How to Choose a Live Streaming Company: Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes

How many cameras will they use?

The number of cameras directly affects the price. Two cameras are usually enough for a press conference: one on the speaker and one on the whole room. Forums and events with performances usually need more. Ask the company what each camera will be shooting, so you can judge whether the quote is reasonable. For more on camera setups, see How Many Cameras Does an Event Need?

What kind of cameras will they use?

Many live streams are shot on DSLR or mirrorless cameras. These are mainly designed for photos and short clips, and their lenses have a limited zoom range, so going from a wide shot to a close-up of the speaker usually means changing lenses or adding another camera. Some of them can also overheat and stop after recording continuously for a long time.

Lighthouse Creative uses professional broadcast cameras. Their zoom range is very wide, so one lens covers everything from a wide shot of the room to a tight close-up of the speaker, and they are far more reliable than photo cameras over long hours. When asking for a quote, simply ask whether the stream will be shot on video cameras or photo cameras.

Who is responsible for the network?

The network is where live streams most often go wrong. Ask whether the company will test the upload speed at the venue beforehand, and what they will do if the venue's connection isn't enough. We run a main line plus a 4G backup, and we can also apply for a dedicated Chunghwa Telecom line on your behalf. For how much bandwidth you need, see How Much Bandwidth Does a Live Stream Need?

Is there backup equipment?

Ask whether power and signal both have a second path. We set up two paths for both, so if one fails, the stream keeps going.

What does the quote include?

Two quotes for a two-camera stream can cover very different things. Some include vision mixing, audio and the recording, while others charge extra. When asking for a quote, check:

• Whether vision mixing and audio are included
• Whether you get the recording after the event
• How network costs are charged
• Whether there is a separate fee for the site visit

Have they done similar events?

Ask the company for examples of past live streams, ideally similar to your event, such as press conferences, forums or cross-border link-ups. You can see our past work here: live streaming services.

Invoices and payment

Companies and public organizations usually need a Taiwan uniform invoice, a formal quotation or documents for procurement and reimbursement, so it's worth confirming this when you ask for a quote. We issue a uniform invoice for every project and can work with the quotation, purchasing and reimbursement procedures of government agencies and schools.