I would be happy to offer some advice and constructive criticism.
I'm happy that you've added a camera and a new destination for us pool junkies to watch.
I am happy to assist in any way.
Here are a couple of tips, right off the bat:
1. Leave the camera on for a few days so we can check it out! I'm not being snarky - you have access to some of the best streamers on AZB, so keep it live and let us take a look. I've tried to tune in at different times of day, but it seems that you took the camera offline after the first test run. It looked pretty good! I am sure that we can help you make some minor adjustments, and possibly help you learn more about your camera and ustream in general. Just give us a chance.
2. I strongly believe that you MUST get the camera level, and as much as humanly possible, centered on the table. Kneel down by the center diamond of the head rail, put a piece of chalk on the center diamond of the foot rail, and using a pencil, have a friend mark that center line on the wall. Then, use a simple plumb of some kind to get the center of the camera lens to sit directly above that spot on the wall. Most viewers will not comment (and may not even notice) if your camera is not centered, but it WILL affect your viewership. Once you have the lens lined up, get that camera as level as possible. This part is usually best done visually, meaning: make an adjustment, then check your monitor. Adjust, then check again. Trust me, it will be worth the effort.
3. Use manual focus. Most cameras have this ability. Set the focus on the table, then leave it that way. Autofocus tends to lead to a blurred table whenever someone is racking or when someone walks by in front of the camera.
4. Use Manual exposure. Again, most cameras have this ability. Your pool tables have great lighting already. If someone with a dark shirt steps up to rack, auto-exposure will brighten the scene and blow out the table lighting. The opposite occurs when someone with a white shirt is racking.
5. Audio is a MUST-HAVE. Your preview has audio, and I beg you, do NOT disable that. Viewers will usually stay interested and stick around during breaks, as long as you keep that sound turned on.
6. Keep the chat room enabled! Again, you already have this. Just don't disable it. Ever. Chat rooms will keep us tuned in between games, matches, etc. If possible, allow your employees to participate in chat, ESPECIALLY during any tournaments or events that you may have.
7. Similar to some of the above posts, but a little more technical - use manual white balance. I won't go into too much detail on this one, but I would be happy to help. Manual white balance helps viewers to identify the proper color of the pool balls, whether they are Aramith, Cyclop, or whatever.
I am out of town this weekend, playing in my state BCA tournament, but next week (or any time after) I would be happy to talk to you in chat while working through some of these things. If you are willing, I'd also be happy to talk to you over the phone, which might be easier.
THANK YOU for adding a live stream table. This is a great way to spread awareness of your pool hall, and even those of us that are not in the area will come to know your pool hall by name.
Please feel free to send me a PM or email if you would like any further feedback or help. My email is easy -
SloMoHolic@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
-Blake
