What do I need to start webcasting?
There are a few key components needed before you can start webcasting. These components consist of the following:

1) Video & Sound Capturing Devices.
If you're planning to broadcast audio only, this would be a sound mixer with a microphone. (which most churches have already).

If you're planning on broadcasting both video & audio this would be a video camera and sound-mixer combo.

 
2) Internet Connection (DSL or better, dial up will NOT work)
This is vital to broadcasting, you can't webcast without it! You'll need to actually have a "hard-wire" LAN cable to your computer, Wireless LAN does not work too well.

RUN A SPEED TEST!
If you already have a DSL connection it's a good idea to run speed test. The easiest way to do this is by clicking here. Click on one of the available servers to start your speed test. You'll want to see your UPLOAD speed greater then 300kbps to maintain a good broadcasting stream to our servers.

 
3) Desktop or Laptop computer. (PC or MAC)
This computer needs to be "decent", nothing older then 2 years especially when broadcasting both video and audio together. You'll need a audio & video I/O (Input/Output) device installed on your PC which receives inputs from your camera and audio mixer.

Most computers now days come with audio and firewire I/O slots built in. This works great with some mid level video cameras (such as the Canon GL2). I have successfully broadcasted services using a Canon GL2 and a Gateway laptop using my firewire inputs only.

FREE ENCODER SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS
We broadcast using the latest Windows Media Technology Servers. To connect to our servers you'll need to download and install the latest version of Windows Media Encoder. Microsoft provides this encoding software FREE with all valid copies of Windows XP and higher! Check out this link for the latest in Windows Media encoder software.

ALTERNATIVE SOFTWARE
The free software from Microsoft will do the job of broadcasting your audio and/or video. But if you want to deliver a "richer" video stream, you'll want to invest in a better encoder software such as Microsoft Expression 2 or WireCast. With software like this you'll be able to add real-time titles, fades and etc.

MAC USERS
Unfortunatley there really isn't a great encoder software that is FREE for Mac. You'll have to invest in this software before you can broadcast. Once again, I suggest WireCast.

 
4) Content Distribution.
This is where we step in. We will deliver your content from our network to your viewers. You have the option of placing this stream on your own website or our own (or both).