YoloBox: Stream Multiple Cameras to Multiple Social Networks, No Laptop Needed
By Adam Noyes
The YoloLiv YoloBox is a powerful tool for your on the go, portable live production workflow. One of the key features of this device is the expanded capability when live streaming. The YoloBox allows for users to stream to multiple destinations simultaneously, as well as giving users the capability to see the chat feed on their YoloBox while broadcasting.
Check out some highlights from this article from fstoppers.com to learn more.
2019 CES award-winning YoloBox looks like a tablet monitor when you unpack it, but it so much more than that. If you’re planning on streaming an event like a wedding live on location, it’s the only device you need to connect to your cameras and sound equipment, so you can share it with an online audience on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch, all at once.
How Does It Work?
You can plug in up to 3 cameras, with two HDMI ports and a USB port. The USB can be used if you have a Camlink or another HDMI to USB 3.0 Adapter.
You also have an audio input and output, so you can check levels to be sure your sound is crisp and set correctly, and connect a mic. You can also use the audio coming in from one of the cameras if you want.
There is an SD card slot, where you can use video and effects that you’ve added before the shoot, to make your stream more entertaining and visually more pleasing and professional. So, you can add in lower thirds, or titles whenever you want. I can imagine someone giving a speech with their name appearing as they do it.
It can be useful before the stream starts. If you’ve got a photo with a banner telling the viewers that the event is about to start, it can add so much more value. You could add some contact details so people can reach you for this service. The CF card also makes it possible to record the live event. This means you’d be able to upload it so people can watch it if they’ve missed it, or edit a shorter version to share with the client’s chosen group of people.
There is an Ethernet cable input, which you can use to go online, but what makes this remarkable is that it comes with a sim card slot, so if you don’t have access to an Ethernet link to the internet or a Wi-Fi network, you can use a mobile contract subscription and be totally mobile.
In addition, you have an HDMI out if you want to plug in a monitor or another YoloBox.
This all might seem to have too many cables, especially if you’re planning on shooting while moving around the room. I have not tested it yet, but here below is a video of a crew using the Hollyland 300 Pro transmitter and receiver. This proves that you and your team can move around, capture from various angles and someone, either one of the videographers, or a dedicated “switcher”, can decide to switch between the cameras for the stream.
The User Experience
Putting your trust in something that doesn’t use your laptop or usual setup can seem risqué, but I can tell you that I was streaming live on the first attempt, and everything worked well. I forgot to set the sound up correctly, but could fix it during the stream.
I set everything up to test using my Wi-Fi connection. I connected my GoPro 7 Black and Canon 5D Mark III with no problem. At first, plugging in the GoPro only showed me images and videos already on the device, and I was not able to get to the camera. The touch screen of the GoPro was black, but I could control some of the features, except getting the video from the GoPro to YoloBox. At last, plugging it out, setting up the GoPro to shoot video, and then plugging it in did the trick and I was ready to start recording.
I did a picture in picture, where I had a camera on my face and another on my hands where I was showing a new Moment Cinebloom 20% lens on my 5D Mark III, and was able to talk into the GoPro while showing the effect it has when attaching it to my 24-70mm lens using the picture in picture mode. I streamed to Facebook and YouTube which worked perfectly.