Questions for streamers using webcam

2011-03-01 03:07:33 pm

I've seen that some of the sda streamers use webcams. I'd be interested to hear if people could share some of their experiences. I'm considering buying a webcam and thought I'd look into if it could be used for streaming some gameplay as well. I'd like to hear some opinions on minimum requirements for the camera, the internet connection and maybe about the computer itself.

Thread title:

Heidrage

2011-03-01 05:01:01 pm

Willing to teach you the impossible

<< Also interested in this info

ktwo

2011-03-05 12:04:47 pm

Seems like I'm going to be the first one to answer my own question...

I have tried out a Logitech HD webcam C510. It's a webcam in the price range 50-60 euros. I don't really know which specifications are important, but it said video "HD720p" and 8 MP for photos. I have Vista running on 2.5 GHz and 2 GB RAM.

As for the test, I tried to stream and record on ustream for a while using different frame rates and video qualities. The webcam itself was easy to use and was pure plug-n-play, but that seems to be the case for most webcams anyways. Unfortunately, the image was always too choppy for being worth considering. I'm not sure if this was due to the webcam sucking, my computer sucking or me sucking and not using the right parameters. Whatever was the reason, the fact remains that I didn't get it to work properly.

I returned the webcam today. It's kind of a hazzle to buy stuff, try it out and then return it the day after so right now it doesn't feel like I will pursue getting a webcam for streaming gameplay.

Seems like I'm going to be the first one to answer my own question...

I have tried out a Logitech HD webcam C510. It's a webcam in the price range 50-60 euros. I don't really know which specifications are important, but it said video "HD720p" and 8 MP for photos. I have Vista running on 2.5 GHz and 2 GB RAM.

As for the test, I tried to stream and record on ustream for a while using different frame rates and video qualities. The webcam itself was easy to use and was pure plug-n-play, but that seems to be the case for most webcams anyways. Unfortunately, the image was always too choppy for being worth considering. I'm not sure if this was due to the webcam sucking, my computer sucking or me sucking and not using the right parameters. Whatever was the reason, the fact remains that I didn't get it to work properly.

I returned the webcam today. It's kind of a hazzle to buy stuff, try it out and then return it the day after so right now it doesn't feel like I will pursue getting a webcam for streaming gameplay.

Sir VG

2011-03-05 12:14:51 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

The problem with frame rates is actually generally uStream, which for some reason if you go direct into it, only allows 20-23 FPS. It's best if you go into a program like FME and send that into uStream, which then you can specify the frame rate, such as 30FPS.

The other thing that makes a huge difference is your internet connection. If you're trying to send a webcam, unless you're doing the full 720p monty, shouldn't be too much of a bandwidth issue though, unless you're on dialup or something.

ktwo

2011-03-06 09:44:41 am

Thanks for the info. If I make another attempt, I'll make sure to try out FME.

BlueStarReturns

2011-03-06 03:08:13 pm

Twinkle-Twinkle Lil' Star, har har!

As I'm almost ready to start streaming (I just need to pick up a replacement headset w/ microphone and an EasyCap capture card for my N64), here's how I'll probably be doing it:

I'll stream the gameplay from my capture card, like most people do (it's the best way to get good quality). As for the webcam, you'll get to see the room, in my apartment, that I game in currently (the Game Room, if you will). You'll also see me on camera. For the most part, my webcam only acts like crap when I actually record a Video file with it. I'm certain that this shouldn't affect Ustream's access to it since it's not actually recording anything.