While some might expect your funeral live streams to resemble a live episode of AGT or the New Year's Eve broadcast from Times Square, funeral live streaming from anywhere remains a challenge that depends on your wireless Internet signal and how you use your equipment.
Here are some best practices to help you live stream professionally from nearly any location or from multiple locations during a single broadcast.
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Test your Audio Quality: It may be easy to watch non-HD live video, but it's truly painful when your broadcast audio is too faint or too loud for online guests. Plan to conduct an audio test at least 20 minutes before a stream is scheduled to begin. This way, you'll have enough time to troubleshoot any audio issues you encounter--these may include checking cable connections, re-positioning the microphone units or camera (if you use your camera's internal microphone), and adjusting the decibel (dB) gain level on your wireless microphone receiver. Clear audio makes all the difference to the online guest experience and also shows your empathy and respect for their attendance.
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Stay Simple and Steady: It's very important to keep your streaming camera stationary with a tripod during the broadcast. It can be tempting to want to adjust angles during the ceremony or follow each step of the recessional; however, excessive camera movement can be jarring for viewers, disrupt your Internet signal connection, and even freeze the video broadcast for guests. Before the live stream, choose a fixed position for the camera that offers a clear view of the proceedings and minimizes distractions. Live stream from there, panning the camera slowly if necessary. If you need to move the camera, plan your next position, go there and resume streaming. Minimize the number of times the camera moves during the live stream. Stability is key to a smooth viewing experience.
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Refine and Minimize Pauses: When you pause the livestream broadcast--to transition from chapel to graveside, for example--it's best to inform online guests that the live stream will resume shortly. When a break in the broadcast is necessary, use the Guest Advisory button in the Streams List view for your event to display a temporary message on the broadcast player. You may also consider uploading the family's photo tribute video and playing that for guests during the break. This will help maintain the dignity of the ceremony and keep guests engaged in the online experience.
- Length is a Consideration: While funeral services vary in length, according to traditions, customs and family preferences, remember long online experiences cause viewer fatigue. In addition, Foveo live streams have a four-hour recording limit. So, while you can stream longer than four hours, recording capacity is capped at 3 hours and 59 minutes. Streams over four hours long will incur added charges if the family desires to have the recording of that live stream. Keeping this in mind helps to plan for better guest experiences and ensure the recording is easily accessible afterwards.
As always, we're here to help you navigate potential issues and assist families and guests to have the best online funeral experiences possible thanks to you. Following our advice will help you elevate the quality of your live streams to provide dignified, professional, and meaningful online experiences.