Basic Live Streaming Tech Tips

Here are some basic tech tips for Live Streaming:

Use the best device available
Using a computer is usually going to give the best results.

Plug into power
No need to depend on your laptop battery for success. Plug in your laptop.

Use Ethernet, Not WiFi:
Don't use WiFi. Instead, connect an ethernet cable directly from your computer to your router. Long ethernet cables are extraordinarily inexpensive. Some computers might need a USB to Ethernet adapter, which are also very inexpensive.

Audio:
Use a good external microphone for improved audio quality. Don't use the microphone that's built into your computer. Stream from a room that's low-noise.

Lighting:
Make sure your lighting is reasonable. YOU should be the lit subject, not junk in the background. Adjust blinds and room lighting so that you are always clearly visible.

Use an external camera if you can't position your built-in web camera correctly.
Some regular digital cameras can be used as a webcam. Tripods are also handy.

Keep it simple
Restart your computer before you stream. Restart your modem and router too. Quit all unnecessary apps and turn off all notifications. Minimize any other use of your internet connection while streaming.
Do a dry run:
Have someone else remotely view your stream, where they can validate your video and audio quality. Your assistant should look for audio and video excellence, not just "good enough". Adjust as necessary.

Have a Plan B and Plan C.
If your stream is critical, have another reliable device (an iPad or smartphone) ready to roll... just in case.

Pay attention to real-time feedback
Pay attention if your audience can't see or hear you. Be able to react. But don't over-react - sometimes the problem is on the viewer's end, not on your end.

Fixing a SodaStream Jet, part 1: Disassembly Guide

I've had my SodaStream Jet for years, and once in a while something has gone wrong. Disassembly is the first step to repair. Start with this article to see how to disassemble the SodaStream, and then once you have that down, scroll through my other articles to see how I repaired specfic SodaStream problems. SodaStream Jet Disassembly Guide Tools Required Flat head screwdriver Phillips head screwdriver 1. Remove the Carbonator. Duh. 2. Remove the black panel lever The front big black tilt lever needs to be removed first. Removing this panel is tricky, but it isn't impossible. Looking up at the bottom of the black panel, there are two tabs, one on the left and one on the right. These tabs fully secure the panel in place. The trick is to use a flat-head screwdriver under the plastic to gently lever the tabs out of the way. Note in the pictures how I approach these tabs with my screwdriver. I usually release the left side first, and then I release ...

Porsche Key Remote Battery Repair Video How-To

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Macintosh: Upgrading an eMac

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Robust Installation of an HDHomeRun Networked TV Tuner. 64 OTA channels!

I added an HDHomerun (HDHR) over-the-air (OTA) streaming box to my home network, bringing over-the-air broadcast TV to my computers, phones and tablets. The HDHR is a big upgrade from my previous setup: using a simple "window mount" antenna directly connected to my TV. A TV-attached antenna is good for watching some TV for free, but the HDHR offers so much more flexibility. Figure 0: HDHomeRun on my basement wall My original OTA TV setup was haphazard at best. It was finicky, ugly, and hard for other people at home to use. I would actually tape my antenna to a window whenever I wanted to watch OTA TV. Plus, it only worked on my TV and not with my other devices. I wanted a cleaner and more modern OTA setup. After looking at possibilities, I developed two goals: (1) bring my OTA TV into the modern Internet-connected era, and (2) set it up in a reliable and pretty way so that other family members wouldn't have to fool around with the antenna or anything else. With that,...

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The Lance J. Technoweb

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