How To Run a Kollective Webcast

Alex Kozak

May 20, 2024 03:48

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First, check to make sure that your webcast has a Kollective output.  Each new webcast that requires Kollective must be configured with the Kollective output.

Launch Studio using an administrator staffer link and go to Tools>Monitor Tool.

Select the OUTPUTS tab.  If the Kollective output exists, it will appear as below.

If Kollective doesn't exist, add it as an output.  Click on the plus (+) button under OUTPUTS and select DASH/HLS V7. Do not delete the default DASH and HLS outputs from the Outputs tab.

Title: Be mindful when titling the output, it will display in Studio Reporting. 

Manifest Type: Click the drop down and select HLS v7.

ECDN and select the client's ECDN name. 

Click SAVE.

NOTE: the client's ECDN name should be present from the drop-down, if it's blank contact the Brandlive eCDN team,  Solution Support Team or Studio Product team.

Next, upload a Standby Image.  Go to Settings>Media Panel Assets>Standby Image.

When using an eCDN, there is a delay in the video being seen by the viewer.  Therefore, it's best to upload a Standby Image otherwise the viewer will be presented with a black video panel before they see the webcast content.  It's advisable to upload an image containing text similar to the one below, Please wait for the webcast to begin, Thanks!

It's highly recommended that the webcast contains a hold image or video for pre-roll once live.  You will want to start the webcast at least 5 minutes (15 minutes early preferred) before the speaker is to go live.  Once live, it will take Kollective approximately 45 seconds for the video to go through their servers.  During this time, while the webcast is live, the hold image/video can be pushed out to the viewers. 

It's best practice that the speaker begins presenting 1 minute prior to the webcast start time.  This is because the viewers will be roughly around 1 minute behind, therefore, starting 1 minute prior the viewer will see the webcast start "on time". Additionally, at the end of the presentation, it's recommended that you let the webcast run a minute extra to take into account the 1 minute delay users experience.