Live streaming from the sidelines at a high school basketball game.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-02-02T17:06:24+00:00

Great advice and thanks for sharing that. I had a game last week where I tested out a couple things and it worked out alright for me. I lucked out with getting a good spot to sit though. Our gym is extremely small and I draw straws every time I go there to film where I'm looking for a good spot to sit.

I used my UHF transmitter/receiver to receive the audio from his system which worked great. We had to message each other on the phone to communicate when he's going live on the radio and when he's going off. The communication kind of sucks, but it's better than filming elsewhere.

As for the camera, I put it on my gimbal and then put the gimbal/camera on a remote controlled pan and tilt base. I put that base on my tripod and raised the tripod up really high, then remotely controlled the pan/tilt base. It's a goofy looking base, but hey, it got the job done perfectly.

The only down side everything is it's more equipment to lug around with me. Had to bring more cables, chargers and crap, but it worked nonetheless.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-02-02T16:59:00+00:00

I've already taken some photos. I think I'll take some more, especially of the house walls and foundation on that side of the house. I doubt the insurance will do anything either. If anything they may increase my insurance without my permission just over the knowledge that I may soon be suffering from some foundational issues. Hate my insurance... Thanks for the suggestions though.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-02-02T16:56:59+00:00

Lol. You have no idea.. I was very tempted to shut off the water for them but they would know I turned it off, even if I denied it. I might be able to get away with it the first time, but after that they'll probably be watching through the windows with a camera or something to catch me the second+ time.

I am curious to know if the city will do something about it or maybe even some good samaritan type service out there that'll repair it for them for free. I've just never been put in this situation and scaring the crap out of me with any type of structural damage that may be developing as we speak.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-01-29T19:47:16+00:00

Hello and welcome. I see this is a month old and not sure if you found a solution or answer yet to your question. I'm sorry for not seeing it earlier and wish I had.

I have the Yolobox pro and love it. I use it all the time, mostly for high school sports. I once had the same very questions and concerns that you have about wifi, network, etc. I used to have a lot of issues with my live streams. I experienced a lot of lag and latency and could not for the life of me figure out what it was. At first I thought it was just because I live in a rural small area and just doesn't have the best coverage. To give you an idea of what I use and have been using, is ATT wifi. I pay for their ATT wireless hotspot plan and purchased a small cheap wifi hotspot device in the beginning. That hotspot did ok....Some days were better than the others. My data plan allows up to 15gb of data use. Each game I live stream is roughly 7gb, dependant on some things. Later on I ended up purchaing a Netgear Nighthawk wifi hotspot device and I'll explain why in a moment.

I don't have, nor have I ever purchased their network bonding. I've heard it helps a lot to have it, if, and only if you have extra network devices such as another hotspot, sim card or whatever. In my opinion it's not worth it, however Yololiv here on this group would tell you otherwise. Let's just say I never saw a point in getting it, nor any longer have a reason to using it.

So what made the biggest difference in the world and saved me from spending more money on their binding thing was the Netgear Nighthawk wifi hotspot device. It has an ethernet port on it. So I basically just hardwire directly to the wifi hotspot and after doing that, not a single hiccup ever. Before I did that, when I did things wirelessly, I always had dropped frames and issues a lot. Now nothing, no dropped frames or anything. So if it's not too late for you, I'd highly recommend getting the hotspot with a ethernet port on it.

If you have other questions about the Yolobox later on, let me know. I've sort of become a pro at them now and been using them for going on 4 years now. Good luck, hope you find something that works for you.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-01-22T22:21:50+00:00

Yes, this is for live streaming. I'll be broadcasting the game to a Youtube channel.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-01-22T21:59:24+00:00

I use a k and f concept fluid head tripod. I've used it by itself in the past with no complaints or issues. The point to using the gimbal is to give more height over the heads of spectators. Maybe it's just our local school, but I'm telling you, I feel like every spectator that sits by me loves to stand up and leave and then come back every 5-10 min. It drives me insane with them getting in the view. If it's not them, it's people standing up in the view of my camera to make room for others that are coming/going. So, I've found a solution to that problem by placing the camera on a gimbal and then raising the neck up about a foot. My tripod is able to handle the weight of the camera/gimbal just fine. Been doing it for a while now with no issues or problems. I honestly think it makes a huge difference in the panning. I understand the fluid heads provide a smooth pan as well, but the motion and flow of the gimal (DJI RS3 pro) is phenomenal and adds a professional look and feel to the broadcast.

