Stream event live
as an online or hybrid event

This is an online event that usually serves to convey specific information and functions in a similar way to a classic workshop. This is also revealed by the name "webinar", which is made up of the words "web" and "seminar". Participants register in advance because they are interested in the topic in question. This could be, for example, the imparting of learning content or the presentation of a new product. In good webinars, there is also interaction with the participants by means of polls, voting or question rounds. The number of participants is generally limited so that there is the possibility of responding to individual queries.

In linguistic usage, the name "livestream" has also become established for public online events. Instead of the actually correct term "webcast". This form of event livestream is a classic stage situation in which information is transmitted in only one direction. Accordingly, there is hardly any interaction between the actors on stage and the participants - like on television. However, since the Internet is an interactive medium, participants in webcasts usually expect a commentary function, which is also moderated live. The number of participants is generally not limited for livestreams. Public livestreams are often mapped across platforms such as YouTube or Facebook. However, closed events on the company's own website are also possible.

Hybrid events are, as the name suggests, an intermediate form. On the one hand, the event takes place as a traditional face-to-face event and is streamed live online in full or in part. In general, an attempt is made to give the online participants the same opportunities for interaction that the audience has on site. This is done, for example, by voting, asking questions or even virtual applause. With hybrid events, a wider reach can be achieved, beyond the capacity of the event location. But this also gives people who are far away or physically impaired an alternative way to participate in the event.

With cloud directing, the footage for the event is created in a different location than where it is edited and streamed to the Internet. For example, at an event, all participants could be in different locations. All image and sound signals, as well as interludes (e.g. PowerPoint), come together in the Eventnet studio in Berlin, where they are edited live and sent as a stream to the Internet. One risk with completely decentralized streaming projects is the varying quality of the video and sound signals if all participants use their own equipment. To ensure high quality of the signals, they optionally receive a webcast set. This includes a webcam, light, hands-free microphone and, if required, a preconfigured laptop.

Livestreaming broadcasts events in real time on the Internet. It allows viewers to watch content live as it is produced, rather than downloading or saving it. Attendees register in advance and can participate by asking questions or taking part in polls.

Livestreaming can be used for a variety of content. Here are a few examples:

• Live events such as concerts, sporting events or conferences.
• Real-time webinars and training.
• Gaming streams where players broadcast their games live.
• Lectures, presentations or workshops.
• Live interviews or discussions.

Real-time communication:
Viewers can interact live with the content, ask questions and make comments, unlike with pure videos.

Global reach:
Livestreams can be accessed worldwide, reaching a wide audience.

Authenticity:
Because content is produced in real time, livestreaming conveys a sense of immediacy and authenticity.

Cost efficiency:
Compared to the production and distribution of traditional media content, livestreams can be more cost-effective.

Reusability:
Livestreams can be archived after the live broadcast and used for future purposes.

Sound quality has a direct impact on the viewer experience. A stream with poor sound quality, such as muffled sound, noise, or fluctuations, often leads to the loss of viewers because it is exhausting to follow the speaker. Therefore, good sound quality is crucial to retain the audience.

Existing streaming platforms such as YouTube or Facebook offer the following benefits for public video streaming:

• Good scheduling and publishing capabilities for live broadcasts.
• Secure scalability and sufficient capacity for many viewers.
• Distinction between public streams and streams that are only accessible via a direct link.

However, its use is also associated with risks:

• If you need to set up the livestream again, the link will change. So always use a static link in your communication that redirects to the respective stream on the platform. This way you can adjust the destination at any time.
• YouTube and co. block streams with copyrighted content. It is enough if a song is playing in the background. If you do not have 100% control over this, it is recommended to use a separate streaming server.

Yes, it is possible to share presentations or screen content during the livestream. This can be done using screen sharing or presentation software that allows the livestream host to share the screen or specific content with viewers. These so-called interludes are particularly useful for webinars, training or presentations where visual support is required.

Yes, it is possible to record a livestream and publish it later. This has several advantages:

• Flexibility: By recording the livestream, viewers who could not be there live can watch the content at a later time.
• Editing options: The recording makes it possible to edit the livestream afterwards and remove superfluous passages or add additional information.
• Archiving: Recording and publishing the livestream creates an archive of valuable content that can be accessed later. This is especially useful if the livestream contains specific information or training content.