What You Need to Know About PC Gaming Streaming Equipment.
Whether you’re an aspiring streamer or an advanced professional, having the right PC gaming streaming equipment can make or break an awesome streaming experience. This guide will walk you through the most popular streaming equipment available on the market and what you’ll need to consider when streaming games on your PC.
Streaming is becoming increasingly popular these days, and gamers are often looking for ways to broadcast their exploits. However, with the right tools, your stream will look, sound, and perform at the highest level. Here’s what you need to know about the best streaming equipment for PC gaming:
The Basics of PC Gaming Streaming
Before diving into the equipment, it’s essential to understand the basics of streaming on your PC. When streaming, you need to capture the game footage from your PC, compress it, and send it to a streaming platform like Twitch or YouTube.
To do this, your PC must meet certain requirements, including high-end hardware, reliable networking, and stable software. Streaming can be quite demanding on your computer, so you may need to upgrade your system if it can’t handle the load.
PC Gaming Streaming Equipment
Now that you know the basics of streaming on your PC, it’s time to discuss the equipment. There are several essential pieces of streaming equipment that every streamer should have. Let’s take a look at the most important gear:
Capture Device. The capture device is the most important piece of streaming equipment, as it acquires the game footage from your PC and sends it to the streaming platform. The most popular options are the Elgato HD and Elgato 4K, which offer excellent image quality and a variety of features.
Microphone. The microphone is used to capture your voice and add it to your stream. There are a wide variety of mics available, from USB mics to traditional condenser mics. If you’re just starting out, a USB mic is a great choice, as they offer crystal-clear sound and are easy to use.
Headset. Many streamers use a headset instead of a traditional mic because it’s more convenient and can reduce background noise. There are a variety of headsets available, including wired, wireless, and Bluetooth. A good headset should provide clear sound and comfort.
Webcam. A webcam is a great way to add more interaction to your stream. Many streamers use webcams to show their face, which can help viewers connect with you and make your stream more engaging. Popular webcams include the Logitech C920 and the Logitech Brio.
Lighting. If you’re using a webcam, it’s important to make sure you have sufficient lighting. Streaming with poor lighting can make your stream look unprofessional and can be distracting for viewers. There are several lighting kits available, and many streamers find them quite affordable.
Streaming Software. This is the software that you use to capture and compress the game footage and send it to the streaming platform. The most popular options are OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS, which are both free and offer a wide range of features.
Other Equipment
Now that you know the basics of PC gaming streaming equipment, let’s take a look at some other equipment that streamers may want to consider.
Stream Deck. The stream deck is a handy device designed specifically for streamers. It’s essentially a small touchscreen pad with customizable buttons that can be used to start and stop streams, switch scenes, and execute many common tasks. It’s an essential tool for advanced streamers.
Green Screen. If you want to create a professional-looking stream, a green screen is a great way to do it. With a green screen, you can create a virtual background, which can help your stream stand out from the competition. You don’t need a professional green screen; a cheap one from Amazon should do the trick.
Streaming Chair. It may not seem like the most important piece of equipment, but a comfortable streaming chair is essential. Streaming can be quite taxing on your body, and comfort is key. There are several streaming chairs available, and some of them even come with adjustable armrests and other features.
Conclusion
So there you have it: the essentials of PC gaming streaming equipment. As you can see, there are several pieces of streaming equipment available, and depending on your budget and streaming goals, you may want to invest in some of these tools. With the right equipment, you can create a professional-looking stream and potentially reach the next level as a streamer. Good luck and happy streaming!
Image Credit: Pexels