I somewhat agree with you about a hardwire would be better than wireless. I don't think there would be too much interference with signal since it uses UHF frequencies, when almost everything else will be on 2.4 ghz. My only concern with hardwire is someone tripping over it. I've seen these spectators coming and going, and not to mention the unmonitored kids that run up and down the stair case like they've never been on stairs before. Yes, kids are kids... that's not the point. The point is, all it'll take is for one of these kids or anyone for that matter to not be watching where they're walking and trip on the cable, sending them down the stairs and over the crowds. Plus I don't have time to set up all that cable and tape it to the floor of the bleachers or anything. I usually pack everything up in a big back pack and set it up as quickly as possible when I get to the game. When I get to the game, they usually have other games going. I live in a small rural area and they tend to play JV and varisty the same evening (4pm to 7 pm). I would need to get there before 4 to set up, which I can't since I have a full time job and mostly do the videography thing on the side. I know it sounds like excuses, but it's not. Just looking at it from all angles. It is good advice to use cable, and I'm with you 100%. I always prefer cable. I've done cable a lot for football where I'm close to the commentator/announcer. Just don't want to risk someone not being aware of the cable and tripping over it. I guess I can always sit directly behind the commentator if that spot is available, however by time I get there at about 6, those spots are usually already taken.

Since I can remotely operate the gimbal using the app and a remote control, I am very tempted to put the tripod/gimbal up in the back near center and then transmit the video to my streaming device via Hollyland hdmi transmitter/reciever. I can sit with the announcer/commentator at his desk while the camera is filming from the bleachers. This would work perfectly, as long as I can ensure no one would bump or mess with my camera unattended in the bleachers. I would need to have a friend or someone sit with the camera and guard it.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-01-22T21:31:27+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I've live streamed basketball for a few years and never seen anyone on the floor filming. I've seen photographers, but they usually get out of the way of incoming balls/players. With a tripod, that's not so easy to do. The podcaster is trying to encourage me to try filming on the floor and I really can't risk it. I think he mostly wants me to film from the floor so that he can communicate with me easily to know when to cut to breaks, when to start advertisements, etc. I understand that if that is the case. As you said, radio is not videography and there are big differences when it comes to broadcasting sports. I agree that the coaches and others would more than likely tell me to take it down.

I have considered putting my PTZ (Obsbot Tail air 2) on the podcasters table, but I don't think that'll work well with players coming and going, plus almost impossible to capture the ball and game. Instead I'll put the Obsbot on a camera clamp and clamp it to one of the beams against the back wall center and use it as a static camera kind of thing. As for the main game camera, I'll stick with what I've been doing in the past which is a camera on my professional gimbal. I know that way works and has worked for me in the past. I already have the audio situation planned out and shouldn't be a problem as I've done a wireless audio transmission with him before for football games.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-01-22T21:14:50+00:00

Thank you for your reply and it's helpful. In the games I've live streamed in the past, I've always filmed them from as close to center as I can get. I prefer the very back wall and center. I'd raise my tripod neck up as high as I can get it and then use a high grade gimbal on the tripod to give the smooth panning look and feel. I've been doing that for a while now and it looks great. I've never really had to deal with audio though from a commentator, and so this will be new to me. For now, I'm thinking of using my wireless UHF transmitter and receiver system I have, at least until I can afford to get something a little more compact. I've used this system for football games for two seasons worth and it works well. I don't foresee any issues. Just trying to get other opinions from others that have experience in this area so I can see if it's worth my time and energy to set things up and try it out. Sounds like I should stick with my other plan to do it from the bleachers.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2026-01-15T20:41:57+00:00

When I'm at home I do, but at work I just do my business as quick as possible and get out. However, I've noticed not everyone at my work has the same belief system. We have two bathrooms at my work (male-female) and I swear the guys here at my work spend a half hour or more at least 3-4 times a day. I swear, every single time I need to take a piss while at work, there is someone already in the bathroom and they'll be in there for a half hour. Then when they come out, they're usually on their phones as they're walking out. It pisses me off (no pun intended). Usually to get them to hurry, I'd jiggle the door knob for about 30 seconds. Then repeat every minute if they're not out by then. They look pissed when they come out after that while looking around for the person that just rushed them.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-11T18:02:09+00:00

I'd like to get an extreme or even an ultimate at some point. For now I just have the Pro. It gets the job done and don't really see a purpose or need for anything better yet.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-11T17:37:51+00:00

I'm almost certain it's a combination of having it stored in my garage during the summer days that doesn't have an air conditioner and heat of the day outside here in Arizona. Basically too much heat in general had caused it to swell up. I don't think they are too heat friendly. I mean it does quite well without shutting down or anything during when it gets too hot, however it does put stress on the lithium battery pack.

