Live videos have been more accessible during the last decade, thanks mostly to developments in streaming software. Streaming software enables anyone, from a novice to an experienced broadcaster, to simply establish live streams. In reality, free broadcasting on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram has made things even simpler.
The global enterprise video market is expected to reach $25.6 billion by 2025. To include online video content in your business operations, you’ll require live streaming and broadcasting software. Choosing between broadcast software is a difficult decision.
Today we’ll go over what you can do with streaming video software and examine the top free software like TVU Producer. Some streaming apps require support from hardware encoders rather than live streaming equipment. We will get into that later in the text.
Top 10 Free Software Like TVU Producer
Now that we’ve explained what live streaming software is, what it accomplishes, and the difference between hardware and software encoders, let’s take a closer look at some of the top live streaming services and streaming software options.
We’ll go over and compare Wirecast, vMix, VidBlasterX, OBS Studio, Dacast, and more software.
1. Wirecast
Wirecast by Telestream is a powerful live video streaming encoder designed specifically for professional broadcasting. It enables multistreaming, which allows you to share your material across many platforms at once, reaching a larger audience. It allows you to easily switch between many live video cameras in real-time. You can also incorporate additional media such as QuickTime movies, music, audio, and slides to produce compelling, professional-grade broadcasts.
2. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular open-source application for live broadcasting and video recording. Its versatility and low cost make it popular among both amateur and professional broadcasters. It is free to use and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
OBS Studio is based on the concept of scenes and sources. Producers can use scenes to pre-plan various aspects of their production, such as intros, breaks, and live scenes. Each scene can have various sources, such as cameras, audio devices, screen captures, and so on.
The user interface is extensively customizable, featuring a large video window, Scenes and Sources boxes, a Scene Transition choice box, and an audio mixer. The Studio Mode has a standard Program and Preview appearance, and the Multiview interface can be added to provide live selection on a second monitor.
3. VideoBlasterX
VidBlasterX, an RTMP-enabled live video production program, is next on our list of live streaming software for live and pre-recorded videos. VidBlasterX supports most live-streaming platforms, including Dacast. VidBlasterX’s input and other functions are similar to Wirecast and vMix.
However, what distinguishes it is that it does not require a GPU to function. Instead, it operates on multi-core CPUs. It also includes multi-channel and multi-camera broadcasting features, allowing you to create a professional live stream or broadcast.
4. Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS is another live streaming and broadcasting software that uses OBS’s open-source programming. The download is free, but users must upgrade to the Prime version to access all resources. Streamlabs OBS includes several advanced tools for browser-based editing and multicasting live feeds. It is the preferred video broadcast software for many professional streamers.
One of the distinguishing features of this video broadcasting software is MelonApp, a web-based live streaming studio. The program allows you to broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Twitch with a single click, without leaving your browser.
The platform is especially handy for gamers who want to stream online because it includes gamer overlays. Furthermore, its dual output functionality is beneficial, as it allows you to stream in both landscape and portrait mode at once. It is also possible to invite remote people to join your stream using collaboration cameras. This can come in helpful when hosting interviews or Q&A sessions.
5. FFmpeg
FFmpeg’s functionality is basic, but it can be tweaked to produce high-quality content. On April 5th, 2024, FFmpeg released a major new version, FFmpeg 7.0, dubbed “Dijkstra.”
Some of the key characteristics of the Dijkstra update are:
- Native VVC decoder.
- The former bitmask-based channel layout API has been superseded with the AVChannel layout.
- New encoder and decoding systems are implemented.
- Bug fixes, new supported formats and codecs, new filters, APIs, and other minor enhancements
- VideoToolbox Update
FFmpeg only provides roughly two upgrades per year. Some disadvantages of utilizing FFmpeg include a lack of educational tools on the site and the difficulty of learning for new broadcasters.
6. Sony Virtual Production
Sony Virtual Production provides a multi-camera cloud-based live video production solution. This service is an alternative to standard sports and entertainment live production methods, which often entail the use of an OB (Outside Broadcast) truck.
Sony has virtualized important components of the production workflow on the cloud. This comprises a virtual version of a video production switcher, playback server, audio mixer, and other utilities. These tools are available through a web browser on a laptop with an internet connection.
7. SplitCam
SplitCam is a distinctive live streaming software that is a useful tool for a variety of use scenarios, including:
- Live training sessions
- Webinars
- Virtual live-streaming events
This technology is useful for live events when viewer involvement is required, as well as interactions with several presenters.
Some of the major advantages of adopting SplitCam are:
- HD video quality
- Stream to popular social media channels
- Broadcast with HD camera and other video sources
- Split the screen with different applications
- Audio mixer with mic and audio files in one stream
- Realistic 3D mask
- Free to use
The audio mixing, webcam splitting, and webcam effects features make it an ideal platform for creators looking to create compelling live streams and broadcasts. At the same time, it’s an effective software solution for organizations looking to deploy live streams to numerous platforms at once.
SplitCam’s downside is the lack of encoding tools and mobile streaming capabilities; you must stream from a PC.
SplitCam, on the other hand, is one of the greatest options for live streaming from your webcam to prominent social networking networks, complete with video editing capabilities.
8. Switchboard Live
Switchboard Live is a live streaming site that focuses on simulcasts. It lets you simulcast to a limitless number of destinations. The cloud-based streaming service allows video embedding, so you may share your live feeds straight on your website.
One of Switchboard Live’s newer features is the ability to StreamShare. StreamShare enables people to share your live stream on their social networking platforms without requiring a password or technical setup.
It allows you to stream not only to your own social media platforms but also to those of your fans and supporters, giving you access to the audience potential of their live channels.
Switchboard Live’s key advantages and features include:
- Simulcasting
- StreamShare
- Video embedding
- Quick setup
- Cloud-based platform
- Seamless integration with most OVPs
Switchboard Live provides complete support via phone, chat, email, FAQs, forums, and a knowledge base.
A few disadvantages include difficulties in setting up the platform and settings that require manual configuration, which is automated on most other popular streaming services.
9. Ffsplit
FFsplit is a live streaming program designed for production. It enables you to combine various video inputs to produce a continuous stream. Streams can be broadcast in real-time or saved locally.
It’s freeware, which means it’s completely free to use. However, this is not open-source software. The platform is minimal, but it’s an excellent choice for broadcasters that enable multi-source streaming.
It is vital to remember that FFsplit is no longer in development or updating. The most notable benefit of FFsplit is that it is free to use with a concentration on live streaming. It enables users to combine different inputs and is simple to use.
10. Mevo Start
The Mevo Start 3-Pack is a good solution for individuals who want to broadcast from numerous angles. You can connect up to three Mevo Start devices for wireless HD multi-camera streaming. This arrangement enables you to live broadcast and record in spectacular 1080p resolution, resulting in clear and detailed images. What is the best part? You can watch live from anywhere with Wi-Fi—no cables required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, multi-camera live streaming technologies have transformed how professional broadcasters generate and share content. These softwares, like TVU Producer, provide a dynamic and effective watching experience by allowing producers to easily transition between several camera viewpoints.
While setting up a multi-camera system might be difficult and require additional equipment and skills, the advantages greatly outweigh the drawbacks. With the correct software and a little know-how, even small teams can create high-quality broadcasts that fascinate their viewers.
As technology advances, these solutions will become increasingly accessible and powerful, making this an exciting time for anybody interested in live streaming.