Notes to Self

Alex Sokolsky's Notes on Computers and Programming

AV Streaming and Recording Station

Goals

Primary: a dedicated, low friction AV streaming and recording space for one person (talking head) with OBS Studio at its core.

Secondary: video conferencing space.

Tertiary: later, maybe, add a secondary overhead camera.

Constraints: living room with no acoustic treatment.

Non-goals: gaming.

Solution

Decided on a Linux Mint PC with:

Streaming/Recording Computer

Reused Dell Optiplex 7060 micro:

An attempt to use Thinkpad P52 failed because of the lack of connectivity options for USB and monitors - Thunderbolt3 ports there do not work.

Desk and Mounts

Reused IKEA LILLÅSEN desk. The desk is only 40” x 19”. All equipment is mounted on a couple of monitor stands and monitor arms to free the desk space.

Audio

The audio chain includes:

Alternative to consider: Bring audio to the camera to eliminate the delay.

Video

The video chain includes Sony a7iv with Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G via right angle USB cable to the streaming/recording PC.

Elgato Cam Link 4K seems like an obvious possible improvement.

Lights

IKEA Mittled 24” LED strip bounced off the wall.