AMSTERDAM—Facebook has announced at a variety of updates and new features for Live, Watch Party and Creator Studio at IBC 2019, which concludes Sept. 17 at the RAI Amsterdam.

In a blog describing the move, Erin Connolly, product manager, and Jeff Birkeland, head of Creator & Publisher Experience, wrote the enhancements are aimed at “creating video experiences that put people at the center” and intend to create ways “for publishers and creators to grow, understand their audiences and build deeper connections with their communities through video.”

Updates to Live include rehearsals, trimming, extended duration, simulcasting via the Live API and global availability of Live on Facebook Lite.

Live now enables publishers to send Live video solely to Page admins and editors to make it easier to test new production setups, interactivity and show formats in a rehearsal, the blog said.

The new live trimming feature does away with the need for a stand-by slate before action begins. The feature allows users to specify when action should begin or clip the last few seconds of a broadcast, it said.

The Live enhancements also allow publishers to extend the duration of their broadcasts to a maximum of eight hours—up from four—when the Live API is used.

Facebook has added scheduling, replay, new metrics, branded content and global availability of Live Commentating to Watch Party.

The new scheduling feature for Watch Party makes it possible to schedule a Watch Party in advance, thus building anticipation. When scheduling a Watch Party, an announcement post is created to allow people to opt-in to being notified when the party begins, the blog said.

Replays allow viewers to watch after the Watch Party has aired. Two new metrics in Creator Studio for Watch Parties—Minutes Viewed and Unique 60s Viewers, which measures how many viewers watched for at least 60 seconds—are available.

The update to Watch Parties also includes a way for Pages to tag business partners in branded content Watch Parties, it said.

Live Commentating makes it possible for a host to go Live within a Watch Party and share commentary as videos play,

Creator Studio now offers new visualization in Loyalty Insights, a new Distribution metric, 13 new languages for automatic captioning as well as the ability to publish and schedule content for Instagram Feed and IGTV.

The new visualization in Loyalty Insights, which will be available in the coming months, allows publishers and creators to understand which videos are driving return viewers to a Page, it said.

A new Distribution metric assigns a score to the performance of each video based on a Page’s historic average of a variety of metrics.

New auto-caption language support includes Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi, Italian, Malay, Russian, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese, according to the blog.

Another new feature enables users to schedule Instagram Feed content in Creator Studio up to six months in advance. Facebook also plans to incorporate drafting and editing features for Instagram Feed and IGTV, it said.

The blog post about updates is available online.

WAYNE, NJ (August 28, 2019) – JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, today announced WGTD-FM, a nonprofit radio station owned by Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wis., is using three GY‑HM250SP 4KCAM sports production streaming camcorders and a ProHD Studio 4000S sports production and streaming studio to produce coverage of local high school sports on Facebook Live. The station began using the new JVC system a few weeks into the 2018 football season, and produced this season’s first game on Aug. 23.

All coverage is streamed to Facebook Live in 720p, with the station rotating game coverage between several venues. For the upcoming football season, the production crew will be located in the press box at each field, with two cameras positioned in the “crow’s nest” outside the press box and the third on the field. The GY-HM250SPs are connected to the Studio 4000S via HD-SDI.

“The cameras are absolutely incredible,” said Troy McDonald, digital director and development specialist for the station. “They are lightweight and easy to use. The picture is so clear – people are impressed.”

In an effort to find a new revenue stream, the station decided to explore new ways to find an audience by covering Kenosha and Walworth County high school football and basketball. With its classical, jazz, and news programming, the radio station attracts an older audience that creates a challenging sales environment.

WGTD tested the idea using iPads as cameras that were wirelessly connected to a master iPad running iOS-based switcher software. The system relied on cellular service, so there were a lot of connectivity issues. “It was just not pretty,” admitted McDonald. “It’s a miracle we generated an audience to prove the concept.”

McDonald said the integrated replay system in the Studio 4000S was a huge selling point. A dedicated replay tab offers a preview of every camera, and allows the operator to easily produce slow-motion replays with dynamic camera switching and freeze frame options. “It lets us have that feature that heightens the drama and keeps viewers engaged,” he explained. “The software is so easy to use. It’s made a huge difference for us.”

