A Little Internet Radio History
As professional Light Workers and Activists began to jump on the Blog Talk Radio circuit, the one truly important component for a great show was good content. A phone or computer speaker was adequate for universal sound setting. Those that wanted to add more professional sound quality and explored the world of microphones, soon, like me, accumulated huge balls of jumbled cords of generic and expensive microphones that did little to change the one man Universal Sound Audio Board effect.
Furstrated, in 2010 I left the wonderful and well marketed Blog Talk Radio to seek a smaller, less marketed private station, Achieve Radio, with it's own creative sound engineer. Preemo sound was the king as long as the host was willing to buy a quality headset. I love this station and though marketing my show is primarily my own responsibility, it's no different then self publishing a book with Balboa or any good Self Publisher. I am seen where ever I want provided Im willing to make the marketing effort. This I do on Face book, Twitter and Hootsuite.
I AM THE ONLY SHOW ON AT THE TIME SLOT OF MY CHOICE
Unlike the well marketed Blog Talk Radio, at my smaller radio station I am the only show on at my chosen weekly time slot, every week. I no longer fight to be heard in competition with 1000 other hosts all with shows on at the same time as my show. It was hard to keep listeners from hopping from one show to another. Now that I have stayed with my Achieve Radio station they have advanced to Live You Tube TV, WHICH OPENS ANOTHER DOOR.....how to be current and relevant in the Video World.
Wanting to share the best sound, lighting and back drop equipment I have found, as well as tips on how to use lighting effectively for small web cam video broadcast, I've found a way to fit it into my life on a shoe string budget, Here goes:
SEEK A COMPATIBLE GOOD QUALITY HEAD SET
WHY? Because your head set acts as a small recording room in which echo and outside noise can be eliminated. It gives you a "full" well rounded professional voice, where using a computer speaker tends to echo and pick up every sound around you, and gives a tinny small voice, creating an unprofessional sound.
For me, this Platonic Headset is affordable, can be hidden behind my head, {allowing good hair days} and gives me rich full sound with Skype. I also use it for my Private Business when giving consultation.
Place the microphone near the edge of your mouth, never in front of your mouth, for best sound. This illuminates harsh "P" pops. Be sure and use your Skype "Options" or "Tools" ....and click on "Audio" before your show. You will be given a choice of whether to use your computer speakers.....or your head set. Click on your head set. Now test your sound. This allows you to see how you will be heard by others.
ILLIMINATE SHADOWS IN YOUR FACE WITH FILL LIGHT. HERE IS AN AFFORDABLE CLIP ON HD FILL LIGHT FOR YOUR WEB CAM RADIO SHOW.
Position your fill light to the side of your computer, or from a table edge to the side, rather then in front of your face, which flattens the look of your facial features.
It is important when giving your web cam show not to sit so far away from your camera that you are a tiny head at the bottom of the screen with a huge wall behind you. {Wheres Waldo?} Place your self in front of the camera, just as you see on TV, so that your head and shoulders fill the screen. Be sure and use your Skype "Options" or "Tools" ....and click on "Video". This allows you to see how you will be seen by others.
BACK DROPS
Depending on your Video Show theme, you may want a professional looking back drop. Most stations, big and small, are in present time. You can use video block back drops in your show Intro with music, or in an add. But while the show is being aired in present time, you may want a quality canvas or vinyl back drop. I have two. One is of a subdued woodland with trees, and the other is an antique brick wall. Both back drops I purchased at Ebay under Photography Back drops. You can pin them onto a Back Drop stand or your wall. ...where ever you choose. There are thosands to choose from for cheap.
Here is an Ebay Back Drop link.
I hope that this article helps you to be more comfortable with the possabilities for a wonderful quality web cam show of your own, spending no more then $100.00.