We recently go a HUGE upgrade to our equipment inventory. The LiveU backpacks are beyond what we thought was possible, and we’re just getting started! Don’t worry – This Won’t Take Long.
Live U is one of the leaders in the broadcasting industry and we are super excited to be expanding our capabilities with the addition of these new products. Let’s look at everything we got from Live U.
What equipment did we get from LiveU?
First off, we have a total of 4 backpacks, 2 LU800, and 2 LU800 PRO. That’s a lot of equipment! The LU800 is capable of 1 camera input stream up to 4k, while the LU800 PRO can do up to 4 camera feeds at 1080.
We also got a LU4000, a 4-channel decoder, the LU2000, a one channel decoder, and the LU610 which is a single channel encoder. All of the encoders and decoders use the LiveU Reliable Transport (LRT) streaming protocol.
This protocol was built by LiveU to accommodate the current needs of bonding on 4g and 5g networks in addition to traditional wired and wireless networks for a reliable streaming experience.
All the encoders and decoders are rack mounted and live in our server room where they are integrated into our broadcasting workflow through our NewTek TriCaster.
In total, we got seven (7) pieces of new equipment from LiveU!
Backpacks
Starting off with the Backpacks let’s talk about their cellular bonding. Each backpack can have 8 radios, 2 ethernet ports, and wi-fi capability which are able to be bonded through Live U’s patented bonding services. In our previous backpacks we had a maximum of 4 radios, one ethernet connection, and one wi-fi connection for a total of 6 internet inputs.
Having up to 11 internet connections INSANE.
The LU800’s also have dual sim functionality allowing us to put international SIMs in the B-side for international broadcast productions! With a flip of a switch, we can take these things anywhere and livestream. Talk about ease of use! Much like other livestreaming set ups we can connect one of our broadcast cameras to the backpack via SDI, turn it on and start streaming!
The live feed gets sent to our decoders in the server room. Let’s head over there and talk about some of the other amazing gear we got from Live U.
Decoders
The LU4000 which is the 4 channel decoder. The LU2000 serves the same function as the LU4000 except it only does one channel. Having both allows us to have a dynamic workflow to meet all of our customers’ needs.
We have both of these units set up to integrate directly with our NewTek TriCaster. The live feed from our Backpack is being sent here and then being brought into the TriCaster for production. Once we have it ready to go live it gets sent to our LU610 which encodes the stream and sends it to its final location. This is the LU610 which is the final step in the broadcasting process before it gets sent to its final destination.
One of the coolest things about this device is that it can send the broadcast feed back to a backpack for live monitoring in addition to sending it to Facebook, Twitch, YouTube or whatever streaming platform is desired.
That’s all of the hardware we got, but there are some additional features we love about this ecosystem.
Additional LiveU Features
First is the LiveU University where we can learn all of the intricacies of the units and master our craft. Another great feature of the LiveU ecosystem is the ability to use collaborate with other LiveU users. With our backpacks we can be onsite camera operators for a remote broadcast produced by another Live U customer.
We are excited to see what opportunities this brings and how we can collaborate with other creators.
If you would like to learn more about the units we touched on please follow for more or contact us!
Just looking for a review? Watch the video below or skip to the section called “The Review”.
As you may know about BCC Live, we help put on many events. In 2023 alone, we will be working at more than 90 different events to include triathlons, marathons, short distance runs, galas, conferences, remote yoga guidance, virtual medical conferences and so many more. We really get around in the event industry and we are always looking for companies that make the right equipment for each job. We rent, we own, and we make sure each event has exactly what it needs to be the most successful it can be. The MicroCue3 is by far one of the BEST purchases we’ve made this year!
New Equipment at Events
When you are around as many events as we are, you really notice the small details. Things that most of the public might not think about or even be aware of. You try new equipment, you get burned, you have equipment failures or malfunctions, and you work as hard and fast as you can to troubleshoot any issues that arise to have them resolved before anyone has a chance to notice. There are some cases though, where if you have something go wrong, people will notice immediately.
