Digital Case Study #3: Dance from Home
As part of our Consultations with members of the arts and culture community, we’ve prepared a series of case studies to help you better understand how to find the solutions to your own digital problems, as well as provide you with resources you may not have considered. In this case study, Robert Ouimet gives advice to an anonymous Vancouver-based dance group.
A Vancouver-based dance group would like to find ways to improve the quality of their online performances and the experience of workshops and lessons. They’re currently using a barebones system of Zoom with a laptop. They’d specifically like to find a solution to AV sync issues when doing dance with multiple participants.
[All photos copyright Bigsnit Media Consulting Inc.]
Questions to Consider
When tackling this consultation, consultant Robert Ouimet asked the dance group:
What resources do you have available to you, both financial and human?
How often do events take place, with how many participants?
How is a typical session conducted now?
What technical equipment do they already have in place?
Recommendations and Best Practices
This is a common challenge facing performance-based organizations. Overcoming the confines of Zoom presents challenges in time, money and equipment. However, there are some things that can be done with a minimal set-up that will help improve the experience.
Any online video experience will be improved by (and in this order):
Better lighting
Better audio
Better video
Together we discussed three different scales of solutions: small, medium, large.
Small (Under $1,000)
A DIY monitor on a tripod set-up is really handy for anyone teaching a fitness or exercise class.
Modify the current setup by adding the least expensive items possible
Use the existing laptop, with the camera ‘locked off’ and static.
Continue to use Zoom via the laptop, but improve the audio and video quality.
Lights: add any ‘soft’ lighting box that you can afford. Even having one light will help.
Add a USB microphone instead of the onboard laptop microphone.
Add a USB webcam instead of the onboard laptop camera. This provides more flexibility for placement and likely better quality.
Add a larger monitor for the in-class instructor.
Event & lesson booking software
The dance company’s current volume of booking has been small enough to manage via email. There are various robust solutions for this, depending on what kind of features you need, and how much integration required with other systems. A lot of companies selling classes who want a full featured solution are using Mindbody software.
There are lots of other solutions for this; you should select one based on your specific needs and how the features offered meet them.
Rear view with the laptop removed, shelf and webcam.
Behind the monitor is a small shelf for the laptop.
Monitor, front view.
Medium: ($1,000-2,500 + human resources)
Mackie Mixer suitable for desktop. 8 channel, with Aux sends and EQ.
Add better sound and video inputs. Add lights. Add a camera/audio operator so the camera does not have to be locked off. What does that look like in practice?
Audio
Add a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to be able to use professional microphones.
Add a mixer so that multiple microphones can be used.
Video
Add a streaming webcam to improve the video. These come in a variety of forms, from small camera like a GoPro action camera to a more traditional hand-held video camera. The key is to get a camera that can ‘stream’ (this is usually clearly indicated). Also, Olympus, Canon and Nikon are starting to make cables that allow you to stream out of some models of their DSLR cameras. If you have one of these brands, check with the manufacturer website.
LIGHTS
Add a three light setup, including key light, side light, and ‘hair’ light or back light.
There are tons of resources online to help you with lighting, including this under five minute video, as well as this guide to light placements.
Rigging
Add a tripod for the camera and an operator who can run the camera and audio
Big: ($5,000+)
Adding professional cameras will vastly improve the experience. Adding multiple cameras means having more creative control and being able to provide a more artful and professional experience. This does require hardware, software, and someone to operate the equipment.
Add multiple cameras so you can switch between scenes. Add better cameras. Add hardware and software to create a more TV-like experience, with professional look, lower thirds, etc.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to ensure that your computer is able to handle the extra load and equipment. Some hardware solutions mitigate this by doing the heavy processing, taking that load off your computer. You will also need to ensure that you have sufficient bandwidth at your source location.
Audio
Upgrade to wireless microphones fed into a small mixer. Good wireless systems are expensive, but mean your performers/instructors are able to move without worrying about being off mic or tripping over a cord. While expensive, good wireless equipment will pay for itself over time in robustness and ease of use.
Cameras
Any camera with a SDI or HDMI out can be used, but typically look for cameras that provide the ability to zoom, control light, white balance, etc.
Wireless camera: Professional productions use wireless systems, so camera operators can work untethered (Teradek is an industry standard). These systems may also include a built-in live streaming function. However, they are expensive. SlingStudio systems incorporate multi-camera production, switching and live streaming (up to 10 cameras). Best advice: get professional help / consulting if you’re considering a wireless video solution, as the gear is expensive and you need to ensure compatibility.
Switchers
Web Presenter. Two cam switcher (one SDI in, one HDMI in). This one is mounted in a rack but can be used stand-alone. See pencil for size.
The same unit, stand-alone, next to a laptop.
ATEM Mini switcher. Four camera inputs (all HDMI), two audio source inputs. TV studio switching in a desktop sized unit. See pencil for size.
