Month: February 2022

The Best Digital Calendar Apps to Manage Workflow

If you’re like most people, you probably rely on a calendar of some kind to tell you what’s happening in your life and when so you don’t miss anything. These days, there are a number of different types of digital calendars to choose from – everything from daily planners to project-related apps. But the very best calendar software can go beyond this to help you to improve your organization and productivity.

Best calendar apps for time management

While some people prefer to stick to paper, digital calendars offer a wide array of benefits. The best calendar app can vary with your needs, however. For example, Calendar is an intelligent app that learns your contacts, schedule, and tasks and can even provide analytics of your meetings to help you improve your time management skills. 

Business Calendar, as the name suggests, is geared more towards those who use their calendar for work. It allows you to set a multi-day viewing mode, as well as offering hourly scheduling and the option to show a detailed agenda for single events. You can also use it to import from and export to other calendars.

Timepage is an intuitive calendar app that, in addition to the usual scheduling function, will send you notifications and reminders for what’s coming up next. It also features a “heat map” that indicates the days where you are most and least busy, allowing you to tell at a quick glance when might be a good day to schedule a new task.

A laptop is connected to a monitor with a glass on a desk using a metal straw say next to a phone looking for the best calendar app.
Photo by Fernando Hernandez on Unsplash

Use your calendar efficiently

A digital calendar can help you to keep track of events, but what about rethinking how you allocate your time in the first place? Are your entries evenly scattered throughout the whole week, or do you have them all set up in order? Arranging tasks or events efficiently can save you a lot of time and improve your focus. There are a number of approaches to this you could take.

Time blocking is a simple method where you divide your day into different activities and assign blocks of time to each task, perhaps by using color-coding to help you tell at a glance what you need to be working on.

In the Pomodoro technique, you break up tasks into 25- or 30-minute blocks. When you start a task, you set a timer for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, you take a five-minute break and then go on to the next block. After completing four blocks, you take a longer break to recharge – perhaps going for a walk, reading a chapter of a book, etc.

Following the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, means focusing more of your time and energy on the most important tasks. The name 80/20 is a nod to the Pareto philosophy that 20 percent of your work input actually yields 80 percent of the results.

A notebook being written in on a desk with an iPad, some small photos, a cup of coffee, glasses, some books and a laptop there as well, the best calendar app would help.
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Guidelines for everyday strategies

As well as high-level strategies, there are some everyday tactics you can use to manage your calendar effectively. For example, make sure you don’t overfill your calendar – leave some free space in case something comes up, or in case you need a break. Another simple tip is to use only one calendar, but make sure that it integrates with other planning tools so that everything you need is in one place.

You can also use filters, such as categories, symbols, or color-coding to allow you to distinguish more easily between different types of tasks. When you create contacts, meetings, or to-do lists, attach them to your digital calendar so you can quickly refer to them when you need to. Finally, don’t forget to review your calendar frequently – clear outdated tasks, make sure events don’t overlap, and set realistic goals.

Managing your time well is a key to improving your workflow. Digital calendars are valuable tools that can help you with many aspects of time management. Whether you are staying old school with pen and paper or using a digital calendar, it pays to figure out the system that works for you.

Twitch Output Update for XSplit Broadcaster

As some of you may be aware, Twitch is having a phased shutdown of its old v5 API, as detailed here. A result of this was difficulty connecting to Twitch for any streaming software, XSplit Broadcaster included. We have taken steps to update our Twitch plugin which should be in effect now.

When you first open XSplit Broadcaster you will be prompted to update your Twitch plugin, once you have completed this everything should be applied and run as normal. Any older versions of the plugin will not be able to connect and you will need to use the workaround solution of a custom RTMP connection. However, once you have followed the steps in the update prompt you shouldn’t need to do this.

There will be some ongoing issues due to this change which we’ll be updating and issuing fixes as soon as possible.

  • Sources that use Twitch such as the chat plugin or alerts plugin may experience issues.
  • Some in-game HUD and Game Bar functionalities may also be affected.

Both of these issues should be resolved in the coming days via an additional application update.

