Telestream Expands Live Webcasting Input Choices with Wirecast 4.1 Release

Telestream, a provider of digital media tools and workflow solutions, announced the release of Wirecast 4.1 live video production and streaming software.

Wirecast 4.1 adds key partner integrations and new features that provide more choices for getting content into Wirecast, including remote, multi-channel, and wireless IP transmission. Additionally, Wirecast 4.1 is Mac OS X Lion compatible. Wirecast and Wirecast Pro webcasting software provide live switching, production, and streaming capabilities that enable Mac and Windows users to easily and cost-effectively create real-time and on-demand video broadcasts for the Web.

“We are pleased to expand Wirecast to include support for more input devices and new capabilities which means more choices for our users,” said Barbara DeHart, vice president of marketing at Telestream. “Wirecast offers high-quality live video production at an affordable price for users in a broad range of businesses.”

New audio support for Wirecast Desktop Presenter allows users to integrate Skype or any video chat client into their webcasts. Desktop Presenter is a Wirecast feature that broadcasts the desktop of any computer connected to the network, making it particularly useful for video training and product demonstrations. When combined with Wirecast’s ability to display multiple camera feeds on a single screen, this allows users to see and hear multiple speakers for news or video talk show programs.

“Webcasting is becoming very popular in the enterprise because it enables executives to convey rich, engaging messages to far-flung audiences,” said Steven Vonder Haar, research director of Interactive Media Strategies. “With a platform that now integrates audio and video from presenters in multiple locations, Wirecast adds a unique blend of flexibility and communications power that sets the stage for executives to create even more dynamic ways to convey messages to employees, customers, prospects and partners.”

Wirecast integration with the LiveU bonded 4G/3G video transmission backpack provides a portable solution that is ideal for live news, sports, entertainment, and enterprise video. The solution allows users to either:
• transmit live video from a roaming LiveU backpack to a remote Wirecast Windows computer for editing and distribution from the main location, or
• feed a fully-produced live show from a Mac or Windows Wirecast computer to a LiveU backpack at any location for high-quality transmission.

LiveU provides a more robust and resilient uplink than using a single aircard or a WiFi connection in the field, and it offers a more affordable and flexible alternative than satellite uplink or ethernet. LiveU integration is especially useful when combined with Wirecast Pro’s advanced live video production features.

“LiveU integration with Wirecast 4.1 is superb,” said Stephen Heywood, owner/host of The Tech Buzz. “I couldn’t believe the minimal one-second delay between the studio in California and the show floor at NAB 2011 in Las Vegas. The quality was excellent and reliable. No other software can compare. Telestream plus LiveU equals success for online broadcasters.”

Wirecast 4.1 integration with Teradek Cube adds wireless IP camera support for Wirecast Pro. Users simply plug any HD-SDI or HDMI camera into the Cube to encode and submit camera feeds directly over WiFi to Wirecast Pro.

New Wirecast integration with Matrox Multi-Ingest capture card enables four simultaneous live HD-SDI inputs into Wirecast or Wirecast Pro for Mac. This is useful for journalists and videographers capturing and producing live broadcasts from the field using multiple cameras. It also solves the common challenge of how to efficiently add more camera sources to Wirecast software running on standard computers. The Matrox/Telestream solution combines improved capture and resource utilization with the best in live production.

“Streaming multi-camera live events can be a challenge. With Wirecast 4.1 and Matrox Multi-Ingest compatibility many of my problems have vanished,” said Dave Basulto, editor, streamer, and filmmaker at FilmmakingCentral.com. “Connecting the Multi-Ingest to my Mac Pro allows me to set up a 3-camera live shoot in minutes using Wirecast 4.1, which makes my life easier.”

Wirecast and Wirecast Pro 4.1 for Windows now provide integrated support for Viewcast Osprey 240e, 450e and 700e video capture cards. Support for Axis P1344 and M1104 network cameras is also now available for Wirecast Pro.

Wirecast is a live video production and streaming tool that can be installed on a standard laptop or desktop computer to broadcast live events and create professional webcasts from any location. Users can stream multiple live cameras while dynamically mixing in other media such as prerecorded video, images and sounds. Advanced production capabilities include 3D graphics, transitions and built-in titles which merge seamlessly with Wirecast’s layering system, allowing users to easily create live and on-demand broadcasts for the web. When ready to go live, broadcasts can be streamed directly to live broadcasting websites using Flash, QuickTime or Windows Media.

Wirecast 4.1 is now available as a free upgrade for existing customers. Wirecast is priced at $449 and Wirecast Pro is $995. Wirecast products are available for a free trial and online purchase. They are also available for purchase through a network of Telestream resellers and affiliates.