Remote Commentators

From your perspective:

You’ll connect to a video conference style call using your choice of device. The video return from the call (what appears on your screen) is the output of the video switcher (what the audience sees). That switcher output includes the other announcer(s), graphics, and live gameplay video feed.

You’ll commentate the game based on what you can see on your screen (the gameplay video). Your voice is mixed & synced with the game video then the combined sources are sent to YouTube to stream to the world.

Technical Requirements

Call In Device

You can connect to the remote studio with just about any smartphone, tablet, or computer.
HOWEVER: due to the nature of commentating a gameplay, you’ll want to use the largest screen you have available. The device you connect to the studio with is also your view of the game. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer with as large a screen as you have to view the live gameplay and make accurate game calls.

Any modern computer capable of video conferencing is capable of connecting to the studio. Google Chrome is the web browser most compatible/supported by vMix Call. Safari on OSX may also work.

If your only option is a mobile device: you can connect with Chrome on Android. iOS users must copy/paste the connection link into the Safari browser.

Internet Connection

The quality of your internet connection is key to a good remote broadcast experience. Connecting to the studio establishes a 2-way high definition, low latency video stream. Your connection must be capable of a continuous 3Mbps download and 3Mbps upload.

A wired (ethernet) connection is preferred. This will provide the most stable connection experience.

If WiFi is your only option, make sure you're in a spot with with very good signal strength.

Headset/Headphone/Microphone

Device built-in speakers and microphone should not be used for Remote Studio game broadcasting. These cause too many show-impacting audio problems.

Headphones, earbuds, or a headset required for Remote Studio talent. Headphones put the studio return audio directly into your ear which eliminates the chance of feedback and ducking. The quality of audio for the whole show is negatively impacted if a commentator allows the sound from the game to be projected into their room.

Microphone should be as high quality and narrow pick up as you have access to. Built-in devices (laptop, tablet) tend to pick up all the noise around you: traffic, family, dogs, honking horns, sirens.

Any headset (mic + headphone in one) designed for video conferencing or gaming that’s compatible with your connecting device should work great. These are relatively inexpensive and widely available. Happy to help you find one that fits your situation.

The earbud+mic combo that comes with most smartphones will work but the microphone tends to be really bad and creates a bunch of noise as it drags across your clothing/hair. It will work but won’t be great.

High end wireless earbuds like AirPods tend to have really good noise reducing, narrow range microphones and work fine in the remote studio. CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES TO FULL PRIOR TO SHOW!

Technical Guide for Guests

vMix Call is just like connecting to any video call (zoom, skype, facetime, etc). Here’s what you’ll need:

• Phone, tablet, or computer with webcam (apple*/android/windows, doesn't matter)

  • wired internet connection or very strong WiFi signal

• earbuds/headphones/airpods - to put sound directly in ear, please don’t use device built-in speakers if you can avoid it. This is to avoid feedback and audio ducking.

• Microphone if possible (the one in the earbuds/airpods/headset is fine)

• A comfortable place to sit & talk on camera for duration of show (2 hours); well lit, quiet, no distractions

  • light source should be in front of you, not behind

  • elevate the camera, looking straight on (eye level) looks better than chin-tucking

• expect to connect to the call 30+ minutes prior to the show start time and remain connected for the duration of the game broadcast: 2 hour+ commitment.

  • We will take brief breaks (halftime) and you can always excuse yourself if something comes up

• Here’s some good camera tips in a quick video

*iOS users must be on iOS 11 or newer and open the vMix call link in Safari browser. info

In show you’ll see the Gameplay and the other participants on the call at the discretion of the show director. You’ll see and hear what the audience sees/hears in the final product (minus your own voice).