Looking to take your live streaming quality to the next level?
Live streaming is one of the fastest-growing forms of online video. In 2024 alone, the amount of hours spent watching live streams grew by 12%, topping out at 32.5 billion hours of global live streaming consumption.
But here’s the problem…
The majority of live streamers use low-quality broadcasting tools. Poor sound and video quality are frustrating and result in massive audience drop-off.
The challenge is that you can’t consistently compete against professional broadcasts using subpar equipment. Professional results require professional gear.
You can’t produce professional quality broadcasts without professional broadcasting equipment.
In this complete guide, I want to go over how exactly professional broadcasting tools and equipment can improve the quality of your streaming content.
What you’ll learn:
- 3 Big Reasons Broadcasting Equipment Matters
- The Quality Problem Killing Streams
- The Best Advanced Broadcasting Tools & Gear
- Why Broadcasting Equipment Increases Engagement
3 Big Reasons Broadcasting Equipment Matters
When you think about it, professional broadcasting equipment isn’t a luxury these days — it’s a necessity.
Here’s why: Live streaming broadcasting equipment is already a massive $11.04 billion market in 2024 that is expected to reach $19.03 billion by 2030. This kind of growth doesn’t come from nowhere.
Consumers today expect to watch streams in HD and 4K quality with crystal clear audio. Smooth, reliable video is a given. Audiences notice when the audio or video is subpar and react accordingly.
Picture this…
A potential viewer clicks on your stream. In a fraction of a second, they have to decide whether to stick around or click away. Low quality is an instant turn-off.
Professional broadcasting tools eliminate these problems and actually improve your audience experience by:
- Delivering high resolution, 4K and Full HD video capture and output
- Cleaning up audio and reducing noise for professional quality sound
- Providing stable, hardware-based video encoding for lower latency
- Offering complete control over your broadcast production
The difference between amateur and professional broadcasting equipment is night and day. Viewers notice the difference immediately.
The Quality Problem Killing Streams
Something most content creators don’t realize…
Quality is the #1 issue that leads to audience abandonment during live streams.
The most common problems are:
- Blurry, pixelated video
- Audio that cuts in and out
- Buffering and lag
- Flickering brightness and color
- Echo and background noise
The second thing most content creators don’t realize is that these problems almost always result from using consumer-grade equipment for professional streaming and broadcasting.
Your smartphone camera, built-in laptop microphone, or HDMI capture dongle from Amazon simply can’t produce the quality that your audience has come to expect.
Professional streaming and broadcasting equipment solve these problems at their root. Don’t fix poor quality in post production. Capture excellent quality to start with.
The Best Advanced Broadcasting Tools & Gear
Let’s look at the specific broadcasting tools and solutions that can make a real difference.
Professional Cameras & Video Sources
The quality of your video feed is determined first and foremost by your camera or video source. 4K cameras and professional broadcasting sources offer a level of detail and clarity that no consumer device can match.
Look for these features:
- 4K or Full HD Resolution (1080p)
- Good low-light performance
- Multiple output options (HDMI, SDI, etc.)
- Manual exposure, focus, and white balance controls
Professional camera solutions from companies like Thor Broadcast are made with broadcasting in mind. Their video gear is up to the task of delivering the quality you need to stream and broadcast.
Audio Processing Equipment
Audio quality matters more than video quality to the average viewer. Blurry video can be forgiven, but bad audio will send viewers running.
Gear to consider includes:
- Condenser Microphones
- Audio Interfaces
- Mixing Consoles
- Monitoring Systems
Audio Interfaces convert analog audio signals to high quality digital audio. Mixing Consoles balance multiple audio sources in real-time. Monitoring Systems allow you to check audio levels and quality in real time.
Video Switching and Control
Video switchers let you manage multiple video inputs with professional level control. You can switch between cameras, add graphics, and control your entire broadcast from one interface.
Advanced features you should look for:
- 4+ inputs
- Real-time video effects and transitions
- Recording capability
- Remote control functionality
Companies like Thor Broadcast also make advanced video switching and control solutions that help you manage complex live productions.
Encoding and Streaming Hardware
Hardware encoders can offload processing from your computer and provide a more consistent streaming experience.
Advantages of hardware encoders include:
- Better quality (no dropped frames or pixilation)
- Lower latency
- Dual output to multiple platforms at once
- Built-in backup systems for reliability
How Broadcasting Equipment Increases Engagement
Professional quality equipment does more than just improve the quality of your stream. It also completely changes the experience for your viewers.
Here’s what you can expect to see:
More Watch Time
The better the quality of your stream, the more time viewers will spend watching.
Professional quality means fewer distractions, which translates to longer view times.
Audience Retention
Audiences that trust your technical quality will be more likely to tune in again for future streams.
Audience retention is the secret to building a loyal following of repeat viewers.
Monetization Opportunities
Higher quality opens up more monetization opportunities for creators. Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and premium content become more viable with professional production values.
Brands and other companies are also more likely to want to work with you if you have a high quality broadcast.
Credibility
Professional streams convey a level of credibility and professionalism. This can help you stand out from the crowd and reach new levels of success.
Broadcasting equipment solutions from companies like Thor Broadcast enable you to create professional level broadcasts from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Setting Up Your Professional Broadcasting System
Setting up a professional quality broadcasting system doesn’t have to be daunting or overwhelming.
It’s all about the smart approach.
Build your system in phases. Start with the most important pieces and add to your system over time.
The main things to have from day one are:
- A professional camera (4K if possible)
- A good microphone (audio quality is more important than video)
- A video switcher (can be simple and still transforms production value)
- Reliable internet (minimum of 10 Mbps upload speed for HD)
- Backup systems for important components
The key is to build your system up slowly over time. You don’t have to have everything right away, but you do need the right foundation.
Pro tip: Test your entire system before your first broadcast. There is nothing worse than having a live stream come crashing down around you due to technical issues.
Wrapping Up
Live streaming broadcasting equipment is not a nice to have these days. With live streaming hours increasing to 32.5 billion globally in 2024, the expectation is for viewers to see professional quality video and audio.
The difference between amateur and professional streaming/broadcasting equipment is significant. Professional grade tools produce high quality that audiences notice, they perform reliably, and they provide the kind of experience that keeps viewers watching.
Don’t forget: Your equipment is your competitive edge as a content creator or business. Invest in the right gear, and your audience will thank you for it.
The choice is yours: Play at the low end against everyone else using subpar amateur equipment, or set yourself apart with professional broadcasting equipment that will help you reach the next level.
