Setup and General Questions
Q: What do I need to be able to stream live while storm chasing?
A: The most basic setup includes a camera connected to a laptop. The laptop needs a mobile internet connection such as a cellular "air card", and a streaming encoder. Then, you need an account with SevereStreaming to "push" your stream to the world.
Q: Do you require a contract to stream?
A: NO. Independent streamers are free to start or stop using our streaming services at any time. The only chasers under contract with SevereStudios are the members of our official Chase Team.
Q: How long does it take for my streaming account to be set up?
A: Paid accounts are set up in less than 24 hours. Free accounts may take longer, especially if there is currently active severe weather somewhere in the United States. If you did not receive a signup notification, please check your spam filter or Junk Mail folder and add our email addresses to your address book and "whitelist" to assure our emails are getting through.
Q: Why is SevereStreaming a separate site from SevereStudios?
A: We believe in maintaining SevereStudios as an easily-navigated site with the best user experience for our website visitors. People who want to view Live ChaseCams shouldn't have to wade through technical jargon to get to the video. This site acts as the "back end" technical resource for streamers.
Video Brokering Services
Q: Do you sell everyone's video stream to TV stations?
A: NO. We only broker the streams from our official Chase Team and other Storm Chasers that register with us for daily licensing options. SevereStudios can help Independent Chasers sell video on a day-to-day basis, but only with their full written permission. We also help Independent Chasers make their own sales by displaying their contact information next to their streaming video in the Live ChaseCam Network.
Technical
Q: Do you allow AUDIO on your streams?
A: Yes! However, our default streaming templates do not include an audio feed by default. Using audio takes away from the available bandwidth for video. You also run the risk of inadvertently broadcasting copywritten music or a personal phone call. We believe a better picture is more important than audio, but we can help you add audio to your stream if you desire.
Q: Why does SevereStreaming use Windows Media streaming technology instead of Flash?
A: There are MANY reasons why we chose Windows Media as our streaming platform. First, Windows Media provides better quality at low upload bandwidth, such as streaming over a celluar internet card. Also, Windows Media has a high "penetration" of players into computers at home and work. In other words, it's likely people can already view Windows Media streams without having to download extra software.
Finally, unlike Flash, Windows Media is streamed over standard internet "ports". This means streamers can upload on virtually any network, even cellular towers. Conversely, more people on restricted networks (work, government/NWS, etc.) are able to view the streams.
More FAQ's Coming Soon!
Streaming for Storm Chasers from SevereStudios