[Professional Explanation] FAQ on How to Choose a Streaming Studio! Key Points to Avoid Failure in YouTube Recording and Webinar Streaming
Hello everyone!
I'm Watanabe, one of the people behind the scenes of 'Video Streaming Talk @ IIJ'.
When creating videos or conducting streams, what criteria do you use to choose a studio?
Of course, it is important to choose based on the interior and equipment that match your purpose and production needs.
In this article, for those who are looking for a studio for video streaming, webinars, or content production, and for those who are not sure how to choose, I have summarized items that are easy to overlook but serve as criteria for choosing a studio in an FAQ format.
1. How to Choose a Streaming Studio: Basics
Q1. What types of studios are there in the first place?
A1. While we use the word 'studio' as a catch-all, there are various types depending on the purpose. For example, there are TV/film studios, recording studios, photo studios, house studios, and streaming studios.
Each has equipment and an environment suited to its purpose, so you must first select the type that fits your goal for using the studio. House studios and streaming studios are often used for video production and streaming.
House studios utilize natural light and are well-stocked with attractive furniture, kitchens, tableware, plants, and other props, but the atmosphere of the location is the main focus, and equipment is often minimal or non-existent. If you want to emphasize the atmosphere of the location, choosing a house studio that matches your image is one option. Streaming studios are more specialized for streaming and are often equipped not only with shooting equipment but also with equipment, environments, power, and network infrastructure for streaming.
If you are considering video production, webinars, or live streaming and are not yet accustomed to it, I recommend using a streaming studio that has the necessary equipment and environment.
There are also spaces for fitness activities like dance or yoga that are called studios, but I will omit them as they are outside the scope of this article.
Q2. What should I use as a criterion when using a streaming studio for the first time?
A2. When choosing a streaming studio, the trick to choosing without failure is to base it on these three points: (1) equipment that matches your purpose, (2) the presence of an operator (technical staff), and (3) ease of access.
The necessary equipment, network environment, and assumed risks differ depending on whether it is a 'recording' for YouTube or a 'live stream' such as a webinar. Also, when using a studio for the first time, it is reassuring to have a studio where you can hire an operator who can immediately respond to troubles with equipment or facilities. If you can consult with the studio staff about production methods, the possibility of finishing with a more effective video increases.
Q3. What are the conditions for a studio suitable for YouTube filming and video recording?
A3. To record and create high-quality YouTube videos, it is a prerequisite to have a completely soundproof environment with high sound insulation, high-quality cameras, and appropriate lighting.
If noise gets into the audio, it increases the effort required for editing. Also, high-quality cameras significantly affect not only the quality of the video itself but also the quality of background compositing (chroma key compositing) using a green screen. If you are bringing in props or sets for production, check in advance whether they are allowed, if they can be brought in by car, and confirm the loading route.
Q4. Is it a studio that can handle webinar streaming like Zoom?
A4. It is important to check in advance whether the streaming studio you are using has resident staff (operators) who are knowledgeable about the latest specifications and updates for Zoom.
Streaming platforms like Zoom are frequently updated, and not only are new features implemented, but the minimum required version that can be used also changes according to lifecycle policies. To conduct a trouble-free webinar stream, you need to choose a studio that understands the latest specifications of the platform.
2. Equipment and Environment
Q5. How important is the studio's internet connection when conducting a live stream (webinar)?
A5. The internet connection is the most important factor in live streaming, and you should choose a studio that provides a dedicated, independent wired LAN (with an uplink speed of at least 100 Mbps and redundant multiple lines).
A studio's network is not used solely for streaming. It is used simultaneously in various ways, such as checking the actual video being streamed, uploading/downloading materials, and receiving external video feeds. Furthermore, a studio with a resident network engineer who can respond immediately to internet connection issues allows for even more stable streaming. Regarding the network within the studio, it is also a good idea to confirm in advance whether Wi-Fi for staff and guests is completely separated and whether security and bandwidth are ensured.
Q6. Do I need to bring my own equipment when using the studio?
A6. Many streaming studios allow you to rent a full set of basic equipment, including cameras, microphones, switchers, mixers, and lighting, so you can use them without bringing your own.
If a list of available equipment is posted on the studio's official website, you can check the number of microphones and the manufacturer and number of cameras in advance. If a list is not posted or you are unsure if the necessary equipment is available, you can get an answer by contacting the studio directly. Also, pay attention to the pricing structure, such as whether equipment rental is paid or free (included in the set). If you are bringing your own equipment, you also need to check if there are any carry-in fees or rules.
