Vidblaster Vs Wirecast

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Originally Posted by thetechbuzz

But I would like to say, if you don't know the software, don't compare it. Meaning I see a lot of "Wirecast can't do this and vidblaster can." I would like to challenge your statement and say your wrong. Get the facts before comparing.

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Stephen,

What part of my statement (from April of last year) that you quoted do you disagree with and believe is wrong?

As an aside, I am currently testing Wirecast on several PCs and look forward to becoming familiar enough with it to make a good comparison. If I ever decide to do a head-to-head review of Wirecast and VidBlaster, rest assured I will be as proficient with one as with the other. It seems to me that too many "reviewers" are, in fact, champions of a particular brand, and seem to have more experience with one than the other. Hence, their conclusions are predictable.

Tom if you took that as a direct shot at you I apologize because it wasn't. I'm still learning this "forum" thing and I just clicked reply on your post since at the time it was the last one written. My point was simple. Like you said the "champions" that know the software will stand by what they like and what they know. There is something for everyone. But what gets my goat, is when people say Wirecast can't do something and it can, or VidBlaster can't do something and it can, or Tricaster can't do something but it can. All I'm asking for is folks to post the facts. Not opinions, when comparing. You can state your opinion, just don't present it as gospel.

Steve,

No problem. Understood. Relieved you were not calling me out. :)

It's all good.

I skimmed through this thread. I had a brief experience with Vidblaster when I was trying to get started on live shows a few years ago. As a beginner, I found Vidblaster was nice enough. I considered buying the least expensive license. I visited the forums, and everything seemed nice enough at the time. This may have been 3-5 years ago.

Most of my online contacts recommended Wirecast. I finally got Wirecast, and loved it. Telestream is very helpful and their forums are fantastic. It also helped to know people like Steve Heywood, Rob Johnson & others were around to provide some encouragement and support (within reason!).

I used Wirecast on and off for at least two years, when doing live shows. I found Wirecast pretty easy to use. But I did get hung up on some features because I have a different way of understanding things. I probably only used the most basic functions, and felt happy enough.

I stopped doing live broadcasts maybe 3 years ago. I just couldn't handle the stress as a one-man operation. For awhile I used Wirecast's Record to Disc function, but experienced audio synch problems. Perhaps my 2009 Mac mini is showing its age, and lack of power. I keep Wirecast around, but don't use it. I can't justify the expense of upgrading to the latest version.

I need to upgrade my computers first. Even then I'd only consider it if I planned to do more live shows. These days no one is interested in my live shows.

Hi ron,
2009 MacMini can be a bit underpowered when you consider the CPU and the limited integrated GPU.
At this point Wirecast 5 x264 encoder is such a major step up in quality and efficiency (there are settings that can control CPU use if needed) compared to MainConcept's H.264 (used by Adobe FMLE and others) that even some Tricaster users are starting to use Wirecast 5 just as their encoder.

For recording I always use Apple ProRes. The sync issues had been related to NLE handling of timing. The same files play fine in Quicktime. FCPX, which is CoreMedia based (not Quicktime) handles the sync much better (Wirecast will vary the frame rate slightly when recording to avoid dropped frames).

I'm often a one man band as well. I don't get stressed about it at all. I build my shots in advance. Set up Skype for my guest call ins. I'm all set. I'll often have a backup computer ready to go just in case.

cseeman, thanks for responding. I have a history of dealing with depression & stress. Because of that problem, I live off Social Security Disability. Over the years I've shared those struggles as well as my enthusiasm for tech etc

Yes, I'm very aware the Mac Mini is underpowered. It's a challenge for me to come up with the money to buy a better computer. I'm hoping I can buy something later next year. At this point I'd prefer a 27" iMac.

Yet so many who stream talk just about tech. I think it's important to use the medium to communicate. Perhaps a talk show talking about depression, stress and related could garner a unique audience.

Granted upgrading is always an expense but in the new Wirecast 5 there's controls in the x264 encoder to use less CPU if one's computer needs that. That could also make a refurbished or used MacMini or iMac a viable option.

A lot of my personal work as a streaming advocate is working with people with very limited means. Sometimes I have to deal with audiences who might ridicule such streams for their lack of quality. I usually have to point out that even an older computer and a webcam can be a major step forward. I have the utmost respect for those who undertake to get a message out and interact with a live audience through live streaming.

My YouTube videos describe my tech interests as well as my adventures in taking better control over my health.

Here is an example, good news about my weight loss: http://youtu.be/OjqjRGXArLQ

Some may say I'm going over to the dark side....

