Live Streaming

I would say it all depends on your budget for streaming, most of the time its going to cost you money. I know when I have the time free I do streams for expenses, simple nice clear single camera set up that is easy to set up and break down, ability to run commericals/ads. Other guys have more money invested in equipment with multiple cameras and lighting so you will be paying them to come stream it plus expenses/baggage fees, this cost will end up to be several thousand I am guessing unless there are sponsors involved. I think if you are going to spend more than $3,000 on having someone stream your event then you might just buy your own stuff if you will be doing more events.

The big thing about having a streamer do it is they know what they are doing from all the hours of streaming pool plus they will promote your event which is helpful but takes many hours of time doing so which people do not realize. Personally I am not available to stream for the next 7 months or so but there are some guys doing quality stuff but figure out the expenses and add around a grand on top of those for a 2-3 day event and you should have your number, streamers gotta eat too, haha. For what its worth I think Inside Pool does the best free streaming I have seen but I heard are not cheap, Daniel with POV is probably the most affordable though and is dedicated.
 
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Good points Lenny... Money will be an issue $3000 would prohibit doing it so local folks would be best?... some streamers come with their own advertizers too!
 
having watched many streams in the past year, and based on picture quality (most of the time hd), camera angles, just plain hard work in setting it all up and especially the commentary most of the time, by far, inside pool.....based on price, well, remember you get what you pay for! :wink:
 
If you want a real showcase quality and equipment seems vital. Sometimes the goal is more than providing a pool match or tournament its building sponsors too..
 
Good points Lenny... Money will be an issue $3000 would prohibit doing it so local folks would be best?... some streamers come with their own advertizers too!

Some streamers do have their own advertisers but some get new ones for each event to help with cost or to make some money. If you can find someone local who is good then that is great but if the quality is low not many will watch because everyone is spoiled by the HQ stuff that is shown now. To think back 5 years ago people were happy with the webcam type stuff that you could count the pixels on just to watch but now people expect much more even for free.

Streaming pool is one of the toughest thing being done in the industry because of all the variables, not taking away from other people doing things during a pool tournament but running a tournament is way easier then this from my experience. Your equipment has to be right and the software program you are using set up correctly, lighting, internet connection, where you have to set up in the room, traveling with all the equipment and hope it gets there in one piece, then you need to do commentary or find people to help do that with you.

You have to promote the event also and do customer service which takes many more hours, I think for a weekend event you need to double the time because of the behind the scenes time investment. People see the finished product but do not get what it takes to make it happen. My set up is simple for many reasons but it gets the job done and I set it up and break it down quick. Those with multiple cameras and lighting take hours just to set it up, first guy there and last guy to leave the poolroom usually which I have been that guy many times.
 
with the best streamers what are costs generally? per day or 5 days week?? set up cost considerations etc... iam trying to get a good picture not thinking about getting into the business...
 
I'm not a streamer, just a fan. However, I think your questions are way to vague for anyone to give you an answer that fits your situation. What, "exactly", do you want to do? What is your intent? What is your budget? Do you have a specific event you want streamed, or are you just asking questions to kick the tires of the streamers? Simply asking who is the best streamer will get you little, imo.
 
I would guess if you wanted Inside Pool or TAR to come and stream it would probably be 3-5K considering expenses and also the fact they need to make some money. Could you get someone else to do it with less of a following, reputation or equipment for cheaper than sure you can, you get what you pay for as has been said many times. If I had Efren playing Frost on a webcam people would watch and did years ago, thousands of them. You can have the best stream on the planet and if you have Betty Boop and Dirk Diggler playing you might not get many people watching or maybe you would. :grin:
 
That is another thing, many streamers unless paid are not going to stream a little event, If its a major event with name players that they can get good viewership that can attract stream sponsors then it changes the pricing all together because they can make money off that draw. Also do you want the stream 100% free or PPV?, you wont get as good exposure for a PPV stream but someone might due it really cheap, free or for just expenses which I think is a bad deal since PPV does not get the exposure of a free stream.
 
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