Looking for info on how to start streaming pool matches from my local pool hall

freedog69

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello- I am thinking about trying to stream some pool matches on Ustream and wondering what is the best way to do it on a low budget. Not exactly sure what dollar figure I can associate with low budget. Basically right now I have a laptop computer with 2- Logitech Webcam 9000 cameras that can shoot in HD. I have a small audio mackie mixer and a few studio mics.

My thought is to do 2 cameras each on a tripod and pan back and forth between the 2 cameras depending on the shot angle. I have looked at Ustream Producer (free ver) but it does not do multiple cameras. I also looked at using Wirecast which seem to offer the best quality but at a price. Are there any other software titles that I could check out that will allow me to use both cameras? I tried to look for open source software but came up dry.

As far as bandwith requirements what are the min requirements to get good smooth video? Does the quality of your video have alot to do with the software or does it rely on bandwith available or both? Also has anyone tried to stream using a wireless webcamera with decent quality this way you can avoid any cable clutter interfereing with the matches?

I have watched quite a few pool streams and the ones that standout with the best quality to me are MikeTV, BigTruck and the TAR Show. The angles were not optimal from what I recall on the TAR show stream from the Derby which to me made the video pretty distant. MikeTV and PoolAction TV both had incredible crisp video and most important the video stream was smooth not jerky. Wonder what frame rate they run at 25 FS?

Thanks in advance to anyone who wishes to shed some light on this subject. I don't look at the streaming of matches as who is better I think of it the more we can get out to the world the greater this sport can become.
 
Additional Questions

Hello- I am thinking about trying to stream some pool matches on Ustream and wondering what is the best way to do it on a low budget. Not exactly sure what dollar figure I can associate with low budget. Basically right now I have a laptop computer with 2- Logitech Webcam 9000 cameras that can shoot in HD. I have a small audio mackie mixer and a few studio mics.

My thought is to do 2 cameras each on a tripod and pan back and forth between the 2 cameras depending on the shot angle. I have looked at Ustream Producer (free ver) but it does not do multiple cameras. I also looked at using Wirecast which seem to offer the best quality but at a price. Are there any other software titles that I could check out that will allow me to use both cameras? I tried to look for open source software but came up dry.

As far as bandwith requirements what are the min requirements to get good smooth video? Does the quality of your video have alot to do with the software or does it rely on bandwith available or both? Also has anyone tried to stream using a wireless webcamera with decent quality this way you can avoid any cable clutter interfereing with the matches?

I have watched quite a few pool streams and the ones that standout with the best quality to me are MikeTV, BigTruck and the TAR Show. The angles were not optimal from what I recall on the TAR show stream from the Derby which to me made the video pretty distant. MikeTV and PoolAction TV both had incredible crisp video and most important the video stream was smooth not jerky. Wonder what frame rate they run at 25 FS?

Thanks in advance to anyone who wishes to shed some light on this subject. I don't look at the streaming of matches as who is better I think of it the more we can get out to the world the greater this sport can become.

Hello All,

I am also looking to capture pool matches on a low budget. My main goal is make the table easier to view within the pool room. I would like to broadcast the match on televisions throughout the room. I would also like to stream the match online if I can keep the setup similar to broadcasting the match in the room.

Like freedog, I am curious in the following things:
Are webcams an acceptable camera to use to generate clear and smooth video?
What software works the best?
Minimum Bandwidths?
What types of cables work the best for transmission?
Any other advice is appreciated.

Thank you for any input,
Lou
 
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