Guide to Choosing Equipment and Streaming Software for Live Video Production: 2 M/E or 1 M/E, 4K or HD, SDI or HDMI

Diving into live video production can be challenging, especially when selecting the right equipment and streaming software. In this article, we've gathered the most popular questions and covered key aspects of choice, including resolution, mixer channel count, input/output types, and essential additional equipment. (All images were generated to enhance the reading experience).

Basic Equipment and Software Setup

• Video Mixer – Recommended: vMix or Blackmagic ATEM (Constellation 2 M/E or ATEM Mini).
• Recorder – HyperDeck Studio for hardware recording & Callaba Cloud for cloud-based recording and remote video storage.
• Video delivery solution: Web Player, Multi-streaming or Conference Room – Callaba Cloud supports streaming to platforms via SRT, WebRTC (suitable for Sports), NDI, Enhanced RTMP, and HLS, providing multichannel support for remote connections and 4k stream distribution. Subscribe and try for free. Setup any workflow using just one subscription.
• Audio Mixer (optional) – Used for audio delay mixing to avoid synchronization issues between audio and video.
• Additional Equipment (optional) – Network switches (e.g., Netgear 4250 for POE), SDI patch panels, a PC with Companion software for control, wireless microphones, and lighting.

Note: Recently, we have started moving the AV industry to the cloud using NDI, as many large broadcasting companies prefer cloud-based production. Check out this approach to see how it works in practice.

Choosing Between 4K vs HD: What’s Best for Live Production?

HD

HD remains the most popular format for live video production, especially in corporate settings. Key benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: HD equipment is significantly cheaper than 4K, and storage costs are much lower.
• Bandwidth: HD requires less bandwidth for streaming, making setup easier and reducing connection break risks.
• Stability: Many streaming platforms are limited to HD, making it an optimal choice for standard live broadcasts.

4K

4K is the future standard, offering the highest quality and ideal for recording and post-production. Benefits:

• Image Quality: 4K offers higher detail and clarity, crucial for recording large events that may be used in promotional or demo reels.
• Future-Proofing: Investing in 4K equipment provides flexibility as more platforms support high resolution.
• Editing: 4K allows greater quality margins for post-production and trimming.

Conclusion

If you’re starting out and want to test live production, HD is the best option for cost and risk savings. However, if budget permits and you prioritize long-term value, 4K is the best choice.

Note that not all streaming platforms support adaptive bitrate in 4K resolution, but Callaba Cloud can set up adaptive bitrate for efficient streaming.

SDI or HDMI: Choosing the Right Connection for Cameras and Devices

SDI – The Professional Standard

SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is built for broadcasting and video production. Benefits of SDI:

• Long Distances: SDI cables can transmit signals up to 100 meters or more without quality loss, making them ideal for large events.
• Reliability: SDI is stable and interference-resistant, ensuring high image quality without delays.
• Compatibility: Most professional video equipment, including cameras, mixers, and recorders, supports SDI and doesn’t encounter HDCP limitations.

HDMI – The Affordable Choice for Entry-Level

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is more common in consumer electronics and is less interference-resistant over long distances. HDMI benefits:

• Accessibility: HDMI is cheaper and widely used for entry-level setups like ATEM Mini, making it a good choice for low-budget projects.
• Short Distances: HDMI works well in small studios and close-range events where cables don’t exceed 15 meters.

Note: By using an ATEM Mini, you can send the output stream to Callaba Cloud over SRT and then create a web player to organize the broadcast.

1 M/E or 2 M/E? When to Choose More Mixing Channels

What Do 1 M/E and 2 M/E Mean?

M/E (Mix Effects) refers to a channel on a video mixer responsible for mixing and combining video sources. 1 M/E allows control of one channel, while 2 M/E offers two, providing added flexibility.

Benefits of 1 M/E

1 M/E is suitable for small shows and events where simultaneous broadcasting on multiple screens isn’t required. It’s a great choice for small corporate events or concerts with one screen output and streaming.

Benefits of 2 M/E

2 M/E allows control of two channels simultaneously, useful for displaying different scenes at once, like one image for a live audience and another for online viewers. Additionally, 2 M/E is ideal for working with multi-channel AUX outputs and adding extra layers, such as graphics or titles.

Conclusion

The choice between 1 M/E and 2 M/E depends on the complexity of your projects. If you plan a multi-screen show with extensive graphics, 2 M/E is the best option.

Workflow Organization and Callaba Integration with Video Calls

If you plan to support remote guests through Callaba, 2 M/E is the preferred choice. Mix-minus setup minimizes echo and noise, avoiding sound duplication for remote participants. Use Mix-Minus configuration in your audio mixer and SRT/WebRTC integration for handling video calls. See our guide for setting up video calls or video real-time video monitoring in Callaba alongside other streaming workflows.

Lighting and Accessories Recommendations

For high-quality scene lighting, use bi-ring/bi-color LED panels with adjustable color temperature to ensure even lighting. It’s also helpful to have SDI cables of various lengths and HDMI-SDI adapters for integrating different equipment into the main stream.

Separating Audio and Video

Initially, handling separate audio and video feeds may be challenging due to synchronization issues. To ensure proper operation, add an audio mixer with a delay function to avoid video and audio mismatch. Disable the noise gate on the audio mixer, as it can cause audio clipping during source switching.

Conclusion

Launching a live video production business requires a strategic approach and careful equipment selection. Identify your goals, potential scalability, and client requirements to choose optimal solutions. Before finalizing your choice, consider consulting professionals or renting equipment to assess its capabilities accurately