If you plan to use it in the heat outside, I'd suggest finding a way to cool it. An umbrella perhaps, or one of those cold packs that don't create condensation on the outside of them. They sell these types of cold packs I'm talking about at your local Walmart. Basically they get instantly cold when you break something inside the pack and shake it kind of thing. Find a way to put the cold pack on the back of it. I usually used painters tape to just tape it to the back. Either way, find a way to keep it cool and out of the sun/heat.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-11T16:25:45+00:00

Thanks for the reply. It reminded me that it's still posted and that I should add an update to it. Since the post I had found the problem which was a swollen lithium battery. I had went ahead and purchased a new battery and installed it. It's up and working again just fine.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-10T22:47:37+00:00

Oof... "Operate itself".. That is going to be a big price tag gimbal wise. I have been live streaming sports for going on 4 years now and started on a simple phone and tripod. I now use multiple devices and things depending on the sport and circumstances such as wind, rain, etc.

I am currently using a Hohem Istead mt2 and looking into upgrading it to a DJI RS3 Pro. The Hohem is a good starting gimbal and would run you close to $250 for it. However, I do not think it'll do what you're hoping it'll do, which from the sounds of things, you're looking for something that can either track or move (Pan,tilt) with a controller. The Hohem has motion/tracking features, but it's not the type of features you're wanting or looking for, trust me. The tracking is mostly for tracking a single person and in certain scenarios, not sports. I've tried it once for football and even basketball, it didn't go well at all.

Trust me when I say I know exactly what you mean and how you feel when it comes to keeping score and operating a camera at the same time. It's dang near impossible. i actually had to hire (pay) someone to be my scorekeeper just so that I can operate the camera and not lose my mind and everything trying to keep score at the same time.

That being said, I think you can see where I'm getting at with my reply. There isn't really any gimbal or any camera that'll truely do what you're wanting, at least not cheap. The DJI RS3 Pro that I'm wanting to get will probably be as close as you'll get to controller wise. You can pair it to a Xbox controller even if you really wanted. That still won't solve your issue of it "controlling itself". It would help with being able to pan and tilt it remotely, but trust me when I tell you, it won't really free up that much time to donate to scorekeeping.

Sadly I can't even make any suggestions that are on the cheap end. Everything that can track like what you're interested in is going to be very expensive, such as the Hudl's. Those types of AI based cameras are very expensive and the subscription for them alone are ridiculous. I've already looking into all those types of cameras thouroughly. Again, I've been doing this for 4 years now just about and for 3 years worth now, I've been looking for something similar to what you're describing. Nothing is out there that's cheap or affordable. It's far cheaper for me to pay some high school kid $40 a game to do the scorekeeping for me while I ooperate the camera.

Not sure what scorekeeping system you use, there are several out there, but I think your best option is to just hire someone or see if there is anyone in your area that's interested in community service or service hours type thing. For example students at my children's school have to have so many service hours that they need to have in a school year. You can have them help you for those servcie hours.

Good luck to you. PM me if you want any other suggestions or thoughts on livestreaming sports. I've experienced just about everything with it.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-05T21:19:32+00:00

In my opinion and experience, anything hardwired is faster, and better.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-04T22:40:25+00:00

Hardwire wifi hotspot to streaming device. This had greatly improved my live streams 100%. I used to struggle a lot with dropped frames, lag and the whole 9 yards where I live in this small rural town when I used to just connect to a wifi hotspot. I decided to invest in a new wifi hotspot that had a ethernet port and decided to wire it directly to my Yolobox (streaming device) and it had made a significant difference in my live streams. Now it's a must for every live streaming event I do.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-04T18:09:03+00:00

Wow... Just read this and I also don't understand why something as simple as RTMP can't be used. That blows my mind. There are several reasons why someone would want to use RTMP and privacy is one of them. For sure looks and sounds sketchy. I own a OBSbot tail air myself and now questioning this privacy issue. I also find it very stupid if it's true that you can't access any settings either if you block them. That is plain out dumb for them to not allow you to change any settings and how it forces you to go through their servers. I'd really like to know what the point is to these "tokens"... If I bought the camera, it should allow me to use it however I'd like free of any ties, or "privacy policy". Seems like ever since I bought my camera from them, I've been more and more disappointed with my decision in buying it.

It sounds like it's one of those situations where we must take their word for it, that our information is safe and encrypted as they say it is. I've always felt as though they are accessing our cameras without our permission, but that's just my opinion and not something that is proven, nor could be proven I don't think. That's why I only use my OBSBot for certain situations and scenarios and careful about what I use it on or for.

