The Importance of Site Surveys

There is so much that goes into a successful live stream project, and one of the most important steps (but probably least exciting) is doing a site survey. When doing a live stream project, I always recommend a site survey be completed several weeks in advance. This allows us to check the site to make sure everything is ready-to-go in order to make your live stream the best that it can be! Also, by leaving this much time before an event, it allows for less stress and more flexibility in fixing or re-arranging, which usually leads also to a smaller cost for the client. Doing a site survey days before, or even the day of the event can lead to disastrous results and a final outcome that may not be as impactful for the audience. Lastly, because we are perfectionists over at Focal Point Productions, we want to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible for all of our clients. This step has proven to be priceless in terms of the best outcome possible.

Here is an inside look at part of our checklist, so that you know how to prepare before our visits!

• Test the Internet connection- is it a strong connection?

• Check for a hard-wired connection - this is a must. Where is the location of the nearest port?

• Check the upload speed. Insider tip:  Check out the free website www.speedtest.net to check beforehand. I prefer having at least 10mbps upload speed for the best results.

• Talk to the IT department about any Port blocking or firewalls.

• Make sure our connection goes right to the outside internet, with no splash or login page.

• Locate the nearest electrical outlets.

• What about lighting (windows, overhead lights, etc)? Check for anything that could potentially be problematic, keeping the time of day in mind as well. This applies to outside lighting as well.

• Are there any audio concerns? Examples: loud air conditioning, phones ringing, busy hallway, traffic.

• Where will we put the cameras.? What’s the best way to run our cables from the cameras back to the control room?

• Where can we park the van and what’s the best and safest way to get our equipment in and out? Does the location have any strict rules about this?

• Decide where we can put tables and chairs for our crew and equipment.

• Where will our crew park? This is different from the van. We generally have several people helping us the day of the event.

• Are there any security rules we need to adhere to?

• Do any areas need to be blocked off so the public won’t interfere with our equipment and cables or trip?

• Where can we put our empty equipment cases during the event? We want to make sure the aesthetic is pleasing for the audience and camera.

Let us know what questions you may have or if there are other tips you’d be interested in us sharing. We enjoy sharing our knowledge with you all!

-Marty