One of the most important things at a conference is making sure everything is as smooth as possible for the presenters. I’m sure we have all experienced someone speaking on stage only for their slideshow not to work – either a video fails to play, or the slide fails to progress, or they get out of order. These things can and do happen, so we try as hard as we can to plan ahead to avoid issues for our speakers. We run through every slideshow multiple times on the hardware it will be used with, we have backup plans in place, and we coach our speakers on best practices, but what if there is an equipment malfunction?
Ensuring Success
When someone is presenting onstage at a conference, they will sometimes be hundreds of feet away from the computer that holds their slideshow. Because of this, a normal slideshow clicker you can pick up at Best Buy or Target is often not strong enough to reach. These devices tend to utilize Bluetooth to operate, the same technology used for wireless earbuds, which only has an effective range of around 30 feet.
Even if the signal is strong enough, when the room fills with people and cell phones, the signal can run into interference causing it to stop without warning. When this happens, it leaves the speaker in the awkward position of having to call out to the crew each time they need a slide changed. This doesn’t ruin a presentation, but it can cause the speaker to lose their flow or be thrown off their game. So, what are our options?
The “Super Clicker” – MicroCue3
This is an issue we at BCC Live have dealt with for years. In the past, we have always relied on renting what we refer to as a “Super Clicker”. This is essentially the same type of small remote you can pick up at the store, but it has dedicated antennas and does not rely on Bluetooth for its connection. These devices also have a visual readout on the device that sits with the computer running the presentation, so that if it fails to trigger the slideshow to advance automatically, it can still alert the crew to make the change without the speaker even noticing the problem.
This year, for the 2023 Running USA Industry Conference (read all about that here) we chose to supply all the equipment for the main stage. Where we have always rented the Super Clicker in the past, this year we decided to get one of our own.
Analyzing the Options
Now, you already read the title of this blog post and can probably guess which Super Clicker we decided to go with, but I want to tell you why we made this choice before I give you our review. In the past, the standard for a Super Clicker has pretty much been the DSAN PerfectCue System. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the PerfectCue, we have used it many times over the years and it has always worked great.
When we began looking around for the one we would purchase, we considered the PerfectCue and even looked to purchase it. The problem was it seemed to be out of stock everywhere we looked. As a matter of fact, every version of it is even out of stock on DSAN’s website (as of time of writing). We don’t know if they are having trouble getting the parts or if the line is discontinued entirely, so we kept looking.
Interspace Industries
What we found was a small company called Interspace Industries. They had a product very similar to the PerfectCue, called the MicroCue3, and it was available for immediate order. Without much information online we reached out to the company to make sure they seemed legit. Not only did we get a quick response from the company, it was from the man who makes the MicroCue. Interspace Industries is based in the UK and they know their stuff!
We discussed our needs and were guided to the MicroCue3 as the best product for what we were wanting. There were still no outside sources with reviews for us to look into, but the team at Interspace Industries seemed top notch and that was reason enough for us to give this product a try!
The MicroCue3 Review
One of the most important things we consider at BCC Live with new products is what we call the “Manual Test”. Essentially, do you need a manual to get the product working the first time or is it simple/intuitive enough you can go without? The MicroCue3 gets a big “No Manual” stamp of approval for us.
I will add that to connect the handset initially, you may need to use the manual, but if you click around like we did it is self-explanatory. The hard part of this review is that it’s so short. It just works. You plug the base station into your computer and launch your presentation software, then you click the button on the remote. It is that simple and that effective. We never had to troubleshoot, never had any issues with connectivity, and the readout on the screen always worked.
I was able to advance the slideshow from literally anywhere in the large banquet hall without issue or delay. I absolutely love this device! It gets a full 5 out of 5 and we will be using the Interspace Industries MicroCue3 forever. It also comes with a laser cut hard case for travel.
Other MicroCue3 Features
Let me talk you through a few other options available with the MicroCue. The range from one device is claimed to be 100m. We tested the handset through the entire ballroom for our event and didn’t have any delay or missed clicks from what I would estimate to be a max of 200ft from the receiver. A cool additional feature of the MicroCue3 is the ability to link multiple base stations together over a standard XLR to vastly extend your range. This is not something we have tested, but it is a unique feature that Interspace Industries claims can extend your range (under certain circumstances) to 1500m.