For example, IIJ Studio TOKYO provides cameras such as the SONY FX6, FX3, Panasonic HC-X2, and AW-UE100 (PTZ camera), as well as a TriCaster (switcher), TASCAM Sonicview 24 (mixer), various microphones, and prompters.
3. Fees and Procedures
Q7. What is the market price for a streaming studio?
A7. The market price for streaming studios in Tokyo is generally 5,000 to 20,000 yen per hour for rental only (space rental) and 20,000 to 50,000 yen per hour for plans with an operator.
Depending on the studio, the price range and scope of support vary based on whether it is intended for individual use or corporate use. Also, be sure to check in advance, as there are often house rules such as price fluctuations for weekends, holidays, and late-night use, minimum usage times (e.g., 4 hours or more), or requirements to always have an operator present.
Studios that are more expensive than the general market price have reasons for setting those rates. We recommend inquiring if you have any concerns.
Q8. Is it possible to make a last-minute reservation or visit for a site inspection (location scout)?
A8. Depending on the studio's availability, same-day or last-minute reservations may be possible, but we recommend visiting the actual studio before signing a contract to prevent trouble during the actual event.
Even if it looks good in photos on the website, there may be a mismatch where it feels smaller than expected when you actually go there. If possible, it is safer to choose a studio where you can also perform connection tests to your intended streaming platform during the site inspection stage. Also, when using a plan with an operator, it is best to make reservations and preparations with plenty of time, as you will need to discuss the streaming content and production, as well as prepare materials.
We strongly recommend that you visit the studio before signing a contract, rather than just before use, to check information not posted on the website, such as entry and exit procedures, flow lines for performers, restrooms, and routes for loading and unloading luggage and equipment.
Stable High-Speed Lines and Extensive Track Record: Introducing IIJ Studio TOKYO
If you are looking for a highly reliable streaming studio in Tokyo, please consider "IIJ Studio TOKYO," conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Iidabashi Station in Chiyoda Ward.
Located within the headquarters office of IIJ (Internet Initiative Japan), it is a professional filming and streaming studio intended for corporate use.
Proven Track Record: We have a wide variety of achievements, including program production and streaming for U-NEXT, recording of YouTube content, and streaming of corporate recruitment events.
Staff Who Know the Field Inside and Out: We have many specialized members who are well-versed in the streaming field and will flexibly respond to your requests and consultations regarding production methods.
Stable network environment for streaming: Leveraging our expertise as Japan's first ISP (Internet Service Provider), we are equipped with multiple stable, redundant lines that ensure no interruptions, even during continuous streaming of 24 hours or more.
Support for advanced streaming methods: We can also handle streaming technologies such as "remote production" using external broadcast feeds.
We also provide comfortable waiting rooms with views from high floors, which are unparalleled in Tokyo. As professionals in networking and streaming, we help you create and broadcast high-quality videos that enhance your company's branding and credibility.
If you have any questions or consultations regarding streaming or video production, please feel free to contact us via the "Contact Us" button on our official website.
Checklist for "Choosing a Streaming Studio" to Avoid Failure
When deciding on or visiting a studio, please first check the following items.
[Basics & Equipment]
[ ] Is the studio type suitable for your purpose (specialized for streaming or a house studio)?
[ ] Is the necessary equipment (number of cameras, types of microphones, switchers, etc.) available?
[ ] If you are bringing your own equipment, are the rules for connection and fees clearly presented?
[Network & Stability]
[ ] Is there an independent wired LAN line dedicated to streaming?
[ ] Is a backup line (redundancy) secured in case of an emergency?
[ ] Is there an engineer nearby who can handle network issues?
[Staff & Support]
[ ] Is there staff knowledgeable about the latest specifications of streaming platforms (Zoom, etc.)?
[ ] Can you entrust the operation on the day of the event to them?
[ ] Can you consult on the production and composition in advance?
[Environment & Access]
[ ] Is the location easily accessible for performers and staff?
[ ] Are there facilities such as waiting rooms and restrooms to ensure comfort during long shoots?
[ ] Is the equipment loading/unloading route and vehicle access convenient?
If you feel that "some items are not checked off" or "I want to proceed while consulting with a professional," please come visit IIJ Studio TOKYO. Our expert staff will resolve your concerns one by one.