How Do I Add a Video at the Beginning of My Broadcast?

Incorporating pre-recorded videos into your Resi broadcast can go a long way in making your content look consistent and professional. Title and credit videos can be added to bookend your live video, you can play an introductory message from a special guest, etc. If you would like to determine which production software is right for your organization, you can visit the Renewed Vision ProPresenter or Open Broadcast Studio websites.

While both ProPresenter 7 and Open Broadcast Studio are both tools that can be used in conjunction with Resi’s live video platform, we do not offer support for either of these products. You will need to contact their respective support lines for help troubleshooting either of these products.

Using ProPresenter 7

ProPresenter 7’s (PP7) is often used by churches for its ability to seamlessly integrate slides, song lyrics, pre-recorded videos, and many other useful media layers into a live video broadcast. You can do this by importing your pre-recorded video and using ProPresenter’s Output Layers, to transition from one video to another. You can use the following process whenever you are ready to go live.

1. Import your pre-recorded video

If you would like to play a video before your broadcast starts, you will first need to make sure that the video is in your Media Bin.

1. Locate the Media Bin at the bottom of your interface.

2. Select the Playlist you would like to store your video in (you can move this later if you need to).
3. Navigate to File > Import at the top of the screen.
4. Select the Media… option.
5. In the following window, select the video you would like to use.
6. Click Import.
7. You should see the video in the navigator to the right of your selected playlist.

2. Configure your inputs

Once your pre-recorded video is ready, you will need to make sure your live video feed is being received by ProPresenter.

1. At the bottom of the Media Bin, right-click on the Video Input tab.
2. Select the Video Input Configuration… option.

3. Click on the video input you would like to use for your video. If you don’t see an available input, click the + icon next to the Video label.
4. Click the Device drop down and select your video camera or switcher. You should be able to see a live preview of your video feed if the Live Preview Option is selected.

5. Click on the Audio tab.

6. Click the Source drop down and select the microphone or switcher you would like to use with your video input.
7. Under the Media Bin, click on the + icon next to the Video Input tab and the transition options.
8. Select the Video input that you just set up.

You should now be able to see your selected input in the Media Bin whenever you click on the Video Input tab.

3. Play your pre-recorded video

Now that you have both your pre-recorded video and live feed configured, you can use ProPresenter’s layer controls to start your pre-recorded video and smoothly transition to a live broadcast.

1. Select the playlist where your pre-recorded video is stored.
2. If you would like to, you can select a transition effect and duration for your videos (it is recommended that you test and set this before you go live).

3. Click on the thumbnail for your pre-recorded video to start playing it. You will see the Media layer change color to indicate that it is active.

4. Select the Video Input tab.
5. While the opening video is playing, click on your live video input to activate the corresponding layer. You will notice that it changes color like the Media layer. However, it will remain unseen since it is below the Media layer (where your pre-recorded video is being played).

6. When your video is done playing, click on the Media button in the clear cues. This will transition to the Video Input layer.

Your live video feed is now being broadcast to your selected destination(s). If you would like to use another pre-recorded video to end your broadcast, you can do so by clicking on another video in the Media Bin. You can then click on the Video Input clear cue in order to stop broadcasting your live video feed. If you would like more information, you can read about how to stream with Resi and ProPresenter 7. If you need help troubleshooting any issues you may run into with PP7, you can consult Renewed Vision’s documentation.

Using OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a powerful, open-source video recording and streaming tool used by amateurs and professionals alike. If you are unfamiliar with this software, you may want to read the OBS Overview on their website.

1. Connect your encoder to OBS

Before you can start broadcasting from OBS, you will need to make sure that you are able to output your video feed from OBS (your computer) to your encoder. You will need to keep in mind that certain encoders have different input capabilities. 

If you have RAY or E4300 encoder, you will only have the ability to ingest video data from OBS through an SDI port. This means that you will either need to run OBS on a computer that has an SDI video output card installed, or you will need to use a video cross-converter, in order for either of these encoders to receive your video and audio signals.

If you are not sure what sort of output capabilities your encoder has have or what additional equipment you may need, you can contact your Customer Success manager.

2. Configure your pre-recorded video scene

In the Scenes area of the OBS Studio interface, make sure that there are at least two Scenes available. One will be for your pre-recorded video and the other will be for your live video. You can create and name additional scenes by clicking the + icon below the Scenes area.

1. Click on the first scene.
2. In the Sources area to the right, click the + icon.
3. Select the Media Source option.

4. In the following window, select Create new and rename the source if you would like to make it easier to find.
5. Click OK.

6. Make sure the Local File option is selected.
7. Click Browse to find the video file you would like to use.
8. Make sure the Restart playback when source becomes active option is selected.

9. Select or deselect any of the available options for how your video is played.
10. Click OK when you’re finished. You should now be able to see your pre-recorded video in the Sources area.

3. Configure your live video scene

1. Add or click on the second scene.
2. In the Sources area to the, click the + icon.
3. Select the Video Capture Device option.

4. In the following window, select Create new and rename the source if you would like to make it easier to find.

5. Click OK.
6. Click on the Device drop down.
7. Select the video input source you would like to use.

8. Make any changes to your video input settings as you see fit.
9. Click OK when you are finished. You should be able to see the video capture device in the Sources area.

4. Test your broadcast

Once your scenes and sources have been added, you can test your videos by doing the following:

1. Click on the Scene for your pre-recorded video.
2. Once your pre-recorded video is done playing, click on the scene for your live video input to transition.
3. Once you have tested your scenes and sources to make sure they work as intended, and made any necessary changes to your media or video capture device properties, you will then be ready to go live.