The best livestreaming equipment — 2023

These days, anyone with access to a smartphone can connect with fans and friends from all over the world. However, the more complex your stream, the more gear you'll likely need. Each setup has advantages and disadvantages, and each can be customized to suit your specific needs.

Let's take a look at the best livestreaming tools in several categories. Then, we'll talk about how these pieces come together in a complete livestreaming setup.

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Lessons from the field

Chromakey: How to use a green screen

Green screens and blue screens were the keys to chromakey in the 1970s. The use of blue or green screens as backgrounds chromakey became widespread amongst local TV news programs. That resulted in conjuring up the images of cheesy weathermen in garish plaid polyester jackets standing in front of superimposed maps.

The goal of that new technology was to shoot the weatherman in the studio against a blue or green screen. Then they would delete the background color and insert various images, from maps to pictures. But very often, the key would be imprecise. That ended up causing said weatherman in his garish plaid polyester jacket to appear to be dematerializing into his map, usually somewhere around the Great Lakes or Sheboygan.

But that was long ago. These days, chromakey and related technologies, such as blue and green screen effects, have been greatly improved. They're the key to Hollywood blockbusters ranging from the recent trilogy of Star Wars prequels to such quasi-comic book films as Sky Captain, Sin City and 300. One reason these effects have taken off in the past few years is that compositing via PC has become incredibly sophisticated. And that technology has recently trickled down rapidly to the consumer level. Read more.

Creator Handbook: How to build your YouTube channel with TikTok

Currently, TikTok is the leading platform for short-form content, with one billion active monthly users. Content creators and even celebrities have flocked to the app to build their reach and extend their fanbase. And, as many content creators have figured out, TikTok is also a great tool for building their YouTube channels.

So, if you're a TikToker who is trying to build a YouTube channel, read on. Read more.

When should you upgrade to a professional video camera?

In today's age, almost every device you get includes a camera. Anyone with a smartphone is carrying a video camera in their pockets. However, while most people already have access to some kind of camera, some wonder if they should upgrade to a professional video camera.

While the professional camera market is projecting a decline in the coming years, there will always be a demand for professional cameras. While smartphone cameras have improved over the years, they still don't match the power, quality and control that pro cameras offer. Many people start shooting videos on their phones because of their accessibility. And, this teaches them about the basics of filmmaking. However, there is a point where those passionate about video will want more. When is that tipping point? Let's discuss that. Read more.

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