vMix

vMix – using it for ATV

ATV is a relatively new mode for me, so the choices on how to setup the station were many, but which was right for me?

Choices – vision mixer, with OSD, test pattern generator, audio mixer, it’s endless.  Vision mixers start with the basic AV switcher, in conjunction with a media player with a test card, right up to the studio quality mega inputs and mega cost.

While looking around I came across the option of using a software application and finally settled on vMix.  The attractive aspect is a free version was available, somewhat limited but still useful in the ATV shack.

vMix is able to utilise many types of inputs, ranging for video files, audio tracks, still images, titles and external capture devices.

SCREEN SHOT

It has the facility to output to a dedicated monitor the final output of your program, with preview facilities.

I run a video card with 4 outputs, with 2 x 24 inch LCD monitors for my main work, and a 19 inch widescreen intended for the output device.  I also have connected a HDMI to composite/audio converter to the transmitter.  In Windows I have cloned screens 3 and 4 with a resolution of nnn X nnn, and told vMix the output screen to be number 3.  That way anything appearing on screen 3, also appears on the input terminals of the transmitter.

I have setup presets, one of the more powerful features.  My mine one is to automatically load my test pattern, station id title, meaning I only need to select which video to play.

SCREENSHOT

Tips, set the output aspect to Normal, no letterbox then, increase the audio by 10dB.  I’ve found that the module in my transmitter needed a little more audio that what the HDMI converter provides (even with the Windows audio settings flat out).

When you are ready to go to air, Fullscreen button

SCREENSHOT

Cut, wipe, fade between preview

From the input selection, press the 1 to make it a working bit, the transitions are between the main frames.

SCREENSHOT

Similarly for the audio mix, the advanced button reveals some neat audio mixing options.

SCREENSHOT

For a local camera, or USB capture device, select it from the Capture tab in Add Inputs, vMix does not automatically select the sound input for the Webcam, be sure to add a separate audio input and select the icon to activate

SCREENSHOT

Screen capture (BATC streaming), for this to work, an additional bit of a software is required for applications to share a common audio feed.  I temporarily set the main sound output to the VAC, and add an audio input from VAC in vMix.  You can add the audio stream to the output as required.

Scheduled program – time lines/stories

SCREENSHOT

External streaming

SCREENSHOT – very useful for piping the vMix output to another application, e.g. Adobe Live Streamer, Skype.  Note that VAC will be required to get audio.