Telestream Releases Wirecast 4 Live Webcasting Software

Telestream released Wirecast 4 live webcasting production software. Wirecast offers an affordable software alternative to costly hardware broadcasting solutions for producing video broadcasts for the web. Wirecast 4 features a new Pro version along with a new intuitive user interface and integrated support for Blackmagic capture cards and improved high-quality Main Concept H.264 and On2 VP6 Flash video formats. Wirecast can deliver rich graphic content, including 3D virtual sets and scoreboards. Wirecast Pro also includes input support for IP and HDV cameras and Telestream’s Pipeline video capture system.

The Seattle Seahawks put Wirecast 4 to the test. “We used Wirecast 4 in the production of our live streaming press conferences and web shows, and the overall experience was flawless,” says Kenton Olson, Director of Digital & Emerging Media for the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC.

“You don’t have to be a television broadcaster with a television budget to produce live shows anymore,” says Benjamin Higginbotham, owner of Spacevidcast. “Using Wirecast 4 with its support for Blackmagic capture cards and Main Concept H.264 format, I can create a professional-looking show in seconds for a fraction of the price and stream high-quality video to just about anywhere in the world. This is the start of something amazing.”

Wirecast 4 is now available in two product configurations for Mac and PC users: Wirecast (US$449) and Wirecast Pro (US$995). The new user interface features enhanced shot editor, user-definable layers and source-settings editor. New features include refreshed title templates (lower-thirds) and new input support for Blackmagic Intensity Pro, Decklink SDI, and Decklink Duo capture cards. New, integrated destination support includes the Brightcove online video platform and the Sermon.net sermon network. In addition to 3D virtual sets and scoreboards, Wirecast Pro adds HDV and IP camera support plus enhanced audio controls with sync delay as standard features.

“Wirecast 4 is an amazing upgrade that raises the bar in live webcasting,” says Jeff Zajas, video blogger at RVTravelTV.com. “New features and re-vamped user interface allow both the novice and seasoned professional to produce high-quality HD video content for streaming over a choice of live video publishing and distribution sites. With new Pro features like virtual studio sets, audio mixing and output to external monitors, Wirecast 4 offers price/performance and features that just can’t be found in other products.

“With Wirecast, anyone can create powerful live webcasts and stream them to audiences on the web,” said Barbara DeHart, Vice President of Marketing at Telestream. “All that is needed is a camera, a laptop and Wirecast to make affordable production and streaming a reality. Wirecast is used to create user-generated content for sites like YouTube and Ustream, stream live event keynotes like CES and entertainment like Live Earth, in addition to government, house of worship and education venues.”

Wirecast 4 is now available as a free update for existing customers and as an upgrade to Wirecast Pro for US$546. Wirecast and Wirecast Pro are available for immediate purchase and free trial download at www.telestream.net/wirecast.