But, I've started a new show about online broadcasting called Streaming Idiots. It's still in the "alpha" shows as it don't have its own website yet, graphics are still in development, but we have two shows "in the can."

The concept behind the show is neither original nor unique. It is another in a long line of tech shows about internet broadcasting. I'll be reviewing & critiquing hardware & software as well as passing along tips & tricks. Real original, right? So, you probably wouldn't be interested in it.

But if you were, you could watch it live immediately following the That VidBlaster Guy! show on Wednesdays at 3 ET/8 UK. Reruns are on YouTube on the VBGuy channel.

If you are interested in being a guest to shamelessly promote your own show or product, drop me a note. We're probably very compatible.

At your age, you need to get in as many shows as you can before it's too late.

You're right. I get any older and I'll be forced to do a Sunday AM tech show!

That's the problem with the age thing, Tom. You don't realize that you're WAY past that point.

All I can say is wow.......

I wish I had found this site/forum before my experience with the pompous dick@@@@ owner of VidBlaster.
This guy is some piece of work.......... I invested $1000 in purchasing his software only to be treated like a 2 year old
by him on the Forum when asking questions about the software, bugs, features, etc..
I guess Forum means "only as I see fit" according to the law of Mike on the VidBlaster site....

Sadly, this is your only means of obtaining any support and patch fixes as the numerous bugs in this software are repaired.
For my latest attempt to join in a forum discussion of one of this modules this is the result.

Attachment 208

So not only am I a paying customer, I am an ignorant paying customer........Interesting........
I may have thought it at times but have never had the guts to say that to one of my customers.....
I don't think I would be in business long........

So now as a paying customer I am without tech support and denied access to a patch to correct several bugs I found, reported, and offered solution guidance on.

Unfortunately for me, at this point, I cannot comment to the favorable attributes of Wirecast.
I can only enlighten you with my experience with VidBlaster which has not been a pleasant one.

The software is decent but the licensing structure and features are limited without a $2000 investment of which you buy features now that may or may not be available in future updates.

Simple common features such as adjusting camera settings are buried deep in menus with elaborate key schemes to access which are also by the way undocumented in any of the manuals. Which according to a snarky message from Mike were "Undocumented for your own good". Seriously? Camera Settings? Oh that's right.......I am a two year old.......

Why would one feel the need to bury camera image exposure settings in a program supposedly geared toward quality image broadcast?

Part of our purchasing decision was based on the ability to have a pseudo-hardware switcher setup utilizing the Novation Launchpad as advertised by Vidblaster.

After purchasing the software (which was rushed in an attempt to get a broadcast online) we now discover that this was specific only to the Novation Launchpad (No Longer In Production) is the only unit supported in the integrated package within VidBlaster. Not the Launchpad S or the Launchpad Mini which are the currently available units from Novation. If you are planning on implementing this feature utilizing VidBlaster search the pawn shops for a controller first. As of now I have struck out in finding one.

VidBlasters only redeeming feature is the presence of Tom Sinclair. My mistake was purchasing directly from Mike and not through a reseller like Tom. Tom has tried his best to answer question albeit in the form of PM's and emails as apparently you dare not ask a question on the forum without fear of repercussion.

Mike is non-appreciative of his customers and will not be receiving another penny of my money...

My recommendation is that unless VidBlaster offers you some feature that is just totally irresistible and other vendors cannot offer the same or even marginally the same..........Save your money........Dealing with Mike is just not worth it........

and another one bites the dust.... I would suggest trying Wirecast. There are a lot of people on this forum that use it everyday.

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Originally Posted by oscarmartz

and another one bites the dust.... I would suggest trying Wirecast. There are a lot of people on this forum that use it everyday.

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Thanks Oscar......that is the plan...........I have been hearing a lot of good and far less bad things about it......
Just got to wait until the budget piggy bank refills after the failure with VidBlaster.........
I have requested, but do not expect, a refund from Mike for my 2 weeks of use from VidBlaster........
HAHAHAHA I know right! :D

Probably one of the best features of Wirecast is its support.
The Telestream Wirecast forum is very active (with yours truly of course). They also provide email support.
There's also an 99$/year Premium support which expedites the email response, adds phone support and also includes remote login so one of the techs can look at your setup first hand.

I'm not sure about VidBlaster's licensing but Wirecast allows you to activate a second computer so you can have a backup ready to go if needed. Additionally you can move the licenses from one to another computer in 15 minutes or less.

Support has to be considered a key feature.

I think it would serve Mike V. best if he handed sales and support to his VARs and focus on programming. I think that would greatly improve the VidBlaster user experience.