With the previous system, football scorekeeping was done manually, and the crew did not even attempt to keep score for basketball. Now, game coverage includes lower-thirds with names and logos. The crew also brings a SportzCast Scorebot to every game, connects it to the scoreboard, and receives automatic scoring updates to the 4000S wirelessly. “The graphics through the 4000S have added a whole other layer to what we do – and it’s great,” McDonald said.

WGTD covers one game per week during the regular season, plus playoffs. The station also partners with Indian Trail High School in Kenosha, which has a communications program, to coordinate paid student production crews. During the year, students also produce local commercials that run during breaks in the sports coverage. McDonald said the student crews gain valuable experience, while the local student athletes get recruiting footage that looks professional.

The first fully integrated Facebook Live professional camcorder in the industry, the GY-HM250SP includes an integrated 24x dynamic zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, integrated sports graphics, dual XLR audio inputs, and support for a variety of file formats and frame rates. Both the 4000S and the enhanced CONNECTED CAM Studio 6000S, a new six-input model that supports NDI® and SRT streaming protocols, feature include an integrated audio mixer, four layers of DSK, and production switcher with automated switching mode and choice of transitions.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL VIDEO
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Video is a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video equipment, as well as D-ILA front projection systems. For more information, visit JVC’s website at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582‑5825.

WAYNE, N.J.—A Wisconsin radio station is getting into the video business and has selected JVC equipment to do so. WGTD-FM in Kenosha, Wis., has deployed three GY-HM250SP 4KCAM sports production streaming camcorders and a ProHD Studio 4000S sports production and streaming studio to produce a live stream on Facebook Live for local high school sports.

WGTD-FM streams all of its coverage to Facebook Live in 720p, using two cameras stations outside of the press box and the third on the field. The GY-HM250SP cameras are connected to the Studio 4000S via HD-SDI.

The Studio 4000S system offers the station a dedicated replay tab that features a preview of every camera and allows the operator to produce slow-motion replays with dynamic camera switching and freeze frame options. In addition, the crew is able to connect a SportzCast Scorebot so the Studio 4000S receives automatic scoring updates for lower-third score graphics.

WGTD-FM began using the JVC setup during the 2018 football season, and had its first game live stream on Aug. 23 this year.

WAYNE, N.J.—JVC’s GY-HM250 is now on Facebook, as the company announced a recent upgrade to the 4KCAM handheld camcorders that includes Facebook Live as a menu choice for streamlined connectivity. JVC claims that this free upgrade makes GY-HM250 the first full integrated camera with Facebook Live.

The GY-HM250 connects to Facebook Live by pairing the camera with a Facebook account, allowing for any pages setup in Facebook to appear in the viewfinder. Live streaming is initiated by clicking on the user’s timeline. While streaming, video can also be recorded to dual SD memory cards.

In an effort to boost security for live video content, Facebook now requires all streaming video to use secure RTMPS protocol. The new upgrade covers this security protocol in all GY-HM250 models, including the base model, the GY-HM250SP and GY-HM250HW.

The GY-HM250 camera from JVC is designed for single-camera production, offering features like built-in streaming, built-in graphics and XLR audio connections. Featuring a 1/2.3-inch BSI 4K CMOS imager, the camera can record in 4K/30p and 4K/24p.

WAYNE, NJ (Aug. 1, 2019) – JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, today announced a major upgrade to its family of GY-HM250 4KCAM compact handheld camcorders that streamlines connectivity to Facebook Live. The free upgrade, available at http://bit.ly/2YDDIqe, includes a new “Facebook Live” menu choice to simplify the connection process, making the GY-HM250 the first fully integrated Facebook Live professional camcorder in the industry.

Connecting with Facebook Live is a simple matter of “pairing” the camera with a Facebook account. Any pages setup in Facebook will then appear in the camera's viewfinder. Live streaming is initiated from the camera by simply clicking on the user’s timeline. While streaming to Facebook Live, users can record high quality video to dual SD memory cards.