If you still experience login issues after the Twitch output plugin has updated, please uncheck the “confirm ingest server” setting in the stream channel settings in XSplit Broadcaster and try again.

If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to drop a message to our customer support team who are available 24/7.

How to Balance the Hybrid Office Workflow

The hybrid office is becoming more widespread than ever. With many workplaces now adopting a hybrid model, there are big questions for employees. Let’s discuss how to best manage time in order to make the most of working in both the home and the office and find a hybrid office balance.

Find a hybrid office balance with time management

One key to achieving a hybrid office balance is to think about when you really need to be in the office versus when it might be better to work from home. Of course, this will depend a lot on individual schedules and positions. But there are some guidelines you can use.

For example, you might group together all of your weekly tasks that require concentration. Then do these tasks in whichever environment is quieter and more productive for you. If possible, it can also be effective to group all of your meetings together on one or two days of the week. Then come into the office for these “meeting days”. This will give you a chance to connect with colleagues in person.

Some tasks, like training in new processes, onboarding new colleagues, and mentoring may be more effective if done in person. Others, such as writing reports or conducting research, may be easier to do from home. Once you have decided which tasks work better at home and which in the office, you can organize your schedule accordingly.

Four people sat in a conference room with a large screen at the end of it to help with a hybrid office balance.
Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

Keep it inclusive with digital workflows

One-size-fits-all does not work well for a hybrid company where employees have the flexibility to work when and where they wish. So, many organizations and employees will need to rethink how they connect and engage with colleagues. Digital workflows are a key part of achieving this hybrid office balance.

Digital tools can be used to make many work tasks more inclusive, so both those at home and in the office can participate together on an even footing. The first step here is to use the meeting features on a tool like Zoom or Google Meet. You can use software like Google Docs or Office 365 to enable direct editing on long-distance shared work. Make sure to create a well-organized set of Slack or Teams channels so the team can communicate quickly and clearly from anywhere.

Digital meetings can sometimes feel static and uninteresting. To remedy zoom fatigue, use XSplit Presenter to make them more inclusive and engaging. Add your webcam on top of your presentation so everyone can see you as well as your materials. You can even add live annotations and guests to your presentations! You can also use a work management system, such as Asana or the Servicenow’s Now Platform, to capture key decisions and action items so they are easily accessible from anywhere.

Curated collaboration

Curated collaboration is all about designing your workflows so they suit a hybrid model. The goal is to create a system of working that helps people to collaborate no matter where they are working.

One way to look at this is similar to how a university operates. Everyone has different schedules but shares the same resources, such as classrooms, labs, etc. Groups are brought together in common spaces like lecture halls and cafeterias, and this thinking can be extended to the workplace.

One way to do this is to re-organize both physical and digital space. Physical offices can be transformed to include micro hubs, meeting points, or touchdown areas where those working from home can connect with those in the office. This can also be replicated at home, by setting aside dedicated times and platforms for different types of meetings, such as project meetings, brainstorming sessions, and socializing.

As hybrid workforces take hold, there’s a risk that we’ll all end up working two jobs – one at home and one at the office. To bring these together, it’s necessary to create both physical and digital solutions to ensure that work processes are as inclusive and efficient as possible.

What To Look For In An Affordable Gaming Keyboard In 2022

If you’re streaming games, your choice of keyboard can seem just as important as your PC specs. Keyboards not suited to gaming requirements can cause ghosting where your keystrokes don’t register. This can lead to frustration for players and those watching live streams. There is also a divide in people who like the ASMR qualities of a mechanical keyboard versus those who can’t stand it! However, a decent gaming keyboard doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s have a look at which features you should prioritize when buying an affordable gaming keyboard.

Mechanical switches vs membrane affordable gaming keyboard

A cheap gaming keyboard will likely use keycaps that press down into a thin membrane layer to activate the circuit underneath. This means you can only register one keystroke at a time. On the other hand, mechanical keys have individual switches, which offer better feedback and a distinct click, but also mean you can enter several keystrokes in advance.