There are also many bundle options to fit what you need for your event. We got the MC3-L2 which comes with the MicroCue3 Base Station (and cables) and a 2-button handset that includes a laser pointer, but you can get a bundle with multiple base stations and an additional button on the handset to black out the screen.
So once again, I will say that I love this device! If you need a professional Super Clicker, I can’t recommend this one enough. Not only is it a great product, it is also made by a great company!
Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas is the largest event in the Rock n’ Roll Running Series, and it’s also one of our most involved events! To help put on a world-class show, BCC Live takes on a wide array of responsibilities and we need a lot of people on the ground in Vegas to get the job done! This event calls for a grand total of twelve BCC Live hotshots spread across the city. How do we get our team there and ready to help?
Viva Las Vegas
Our friends at Rock n’ Roll gave us a little help from the start by partnering with 15 different hotels. Through this partnership they set aside room blocks for athletes and staff with special rates. How convenient! This year, we chose to stay in Resorts World Las Vegas. Not only is it a wonderful new facility with plenty of dining and shopping options, it’s also the home of the Health and Fitness Expo for the race.
What about getting to Las Vegas in the first place? We’re based in Boulder, Colorado, however, some of our team doesn’t live in Colorado. For them, every event is a delicate balancing act between aligning our schedules and finding the best price point. As you can imagine, that can become a complex undertaking! For this event we flew out different groups on different days as they were needed, which meant our crew was only fully assembled on Friday, just in time for the race!
Health and Fitness Expo
Fortunately, the first team we sent to Vegas was able to handle setting up the Health and Fitness Expo for Rock ‘n’ Roll Vegas, which was no small feat. This year’s expo had three separate tents, two DJs, one large mobile store, and immaculate vibes. Combinations of passive and active speakers were used to cover the entire expo with DJ Mal-Ski, DJ Cable, and DJ Classified’s music for a fully immersive experience. From registration to the merchandise store every inch of the expo was covered.
Every event store is unique, and this store was no exception. With the number of athletes over 30,000, we had to make sure the store was large enough to meet the demand. This required us to build a store with more than 20 registers, coordinating the activation, shipment, and installation. It all went off without a hitch. In addition to the main Expo store, we also activated two finish line stores, one for the 5K and one for the half-marathon where athletes could grab some last-minute gear or have their finisher medal engraved.
Fremont 5K
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas 5K Festival.
While waiting for their medal, 5K athletes were able to party in the festival area pre- and post-race. Located by Fremont Street, the 5K festival was no doubt a party. The performances, lights, and music were unforgettable. There were battling DJs, circus performers, drinks, photo ops, and even a 40-yard dash. One of the coolest parts of the 5K festival, for us, was the live broadcasting of the event to the LED walls in the festival. We had two manned cameras in the festival area and one person backstage in the video control room calling the shots. Pre-race and post-race, athletes and friends alike were able to have a beer and get a close look at the DJ’s battling it out on stage.
Flowics Graphics broadcasting the start line to the start village. This lets athletes know when to load, with special guest appearances!
Fast-forward to the half-marathon start line and we have another festival! There were three big screens in the start village area that we sent video to ensure the thousands of athletes loaded into the start line at the proper time. Participants are separated into loading groups to allow for a better flow onto the course. We provided a graphics solution combined with video to make for a fun and functional load to the start line. We used our Flowics graphics software to put up the current loading color group with a countdown to the next color loading, so the next color knew how long before they were up. Combined with circus performers, carnival games and DJ Cable spinning tunes, the start village was a hopping place to be while waiting for your wave to start. We also connected back to the start line with a live feed of all of the festivities happening as the race started from the national anthem to the Blue Man Group cheering on the athletes to the start of the races.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon and 10K Start Line.
We did not do this alone. With the help from AV Vegas supplying the 360° stage and DJ surround (allowing an audience on all sides), Entertainment Studios Inc bringing all of the parties together, and Final Design Group LLC with their cameras and camera switching we all were able to put on a great show. Everyone went above and beyond working with each other to go the extra mile for the athletes.
