Sling Media’s SlingStudio: Affordable Video Production

Sling Media’s SlingStudio: Affordable Video Production

Originally launching at B&H Photo Video, wireless, portable multi-camera HD video production system lets users record, switch, edit and broadcast in real time.

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SlingStudio-in-Production

Foster City, CA—Sling Media announced the availability of its SlingStudio multi-camera production and live video broadcasting system in-store and online. It initially launched at B&H Photo Video as well as at MySlingStudio.com. Sling Media is a subsidiary of DISH Network Corp.

SlingStudio-Hub_Battery
SlingStudio Hub and Battery

The SlingStudio system was developed as an affordable, wireless, portable multi-camera production solution for users of all skill levels. It enables videographers to record, monitor and edit four HD video inputs from up to 10 connected cameras and smartphones. The device records pro-grade, high-definition resolutions up to 1080p/60 at 30 Mbps (using H.264 encoding). It also offers the ability to synchronize audio and video.

Furthemore, SlingStudio can output live video to streaming services like Facebook Live and YouTube. It can also simultaneously record to a USB hard drive, USB SSD or SD card for postproduction.

“SlingStudio makes professional-quality multi-camera production and live streaming a reality for anyone. It’s easier to use and costs thousands of dollars less than existing solutions,” said Vivek Khemka, DISH’s chief technology officer.

From setup and the shoot to postproduction, SlingStudio is designed to simplify all aspects of multi-camera video.

SlingStudio Setup

Users can capture video from different angles by wirelessly connecting up to 10 video sources to a single SlingStudio using its private, video-grade Wi-Fi network. The video source may be DSLR cameras, video cameras, smartphones or personal computers. Internet connectivity is not required, and the elimination of cables reduces setup time. It also allows for cameras to be placed anywhere within 300 feet of the SlingStudio hub and easily moved.

HDMI-enabled DSLR and video cameras connect via SlingStudio’s CameraLink wireless adapter, which is sold separately, or to SlingStudio’s integrated HDMI input port. Smartphones using iOS and Android operating systems can directly connect to SlingStudio wirelessly using the Capture app. The app is available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If using the app, the CameraLink is not needed.

SlingStudio in Production

The iPad Console app is required to manage video production with SlingStudio. This app is also available for free download. The app allows directors to monitor and create live-to-tape video from up to four (of 10 connected) input sources simultaneously, and drag and drop video into a composition window.
SlingStudio_LogoThey also can create dynamic video compositions like picture-in-picture, split and quad views. Popular transitions like cut, dissolve and wipe can also be added. And text overlays and lower thirds, as well as mix audio, can be applied. All of this can be done in real time as live video is streamed to platforms like Facebook Live or YouTube and simultaneously recorded to a USB hard drive, USB SSD or SD card. Furthermore, external audio sources, audio mixers and output monitors can connect to SlingStudio for advanced production needs.

SlingStudio in Postproduction

Individual recordings from each camera feed, plus the live-switched video and audio line-in, are saved in a single storage location. As a result, the need to gather and import multiple storage drives from each camera is eliminated. With a few clicks of the mouse, a project file can be imported into editing applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Apple Final Cut Pro X.

SlingStudio’s integration for Adobe Premiere Pro is enabled to further speed up postproduction. Adobe Premiere Pro users who download the SlingStudio extension can import recordings into a project timeline with clips and editing decisions preserved and aligned. This includes the video and audio from each source camera, as well as the live-switched program and quad-view feeds.

SlingStudio Tech Specs

The tripod-mountable SlingStudio hub weighs 1.43 pounds and measures a compact 7.9×5.6×3.5 inches. Its wireless features include: a 5 GHz 802.11ac, 4×4 MIMO specially tuned video-grade hotspot to connect to different video sources; and dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ac client mode to connect to the Internet for live streaming.

The 1080p HD multi-camera recorder permits up to seven simultaneous recordings. It includes four video inputs, live-switched program and quad-view of input, plus a separate audio line-in input recording. In addition, users can monitor up to four video sources and switch between 10 different video sources using the Console app for iPad.

SlingStudio-CameraLink
SlingStudio CameraLink

While simultaneously recording and live broadcasting program output, SlingStudio provides a maximum bit rate of 8 Mbps for live streaming. It also has an input source bit rate up to 30 Mbps.

SlingStudio includes USB-C, HDMI video input, HDMI video output and audio line-in ports. The hub is also compatible with iOS and Android smartphones via the Capture app, and HDMI-enabled DSLR and video cameras connected to a CameraLink or via the direct HDMI input. An Apple iPad is required to operate the Console app.

The SlingStudio system is comprised of the SlingStudio hub, with an SRP of $999, and the free Console app for iPad. There are also optional accessories.

SlingStudio System Accessories

The CameraLink wireless adapter plugs into the HDMI port available on most DSLR as well as video cameras. It wirelessly transmits up to 1080p/60 video to the SlingStudio hub from up to 300 feet away. Moreover, its internal battery provides up to two hours of power. SRP: $349.

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SlingStudio Product System

The SlingStudio battery provides up to three hours of power. SRP: $149.

The USB-C expander accessory supports wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for live broadcasting. It connects to USB 3.0 hard drives and also SSDs for recording content. Seagate is SlingStudio’s preferred storage supplier. SRP: $49. myslingstudio.com

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