For streaming, however, having a noisy mechanical keyboard may not be the best solution. Logitech has solved this issue with the G413, an affordable gaming keyboard that comes with Romer-G switches, or the Corsair K68 with Cherry MX Red Switches (which are considered the quieter ones along with brown, the Cherry MX Silent, and black). Both offer the benefits of mechanical switches while also being quiet to the touch.

Programmable keys and macros

Keyboards that allow you to map certain functions to keys can be a literal game-changer, allowing you to pull off complex commands at the press of a button. Razer has made it easy to program thanks to its Synapse 3 software.

For an affordable gaming keyboard with programmable buttons, check out the Razer Cynosa V2 or its cheaper sibling, the Razer Cynosa Lite. Both allow you to map the functions and macros you need and then save different gaming profiles. This means you can switch between them depending on the game you’re playing. Synapse 3 also allows you to coordinate the color of the keys with the functions you have given them.

An affordable gaming keyboard close up with it's RGB lights on showing multiple colours, you can see a monitor stand in the background and a backlight.
Photo by Mateo on Unsplash

The benefits of backlighting in an affordable gaming keyboard

Keyboards with RGB backlighting not only look very attractive, but they can also be very useful. Even an affordable gaming keyboard, such as the SteelSeries Apex 3 or the Aukey KM-G12, allows for full customization with various lighting zones. This means you can split your keyboard up into sections depending on what game you are playing.

Depending on your streaming setup or if you are doing more video work than streaming games, your audience might be able to see your keyboard, so it adds a bit more style. As an added bonus, it makes them much easier to see if you’re playing in the dark.

Keyboard integration in your stream

Having an affordable keyboard with a backlight is one thing, but having it react to the game you’re playing can take your stream to the next level. Corsair is a premium brand, so the Corsair K60 comes in at the high end of the affordable gaming keyboard spectrum. It comes with per-key backlighting, meaning each key has its own programmable light.

These lights can be used in conjunction with Corsair’s software for key remapping and macro programming. However, the RGB lighting can also be integrated into the game thanks to Corsair’s iCUE technology. This means that the lights will change color to react to the action within the game. Logitech offers a similar software called Lightsync, which is available on the affordable G213 Prodigy keyboard.

There are many affordable gaming keyboards out there with some or all of the features you may prioritize. If you opt for one with RGB lighting, for example, you can make it react to streaming events. This not only makes your streams look more visual and professional but can also help indicate events if you have taken your eye off the action.

Making the Most of Virtual All-Hands Presentations

With meetings going digital, you’re likely to need to organize a virtual all-hands presentation at some point. But what’s the best way to do this? How can you make the most of the available technology? Are there any advantages of virtual over real-world meetings? There are plenty of things to consider and many powerful tools available. So let’s run through these questions!

The advantages of a virtual all-hands meeting

After two years of working from home, we’re all quite used to attending meetings on Zoom or Teams and some of the big advantages are starting to become apparent. If everyone’s joining the meeting from home, it cuts down dramatically on travel time and costs, especially if you have a number of widespread sites. It also means you don’t need to maintain an overly large, rarely used meeting room or shell out for conference space.

Plus, if you’re broadcasting the meeting with XSplit Presenter, you can also record it to allow anyone who was unable to attend to see it afterward. Finally, going virtual allows you to have more control over what your attendees see – whether that’s through video, slides, or other media.

A laptop on a desk with a large virtual all-hands meeting displayed on it with a mug sat next to the laptop.
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

How to make the most of a virtual meeting

If your meeting is going to be virtual, take advantage of the digital format by adding in some media. You could include video clips, animations, or other multimedia to spice things up a bit. Just make sure your slides are interesting and polished since they’ll be front and center. Remember to have your webcam on to give a more personal feel to the meeting, and it’s a good idea to use software like XSplit Presenter to integrate it with the presentation. By having your feed appear over the top of the slides, it will put a human face to content that might otherwise feel overly businesslike or impersonal. The function to annotate in real-time can also be a clear and engaging way of highlighting the main points. 

