Our biggest problem has been our own lack of knowledge. We were recently frustrated by weekly issues that kept us from broadcasting. The techs took care of the problems, yes, thank you, but when something unexpected happens we have little knowledge depth to deal with even first-order problems. Recently our encoder was updated to Windows 10. (We didn't do it.) The result was when we turned on our screen, none of the StreamSpot windows were on the screen. Part of the trouble was diagnosed as we were using the wrong browser. Since we knew nothing about Windows 10, we did not know about the browser issue. The broadcast is amazingly clear. We have MOST of the audio problems ironed out. (Those were on our end.) We are getting a lot of folks logging on for LIVE. My only concern is what I will do when a glitch appears. Other than call HELP, I still don't know what to do.

After trying both Livestream and Ustream we stumbled upon StremSpot. We are glad we did! They have technical solutions not only on the hardware side but on the software side as well. With the aforementioned companies our signal was intermittent and would sometime freeze up. We don't have this problem at all with StreamSpot. When we originally contracted with StreamSpot we were using our own cameras and a Niagra Video Encoder. However a year later we upgraded our camera and our streaming encoder with the StreamSpot equipment featured on their site. Immediately we had an improved signal and the congregants who depend on our service where overwhelmed with the image quality and the ability to stream an entire service without the intermittent glitches. I would strongly recommend StreamSpot for your streaming needs.

Overall StreamSpot is a good service, but their support leaves a lot to be desired. In general, after initial setup, things just work. However, if an issue occurs, especially during a live stream, don't expect support to be of much help as there is no live support option (even for the most expensive tier of service). Additionally, if you choose to use your own equipment as opposed to purchasing StreamSpot's "StreamSpot One" encoder (which is nothing more than an overly priced Linux box with more AV inputs/outputs than you find on a standard computer) you are forced to pay an additional $15/month maintenance fee to support scheduling of live streams. With that being said, no other platforms provides the same type of set-it and forget-it scheduling function that StreamSpot provides.

StreamSpot allows you to use your own device for streaming (really any computer with an Intel Core i3 or better - an Intel Core i5 is recommended), but they also sell a turn-key solution for easier setup. Once initial setup is done, scheduling live streams via the web portal is extremely easy and flexible. StreamSpot uses the open-source OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) to handle encoding and broadcasting of streams. OBS is very flexible and relatively easy to use, providing an easy way to add both audio, video, and screen capture inputs.

When using your own device, StreamSpot must install their own proprietary software to enable scheduling via the web interface. You must also pay an additional $15/month maintenance fee for this software. Without StreamSpot installing their proprietary software, you can still stream to StreamSpot but you cannot schedule streams. StreamSpot's support is simply OK, but if an issue arises during a stream, support is virtually useless as you typically do not receive a response for 24 hours. In addition, StreamSpot does not provide many tools to diagnose streaming issues. When using StreamSpot's turn-key solution, they provide a 1-year warranty. After that 1-year if anything goes wrong they will not support it - your options are to purchase a new turn-key solution (which is not cheap, in the $700 range) or setup your own device and pay the additional $15/month maintenance fee.

it's been so helpful that you are able to notify us if a camera is oof or has been push off center.. thanks for your great work we have people who really love that they can watch the Mass at home and feel like they are still part of their parish

We are a small church in the mountains. We do not always have great internet here. StreamSpot works well with our paradigm and I appreciate the way they connect and customer service helps instantly.

Streamspot is a game changer. It means so much to so many people to be able to view Masses and special services. And if we ever have a problem or question, we receive excellent assistance.

StreamSpot is an effective and incredibly easy to use service. Their support is helpful and has never failed to help me find a resolution to few and minor issues I have had.