Product Overview of Wirecast
Wirecast is a powerful and versatile live video streaming and production software designed to help users create high-quality, professional-grade live broadcasts with ease. Developed by Telestream, Wirecast is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and is widely used for various streaming needs, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
What Wirecast Does
Wirecast serves as a comprehensive solution for live video production, allowing users to capture, produce, and stream live video content. It replaces traditional hardware switchers, graphics and title generators, and encoders, making it a central component in any broadcasting workflow. Wirecast enables users to stream to multiple destinations simultaneously, including social media platforms, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), LAN multicasts, and unicasts.
Key Features and Functionality
Capture
- Unlimited Sources: Wirecast supports an unlimited number of input sources, including cameras (HDMI, SDI, IP, and iOS cameras), microphones, webcams, IP cams, and even screen captures from computers or mobile devices.
- NDI Input & Output: Wirecast can integrate NDI sources directly into the production, and it also supports NDI program feed output, allowing seamless integration with other NDI-compatible devices.
Production
- Multi-Layer Compositing: Wirecast features a unique multilayer system, allowing live compositing with up to 250 layers and unlimited shots. This enables the creation of complex, high-quality broadcasts.
- Chroma Keying & Virtual Sets: Users can utilize high-quality, real-time, GPU-accelerated green screen capabilities, as well as luma key and color key features. Wirecast also supports 3D virtual sets and backgrounds.
- Graphics & Animated Titles: The software includes a built-in library of customizable animated titles, lower thirds, and other graphics. Additionally, it offers access to a stock media library with over 500,000 unique media assets.
- Audio Mixing: Wirecast features advanced audio mixing capabilities, including multi-track audio capture and recording. It supports up to 16 audio channels per source and includes pro audio FX in the Pro version.
Streaming and Output
- Multi-Destination Streaming: Wirecast allows streaming to multiple destinations simultaneously, including popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and CDNs. It also supports LAN multicasts and unicasts.
- ISO Recording: Users can record individual sources separately, which is particularly useful for multi-angle instant replays. Wirecast Pro also supports ISO recording of individual sources.
- Program Feed Output: The software can output the produced live feed directly to capture cards, editing systems, or other software like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams.
Additional Features
- Remote Conferencing: Wirecast Rendezvous enables up to 8-way peer-to-peer remote conferencing, allowing for panel interviews, talk shows, and live events with multiple participants.
- Instant Replay & Scoreboards: Wirecast includes features for instant replays, live scoreboards, and clocks, making it ideal for sports production.
- Multi-Viewer & PTZ Camera Control: The software supports a 17-slot multi-viewer for monitoring multiple live sources and includes PTZ camera control for precise camera management.
- Social Media Integration: Wirecast integrates with social media platforms, allowing for real-time comment moderation, Facebook polling, and live donations.
In summary, Wirecast is a robust live streaming and production software that offers a wide range of advanced features and functionalities, making it an ideal choice for both individuals and businesses looking to produce high-quality live broadcasts.