Live spotlight: Ustream.tv
Last week, I wrote about the proliferation of live content on the internet. Today I’m going to start a short (and open-ended) series describing a few of the new applications and websites that will help you broadcast to the world over the web.
Today’s tool is Ustream.tv, a pioneer in easy and fast live streaming.
In Short
Ustream.tv is a free service for streaming webcam footage live to the internet. Ustream.tv offers a Java chat window on each “channel” (IRC on the backend, allowing for nearly boundless customisation). Used by Chris Pirillo, Zooomr, Chris Dodd, and Leo LaPorte.
Basic history
Ustream is probably the first live streaming site to hit critical mass after the rebirth of live content (started by Justin.tv). It is incredibly simple to use and delivers instant streaming results, although I have experienced some small stream issues (likely due to scaling).
Setting up an account and stream is a simple process. Simply
- Register
- Login
- Click “My Shows“
- Create a new ‘quick show’
This will create your show with default information and a title that you set. You can change all the complexities later such as a schedule (if you decide to have one), password/chatbox details, etc.
Streaming content is sort of the anti-thesis of YouTube (or at least what YouTube has become): Ustream, by its very nature, has to be user-generated. It provides the ultimate forum for webcam confessionals, amateur (and professional) radio hosts, and it is all totally original. From this aspect, Ustream and its competitors are going to provide an interesting breath of fresh air for online video.