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VidiU Pro unboxing: how to stream to multiple platforms
Short answer: the Teradek VidiU Pro is an all-in-one device that takes your camera's HDMI and streams to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Periscope and other platforms, up to 1080p. It can record to an SD card and combine several internet connections. After about two years of use I am very happy, with two caveats: battery wear and firmware updates.
Ports and controls
You get HDMI in, headphone out, line/mic in, a reset button, Ethernet, the power input and the on/off switch. A small joystick navigates the menu to set the IP or platform, but I recommend configuring it from the computer, which is faster.
What's in the box
An Ethernet cable, the power supply with plug adapters for different countries, an HDMI cable, a cold-shoe mount to attach it on top of your camera, and the manual.
Streaming and bonding
The menu has YouTube Live, Twitch, Facebook and Periscope. To go live you just push the red button. It has Wi-Fi and USB for a 3G/4G modem, and you can bond connections, like several cell phones plus Ethernet, for a better stream when your signal is weak. Today it is 1080p and 720p; 4K would be nice in the future.
The good and the bad
Good: all in one, easy, works with my video switcher (Roland V-1HD or Blackmagic). SD recording is available, but the recording quality is not the best.
Bad: if you leave it on power all the time the battery may last about a year; draining and charging it fully helps. Also, once a firmware update broke things that were working; support helped me fix it. Once your device works, be cautious with updates.
Setting it up
You can set everything from the joystick menu on the device, choosing the platform and network settings, but doing it from the computer is faster. Connect the HDMI from your camera or switcher, connect Ethernet or Wi-Fi, choose the platform, and press the red button to go live.
Using it with a switcher
I use it with a video switcher so I can change between cameras, and it works with the Roland V-1HD or Blackmagic. You can also use it with a cell phone, so you don't have to rely on a computer to stream.
Ports in detail
On the back you have HDMI in for your camera or switcher, a headphone output, a line in, a reset button, the Ethernet port, the power input and the on/off switch. On the side there is the SD card slot. The front light tells you the status, and the small joystick moves through the menu: Live Stream, YouTube Live, Twitch, Facebook, Periscope and the manual settings.
Mounting and connections
The included shoe mount screws into the device and goes on top of your camera. A USB port takes a 3G, 4G or newer cellular modem, and you can add Ethernet and phones too, so all those internet connections help each other for a nice, stable stream. With a basic connection, 720p or 1080p is all you need.
Tips from two years of use
Take care of the battery: if you only use it once a week, let it drain completely and charge it to 100%. If the device works the way you want, be careful before installing an update; if an update breaks something, report it to support, they helped me fix it. If recording quality is important, record with another device.
Frequently asked questions
What platforms can the VidiU Pro stream to?
YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Periscope and others.
Can it combine internet connections?
Yes, it can bond Ethernet, Wi-Fi and cellular modems or phones for a stronger stream.
Any downsides?
Battery wear if always plugged in, average SD recording quality, and firmware updates that can occasionally break a working setup.