Biographical Information

Articles for Shawn Lam

Review: Canon N500 PTZ Camera

At $5,399, the Canon N500 is a bargain compared to other 1" sensor PTZ video cameras. Featuring 4K/30P and NDI|HX2 support, it has a long 15x optical zoom lens and dual XLR audio inputs, and supports the low-power POE+ standard.

Tutorial: Using SuperSource on the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Extreme

Blackmagic Design calls its PxP feature SuperSource and it used to only be available on their highest-end switchers, the ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K, ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K, and ATEM Constellation 8K. While much of the workflow is the same as we will discuss here, in this tutorial, we will be discussing SuperSource on the newest and more budget friendly ATEM Mini Extreme and ATEM Mini Extreme ISO video switchers.

How to Simplify Complex Remote Productions With NDI, Microsoft Teams, and vMix

At present, Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business are the only two videoconferencing apps that support NDI. We have built our remote streaming solutions around Teams. Here's how it works.

How to Create Custom Picture-by-Picture Looks for Remote Streaming Production

If you're looking for a way to elevate your livestreaming productions beyond what clients can do themselves, then you will want to take over more control in your productions, starting with the PxP and PiP looks, using external hardware and/or software. The benefit of this approach is that your recordings will generate a standard HD signal for later editing and on-demand viewing on different platforms.

Zoom as a Pro Production Tool

Pandemic-era social distancing and the pivot to remote production have brought Zoom into the mix for many live producers who might have never used it before. Live X's Corey Behnke, SLV Live's Shawn Lam, and LiveSports LLC's Jef Kethley discuss how Zoom has entered their workflows in this clip from Streaming Media West Connect 2020.

Review: Blackmagic ATEM Mini Video Switcher

With their new ATEM Mini video switcher, Blackmagic Design has packed thousands of dollars of value into a $295 appliance that costs less than buying many of its individual constituent parts.

How to Master the Art of Digital Audio Mixing for Hybrid Events

Mixing audio for a video recording or live stream involves many of the same techniques and equipment, but each has different production standards and you don't have to worry with live sound reinforcement using loudspeakers. In this article, I explain my approach to mixing audio for both of these environments at the same time.

Tutorial: How to Leverage IBM Watson Media’s Latest Interactive Webcasting Features

The live-streaming platform formerly known as Ustream now lets users add slides and captions to their videos. We take a deep dive into these features and also discuss ongoing issues with its polls and registration gate.

Advanced Features to Consider When Choosing a Video Host

Choosing a video host for an online production means considering a balance of features, cost, and ease of distribution. This article highlights a range of solutions depending on the needs of the project and client.

Review: NewBlueFX Titler Live 4 Complete

Titler Live Complete 4 is a very powerful on-air graphics solution that is surprisingly affordable, easy to use, and easy to connect with several video switchers and data sources.

Tutorial: Live Event Streaming with the Roland V-60HD, Part 2—Smart Tally and Auto-Mixing

In Part 2 of this 2-part series, Shawn Lam discusses two key features of the V-60HD: Smart Tally and Auto Mixing.

Tutorial: Live Event Streaming with the Roland V-60HD, Part 1--Overview

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, Shawn Lam introduces the V-60HD and discusses its compact size, versatility, and AUX outputs.

Review: Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus

Video producers, consider making the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus video capture dongle for 4K cameras part of any laptop-based webcast workflow.

4K Webcast Workflow: Acquisition to Delivery

Unsure where to start with 4K video? Read this for expert advice on the entire ultra-high definition video workflow, from video camera selection to encoding considerations.

Mastering a Hybrid Log Gamma Workflow for Live HDR Video

Sooner or later, any event producer might be asked to create a live video stream with an HDR viewing option. This primer on Hybrid Log Gamma workflows is a good place to start.

How to Produce Interactive Webinars on a Webcast Platform

Traditionally, producing interactive webinars has required pricey services that offer Q & A, polling, participant management, and other features unavailable on mainstream platforms. As an alternative, learn how IBM Cloud Video delivers a webinar-like experience.

NAB 2018: Vimeo Talks Livestream Acquisition, Integration

Streaming Media's Shawn Lam and Vimeo's Mark Kornfilt discuss Vimeo's acquisition of Livestream and implications for the Vimeo platform.

Review: Blackmagic Television Studio Pro HD

This is the first ATEM model that isn't a rackmount switcher but rather an all-in-one switcher with hardware control panel.

The 4K First Mile: Launching 4K Streams

Discover what it takes to produce an on-location 4K live stream webcast, including camera selection, video cables, video switching, capture cards, webcast encoder options, bandwidth requirements, and more.

How to Choose a Video Capture Card for Live Switching and Streaming

This article explains what features to look for when choosing a capture card to incorporate into your live switching and streaming workflow.

How to Assemble a 4K Switching and Webcasting Solution for Less Than $5K

This article will discuss how to assemble the essential components of a 4K live-switched webcasting workflow packed with as many features as you can for under $5,000.

Stream Multicam HD From a 4K Camera Using vMix 4K Virtual Inputs

Imagine getting multicamera results from a single camera that doesn't require an operator. Well, it's a reality: With vMix, producers can get a single 4K video camera to act like multiple virtual HD video cams.

Review: Sony PXW-FS5

Talk about a rave review: This Sony delivers everything needed in a professional video camera: Sony's large-sensor, an interchangeable-lens, and 4K-capable PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super35.

How to Manage and Integrate On-site and Off-site Audience and Presenter Interactions in Live Webcasts

Producers face unique demands when managing both live and online audiences and presenters at the same time. Here are two different methods for achieving excellent results.

How to Choose Video Converters and Scalers for Live 4K and HD Production

Signal conversion is required in most live HD video productions, and this article will discuss how to convert modern and legacy video signals to the most common outputs required in modern HD and 4K broadcasts.

Presenting Streaming Media's Gear of the Year, 2014-15

Some of our top writers studied the gear releases from the past 12 months to honor the most interesting, innovative, and altogether breakthrough video products and technologies.

How to Integrate Real-Time Social Media with Streaming Video

Integrating social media boosts engagement and encourages viewers to use their second screens to interact with content producers and other viewers.

How to Develop a Viable 4K Production Workflow

Since the NAB conference in April, 4K workflow options have swelled. Here's a look at the hardware, recording media, and codecs needed to produce and stream 4K video.

Produce a Professional-Quality Webcast

It's all about finding the right technologies and creating the best workflow, especially when streaming live video.

A Buyer's Guide to Video Production Switchers

Spend a little or spend a lot -- there's a tremendous price range -- but be sure to ask these questions before you buy a production switcher.