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Livestream releases software version of Studio video switcher, gives producers an even more portable option
Back when Livestream announced its Studio HD500 all-in-one, the company told us a software-based equivalent would be coming at some point during Q1 2013. Well, folks, today's the day the Livestream Studio family grows by one, welcoming the addition of a software-based switcher tool that aims to be yet another on-the-go option for roving broadcasters. As expected, both professional and recreational producers will be able to control an array of elements from the comfort of their own machine -- including, but not limited to, up to five live video output feeds (yes, it can handle HD) and a real-time, multi-view video canvas which allows for live transitions and audio mixing. It's also worth noting Livestream isn't constraining the Studio software to its own web platform, meaning that, as is the case with the HD500, streams can also be shared to third-party places like Ustream, Akamai and, you guessed it, YouTube Live. In what's perhaps the only caveat attached to this particular version, Livestream's decided to make this release only compatible with Windows PCs that are coupled with a Blackmagic Design capture card. However, a company representative did tell us an OS X solution is indeed in the works and should be coming once the next iteration of the product gets launched -- mum's the word on when exactly that'll be. All that aside, though, the new Studio version goes on sale around the world starting today for a cool $1,999 -- a price tag which Livestream CEO Max Haot believes to be ideal so that "anyone can make their own production studio to mix, produce and go live instantly at an affordable price."
Livestream announces Studio HD500 all-in-one video switcher, ships October 15th for $8,500
Earlier this year, Livestream quietly entered the hardware business with a real-time streaming puck known as the Broadcaster -- an adequate moniker, to say the least. Now, some five months after that camera add-on made its intriguing debut, Livestream's introducing the Studio HD500, an all-in-one video production switcher aimed at both hobbyists and pros. Most notable, however, is the fact the company's entering this fresh market in good pricing fashion, given the Studio HD500's appealing tag of $8,500 -- which may still seem like a hefty amount, but ends up feeling light when compared to other similar tools that start off at a cool $15-$20k, such as, say, one of NewTek's TriCaster offerings. At any rate, those near $9,000 for the Studio HD500 will get you a switcher loaded with live audio / multi-camera mixing capabilities, a built-in DVR and media player, one-click live streaming to the outfit's own platform, plus a handful of inputs and outputs -- including HD / SD, SDI, S-Video and HDMI. It's also worth noting the Studio HD500 isn't fully attached to Livestream's site by any means, making it possible to use with other competing sites such as YouTube, Ustream and many more. While kindly speaking to us, Livestream's CEO Max Haot said, "Our goal is to get multi-camera switching equipment into as many hands as possible," adding that the "key is to make it easier and more cost effective." The Studio HD500 is available for pre-order today and set to start shipping on October 15th -- which could be around the same time the software-only version makes an appearance, though all we know about that so far is it'll be coming at some point "later this year." In the meantime, there's a couple of extra pics for your viewing pleasure down below, and the detailed presser from Livestream right after the break.%Gallery-164278%
