Kong Off 5 Streaming Setup

[danman123456]

Figured I would put this here. Last year at KO4 streaming was not able to be done due to a lot of factors: Horrible Internet at the convention center, no camera setups, etc, etc. I want to change this for KO5. I started by looking into the place that handles internet for David L Lawrence center they want $3,495 for a single drop of 3 Mbps and 8 devices  - That falls in the no way category  and to that I say.

I looked around and this is what appears to be one of the more cost effective options. I have 4 laptops I can bring to the event (and possibly 2 more as well for a total of 6)

1. Get 3 T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspots (Currently $79.99 + $20 for a Sim Card Kit - $99.99 Total) http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/zte-falcon-z-917-hotspot.html - Approx $300
2. Get the 18GB Data Plan for them - $80 a Month (Plus taxes) - Approx $270 (Or look into possibly the $95 prepaid 22GB Plan which is another $15 ($95 vs $80)
3. Get Cameras for all 16 Cabinets  - This is proving to be the hardest part. I've gotten 2 different "cheap" models and both are WAY to zoomed in. Looks like this will require a camera that does auto-zoom because so far to get the screen the cameras have to be like 6-8 feet away :/ - Anyone know of a good camera model to try this with? So far I think the Logitech C270 might be the one. It's only $22.99 right now at Walmart.com and apparently does the zoom/etc. Anyone use this camera now? If this works that is $386.23 for 16. Course if people bring their webcam to the event it could cut down the number needed dramatically. I will bring my Lifecam Studio for sure.
4. USB Extension Cables - $9.79 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Importer520-Premium-Extender-Repeater-Extension/dp/B00FFKIUJS/ref=sr_1_30?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467041640&sr=1-30&keywords=extension+cable+usb&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_five_browse-bin%3A7800930011 - - Approx $160.00 for 16.
5. 4 USB Powered Hub (For the Webcams to the laptop as they have 3 ports) - $13.99 $64 Total - https://www.amazon.com/ONCHOICE-Ports-Network-Switch-Laptop/dp/B018XB7L9A/ref=sr_1_18?s=pc&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1467041889&sr=1-18&keywords=powered+usb+hub&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A6801586011
6. 1GB Switch (To stream local to the "main" laptop) - $20.00 for 8 port switch - https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Gigabit-Ethernet-Desktop-TL-SG1008D/dp/B001EVGIYG/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467049363&sr=1-3&keywords=1G+switch
7. Cat 5/6 Cables - 25ft plus are only $7 - $10 - Will need 4 for the laptops on the cabinets and then a 50FT to get to the desk. $50

This should enable 4 laptops to stream all 16 cabinets then entire time. I also hope to have a good mic and a dedicated server for the 'main" stream so there can be commentary/etc when people are not streaming. Xsplit also streams "locally" so Between my personal Verizon MIFI and these we should have plenty of bandwidth and Gigs to handle it all and should someone get a good "game" going we can bring that up on the "main" stream as well.  I did some testing and even 300k CBR is very watchable and fairly sure it will work for 4 or 5 streams over the 3 days. 

Whats the point here? Well as you can see this all adds up to a fair amount so if people can help with the costs I will work hard to ensure this works out. I will be making mounts for each cabinet out of wood just like i have now. I simply cannot afford to do all of this myself especially as I still have all the costs for going to KO5 to account for as well. If enough people can chip in a little bit I'm hopeful this will be a pretty good experience for everyone to watch and be a part of. I can't guarantee it will be perfect but I'm hopeful this will do very well. I also want to have the scoreboard online and updated frequently so everyone knows who has what going on. If anyone has an suggestions or questions here please just let me know. Trying to figure out if this is worth doing based upon the react I get here people can just paypal me or something else can be worked out.
Costs:
1. Internet - $600
2. Cameras - $385 (This can be flexible if people bring cameras or a cheaper/better option is found for under $22)
3. USB Cables/Hubs - $224
4. 1G Switch and Network Cables - $70
5. Laptop/Computers - $0. (I will bring at least 4 but hoping to have 6 ready. If someone will have one as backup/etc would be helpful.)
Total : $1279.00

Thanks everyone!
Dan

[timhett]

I use the C270 for my hand cam on my millipede.  I also got a 2nd one to put on my mame setup.  It doesn't zoom iirc, but it doesn't have to be very far away, for mame I have it on a bracket on my machine, about 20 inches from my screen. For the millipede hand cam it is taped to the marquee, pointing down so it's about 2 feet away from my hands.  The nice thing is that it is super cheap and the quality is okay.  not as good as the C920 I use for the main set up, but okay for arcade I reckon.  Also, the C270 does NOT have a camera mount, it is designed to drape over a laptop screen.  Not a huge issue, you can tape it to things, but fyi.