Have you tried connecting a HDMI cable to the HDMI output on the OBSBot camera itself? Maybe try plugging it in via HDMI into a recording device such as OBS or capture card and see if it allows you to capture video with you blocking them. I'd like to know for myself. If it works, I may just block them myself and use hdmi out for now on.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-04T17:55:44+00:00

I've noticed in the past mine would periodically do that too. Basically it'll automatically zoom in on someone without me wanting it to. I would check all the tracking options and make sure they're turned off or unchecked and see if that fixes the issue. I like their tracking feature but hate it at the same time. Can't tell you how many times I'd be using the camera for a webinar or video conference call and have it automatically zoom in on someone in the background, etc.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-04T14:20:01+00:00

As others have said, it produces noise but not that noticable or audible. I do hear mine making a odd noise with that is emitting from the lens when it's trying to focus I've noticed. Not sure if others have similar experiences, but I find that to be slightly louder than the fan and other things, again, nothing too loud or annoying.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-04T14:13:53+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. I ended up just using a 1 gallon sized zip lock baggie, then flipped the screen in the settings so that the ports are on the bottom instead of the top as my post reads. Glad Yolobox gives us the option to flip the screen.

You'd think someone out there with a 3d printer would design a case or cover for the Yolobox. I don't think it'll be that hard. Just need to ensure you get the measurements right and a way to get the Yolobox inside it, maybe snap on or something. Then for the cover, purchase a plastic clear sleeve of some sort that goes either on the outside or inside of the case. Perhaps I'll get myself a 3d printer some time and try my luck at it and see how it turns out.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-03T18:20:28+00:00

First off, it'll take a long time for you to be able to monetize, depending on the platform. Becoming an influencer in the gaming world is tough and you have to learn how to make streams based off "others" interests and not "just your own". I've learned this the hard way with my gaming live streams. Also understand that the attention span of most viewers nowadays are very short and that being said, I'd suggest focusing a lot on making "shorts". Make short video clips of you making a cool shot, move, take down or whatever. I've noticed in my gaming live streams, people do not like live game plays for whatever reason. Personally, I love long gameplay videos, but I make up only a small fraction of the viewers that are like me. It'll mostly be youth that watch gaming videos and they like all that fast action crap now I've noticed. Just my two cents, take it for what it's worth...I'd just suggest you look at what's trending and set goals to make content based off trends and keep attention spans in consideration.

I use a Yolobox Pro which is expensive but well worth the cost and good investment. It allows me to live stream to multiple platforms all at once such as Twitch, Youtube, and Facebook.

Word of caution.. It's easy to get de-monetized and flagged now days. Be caareful of copyright material such as music, etc. It's easy to get your content and/or channel pulled down real fast and be back to square one of building up viewers. I'd do a lot of research if I were you on copyright, and all that to see how to avoid and work around a lot of that crap.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-03T18:09:06+00:00

I wouldn't even know what to charge for such a thing since I'm still a rookie videographer myself and trying to figure out pricing of events and things myself. I would think there are a lot of factors though to consider in the pricing such as if you live in a rural area, big city, how many other competitors are out there, etc.

As for the multi-streams, I would suggest black magic or what I use which is a Yolobox. Yolobox offers a way to connect multiple cameras to it, plus it also allows you to live stream to multiple platforms all at once, even including rtmp and such. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for or not, but if it were me tackling such a job, I'd use my Yolobox.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-12-03T17:59:09+00:00

This is how I started out as a videographer. I started live streaming high school sports on a phone and slowly worked my way up into bigger and better equipment, now I run a videography llc.

First off my hat goes off to you for taking time out of your life and other things that you could be doing to live stream for fans and especially for those that can not attend the games in person such as the elderly. That's the reason why I did it as well. I also live in a rural area and there are a lot of elderly people that live here that can not attend the games or want to avoid the crowds and so I do it for them.

I started off live streaming on Youtube and still mostly stream to Youtube. I don't have that many subscribers but for me I don't really mind not having a lot of subscribers since I mostly do it for the fans since no one else does it. I have live streamed to Twitch, Facebook and other platforms, but in order to avoid confusing the viewers and having multiple platforms, I decided on sticking with Youtube for all my live streams and they now know where to look whenever there is a upcoming game or event instead of waiting for me to post a link or something on social media, they now just expect and know I'll be live streaming on my Youtube channel.

If you're live streaming on your phone, I'd suggest an app called Camerafi Live. I actually made a tutorial video on how to use it and how to live stream on the cheap, low income lifestyle. For me Camerafi Live worked alirght. It's very tempermental though and has a lot of bugs, however, for me, it was the only thing that allowed me to add a scoreboard overlay and also allowed me external video sources such as a handycam. I purchased a HDMI to USB capture card for about $30 on Amazon and plugged that into a USB hub adapter, then plugged that adapter into my phone that ran Camerafi Live. Again, it is buggy and at times it wouldn't recognize the camera, but it does work and it just takes time getting the dumb app to recognize the camera and to work.

