Streaming Video From a Pole

I've come up with a few crafty solutions as a livestreamer on events including marches and other very active stuff. Most of my highly portable streaming to date has been with an Android cell phone using the app Bambuser. This doesn't mean other phones or apps won't work - what I'm discussing in this note is the rigging for the phone. I have used the lessons with a camcorder on a monopod.

Any streamer would tell you - LEARN YOUR ANGLES when framing a scene. Practice before being called to action, it matters.

What you'll need: 

• A 2.5 meter (8' or taller) cardboard pole or PVC pipe (haven't used PVC but may look too "professional" / look like a weapon). The pole must be thick, sturdy, and lightweight - appearing "trashy" can be in your favor. 
• A monopod can be used or tripod (bulkier), though both appear more professional, depends on where you are going and if welcomed. 
• A bag of rubber bands with a mix of wide and narrow bands that all expand enough to go around your forearm. 
• A USB power cable that is about 3 meters (10'), long enough to go from the top of the pole to your power source. 
• A USB power source - can be a laptop or batteries
• Laptop with a small screen size (11" rather than 15"+) to reduce weight and size. Setup a power configuration which has it in sleep mode with screen and disk turned off but the USB connectors remain on. I've found at least six hours of continual life from my laptop setup this way.
• One or more USB batteries which are pre-charged or solar cell power pack. The battery solution can be much less obvious than a backpack. If using batteries be prepared and looking for power to recharge during long events. Enlisting a friend to scout for power is a bonus!

Advantages: 

• Phone uses automatic exposure compensation - the downward angle can eliminate bright sky in frame. Remember - similar brightness in a frame gives best viewing. 
• Pole keeps your arm and shoulder from tiring. 
• Pole can be rest on a solid surface (ground, chair, car, ...) to give steady shot. 
• Using what appears as trash to many keeps it from appealing to thieves. 
• Reaching across a crowd to get image in frame is much easier. 
• Cardboard tube is lightweight and sturdy. 
• It is possible to put a camera mount secured in the top if you need a traditional video camera up there. 

Disadvantages (most with solutions!): 

• Cardboard gets wet and dissolves - solution: use a sealer on the cardboard - it can also be painted with messaging on it. Mine says "The World Is Watching". It was exposed to water recently, so about 2 feet is lost (cutting that off, smaller pole). 
• Round object doesn't keep strapped on phone steady - solution: cut a square into the tube which is the width of the phone, this secures the phone better. 
• Can't see the screen (#1) - solution: strap the phone on the other way so the screen faces you and the camera shoots past the pole. 
• Can't see the screen (#2) when elevated - sorry I don't have a solution short of mounting a bicycle mirror to the pole and reflecting the image down. Haven't tried but seems possible. 
• Controls are hard to use with rubber bands covering them - solution: reposition the bands toward the outer edges. Use thick bands to provide much steadier mounting than thin. You may have to move a band back and forth at the start/end of your stream. Each phone has controls in different positions, find what works. 
• Long USB cord is flying around loose - solution: rubber band it to the pole with a "pin" (like a pen top or golf tee) 
• Laptop is huge and hard to carry in pack - solution: smaller screen laptop. Make sure your pack has wide straps and isn't digging into your shoulders. Use both shoulder straps to distribute weight and for comfort. 
• Laptop is heating up - solution: make sure power settings are for USB to remain on, disk off, screen off. Another solution is to use dry cooling packs with a towel barrier to catch condensation as they warm and protect electronics from getting wet.

Sample Stream 

http://bambuser.com/v/3380737 - event is the Forward On Climate rally in DC held Feb 17, 2013. Check out a variety of streams from that event with the tag #ForwardOnClimate.

More videos at http://bambuser.com/channel/occupydetroit

Treat Your Phone Well! 

The phone fell while mounted on the pole 8 feet onto asphalt road. It fluttered along a few more days then died. Moisture got into the cracked screen and shorted out the LCD beneath.

Phone Service

If you are looking for a phone service providing unlimited talk, text, and data - please consider my invitation link to Solavei. Specials are held frequently for new customers. You are not on a contract, it is monthly service. You can bring an existing unlocked GSM phone. Personally I bought a phone through eBay for $80 and service at this time is $49/month.

Advanced solutions for live coverage are being checked out, so watch for more blog posts tagged streaming video.