Below we cover concepts and best practices to make the video upload process go as smoothly as possible. 

 

Capturing in HD

When capturing video in HD, the files can be large.   Expect the file to be in the range of 2-20 GB (gigabytes).  

 

The size of the file can be managed by changing the camcorder settings.  The data-rate (or bit-rate) is the main driver for both quality and size of the file.  Most cameras have options (presets), usually starting with a bitrate around 4-5 mbps.   This setting is adequate, however you can adjust it to a higher setting in the 10-20 mbps range.  The files will be larger, so choose a camera setting that is appropriate for your workflow.

If you have a fast network, then large files aren't really an issue.   If your network is slow, then you will want to create smaller video files.  Keep in mind, larger files take longer to load than smaller files.

Most cameras create MTS, MP4, or MOV files using the H.264 codec.  All of these file types are fine to upload.

Most HD cameras will split your video into multiple small segments.   You should upload these segments to TeamXStream in a single batch, we will put them together in the correct order ("merging").  It's best to leave the file names as-is, don't rename them before the upload because it interferes with our ability to put the files in the correct order.  We will "merge" the files and produce a single, full length video that can be streamed or downloaded using our website and apps. 

 

Network Speed

There are two factors that determine how long an upload will take, file size and network speed.  

You will want to upload your video on the fastest network you have available to you.  Campus networks are usually the best option because they have better speed and reliability.  

Uploading from home is an option, but often slow.  Residential internet is built to provide good download speeds, but are usually lacking on the upload side.  Some internet providers go so far as to terminate uploads after a period of time as well, which will cause your upload to fail.  

If you are planning to upload video from home, check with your internet provider to make sure you have adequate bandwidth/speed, and verify that they won't terminate your upload after a period of time.  If you find that your upload stalls or fails midway, you may want to contact your internet provider and ask about their policies, and evaluate your options. 

Its best to do a Network Speed test from several locations and find the fastest network.  Our speed test tool will connect to the TeamXStream servers and report back your speed.  Perform this test if you are concerned about network speed or if you are looking to get support.

 

 

Note, the download speed is usually higher than the upload speed, especially for residential internet.  

< 1 Mpbs is going to be a problem

< 5 Mbps is pretty slow

> 10 Mbps is good

> 25 Mbps is very good

 

Other Best Practices

  • Wired networks are generally faster and more stable than Wifi.
  • Most modern browsers are fine for uploading, but we find that Google Chrome performs the best on Mac and Windows.
  • Make sure your computer does not sleep or hibernate during the upload.
  • Your computer time & timezone must be correct, it will fail to connect if the time is wrong.
  • If your camera has an internal hard drive, copy the files to your desktop prior to uploading.  Uploading directly from some cameras hard drive can be slow.  
  • Uploading from a memory stick usually works well, but you can copy the files to desktop first if you fear the memory card is slow. 
  • Don't compress/convert the files before uploading.   The video quality will diminish if its converted multiple times. Only convert the files if its a necessity (odd format, huge files, encoding errors). Elgato Turbo and Pavtube are options we recommend.
  • If you do rename the camcorder files, please follow these guidelines.
  • Importing the files from your camera with iMovie or other software is not recommended.  Use the Finder (on mac) or Windows Explorer (on windows) to identify the files. 
  • GameBreaker / Sportscode
    • Do not upload a "reference file" from within a Gamebreaker/Sportscode package.   If you open the GB/SC package and the movie file is very small (1 MB), then the video is in the MOVIE_DATA folder.  
    • If using Live Capture, set the preferences to create a standalone movie file outside of the package.  
  • HD Dimensions
    • 1080p = 1920 x 1080
    • 720p = 1280 x 720
  • Capture video at the highest bitrate you are comfortable with.   Don't go below 3500 kbps. 

 

If you have further questions about uploading video, please email us atsupport@teamxstream.com . Please provide as much detail as possible, such as operating system, browser, speed test results, location (campus, hotel, work), etc.