SD vs HD Video
Phil Thompson from StreamingChurch.tv talks about SD and HD streaming video.
From time to time we get the question, should I stream in SD or HD?
True HD, or High Definition, video cameras capture video at a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This is the gold standard of resolution now, so you might as well buy a camera that has this resolution if possible. But video at that size is really too large to stream. It would take a very fast internet connection and require everyone watching it to have a fast connection as well. All HD cameras pushing 1080i require an HDMI cable to move the massive amount of data, but your average computer won't have an HMDI plug to receive that 1080i signal. Yes, there are ways of doing it, but they require big iron. File sizes will be LARGE, too. 40GB files are not unusual, so storage will immediately be an issue.
If you want to record the service, edit it, and post the video on vimeo.com or youtube.com, then you may want to go with HD at a lower resolution of 1280×720 for file size alone. 720p video requires a slightly smaller pipe for the data and can use component video cables, which some capture cards do support. But if you are looking for the path of least resistance, keep reading.
SD (Standard Definition) lowers the technical bar on all fronts. SD is video captured at a much more reasonable 640×480. If you still want an "HD Look", many cameras allow you to record in 640×360, which is a 16:9 aspect ration to mimic the shape of a theater screen. Other resolutions you might see are 360×270 and 320×180. Interestingly, these lower resolutions can really look pretty good in a streaming setting and are nicely suited for watching on a smaller screen like an iPhone.
CAPTURING YOUR VIDEO TO YOUR COMPUTER
For the sake of SIMPLICITY I am going to drive you down the SD road and recommend one tremendous piece of hardware to get your video into your computer. USE A CAMERA WITH FIREWIRE. Cameras that support Firewire are a dying breed, and it will mean you are locked into SD video, but trust me, your life will be easier. The other option is a camera with composite or S video that you can plug into a Grass Valley ADVC 55. It will receive S video or composite and send it out via Firewire to your computer.
This advice is coming from our server guys who have been doing streaming for many many moons. I trust them! If you have question please email us at [email protected] or call 866.852.6648.