NAB 2017: Sling Media Intros SlingStudio for Multicamera Production and Live Video Broadcasting

Sling Media (N5135MR), a subsidiary of Dish Network Corp., is launching its SlingStudio multicamera and live–video-production system. Starting at $999, SlingStudio is intended as an affordable, wireless, portable multicamera production solution that lets users of all skill levels record, monitor, and edit four HD video inputs from up to 10 connected cameras and smartphones. It can output live video to streaming services like Facebook Live and YouTube and simultaneously record to a USB hard drive, USB SSD, or SD card for postproduction.

“Existing multicamera video platforms run upwards of $5,000 at a market entry point. Where Facebook and YouTube have democratized live streaming, SlingStudio is democratizing the gear that directors need to make those streams great,” says Vivek Khemka, chief technology officer, Dish. “With its accessible price and easy-to-use apps, SlingStudio changes how content creators can think about producing video.”

The SlingStudio system requires the SlingStudio hub and free Console app for iPad. Optional accessories include a battery, USB-C expander and CameraLink, a wireless adapter that plugs into any HDMI-enabled DSLR or video camera to wirelessly transmit 1080p60 video to SlingStudio.

“We consider SlingStudio a high-production, low-cost concept,” says Khemka. “It’s powerful and flexible enough to allow directors to knit together professional-quality video with the equipment they already have on hand — from high-end cameras to audio gear to smartphones.”

How SlingStudio Works
From setup to the shoot to postproduction, SlingStudio simplifies all aspects of multicamera video:

Setup: Capture video from different angles by wirelessly connecting up to 10 video sources (DSLR cameras, video cameras, smartphones, personal computers, etc.) to a single SlingStudio using its private, video-grade Wi-Fi network; internet connectivity is not required. Elimination of two cables dramatically reduces setup time, and allows cameras to be placed anywhere (within 300 ft. of the SlingStudio hub) and easily moved.

HDMI-enabled DSLR and video cameras connect via SlingStudio’s CameraLink wireless adapter (sold separately) or to SlingStudio’s HDMI input port. iOS and Android smartphones connect directly to SlingStudio wirelessly via the Capture app, which is available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play; no CameraLink needed.

Shoot: The iPad Console app is required for managing video production with SlingStudio. It allows directors to monitor and create live-to-tape video from up to four (out of a maximum of 10 connected) input sources simultaneously and to drag and drop video into a composition window. Directors can create dynamic video compositions like picture-in-picture, split and quad views; edit in popular transitions like cut, dissolve, and wipe; add text overlays and lower thirds; and mix audio. 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 for postproduction.

External audio sources, audio mixers and output monitors, can also connect to SlingStudio for advanced production needs.

Postproduction: Individual recordings from each camera feed, plus the live-switched video and audio line-in, are saved in a single storage location, eliminating the need to wrangle and import multiple storage drives from each camera. With just a couple of clicks of the mouse, the entire project file can be easily imported into Adobe Premiere Pro CC and other editing applications.

The SlingStudio integration for Adobe Premiere Pro further simplifies and speeds postproduction. Adobe Premiere Pro users who download the SlingStudio extension can import all recordings into a project timeline with all clips and editing decisions preserved and aligned. This includes the video from each source camera, as well as the live-switched program and quad-view feeds.

“Connected workflows allow editors and filmmakers to work more efficiently and focus on the creative,” says Sue Skidmore, head of partner relations, professional video, Adobe. “The SlingStudio integration with Adobe Premiere Pro offers an exciting new option for connecting production and postproduction into one seamless experience.”

Accessories
CameraLink, priced at $349, plugs into the HDMI port available on most DSLR and video cameras to create a wireless connection up to 300 ft. from the SlingStudio hub. Its internal battery provides up to two hours of power.

Battery, $149, provides up to three hours of power for portability.

USB-C expander, $49, supports wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for live broadcasting, and connects to USB 3.0 hard drives or SSDs for recording content. Seagate is SlingStudio’s preferred storage supplier.

Availability
SlingStudio starts at $999 and will be available in May at B&H Photo Video, the leading retail source for videographers, or directly from Sling Media. The SlingStudio system enters the market at a significantly lower price point than existing multicamera video platforms, which often require additional expenses in compatible equipment and product training.

Tech Specs

• Portable and compact: 1.43 lb.; 7.87 in. high x 5.59 in. wide x 3.54 in. deep; tripod-mountable.
• Wireless: 5 GHz 802.11ac, 4×4 MIMO, specially tuned video-grade Hotspot to connect to different video sources; dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ac client mode to connect to internet for live streaming.
• 1080p HD multicamera recorder: Up to six simultaneous recordings; includes four video inputs, live-switched program, and quad-view of input, plus a separate audio line-in input recording.
• Multicamera live monitor and switcher: Monitor up to four video sources and switch between 10 video sources using the Console app for iPad.
• Professional-grade video: HD resolutions up to 1080p60 at 30 Mbps (using H.264 encoding) with the ability to effortlessly synchronize audio and video.
• Live broadcasting: Simultaneous recording and live broadcasting of program output. Max bitrate for live streaming is 8 Mbps (input-source bitrates up to 30 Mbps). Supported platforms currently include Facebook Live and YouTube. Support for other content-sharing websites is coming soon.
• Ports: USB-C, HDMI video input, HDMI video output, audio line-in.
• Storage: Storage via SD or USB-C drives. Optional USB-C expander available to connect USB 3.0 drives.
• Device compatibility: SlingStudio hub 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.