Since you know that everyone will be watching on a computer, you can also include things like polls, using a third-party website, to allow people to vote on questions or give feedback. Use the chat system to allow people to ask questions and get involved. Adding images to your XSplit Presenter slides will give them a lot more depth as well. Whether you go for subject-relevant photos or humorous cartoons and memes depends on the feel you’re going for with the presentation – or maybe you just want to lighten the mood!

Bring a friend to your virtual all-hands!

Consider having multiple presenters, inviting external guests. Or calling on individual managers to report on their departments in order to break up the meeting and add some variety. If you can add multiple webcam views to your video stream, that can help too. But consider checking that the feeds have a similar feel with regards to lighting and quality – it can look quite strange if one presenter is well lit and clear and another is in pixelated shadow. 

This advice applies to backgrounds as well – virtual backgrounds are fine, but they can look strange and distracting if the lighting is completely different and looks wrong. If you’re superimposing your webcam feed onto your presentation, XSplit Presenter will allow you to use a transparent background so the slide is visible around your head. This also lets you move out of the way if your face covers any of the content!

Virtual meetings have a lot of advantages, especially with the help of today’s technology. They can cure a lot of the logistical problems of trying to bring people together, but it’s worth putting in the effort to ensure that you’re making the most of them.

Six Ways to Improve Your Workplace Communications

No matter how well your office manages workplace communication, there are always improvements that can make things run even more smoothly for everyone. There are many ways to improve communication for a more harmonious workplace and, as is ultimately the aim in management, increase productivity and satisfaction. Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do.

Improve workplace communications differently

Some organizations stick to rigid patterns of communication, but this lack of flexibility may not improve workplace communications. Some people prefer remote sessions, while others need the connection of in-person communication. By offering a number of different ways to communicate, you can make sure that all of your colleagues can opt for what best suits them. Of course, too much variety can lead to chaos, so it is best to stick to just three or four methods, choosing just one digital platform and perhaps a weekly team meeting, monthly one-to-ones, etc.

Including time to socialise

Setting aside time to meet colleagues without discussing work can help bring teams closer together and foster better overall communications. This could either be a regularly scheduled event, or something more spontaneous. For remote and hybrid offices, there are a number of apps, such as Mural, that allow you to create virtual water coolers. There are also sites like Gather, which provides free customizable virtual spaces.

Four people sat around a table, one taking notes, the others have coffee and a phone is in front of the person speaking, listening is key to improve workplace communications
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Foster a culture of honesty to improve workplace communications

This does not mean oversharing, but rather being clear and honest about why work is organized a particular way, or why certain tasks need to be done. Lack of information about why a task is important can lead to frustration and negativity. Of course, it’s not always possible to make tasks more meaningful. Sometimes, you will need to admit that something just needs to be done. But this can also demonstrate commitment to meaningful, transparent communication.

Use the right tools for the job

The right tech can also be a big help in communicating clearly. XSplit Capture allows you to record a video or screenshot of your desktop, add annotation or voiceover, and then share it instantly – allowing you to communicate even complex ideas easily and clearly. XSplit Presenter also makes communication easier by giving you scope to greater interactivity to all of your presentations. Use the green screen and your computer camera or the virtual pointer to annotate your demonstration in real-time.

People sat around a desk looking at a presentation being given on a screen which can be key to improve workplace communications
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash

Provide confidential feedback

Giving and receiving feedback can be a huge help in your work, whether you are a manager or not. It can also help uncover hidden issues that are affecting your work or business. The more information you have, the more you can respond to the needs of employees and colleagues.

You can use a tool like SurveyMonkey to collect employee reactions and comments on a regular basis. XSplit Presenter also makes it easy to incorporate tools like polleverywhere, which allows you to collect instant responses from participants.

Don’t just hear – listen

Listening is probably the most important communication skill. Research suggests that we only remember between 25% and 50% of what we hear. That means many of us are missing vital information.

Improve your listening skills by practicing ‘active listening’. This involves techniques that show the speaker they have your undivided attention. For example, demonstrate that you are listening by keeping your posture and facial expressions open and interested, provide feedback by asking questions and reviewing what has been said, don’t interrupt, and respond honestly and respectfully.