Participants begin their day at the Start Festival a few blocks east of Las Vegas Boulevard. After enjoying the entertainment and games there, they begin a ¾-mile journey to the start line through an alley full of entertainers, nonstop music, art, lights, and effects until they reach the Las Vegas strip. From there, they turn south where they are greeted by the sounds of DJ Nestorand one of the wonderful emcees for the event, Jackie, at a 20’ tall DJ scaffold towering over the city in the middle of the strip.After moving past this DJ, the athletes reached a 2nd 20’ tall scaffold with another DJ named Jason. These PAs were each designed to provide coverage for a 400’-600’ long area of the Start Line loading zone with high-energy entertainment. They each utilized a JBL VRX900 Series system consisting of two 18’ subwoofers and four 12” constant curvature line array boxes.
Finally, the last send-off to the course is the Start Line–a massive 21’ tall structure spans the street topped with CO2 cannons and fireworks. On one side is a 2-level stage with an LED wall and DJ Mal-Ski spinning on top, and of course, our QSC Wideline 8 PA. For the national anthem, sung by Cirque du Soleil Singers of the local show Mad Apple (they crushed it), and to share the moments before the start of the race with the athletes spread down the strip, we utilized an audio-over-ethernet extender made by SESCOM which allows for a passive transmission of line level audio over distances up to 2000 feet.
By paying out nearly two full boxes of CAT5 cable and crimping them on the spot, we were able to bring all 3 large sound systems together to form a reliable, dual-purpose PA. This single PA was a perfectly time-synced set of delays driven by our Behringer X32, . We also used it to split into 3 separate dance parties that were carefully distanced apart to make sure there was minimal bleed, but also optimal coverage of entertainment. Then, to keep the rolling start entertaining for all participants, we had a special guest appearance by members of the Blue Man Group making us laugh and sending off the runners like air traffic controllers. At the start we also had broadcast cameras, both static and mobile, sending live feeds back to the start festival. We were able to share the Blue Man Group and the Cirque du Soleil performers from the start line back to the athletes waiting for their group to load. The athletes waiting for their group got to enjoy the festivities while hanging out at the start festival.
The World’s Largest Selfie
World Largest Selfie Activation on Las Vegas Boulevard.
For the second year in a row, we got to be a part of a really cool and unique activation on course that we haven’t seen anywhere else before. We set up a camera on course in front of the host hotel, Resorts World Las Vegas, and streamed a live feed of that camera onto the LED screen on the side of the hotel. Branded as “The World’s Largest Selfie,” we encouraged participants to get their cameras out and capture a photo of themselves larger than life on the side of a resort. This was such an amazing activation and was a huge hit on course with dozens of athletes lining up to get their photo. We accomplished this by sending our camera feed into a laptop using a Blackmagic Ultrastudio where we added graphics. We then fed out to a Hollyland Wireless Transmitter that sent the feed wirelessly 400 feet to the Resorts World AV technicians who ran the feed into a fiber converter and up to the wall! It was a truly incredible feat and something that will live on forever in the minds of all the participants. The finish line. The one area at every event that each 10K or half-marathon participant who toes the start line dreams of. Located on the Las Vegas strip itself, the athletes finished their race in front of the Mirage Hotel’s volcano show.
We activated the audio and live streaming providing a unique experience for everyone who made it to the finish. With a mix of pop and rock, we jammed all night. From the first elite athletes who blazed through the course to the last participant at 10:30pm, each of them was treated the same.
The Grand Finale
Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 10K Finish.
The atmosphere around the finish line area was electric. Spectators lined the chute all night long. Our friends at Boom Box Entertainment provided a variety of lighting and pyrotechnics that really made this finish line one of a kind.
The lighting techs ran into some issues early and we were able to assist them in resolving some power issues that were unrelated to them. Thankfully, everything was resolved before the sun went down and the participants had no idea there was ever an issue. The pyrotechnics were amazing: A series of fireballs lit up the chute not only in an orange glow but with a brief hint of heat on a chilly evening. The athletes came in in droves – hundreds of athletes at a time were welcomed by the one and only Ann Wesling.
After it was all said and done, we had a flawless live stream for viewers across the globe, a fantastic playlist that brought energy and entertainment to anyone who could hear it and we had the best in the business working alongside us. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience for myself, our team, and the participants. I cannot wait to do it all over again next year!