That depends on the package you buy.........

Single user can be installed and activated on multiple computers but single use per session only.....
Desktop is tied to a single machine but can be used by multiple users? I didn't get this at all.......... as its more expensive.....

Oh wait the far superior being Mike V. has some super secret NSA link that's stealing your Webcam signal so see who is sitting at the console running your licensed copy of VB

Oh well just chalk that up to the goofiness of the whole VidBlaster Experience "scuse me while I eat some pie"....in a vague Jimmy Hendrix style....... LOL

Ok I have had a full 15 minutes to play with Wirecast............
GOD WAS I AN IDIOT!
;)

Ok I am sold! As a user of both Vidblaster (former) and Wirecast I can honestly say now that Wirecast is far superior on every front.....
The whole system is running at about 1/3 the CPU requirement (encoding at 720p) of just running the VidBlaster interface alone (no encoder active).
The layering concept (both from the master layers and shot layers) is a powerhouse for shot development and the ability to save complex shots in a single block without using up 3-5 of your precious VidBlaster modules is incredible........
The Chroma Keyer is already has more separation than that of VB even testing on a dimly lit hotel room wall. I cannot wait to get my actual green screen behind me to see how well it works..........I could go on and on just from about 8 hours of initial testing but you get the picture (pun) LOL.

Somebody send a message to the Wirecast group and be sure they send Mike V. his commission check........He sold another (and quite possibly several if my project flies) copy(s) of WireCast yesterday!

Sorry to keep hammering this post guys but Wirecast will just not stop impressing me!

I just figured out a neat new feature that is going to keep me from lugging extra screens around just for capture! Which by the way was impossible with VidBlaster!

With the formidable powers I now posses to crop video windows with ease I can now setup all of my capture screens (weather radar feeds, Skype video windows, and send them off to separate virtual full screen desktops never to be "popped over" again! FULL HD
screen captures! WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

This is available using the NVidia NView desktop manager...........

Its a little tricky at first..........you have to setup the application capture on your main (default) desktop and get the capture started before you send it to its holding desktop. But other than that flawless..........

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Originally Posted by cseeman

Probably one of the best features of Wirecast is its support.
The Telestream Wirecast forum is very active (with yours truly of course). They also provide email support.
There's also an 99$/year Premium support which expedites the email response, adds phone support and also includes remote login so one of the techs can look at your setup first hand..

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Support? Whats support? LOL........... Glad to hear that, but honestly at this point I have not even had a moment of possibly needing any due to the intuitive nature of the layering. I have tested some pretty complex scenes with in one shot. Overlays, chromakey, 4 layered video feeds including two virtual desktop captures and live text...........Amazing how simple the setup is and that you can save it for immediate recall! And I did all this without a single forum infraction point!

I now see that this whole thread was a mute point as THERE IS NO COMPARISON!

In the words of the infamous Mike V.
[Topic Closed] You have Received (5) Infraction Points For Even Starting This Thread! :cool:

Well after a few days to really evaluate the full picture...........Every thing about Wirecast is superior to Vidblaster in every way.
CPU usage with Wirecast streaming at Maximum settings about 50 percent of the usage of just the VB interface alone.
My stream quality at 720p (with a ingress limit of 1000kbps) is far superior to that of VB.
The addition of actively developed third party applications to control Wirecast (ShotKicker and MidiMate) is phenomenal!
Users actively engaged and friendly on the support forum! SWEET!
I really have to give many thumbs up to those guys over there but I only have 2!
I have immediately licensed Pro and am not turning back unless I decide to buy a Tricaster! LOL

Well, the only reason I still use VB for switching, is 'the way' it handles capturing multiple screen regions. The minute WC makes it similar to VB, I'll go with WC all the way. Everything else you say about WC is true though.

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Originally Posted by Amnon

Well, the only reason I still use VB for switching, is 'the way' it handles capturing multiple screen regions. The minute WC makes it similar to VB, I'll go with WC all the way. Everything else you say about WC is true though.

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Amnon, have you seen Wirecast 5 Local Desktop Presenter? You can now run multiple instances, each grabbing a different window for example.

I use version 5 (for streaming only right now), and from what I am told the 'local' DTP has to run in full screen. The problem is also that cropping the area you want on DTP takes time, while in VB you mark the top left and swipe to the lower right. With Skype group video (we use that for our show) as people drop and then maybe come back, the content of the modules (shots) changes because the screen changes, and you have to quickly recapture new shots. Fast with VB (less than 5 seconds each shot) vs WC (20 to 30 seconds if you are real good). We asked them to look into that :-)
Now, if we were running multiple Skype machines (on per guest) then yes, it will work.