[WCopeland]

See if ReplayFX will comp you.

[danman123456]

I use the C270 for my hand cam on my millipede.  I also got a 2nd one to put on my mame setup.  It doesn't zoom iirc, but it doesn't have to be very far away, for mame I have it on a bracket on my machine, about 20 inches from my screen. For the millipede hand cam it is taped to the marquee, pointing down so it's about 2 feet away from my hands.  The nice thing is that it is super cheap and the quality is okay.  not as good as the C920 I use for the main set up, but okay for arcade I reckon.  Also, the C270 does NOT have a camera mount, it is designed to drape over a laptop screen.  Not a huge issue, you can tape it to things, but fyi.

I saw a video where software can zoom it in an out so I guess best bet is to grab one from Walmart ASAP and check it out. I'm making brackets just like the one I use now. Easy and just screws right into the marquee screw hole.

[danman123456]

See if ReplayFX will comp you.

Hmm yeah not even sure who I would talk to about that. Guess I'll reach out to Richie and see if that is even a possibility.

Dan

[danman123456]

Sent a note to Richie will see what happens. If anyone wants to donate and they will take care of it ill just send the $$ back.

Thanks,
Dan

[tilt]

I can provide 2 cameras for the event.  A logitech c270 and lifecam studio.  I have a few more 'lesser quality' lifecams aswell (2 I believe) if that will help any.

[Milehighdt]

I have a c310 and was able to mount it inside the cab behind the bezel with some velcro, (not very different from the c270). My lifecam can't seem to get a good picture from such a close distance. Would be a cleaner look without  having to readjust for every bump.

[danman123456]

I can provide 2 cameras for the event.  A logitech c270 and lifecam studio.  I have a few more 'lesser quality' lifecams aswell (2 I believe) if that will help any.

Awesome yes that would help a lot sir.

[danman123456]

I have a c310 and was able to mount it inside the cab behind the bezel with some velcro, (not very different from the c270). My lifecam can't seem to get a good picture from such a close distance. Would be a cleaner look without  having to readjust for every bump.

Hmm I think I understand what you are saying. I don't have any real issues with the camera and bumping it (unless you run into it). I'll see if something can be made to do what you suggest sir..

[Milehighdt]

If I end of coming (still in limbo with work) I'll bring my lifecam and c310.

[JCHarrist]

You won't be able to stream 4 webcams simultaneously through a USB hub. You need a dedicated USB port for each cam.

[tilt]

I might also add that you may have problems streaming so many webcams on one PC.  It requires quite a bit of computing power to process 1 webcam at a high resolution, let alone 4 different cams at normal res. on one pc.  It may work okay, but you might want to make sure your computers are up to snuff using some cheapo cams before buying all the others.

[danman123456]

You won't be able to stream 4 webcams simultaneously through a USB hub. You need a dedicated USB port for each cam.

I was going to do 2 via onboard and then 2 via the hub. Think that will be too much?I'm going to grab some test cameras from Walmart ASAP. I so far have only done a setup with 3 separate cameras.

I am also considering rtmp streams with raspberry pi's - That should work im sure as I can specify them as the source but then I need to get a bunch of pi zeros and get em installed. Testing time is becoming short
Thanks,
Dan

[danman123456]

I might also add that you may have problems streaming so many webcams on one PC.  It requires quite a bit of computing power to process 1 webcam at a high resolution, let alone 4 different cams at normal res. on one pc.  It may work okay, but you might want to make sure your computers are up to snuff using some cheapo cams before buying all the others.

They aren't gaming rigs but they are all fairly beefy. I am going to do a full test for sure before starting. I'm starting to consider the PI setup more and more now. ITs more complicated but overall its easiest way to change streams/etc. Only issue is getting the zooming stuff done no clue if that will work. I'll know soon.