Zeam Media is a hyperlocal streaming company with a truly unique approach to their original programming, capturing live video content while on the move across America in their Zeam360 van. Their focus on local events and real-time, 24/7 coverage showcases smaller communities and happenings nationwide – and the best part about it, it’s completely free to watch. This offers a glimpse for their global audience, who gets to see things from a local’s perspective. To accomplish Zeam’s goals, a robust and reliable video setup is not just crucial, but it's the backbone of their operations as they constantly move from one location to another.
Challenges
Zeam required an efficient and durable camera solution to handle the various environments inside and outside their mobile studio. From the mountain ranges of Montana to the barren fields of Nevada, the cameras needed to withstand fluctuating weather conditions all while simultaneously capturing multiple angles in high-fidelity. To keep the hardware simple and compact, given the limited space within the van, the producers at Zeam had to source professional-grade broadcasting equipment that did not hinder their operations.
Solution: AIDA's HD-NDI-CUBE and HD-NDI-IP67 Cameras
Zeam selected AIDA's HD-NDI-CUBE and HD-NDI-IP67 cameras to meet these technical requirements. These cameras benefit from their compact design and durable construction for both indoor and outdoor setups. These NDI®-compatible cameras enabled them to establish a versatile and dynamic multi-camera arrangement with five essential cameras strategically placed throughout the vehicle.
- One camera shoots out of the window to capture the road ahead.
- One camera focused on the driver, giving a POV shot from the operator's seat.
- Two cameras on each passenger side to provide varied perspectives that can be captured.
The cameras are securely mounted inside the van using suction cups, enabling Zeam to adjust their configuration depending on the scene they are streaming. The HD-NDI-IP67 camera positioned on top of the van is handy for capturing external shots in rugged environments.
Seamless Integration with NDI and VMix for Switching
Zeam's workflow leverages NDI technology, allowing seamless integration and transport of all camera feeds over a single network connection. Combined with VMix, this setup eliminates the need for cumbersome and complicated wiring, making it easy to switch between cameras while on the road. The compact design of AIDA's cameras allows Zeam to maintain an efficient workspace, as everything is controlled from a single laptop within the van.
NDI and PoE Powering the System
One of the standout features of AIDA's cameras is their Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability. With just a single Ethernet cable needed for power, video, and control, Zeam has minimized the cabling required, enhancing the system's portability without sacrificing on quality. This setup is essential in a mobile setup stated by Zeam's Executive Producer, Ali Edwards, as every square inch matters. Zeam’s use of PoE increases reliability and reduces the risk of power-related issues on the road.
Weather Challenges and On-the-Road Adaptation
While Zeam's setup has proven incredibly reliable, it has faced challenges, mainly due to weather-related obstructions. Water droplets can occasionally interfere with external camera feeds during outdoor streams in rainy or snowy conditions. This remains an ongoing challenge that they aim to tackle with automated solutions in the future. Nevertheless, this issue has yet to affect their ability to deliver high-quality content. The IP67 weatherproof design is crucial for outdoor shoots and remains durable in these conditions.
Resolution and Video Quality Management
During one of their road trips, a temporary technical glitch with one of the cameras caused an issue with a pink video feed. However, thanks to the flexibility of VMix, they restarted the camera and were quick to resolve the issue without affecting the stream quality. The system's ability to recover rapidly from minor technical difficulties demonstrates its reliability for continuous streaming, especially in mobile and everchanging environments.
Key Technical Features Addressed by Zeam Media
- Exposure Settings: All cameras are set to automatic exposure, which adjusts on the fly to various lighting conditions as Zeam moves across different lighting conditions.
- Stream ID for SRT: Zeam is experimenting with Stream IDs for SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) to secure their video feeds further and enhance their workflow. This development would allow for more consistent quality in fluctuating network conditions, as large areas of America have limited internet connectivity.
Results
- Thanks to AIDA's cameras' small size and powerful capabilities, Zeam has developed a live streaming setup that provides continuous, high-quality video all while on-the-go. The cameras can capture diverse perspectives, both inside the van and from outside, providing an immersive experience like you were road tripping right there with them. This flexible and reliable setup ensures that Zeam's audience can always count on a reliable streaming experience.
- Efficient Workflow with Minimal Downtime: Thanks to NDI and PoE, Zeam's camera setup is easy to manage and highly reliable. Issues such as technical glitches were quickly resolved, minimizing any disruptions to the live stream.
- Broadcast-Grade Video Quality: With HD resolution and innovative protocol capabilities, AIDA POV cameras provide broadcast-grade video quality, ensuring that Zeam's content stands out in the competitive streaming space.
Future Improvements
Zeam continues to explore options for weatherproofing external camera feeds, and we look to research and develop advanced features like fisheye toggles to enhance outdoor and close-up live streaming experiences.