Platform: Zoom
Cost: Paid or Free version (meetings in free account are limited to 40 minutes)
Link: https://www.zoom.us
Virtual conferencing tool that has a high number of customizable features. Zoom is also known for working well in low-bandwidth environments, and users can connect to a meeting through laptops, desktops, mobile devices, DVC systems, and even audio-only call-in option. The Pro and Business accounts feature Facebook Live and YouTube Live streaming, as well as being able to stream to a third-party encoder, such as OBS, which will allow you embed the Zoom feed onto a website. Zoom also integrates with legacy VTC equipment (Cisco, Polycom, etc), but with the additional account add-on called "Room Connector." Zoom for Government is a specialized offering for government agencies with added security features.
Contact Info: [email protected]
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Platform: Google Hangout
Cost: Free
Link: https://hangouts.google.com
Free video conferencing tool allowing up to 25 video and/or audio-only participants. Google Hangout allows you to integrate elements such as screen sharing or YouTube videos into your call.
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Platform: Google Meet
Cost: Paid
Link: https://meet.google.com
Paid video conferencing tool allowing up to 250 video and/or audio-only participants. Easily integrates into Google G-Suite. Can launch, schedule, and join meetings from your calendar.
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Platform: Webex
Cost: Paid
Link: https://www.webex.com
Paid video conferencing tool that allows from 50 - 1,000 participants, depending on the level of account. Webinar add-on allows you to host an online presentation with up to 3,000 participants and stream to up to 40,000 viewers. Webex can be accessed from a browser, mobile app, or desktop client.
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Platform: Skype
Cost: Free
Link: www.skype.com/
Free video conferencing tool allowing up to ten video participants, as well as screen sharing and audio-only participation.
Tool: Twitter Widget
Cost: Free
Embeddable widget that shows live feed of a hashtag or handle.
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Tool: Chatroll
Cost: Free to $249/month depending on user needs
Link: http://chatroll.com/pricing
Embeddable chat room with login access from Twitter, Facebook or as a guest.
Platform: YouTube Live
Cost: Free
This platform integrates with your Google+ account and allows you to stream live programs to a global audience. All programs are recorded and stored automatically to the video manager. From there, you can choose to edit, hide or publish your content.
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Platform: IBM Video (Ustream)
Cost: Depends on level of service.
Link: https://video.ibm.com/platform/plans
Members can broadcast directly from the Ustream website or from a mobile device using Ustream's mobile broadcasting application. Integration of the Ustream Producer App allows you to add graphics and content to your live stream. Ustream members can also record and save videos for future broadcast distribution. Ustream's video platform is known for its ability to provide viewers with different ways to interact with the presenter during a live broadcast, providing broadcasters with chat and instant polling features, as well as allowing integration with Twitter and Facebook news feeds.
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Platform: Livestream
Cost: Depends of level of service.
Link: http://new.livestream.com/solutions/government
Broadcast to millions, live in HD with their Platform, Producer, Broadcaster and Studio products.
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Platform: Facebook Live
Cost: Free
Link: https://live.fb.com/
This is a great choice if you have a strong Facebook following. You can easily go live from you computer, mobile device or studio.
Tool: Open Broadcaster Software
Cost: Free
Link: https://obsproject.com/
Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming.
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Tool: Flash Media Live Encoder
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.videohelp.com/software/Flash-Media-Live-Encoder
Adobe® Flash® Media Live Encoder 3.2 live audio and video capture software is a media encoder that streams audio and video in real time to Adobe Media Server software or Flash Video Streaming Service (FVSS).
Tool: Adobe Creative Cloud
Cost: Depends on level of service.
Link: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html
Adobe Creative Cloud allows you to download apps to you computer for editing graphics, videos, audio, etc. For example, Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing tool that can be used one your program is over in order to trim video or create clips. Adobe Photoshop is a photo editing app that allows you to enhance digital photographs or build your own graphics from scratch. These are only two of many possible apps the Adobe Creative Cloud offers.