Improving workplace communication does not happen overnight; it takes concerted effort. By using a combination of technology tools and your own initiative, you will be able to create a more open and effective workplace – whether it happens to be remote, in-person, or hybrid.

The Advantages of Synchronous Vs Asynchronous Communication

If you want to show somebody a demo of a product, a bug report, or show them how to do a task, being able to use a video of it happening is generally the best way. This can be done either live, on a video call with a screen-share, or by sending a pre-recorded video message. Both of these methods have advantages, depending on whether you’re more interested in synchronous (same time) vs asynchronous (different time) communication. Below, we have a look at some of them.

Timing Advantages of Synchronous Vs Asynchronous Communication

The biggest difference between the two is that a video call is immediate. You’re in the moment, speaking to the other person live. This means that you can answer any questions they have and adjust the speed you’re presenting at – maybe even skipping quickly over parts of it – based on their understanding. It saves you time because talking about something live can be much quicker than editing a video about it. It also means you can potentially get an answer from them straight away. For more tips on using this handy medium, take a look at our DOs and DON’Ts of video calls.

On the other hand, sending a video to someone allows them to watch it whenever it’s convenient for them. It doesn’t matter if they’re in a different timezone or if you both have busy schedules. You can send the message when you’re ready and they can watch it when they have time.

Synchronous Vs Asynchronous Communication on display here as a person talks to someone on a zoom call which could also be recorded.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Media

You can include media in both a video call or a video message using XSplit Presenter. During live presentations, it lets you share your desktop if you need to demonstrate something, as well as include pictures, slides, or videos to add notes and emphasis to the meeting. However, if you choose to record your video for sharing, XSplit Presenter allows you to use visual transitions so that media changes are made without distracting from your commentary. This makes a big difference to how professional the end product looks.

A recording also lets you review presentations before sending them. If your first recording attempt doesn’t go too well, you can delete it and try again. This can make for a shorter, more information-dense message as well, which saves the recipient time. XSplit Presenter’s functionality also gives you the option to get more detailed with notes and overlays on the video – meaning you can include particular information for context without interrupting the flow of your narration.

Repeatability

While a live call is in the moment (unless recorded), a video message can be played repeatedly and sent to multiple people. This makes it ideal for things like sales demonstrations and product support FAQs. Video messages also work well for reports that recipients might pass around or need to watch more than once. If people want to ask questions, they can always get back to you. On the other hand, a video call allows you to tailor your presentation to each person specifically, making it more relevant to their needs and offering the option of a Q&A at the end of it.  

XSplit Capture is perfect for creating video messages as it lets you quickly capture your screen, add in any annotations or a voice over and share the video at the press of a button. Simply select what you want to record (it could be your computer screen or yourself) and hit record. Once finished, XSplit Capture creates a private link for the video which can then be sent to your colleagues. 

Depending on your needs, there are definite uses for both synchronous vs asynchronous communication and plenty of reasons to go either way. To go even further with your videos, check out our blog on creating interesting presentations.

Top Office Chair Upgrades for 2022

The wrong office chair can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also have a lasting impact on your health and well-being. Poor support can lead to back pain, pinched nerves, and lasting medical problems. Since many of us are working from home a lot more now, it makes sense to consider an office chair upgrade. Here, we look at a few of your options.

All prices are correct at time of writing.

Value for money office chair upgrades

The best office chairs can be adjusted to your own requirements, allowing you to move the different parts around to fit your body and environment. These chairs can be expensive, but they don’t have to be.

The IKEA Markus costs around £179. It has a mesh back for breathability and offers a comfortable upright sitting position, with a long back and integrated headrest. You can adjust the height and tilt, and the back can be reclined. However, you can’t adjust the armrest height, so if they are not in an ideal position for you, this could be a drawback.

A more adjustable option is the Branch Ergonomic Chair. This is a smart-looking chair with premium features and a price tag of around £300. You can adjust not only the height of the seat but also the tilt tension, lumbar support, seat pan depth, and armrests. The breathable mesh backrest and high-density foam on the seat pan deliver all-day comfort.

