How to Stream to Facebook Live Streaming to Facebook Live with Roland’s VR-4HD Switcher This is a simple step-by-step guide on how to stream to Facebook Live using Roland’s VR-4HD without the use of third-party encoding software. The VR-4HD is a full 1080p HD switcher with an 18-channel audio mixer, built-in effects, preview monitor with touchscreen, and most importantly, a super-fast USB 3.0 output for connecting audio and video to a Mac or Windows computer to stream to Facebook Live. What You Need There are three components for delivering high quality streams to Facebook Live using the Roland VR-4HD. You will need an Internet connection with an upload speed of more than 4.0 Mbp/s The central component is the Roland VR-4HD, which mixes your camera and video sources, and your microphone and audio sources. It includes live production tools with effects that include Chromakey, Lumi-Key, Split Screen, and Picture-in-Picture, plus your standard mix and wipe patterns. A Facebook account with administration privileges (so you can schedule and stream your live events) Step 1 - Run a speed test to determine Internet upload speed You should run a speed test to make sure you have adequate upload speed for streaming. A good website for testing is speedtest.net. Facebook Live currently streams at four different 720p resolutions. A good rule of thumb is to stream at a resolution that is half of your Internet upload speed bandwidth. Facebook Live recommends a 2.0 Mbps or higher upload speed for a 720p HD resolution. Based on the minimum requirement of 2.0 Mbps from Facebook, we recommend an Internet upload speed of 4.0 Mbps or higher to be safe. Be sure to do some testing, and check with the IT department of the facility you are streaming from before going live. Some firewalls block data packets that could prevent you from streaming. The good news is that Facebook’s default firewall setting is port 80, which usually works in most IT security scenarios. Step 2 - Connecting Audio and Video Sources Plug in your video and audio sources into the Roland VR-4HD and connect a USB 3.0 cable from the VR-4HD to your Mac or Windows computer. Keep in mind that the VR-4HD has full scaling on input channel 4. You can bring in standard definition, analog, and digital computer resolutions all the way up to a full 1080p HDMI video signal, which eliminates the need for converting the video signal to the switcher. Full scaling is a huge feature, especially for corporate, worship, and school applications where you need to connect a computer for graphics, titling software, scoreboard applications, or older analog HD video equipment. Use the XLR inputs on the side of the AV mixer to plug in microphones or balanced audio sources. Keep in mind that channels 1 to 4 have these audio effects to sweeten your audio: compressors, gates, and 3-band EQ. These are useful for enhancing speaking voices for presentations, town halls, and discussion panels. You can also de-embed and mix audio from your HDMI video sources and mix audio via the USB port during SKYPE calls. Use Echo Cancel effect to eliminate feedback on the computer audio. Step 3 - Using Facebook and Google Chrome to Live Stream With the recent upgrades to Google Chrome and Firefox, streaming to Facebook Live is easier than ever. 1. Open Google Chrome 2. Log in to Facebook 3. Ensure you are on your correct (business) page 4. Go to the ‘Write a Post’ section and select the ‘live’ button 5. With the new integration between Facebook and your Browser (Chrome/Firefox) you will be offered an immediate connection to stream live. 6. On the right side of the interface you will see the Camera option. Click on the drop down menu and select the VR-4HD. 7. Now go to the audio option and again select the VR-4HD. 8. You now have the option to add a title to your live stream. 9. You can also add tags to help your stream attract search audiences. 10. Now it is time to ‘Go Live’! Press the blue button on the bottom right. You will see a 3 second countdown before going live. 11. When you are finished your live stream you can click on the red ‘End Live Stream’ button. Now you will be offered the choice to Post the Live Stream on your Timeline or Delete the recording. 12. If you accept you will be able to see your Live Stream appear after a few minutes.