In an effort to provide better security for live video content, Facebook Live recently made a change to its platform requiring all streaming video to use secure RTMPS protocol. With the upgrade, the new Facebook security protocol is fully integrated within the GY-HM250 family, including the GY-HM250U base model, GY-HM250SP with sports graphics and Sportzcast ScoreBot and ScoreHub integration, and the GY-HM250HW with house of worship graphics.

“Simple and secure live streaming and blogging with a professional camcorder are now a reality,” said Joe D’Amico, vice president, JVC Professional Video. “The GY-HM250 camcorder family was designed with built-in streaming, built-in graphics, and XLR audio connections – so one camcorder can create a complete production for sports, worship, and news coverage. No other camera on the market makes it this easy to connect with Facebook Live and deliver professional audio and video results.”

Designed for enhanced single-camera production, the GY-HM250 offers lower-third and full-screen titling solutions for recorded or streamed video output without an external CG or production switcher. The camera also lets customers upload logos and icons for customized graphics.

The GY-HM250 includes a 1/2.3-inch BSI 4K CMOS imager, as well as an integrated 24x dynamic zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and tele macro shooting mode. It records in a variety of file formats and frame rates, including 4:2:2 recording for 4K/30p and 4K/24p. Other features include dual XLR audio inputs, integrated handle with hot shoe and dedicated shotgun mic mount, viewfinder and LCD displays, and 4K/60p HDMI output.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL VIDEO
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Video is a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video equipment, as well as D-ILA front projection systems. For more information, visit JVC’s website at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582‑5825.

DALLAS--A growing number of U.S. broadband households is spending more time watching user generated live content on social media, according to a new industry report from Parks Associates. The growth in this sector parallels a declining number of viewers getting their news from local new sources.

In the research firm’s report, “The Future of Live Entertainment,” 47 percent of U.S. broadband households watch user-generated content more than once per month. By the end of 2017, 12 percent of U.S. broadband households were regularly watching either a live TV show or live events via a live streaming site or app such as Twitter, Facebook, or Twitch. ABC launched a 24/7 live streaming network in April 2018 to capitalize on this trend.

The report also found that just 37 percent of U.S. adults are getting their news from local news sources, including newspapers, TV and radio, down from 46 percent in 2016.

[Read: ‘Consistent Experience’ Is Key To Combining OTT, Linear TV']

"Total average video consumption on a television has dropped 13 percent, from more than 20 hours per week in 2012 to less than 17 hours per week in 2017," said Billy Nayden, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. "In contrast, user-generated live content is gaining popularity, with platforms such as Instagram Live providing new ways for content creators to engage with their viewers in real time. As more alternatives to traditional TV emerge, all players will explore new and unique ways to package and present digital streaming as part of their services.

"For content whose value is its live broadcast, such as sports and breaking news, there are online alternatives emerging," Nayden added. "Much of news consumption has moved to social media, while sports TV has shifted to digital in recent years, with many OTT options going direct to consumers, including MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and ESPN+."

The report also found that Millennials (18-34 years of age), watch 30 percent of their live content on a TV from online video services and that 78 percent of that age group report getting their news from social media. Approximately 35 percent of TV antenna owners connect their antenna to a streaming media player.

MENLO PARK, CALIF. & OGDEN, UTAH--Facebook has hired the seven-person team at social media video developer Vidpresso to enhance interactive elements of its Facebook Live streaming service.

Vidpresso is a six-year old based startup in Ogden, Utah that helps broadcasters and businesses deploy video on social media. Broadcasters, including KSL, KTXL, NBC and Univision along with Buzzfeed, Turner Sports, Nasdaq and TED use its Vidpresso:LIVE platform to adds real-time chats, polling and relevant data from Facebook Twitter, and other social media networks during live broadcasts. CBS was among its earliest customers when it used Vidpresso to display social media posts during the 2013 and 2014 Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parades. 

Facebook did not buy the company outright, according to TechCrunch, but did acquire the company's IP and its staff will be joining Facebook at its offices in Menlo Park, Calif., London and Los Angeles. In a blog post, the company said it will be business as usual for the time being.

“We will continue to help creators, publishers, and broadcasters create great live experiences, and focus on what we’re best known for: Enabling world-class interactive streams on Facebook Live,” the company said. “Our customers who currently use the product will continue to be able to do so following our transition to Facebook.”