Office chair upgrades could include this red chair which is in front of a desk with a laptop connected to a monitor, a red filing cabinet is next to the desk and a large framed poster is on the wall.
Photo by Laura Davidson on Unsplash

The middle range

High-end furniture maker Herman Miller makes a seriously comfy office chair, the Celle, which features, “interconnecting loops that are engineered to form a ‘flex map’ that conforms to your unique shape.” The chair also includes adjustable seat depth, tilt tension, and recline. For a little extra investment, you can opt for add-ons such as adjustable armrests and lumbar support. Prices start at around £600.

If you are looking for a minimalist design, check out the HÅG Capisco Puls 8010. It resembles a cross between a regular office chair and a stool and is designed to help you stay more active and alert by helping you maintain a more natural sitting posture. Height and seat depth can be adjusted. Prices start at around £360.

Office Chair Upgrade could be one of the two chairs on screen here, next to desks with good lumbar support.
Photo by Laura Davidson on Unsplash

When money is no object

One of the best office chairs on the market is the Humanscale Freedom, which automatically adjusts to the user, saving you the hassle of fiddling with knobs and levers. The armrests, seat, backrest, and headrest can also be adjusted manually. These chairs start at around £800, with higher prices for the leather and brushed aluminum models.

Also produced by Herman Miller is the Aeron, one of the most iconic office chairs ever made. Updated in 2016, this chair not only has great aesthetics, it features an elastomeric suspension seat and backrest with different tension zones, so that, as you shift around in your seat, it moves with you. Armrests, tilt, and tension are all fully adjustable, and the chair comes in different sizes to suit different body types. The downside? Prices start at around £1000.

Choosing an office chair can be much harder than you might think but there is a wide selection available on the market right now to suit all budgets and requirements. Check out this post for more great tips on creating a more productive work set-up at home. 

How To Livestream Your Local Sports Event

The last few years have seen a rise in the number of real-world teams using live video platforms such as Twitch and YouTube to bring local sports to their fans without the need for traditional TV deals. Streaming your local team’s matches live has all kinds of advantages from having highlights to share on social media and attracting new fans, to potential sponsorship deals. And the best news: getting started isn’t hard, and the XSplit team is here to walk you through how to livestream your local sports event.

Getting online from the field

It’s very unlikely you’ll be able to connect to a wired ethernet connection to livestream your local sports event. (the general recommendation you will find). Most recreational fields don’t come with built-in WiFi coverage. Even if you do have access, publicly available networks typically don’t provide the speed or stability required to stream successfully. It’s always worth testing though – connect your laptop to the network and run a basic network diagnostic such as Speedtest by Ookla to check it out. You’ll want to have between 4 and 6 Mbps (megabits per second) available on the upload side in order to successfully stream at 720p. This is a resolution we believe is a good trade-off in terms of quality and compression.

If you don’t have that, don’t worry, it’s not game over yet! 4G LTE connection speeds can run between 7 and 16 Mbps on the upload side, so using your phone or a personal hotspot to stream is a viable option.

Two people playing football on a green field in sunlight running for the ball which you could watch online if you learn how to livestream your local sports event.
Photo by Omar Ram on Unsplash

Your phone and laptop are a powerful pair

While it’s possible to stream directly to most live video platforms straight from your phone, this generally prevents you from adding valuable visual pieces to your sports team’s broadcast like a scoreboard, clock, or team names. It’s much better to connect your phone’s camera to your computer and use it as an input source within your live streaming software of choice. Connecting this way allows you to capture the action with your phone, but also add additional elements to your stream through XSplit Broadcaster like the ones mentioned earlier. XSplit actually has an app for seamlessly integrating your phone’s camera into your XSplit Broadcaster stream – XSplit Connect: Webcam.

Audio and commentary for your local sports event

Another great thing about running a stream through your computer is having high-quality, live commentary. You can plug a headset or microphone into the laptop from which you’re streaming and manage it as a separate audio input. If you’re looking to have more than one person on commentary, you could also use a small USB soundboard or audio interface. Something like the Scarlett 2i2 from Focusrite would work well, but make sure the headsets or mics you have can connect to it!

