If you are broadcasting live, your live-streaming software should be the first thing on your computer. vMix as well as Wirecast, offer excellent live streaming software. This software is great for small companies or large broadcasters. There are differences between the packages so you can make the best choice.
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To Begin with…
vMix has a learning curve. However, it’s still one of the most popular live-stream programs. Wirecast is simpler to use, but it offers more power and functionality. It is also a paid tool that should be considered when comparing the two.
Wirecast and vMix both support many input sources when capturing them. This is a comparison of the two.
Wirecast:
Cameras and PTZ optics
Webcams
Audio and video files
Images
Wirecast offers remote desktop presenter software that allows you to display Windows applications and desktops.
vMix:
Video cameras (via supported capture cards or by IP address)
Webcams
Audio and video files
DVDs
Audio devices, e.g., sound cards
Playlists
Desktop applications
Photos
PowerPoint presentations
Web surfing
The Wirecast Cam, a mobile app that allows you to stream wirelessly from your iPad or iPhone during live broadcasts, is also available. Wirecast also offers a feature that allows you to create image slideshows.
The vMix camera supports 4K resolutions. Moreover, vMix can also support network device interface (NDI), which allows you to send video over gigabit Ethernet networks.
What about streaming with simultaneous sources?
When streaming with multiple sources simultaneously, your hardware and not your software are the most important factors. Wirecast supports as many sources as your computer can connect to for your broadcasts. It can also stream multiple live streams from one device. vMix is available in six versions, from the free basic to the professional version. Each version supports a different number of inputs. The basic version allows you to use only two cameras/NDI inputs. However, the pro versions can support as many as 1000 inputs. These inputs can include cameras or NDI devices.
Remember, however, that each image, camera, audio source, and animation count against the input limits of the program so you can quickly use these inputs.
Integration of Social Media Platforms
You can show comments on your screen during live broadcasts if you wish to connect with your audience through social media. vMix, as well as Wirecast, allow you to do so efficiently. Wirecast allows you to integrate Twitter feeds directly into your broadcasts. This gives you a professional look and an easy way to interact with your viewers. vMix, on the other hand, uses a plugin called vMix Social for social media integration. It is a free tool. You can insert posts, feeds, and other information from different social media sites.
Although it is possible to add social media sources to Wirecast via screen- or window-capture tools on Wirecast, the native method on vMix runs much more smoothly and is less buggy.
What are the system requirements for each program?
Your computer must meet certain requirements to run Wirecast and vMix efficiently. Below is a list of the system requirements for each app:
Wirecast
Minimum of 2 GB free space
Minimum 4GB RAM
DirectX 10 compatible integrated or discrete graphics cards
Intel Core i7 CPU @ 3 GHz or Higher
Windows 7 or later, or macOS El Capitan and newer
vMix
1 GB DDR2 RAM or faster; 8GB recommended
It is recommended to have a hard drive with 7200 RPM.
A dual-core processor with a speed of 2 GHz (Intel Core i7 at 3. GHz is recommended).
DirectX 10 compatible graphics card; Nvidia card with at least 1 GB RAM is recommended.
Windows 7 or higher on a Windows 7 PC; Windows 10 recommended
Broadcasters will most likely use these requirements. However, it is important to understand these facts before you choose the live-streaming app that best suits your needs.
Other practical considerations
Because you are broadcasting, there are many other things you need to focus on than this app, so ease of use is important. It is important to have something you can use quickly and easily. Wirecast and vMix both make it easy to live-stream a broadcast. This does not mean the apps are easy to use. Not necessarily. You can learn both Wirecast and vMix in a matter of hours.
Although mastering them will take more time, many tutorials and forums on YouTube can help you learn the apps slowly. Wirecast is easier to use than vMix, but it takes much longer.
When comparing prices, you need to compare the various packages they offer. Wirecast offers two packages, Studio, and Pro. Pro includes features like 3D set support and live scoreboards, instant replay, and additional support inputs like IP cameras and streaming. Premium support is available for an additional annual fee. They also offer a free trial with watermarks.
vMix, on the other hand, has a more complex pricing structure. It offers six versions instead of two: Basic HD, Basic HD SD, HD, and 4K. Each license is valid for 60 days and allows you to upgrade as often as you wish.
Conclusion: Which is better? vMix, or Wirecast
Wirecast and vMix both have a lot of things to offer users. It’s important to compare each app’s pros and cons before making a decision. This is much easier than you might think.
All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber. Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988. Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world. He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.
