I know this doesnt really apply to your broadcast specifically, but I watched it and its done very well and I have some questions. I am planning on doing my own podcast and I read you have Skype, which will be all good with my cohosts and such. I hope you dont mind answering them, because everywhere else I look, I just end up going in a circle. I have an account on a broadcasting site, I just need some info.

I want to broadcast my webcam as the main screen then my desktop in the corner like you are. Are you using third-party stuff to do that?
How are you streaming audio? Is one person doing that? What audio are you exactly outputting? Your mic and speakers at the same time? I dont know where to go on that because I dont know if you can stream both at the same time, since you have to stream your own mic, then anyone else in Skype.

If you can answer those, I will really grateful.

Dave

I don't mind answering.

I am using webcammax to mix my video with pictures, other video, my desktop, etc. Some broadcasting services offer ways over layering things within your video, but they don't offer you a means of recording that layered video. I use webcammax because I can also record it and release it for viewing after the show as well.

The audio part is tricky as it requires multiple audio cards. You need to capture your audio, skype audio and desktop audio (from video, music, whatever). I use one audio card for myself. Then the other set to "what you hear". I send my mic back through stickam and into a mixer. (yes, I think you need a mixer or a 3rd audio card). The mixer is going to allow you to not just mix all the levels, but also help to send back on skype your mic and music without echoing back what they say on skype.

And every time I go through this, I get confused again. It's not easy to setup. lol.

I actually opted for 3 audio cards because the one built into my motherboard is not good quality. I use an audigy internal card and an x-fi external card (works great).

If you get this far and still need help, let me know. It's tough to describe and I know of two ways to setup the hardware (thanks supersword). However, it's confusing to put together so I don't write it out when I don't have to. lol

Thanks foyleman. I got my video work all fine and dandy. The audio, though, is more complicated. Now I only have onboard sound on my desktop. I have a laptop too though. I have a 3.5MM jack extension cord too. I tried using the laptop to talk to my friend with my mic and connecting the the one end of the jack to the output of the laptop to my mic input of the desktop. My desktop I unmuted my mic to play through the speakers. So basically:

Laptop
---------
Mic
Output Jack

Desktop
-----------
Input Jack - Mic
Sounds play from laptop - (this actually works)
Unmuted mic input to play sounds from laptop

Problem is, when I broadcast, the sound becomes all distorted and skips(etc). Is this a possible workaround for this?

edited on Nov. 9, 2008 06:35 pm by fireindy

If the sound is skipping, it's a bandwidth issue. If the sound is distorted, it's because the source volume is too high. If the sound is noisy, then you have interference coming from somewhere.

I don't know what you mean by skipping, so I can't comment on that. It would have to be a bandwidth issue (internet bandwidth or possibly processing bandwidth).

Adjust the output volume to somewhere between 40 and 80%. Adjust the input volume to remove more distortion.

I suppose if your laptop allows, you can set it up so you can hear yourself and you can hear the skype people as well as hear anything else (music, etc). Then that output would already be mixed and plugged into your desktop.

Make sure the boost on your desktop is off if you are plugging into the mic input.