Whichever option you choose, remember that keeping that audio signal crisp and clear is important to your viewers. Test your levels beforehand – in XSplit Broadcaster, the meters are in the middle of the main screen just to the left of the microphone icon and right next to the scene title. Then, if you do need to adjust your levels up or down, this can be done easily by going to Tools on the menu bar and using the audio mixer.

Best camera to livestream local sports?

If you’ve outgrown your phone and laptop team-up, there are a number of options to upgrade your camera. But we’ve got you covered: before you buy an upgrade, check out the XSplit team’s Ultimate Camera Buying Guide for Content Creators.

Also, don’t forget that your new camera may not have the ability to connect wirelessly to your laptop and that your laptop likely doesn’t have a video input of its own either. You’ll need to return to a more traditional camera-to-streaming computer setup, likely using a micro HDMI cable to connect the camera to a video input adapter such as the Elgato HD60 S+. One last pro-tip on your live sports streaming setup: you’ll likely need longer cables than you would with a typical video gaming setup in order to give yourself more options for camera placement and movement.

How Can You Stream With Guests?

From time to time, you may want to run your stream with guests, perhaps because they’re keen to join you in a game or as part of a collaboration with other streamers. A lot of viewers get a lot out of their favorite streamers playing together. It’s also a great way to introduce your audience to creators you like! The good news is that, with the help of XSplit Broadcaster, it’s easier than ever to make them become a real part of the stream!

Where should their feed come from?

Since XSplit Broadcaster can capture any window on your computer, it doesn’t really matter what program you use to get their webcam feed to you. Your options include capturing a direct feed from using NDI on platforms like Zoom or Skype. You could also screen capture another platform such as Discord, Teams, or even a second Twitch stream if that’s more convenient for you.

However, we would strongly recommend going the NDI route as you can easily add each person’s call as an individual source. You can then easily move and resize without having to worry about the screen capture element. This is especially true with multiple guests where someone leaving and others joining. This can mean resizing everything again with a screen capture.

If you’re including your webcam feed or something else in the background, the quality is less important as their webcam will appear smaller on the final broadcast, but keeping the inputs at the highest possible quality does reduce the risk of visible compression artifacts on the finished video.

A person with an RGB gaming headset on, streaming a game on their monitor looking to stream with guests with a keyboard and Star Wars mug on their desk.
Photo by Sean Do on Unsplash

How to stream with guests

The simplest way to have two presenters in a single stream is to split the screen between them, using the direct feed from their camera. If there’s something in the background that the presenters are reacting to, such as a game or another video, then using a plain background along with XSplit Broadcaster‘s chroma key option can allow you to just cut out the head and shoulders of the presenters, and place them in the bottom corners of the video.

XSplit Broadcaster also allows you to crop the feeds manually, even using custom masks. This is useful if you’re capturing from another application and want to remove any window decoration or user interface from around the edges, or even with the chroma key to remove unwanted distractions, such as a doorframe or picture on the wall.

Keep it balanced

When running a stream from multiple sources, it’s important to balance things. Regardless of whether you opt for a voice-only stream or not, the most important factor here is the audio – if you have two presenters in different locations, it’s very easy for one of them to be set much higher than the other, and quite hard to notice this during a stream. Make sure you’ve tested this in advance by listening to the feed when both presenters are talking normally.

A voice stream in something like Discord is also very easy to set up, by the way. Simply make sure XSplit Broadcaster is capturing desktop audio and the call will easily come through. Discord even has a plugin that shows who is speaking on screen!

Similarly, with the video, you want to ensure that both presenters appear roughly the same size (unless you’re deliberately emphasizing one – and then it should be obvious) and you should make sure that the two camera feeds are a similar brightness and ideally a similar video quality. If one presenter is well lit and sharp and the other is gloomy and blurred, it makes it more obvious that you’re not together, and this again makes the stream feel of lower quality. 

Bringing guests into a stream can certainly be worthwhile. Why not check out these great tips we’ve put together on making your webcams look as good as possible to help give them the ultimate user experience?