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Teradek VidiU Pro demo: professional live streaming
Short answer: the Teradek VidiU Pro lets you go live on Facebook, YouTube and other platforms with a real camcorder for a professional look. Its Sharelink feature combines multiple internet connections (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cell phones) so a weak connection doesn't ruin the stream, and its built-in battery lets you use it anywhere.
Why use it
Going live from a camcorder looks much more professional than a webcam. If your internet connection is weak, streaming may be impossible or very bad; combining several connections fixes that. It works wirelessly, worldwide, on many platforms, and you can also record to edit later.
Anatomy of the device
The box is almost the size of my hand. Small joystick buttons browse the menu, and a light tells you when you are live or have an error. One side has the SD card slot for recording.
It supports 720p and 1080p, iOS control, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and 3G/4G. Ports: HDMI in, line/mic in, headphone out to monitor the stream, reset (hold a few seconds for factory settings), Ethernet, power and the on/off switch. No camera is included.
Sharelink: multiple connections
Sharelink lets you use the cable, different cell phones and other connections at the same time, so the stream stays stable.
Battery and accessories
The built-in battery means you don't need a power brick; not many products have that. In the box: manual, power supply with adapters for any country, and a mount to put it on top of your camera through the hole in the device.
What this review covers
In the video I go through seven points: why to use this product, going live on YouTube and Facebook with a camcorder, getting a professional look, using multiple internet connections when you have a weak connection, working wireless worldwide, recording to edit later, and streaming to many platforms.
Who it is for
If you want to go live from a real camcorder or a video switcher with several cameras, and your internet is not always strong, this device is for you. You can use multiple upload streams for redundancy and higher quality, so you can stream at 720p or 1080p even if one connection is weak.
Recording and monitoring
With an SD card you can record while you stream and edit later. The headphone output lets you monitor the live audio. If you forget the password or configuration, hold reset a few seconds to return to factory settings.
VidiU vs VidiU Pro
Teradek makes two versions, the regular VidiU and the VidiU Pro. Teradek sent me the Pro version for this review. The Pro is the one with Sharelink, the feature that bonds several internet connections at the same time.
Ports at a glance
HDMI input from your camera, mic and line in so you can connect both, headphone output to monitor the stream, reset button, Ethernet port, power supply input and the power switch. The status light shows when you are live or if there is an error.
Setup
Mount it on top of the camera, connect HDMI, connect your network (Ethernet, Wi-Fi or cellular), choose the platform and go live. I show the full step-by-step setup in another video.
Frequently asked questions
What is Teradek Sharelink?
A feature that combines several internet connections, like Ethernet and cell phones, for a more stable stream.
What resolutions does the VidiU Pro stream?
720p and 1080p.
Does it need external power?
No, it has a built-in battery, plus a power supply with adapters for any country.