: 604.970.5055