The company added that joining Facebook will give them “the best opportunity to accelerate our vision and offer a simple way for creators, publishers, and broadcasters to use social media in live video at a high quality level. We've always wanted to build tools for everyone to create interactive live video experiences.

“By joining Facebook we’ll be able to offer our tools to a much broader audience than just our A-list publishing partners,” they added. “Eventually, it’ll allow us to put these tools in the hands of creators, so they can focus on their content, and have it look great, without spending lots of time or money to do so.”

Since it was launched three years ago, Facebook Live has hosted more than 3.5 billion broadcasts an more than 150 billion reactions to Live video.

MONTREAL—A recent upgrade to Matrox’s streaming and recording encoders Monarch HD and Monarch HDX has added native support for the Facebook Live and YouTube Live streaming platforms.

Users will be able to stream content from the Monarch encoders directly to either Facebook or YouTube by copying a unique Facebook or YouTube access token from Monarch’s Command Centre control software and pasting it to their accounts.

This latest Monarch HD and Monarch HDX firmware update is available to registered users as a free download via the Matrox website.

MENLO PARK, CALIF.—In an effort to make Facebook more accessible to those with disabilities, the social media network has added closed captioning capabilities to its Facebook Live broadcasts. Non-live videos previously had this ability, but using an automated captioning tool, closed captioning is now available for those who want to include it.

Read the full story on engadget. 

CHELMSFORD, MASS.—Starting in the spring, Broadcast Pix’s integrated production switchers will offer native support for Facebook Live.

Flint, Granite, Mica and Roadie production switchers will now allow users to login directly to Facebook Live once and select a page for live streaming. Subsequent sessions can then be started with a touch of a button, according to Broadcast Pix. The Facebook Live support is now paired with the switchers’ previous support for all RTMP sites, as well as Ustream and Livestream.

All new switchers will carry the upgrade, while Broadcast Pix has announced that it will be available for free for switchers that are currently under warranty. System not under warranty can add the Facebook Live support and additional new functionalities by upgrading to version 6.0 software for $995.

HACKENSACK, N.J.—LiveU has updated its Facebook status, announcing that its LiveU Solo wireless technology now offers one-touch integration to Facebook Live. Customers looking to stream HD live videos to Facebook can now use the same portable encoding technology that broadcast television customers do to produce Facebook Live streams from a single interface.

LiveU Solo with Facebook Live integration provides a wireless end-to-end system with plug-and-play live video streaming, enabling the creation of multiple streams from a single place. It has out of studio capabilities and can be used for sports, concerts, education and other events.

The newly updated LiveU Solo system is now available.

SEATTLE—Streambox is logging on to Facebook Live as the company announced it has added native support that will be available immediately. Streambox users will be able to access Facebook Live playout through Streambox Cloud services using all Streambox video encoders.

With Streambox support, Facebook Live users can bond multiple networks—3G/4G/Wi-Fi/internet—to build bandwidth to stream high-quality video when not automatically connected to Wi-Fi. It also can compress live video for low bandwidth transport using a proprietary codec, specifically Advanced Compression Technology – Level 3 combined with Low Delay Mutli-Path network Protocol technology for low latency adaptive bitrate streaming.

In addition, users can add one or more professional level cameras when the mobile app is supported by Streambox technology. Outlets can switch cameras live and vet feeds once it reaches Streambox Cloud or Enterprise servers and handpick what streams go into Facebook Live. Post-production effects can also be added with live team contribution through third party software.

Streambox is a developer of IP-based video streaming and cloud-based streaming services.

SAN FRANCISCO—Social media and UAVs, better known as drones, have hooked up, with DJI using its Phantom 4 model to live stream a video to the Facebook Live video service during the F8 developer conference in San Francisco. The aerial platform captured live footage of the audience during the event and streamed it to Facebook users watching around the world.

This demo was a preview of a new partnership between the companies. As part of the deal, later in April, Facebook Live video streaming functionality will be available for all devices controlled by the DJI Go mobile app, according to DJI.

DJI is a consumer drone manufacturer that is based in Shenzen, China.