In light of the fact that Google Hangouts on Air is being moved to YouTube Live as of this month, it’s good to know that there are some alternatives that make live streaming possible. While Google Hangouts on Air is certainly one way to stream, for those looking for a bit more features, here are some other alternatives.
XSplit
Usability: XSplit is a free and fairly easy to use program, once you get the hang of it. It allows different options to record desktop screen, gameplay, webcam, text, and images. It also allows the user to have multiple scenes allowing, smoother transitions. For example, a user can put up a kind of “stand-by” background while they set up on their computer.
Motivation: XSplit can be utilized by teachers looking to do a flipped classroom or do tutorials. It’s also nice because with screen capture, it only captures what has been selected, so any windows or notifications that may pop up within that boundary are never recorded. It’s also nice not to get that “mirroring” effect that some screencast programs have.
Pros: XSplit can stream to many different platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch. Has a whiteboard feature, where the user can draw inside program. Allows you to input sources from Skype, videos, URLs, and even slideshows.
Cons: Google’s “Hardware acceleration” option interferes with screen recording, resulting in a black screen. For me, it cut off at about 40 minutes.
Open Broadcasting Software
Usability: Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is an open-source free streaming software. I have personally used this program more than once and have found it a bit frustrating, because I could never get it to stream to any site, YouTube and otherwise. The interface is simple and straightforward. Like XSplit it has the capability of capturing the desktop, images, and slideshows.
Motivation: If teachers can figure out how to use it (because it might be that I’ve been doing something wrong), I think OBS is a good way to start streaming. With the simple interface, isn’t too hard, but I would take care to read the instructions or watch tutorials on getting set up.
Pros: Simple, clean layout. It’s free, and looks pretty easy to use.
Cons: Frustrating if it doesn’t work or you don’t know what you’re doing. I think that’s with any software, though.
Tech Girl 