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Originally Posted by Amnon

I use version 5 (for streaming only right now), and from what I am told the 'local' DTP has to run in full screen. .....

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Who told you that. Not true. Local can target a program window. Local DTP doesn't have Region Selections (yet) but it can select separate program windows. Group Skype would be one window though. I just want to clarify you can definitely capture separate program windows though.

@Cseeman . It actually wouldn't for for Amnon via Local Desktop Presenter. He is doing a group Skype call then individually selecting each person. On a side note I use Desktop Presenter on my Wirecast machine and capture the region. Never had had any issues

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Originally Posted by andrewzarian

@Cseeman . It actually wouldn't for for Amnon via Local Desktop Presenter. He is doing a group Skype call then individually selecting each person. On a side note I use Desktop Presenter on my Wirecast machine and capture the region. Never had had any issues

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Remote Desktop Presenter does have region select but only one instance. Local Desktop Presenter doesn't have region select but does allow multiple instances.

I would like Local DTP to have region selections. I use Group Skype as well.

UPDATE!:

Sweet! My rave reviews of Wirecast qualified me for a free "upgrade" from VidBlaster!

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/...ps19b7b32e.png

ROFL

I use multiple shot instances of the presenter (local and remote) to capture a single window with different "crop" settings to capture different portions of a single window into unique shots.......

I am quite sure with a little creativity you could get the effect you want........

I think the key here is remembering the Master Layers as well..........as you can "build up" the shot similar to the way you have to use the PIP modules in Vidblaster currently to build the shot you are using now.....

Same effect......just different methodology........

I do agree however that click and drag cropping/resize cropping would be a nice feature to add to Wirecast!

But do not remove the sliders.......they are great for "exact" cropping to remove windows borders etc......from screen captures...

After reading this I wanted to clarify how I am doing this with remote.....

I capture the whole window in the remote..........Then I use different "shots" of the remote with different crop settings to part out the screen into the information I want at the time.

Another useless tip that I have come across is the use of the Nvidia NView Desktop manager....
I have created several virtual desktops to keep the real estate on the main desktop clear when doing captures......
Once I set up the capture for a screen I send it to a virtual desktop where it is free from items popping up over it.....

The trick here is that the capture has to be initiated on the Default desktop (The one where you are running Wirecast). If you do not do this Wirecast will not "see" the application so that you can start the capture with the presenter. Once you have started the window capture send it off to another desktop where it will continue capturing as normal leaving your main desktop free to do with as you wish without interrupting the capture screen.

The real beauty of this is the ability to freely resize the captured screen closer to the size of the actual broadcast area so that artifacts/aliasing are minimized due to rescaling for broadcast.

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Originally Posted by JDavidPugh

UPDATE!:

Sweet! My rave reviews of Wirecast qualified me for a free "upgrade" from VidBlaster!

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/...ps19b7b32e.png

ROFL

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Wow I work in a highly competitive space can't imagine us ever banning a customer from our forums for speaking the truth or even expressing their opinions about our competitors. We moderate for language and personal attacks but not open discussions regarding our software. We welcome the feedback.

You have sense !!!

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Originally Posted by AlBurr

Wow I work in a highly competitive space can't imagine us ever banning a customer from our forums for speaking the truth or even expressing their opinions about our competitors. We moderate for language and personal attacks but not open discussions regarding our software. We welcome the feedback.

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Yeah the really sad part is I was banned from that forum apparently from what I said on THIS forum....LOL
Since I have not been on that forum since my earlier ban which was only supposed to be for a month! LOL
Its the all seeing stink eye!!!!!!!!!!! ROFL

I can say with a pretty high level of confidence that the only person lower on the customer service totem pole is the guy who serves the ice water in hell! LOL

You are being banned from nothing !!! really, it is a worthless forum at this point.

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Originally Posted by Amnon

You are being banned from nothing !!! really, it is a worthless forum at this point.

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Totally agreed Amnon...........

Serious question :

Is anyone here still using Vidblaster? I could see the argument to use it a few years ago but between the lack of support and crudeness of the creator of the software I don't see why anyone would use it.

I have gone 100% Wirecast at this point. Its sad for a few reasons. 1. the amount of money that I had invested in Vidbaster was probably around 4 grand. 2. The software had many advantages over Wirecast for a while. It just couldn't keep up and evolve

Have not looked back since switching over from Vidblaster a while ago. Wirecast and Vmix are great replacements for Vidblaster