Traditionally, switchers are geared to the broadcast market, which means expensive and complicated. Black Magic Design has a line of video switchers purpose built for streaming and they are surprisingly affordable.
Web Presenter allows you to switch between two cameras. You can also bring in a separate audio source (which could be a single microphone or a mixer). This small hardware device is also an encoder – you plug it into your laptop or desktop, and it shows up like a webcam. Your computer doesn’t have to do any heavy processing.
They also have a unit called the ATEM Mini switcher which brings in four cameras and has built-in “tv studio” like effects for transitions, picture-in-picture, etc. It a small, light-weight device and can be used right out of the box. Just plug in your cameras, plug the unit into your laptop, and you’re a mini TV studio. Just a note: the ATEM switcher can also be used with Black Magic’s software switcher suite. It is robust and full features, and it comes free with the hardware. This small hardware device is also an encoder – you plug it into your laptop or desktop, and it shows up like a webcam. Your computer doesn’t have to do any heavy processing.
Software: There are also software switchers available. They still require some way of getting the camera signal into the computer. You could use multiple webcams for this via USB, or hardware to bring in pro camera sources, but once the sources are in, you can use software to do your switching.
OBS is free software that allows ‘TV studio’-like switching between source. Because it’s free software, it has a learning curve. Going live with OBS on a Mac is harder than on a PC – though things are changing all the time. Support is DIY.
Commercial switching software like Wirecast provides a robust and reliable ‘tv studio’ experience. It seamlessly integrates with all the live streaming platforms, and has excellent support. It also has its own source acquisition system, so you can bring in remote camera feeds from people in another place without using Zoom.
This type of software is also an encoder, but because it’s running on your computer, it will require processing power. Check to see that your computer is going to be able to handle the load.
Streaming Options
Upgrading to a commercial streaming provider will also improve the experience. Vimeo offers higher quality streaming, as well as hardware and software tools to make the experience more professional.
Wirecast's parent company, Telestream, also has a line of hardware, so you can sidestep using your own computer and use their built-in computer/switcher. It’s all in a road case that you plug in and go.
There are other commercial streaming options tailored to professional productions. They require a lot more technical expertise, and can usually be found by searching for OTT solutions (OTT stand for Over the Top).
Resources
USB MICROPHONES
USB Microphones comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. With microphones, it really is true that you get what you pay for. Investing in a good microphone is the first step to improving your production output.
Recommended: Audio Technica AT2020 SUB (plus Cardioid Condenser if you can find stock). If you can’t find one, look for the ATR2500x-USB which is a great mic, and cheaper.
Non USB microphones
These are professional microphones, and to get these mics into your computer you need a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). You can run any number of these ‘real’ mics into a mixer to really improve your sound, taking in sources like other audio (music for instance) and MC’s mic, a room mic, etc. Choices really depend on your application. Consult with a sales pro about your needs, and they’ll make recommendations.
Wireless
These are mics that transmit a wireless signal back to your camera or mixer. They’re great when you are at a distance from your subject or there’s movement. Good ones are expensive. There are a few wireless sets that were developed for the DSLR videographer market. Generally, they’re $500-1,000 for the transmitter-receiver pair.
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)
These allow you to bring your analog sources (microphones, other audio sources like music) into the computer. They can have any number of inputs, but typically consumer devices have 2 inputs, one for a mic and one for a line source (like a music player or instrument). Zoom (not the video software, but the audio manufacturer) makes one; the Scarlet Red is a favourite for podcasters and desktop producers. A step-up to this is the Apollo Twin. All these are small and portable and connect to your computer via usb or thunderbolt depending on the model.
Lighting
Lighting kits are numerous and surprisingly cheap. LED solutions have made these kits lighter and less prone to breakage. Typical kits have three lights, and come in a road case. You can adjust colour and lighting intensity on most of them. If you need to work remotely and power them by battery, there are solutions for that as well.
Switching
Hardware
(see photos)
BlackMagic Design web presenter (two cameras, built-in simple switcher, small form factor. $500 USD)
BlackMagic Design, ATEM mini (four cameras, built-in multi-function switcher, small and portable, can also use their more robust software switching that comes free with the device. Three models, starting at $295 USD)
Multi-guest streaming
Local Suppliers
Leo’s Camera often has good used equipment, or gear that used to be rental, for sale at good prices. You can also find rental houses if you want to try some equipment before buying. A lot of videographers and creators only rent, giving them the option of using different equipment for different situations.
AUDIO
Long and McQuade
Various locations
Trew Audio
Burnaby
3737 Napier St, Burnaby, BC V5C 4Z5
MIXERS
Mackie mixers are robust, a favourite in the audio industry for their road worthiness
Behringer has a large line of gear and is very reasonably priced.
Lights
Almost any camera store.
VIDEO AND AUDIO
Annex Pro is on Venables in East Vancouver. You can contact:
Sarah Krahn
Inside Sales Representative
800 682 6639 x105
www.annexpro.com