vMix Telestrator and more new features from vMix 28
Written by Paul Richards on September 17, 2024
This year at the 2024 IBC Show, vMix previewed vMix 28. The most impressive feature was a brand new Telestrator which can be used over the Web Controller function. Each vMix system has a web address that can be used to control the vMix system from another computer on the same local area network. This new Telestrator will show up for use as an option in the Web Controller.
Here are the top vMix 28 features:
- Web Controller Telestrator
- Streaming Destinations x5
- Flatten Layers setting
- OnPlaybackTime trigger
- MultiView2 output added
- MultiView outputs can now show just inputs
- Encoder Statistics
Top vMix 28 Features
The top new features in vMix 28 for the StreamGeeks are the Telestrator, streaming to 5 destinations, flattening layers and the encoder statistics. As mentioned above, the Telestrator will allow us to annotate on top of live video with a touch screen system. This can be used with a smartphone or tablet by visiting the web-controller address with any web-browser. The latency on this annotation system seems very low and allows the producer to give on camera talent access to a powerful presentation.
How does the vMix Telestrator work?
The video below outlines how to use the vMix Telestrator. First you would need to make sure the feature is enabled in the Settings area. It may be enabled by default, but during our demo there was a notice about enabling the feature that popped us when we tried to add the Telestrator as a new input. Once enabled, you can add the input which shows up as a blank transparent layer that you can use to overlay over your video output. Then you can connect to the web-browser input and open the Telestrator area. Here you can pick a color and start to annotate on a low-latency video feed coming from the output of vMix. This video feed is high enough quality to view specific areas that you might want to highlight while also not being too much to bog down a touch screen device.
Streaming Destinations x5
One of the most exciting updates in vMix 28 is the ability to stream to up to five destinations simultaneously. Previously, producers were limited in the number of platforms they could broadcast to directly from vMix. With this update, you can now reach a broader audience by streaming to multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and custom RTMP servers—all at once. This feature is perfect for multi-platform content creators who want to maximize their reach without the need for additional third-party services.
Flatten Layers Setting
The new Flatten Layers setting offers enhanced creative control, making complex layer manipulations a breeze. This feature allows you to flatten all 10 layers within a single input, enabling you to control them as a single entity. With this update, you can apply image manipulations like zooming in, rotating, or moving all layers together. This is particularly useful when dealing with layered graphics, multi-camera setups, or complex overlays, as it simplifies adjustments and ensures all elements stay in sync during transitions or modifications.
OnPlaybackTime Trigger
The OnPlaybackTime trigger opens up new possibilities for automation within your productions. This trigger allows you to set specific actions to occur at designated times during media playback. For example, you can automatically switch scenes, display overlays, or trigger animations at specific points in a video or audio file. This adds a new layer of precision to your production, ensuring that every element is perfectly timed without manual intervention.
MultiView 2 Output Added
vMix 28 introduces the MultiView2 output, expanding the MultiView capabilities of the software. MultiView is a powerful feature that allows you to combine multiple inputs into a single output. With MultiView2, you can now create an additional layer of complexity, offering more options for creating unique and engaging layouts. This can be especially useful for productions requiring different multi-camera angles, layered graphics, or side-by-side comparisons, giving you even more flexibility in crafting your live video presentation.
MultiView Outputs Can Now Show Just Inputs
In previous versions of vMix, MultiView outputs were often tied to complex layouts, making it challenging to isolate individual inputs. With vMix 28, MultiView outputs can now show just the inputs, offering more straightforward control over what appears on each MultiView output. This enhancement allows for a cleaner and more focused presentation, perfect for productions that require specific inputs to be highlighted without the complexity of additional layers.
Encoder Statistics
Keeping track of your stream’s performance is crucial, and vMix 28 now provides detailed Encoder Statistics to help you monitor the quality and stability of your stream in real time. This feature offers valuable insights into bitrate, CPU usage, dropped frames, and more. Having access to these statistics allows you to make adjustments on the fly to ensure a smooth and high-quality streaming experience, minimizing the risk of technical issues during live broadcasts.
Conclusion
vMix 28 is packed with innovative features that provide greater flexibility and control over your live productions. From multi-destination streaming to enhanced MultiView outputs and improved layer manipulation, this update empowers producers to create more dynamic and polished broadcasts. Whether you’re managing a complex multi-camera event or a simple live stream, these new tools in vMix 28 will help take your productions to the next level.
Are you excited about the new features in vMix 28? Let us know how you plan to use them in your next production!