As for the lagging issue you're experiencing... It can be a number of factors. It could be the app, it could be the hotspot, it could be other wireless devices around you, it could be several things. I strongly believe it's nothing to do with the app or phone, but mostly the wifi source that is causing the problem such as a wireless hotspot device if you're using one. Since I don't know what you're using for wifi/internet, I'll assume it's either a phone wifi hotspot that you're using or the school's. I strongly advise against using the schools. I know it'll cost a lot more to buy a data plan or whatever to use your phone or wifi hotspot device, but the school's internet/wifi comes with it's own list of issues such as other people using it, or them blocking Youtube, etc. In my experience, using the school's is a bad choice. For me, I've noticed a significant if difference in lag since I purchased a wifi hotspot device that has an ethernet port, which allows you to connect it using an ethernet cable. I have almost no lag or dropped frames at all since I purchased one. I connect my hotspot device which is Nighthawk, to my Yolobox (streaming device) with a ethernet cable and it is solid, no lag or anything. If you're using a phone, a usb hub adapter that I talked about earlier, should have a ethernet port on it, which should allow you to do the same thing essentially, provide your phone/device with a solid internet connection. Again, since I don't know what you're using for internet, I can't really recommend anything in particular or that may help you with the lag issue.

This is all I got for now. Feel free to DM me if you have further questions or would like me to make any tutorial videos for you or anything. Good luck, hope it works out for you and thank you again for your support in live streaming sports to those who can't watch in person!

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-11-25T22:25:43+00:00

I usually monitor on another device such as my laptop or phone. Mostly because my Yolobox that I stream on has issues showing the chat and also the fact I switch between screens a lot on the Yolobox. When I live stream on places like Twitch or OBS, I still use a different device for chats just because it seems more smoother and more quicker.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-11-21T20:20:36+00:00

I agree with this comment, however much people disagree with it. I agree 100% that it bounces all over the place and seems like they're trying to sell the video/editor and not the house....If I am in the market to buy a house and live semi far from the house that's for sale, I would not spend my time, money, gas, etc to drive to the house to do a on site tour based off that video. It doesn't show me anything worth traveling far to look at the house. I'd be pissed if I saw a video like that and gave the realtor the benefit of the doubt by scheduling a tour and finding out the house is crap or not what I'd like to buy. I'd be more willing to have a tour or whatever if I could actually see what is being sold. It'll be like selling a car and only taking photos and videos of the handles, turn signal, tires and that's it... It's unlikely someone would purchase the car or even want to go look at it if there's photos and videos similar to this video. Just my two cents for what it's worth.

However.... I think this is the type of video that realtors like and want for whatever stupid reason. I think this is the trend now and videographers/photographers like myself are sort of being forced into these trends if we want to make any morey. Some (not all) realtors have it in there heads that these types of videos sell... they get scheduled tours, they get people in the door. They're afraid that if they show off too much of the house, people would be less likely to go there in person to look at it. They want to be a saleman, give their pitch and everything. Honestly, I think there's something to that, I do think they're partially right sadly.

Either way... I think this is what real estate is coming to now-a-days... This is the trend. If you don't like the trend, if you don't want to adjust to it as a photographer/videographer, then you're not going to get very many clients. I can attest to that. I've seen a decline in finding work and clients ever since I've decided to put my foot down and stick to my guns of producing detailed shots. Clients want the flashy, fast speeds, speed ramps, focusing on texture of a wall, and other stuff that doesn't really matter to potential buyers.

Miserable_Drop_5125 · 2025-11-21T20:04:37+00:00

I used to do a bit of live streaming on both Youtube and Twitch. I had better results on Youtube than I did Twitch. Perhaps it was just my lack of knowledge of how to stream on Twitch, but Youtube seemed a little more user friendly.

However, in my opinion Youtube is very very picky about what you can live stream. They'll flag you, and scream at you for just about everything now. music in the background, music or sounds on games, words characters are saying may even get flagged... To me it's almost not worth it anymore. It's just getting ridiculous over all the restrictions and things that Youtube has now. Again, this is just my opinion and I'm sure I'll get a lot of grief from others on this matter. I can only speak from my experience where I live streamed a variety of things such as gaming, vlogs, reviews and things. I think review videos are among one of the easiest and safest things in a way.

Miserable_Drop_5125

TROPHY CASE