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RodeCaster Video

The RodeCaster Video is the box that runs the livestream. It takes the two cameras and the livestream audio, lets you choose which camera is shown, and sends the finished video to YouTube.

This page explains its main controls, then how to start and stop the livestream.

📷 Screenshot placeholder: RodeCaster Video front panel with key buttons labelled.

What the main parts do

The screen

The RodeCaster Video has a touchscreen showing previews of the cameras and the current output (what viewers see).

The source / scene buttons

Buttons (and matching StreamDeck buttons) let you choose which camera is on the livestream — Camera 1, Camera 2, or a prepared scene.

The Stream button

This starts and stops sending the video to YouTube. When live, it shows a streaming indicator.

The audio meters

Small bars that move with the sound. They confirm the livestream audio (from the QU-5D) is arriving.

How to start the livestream

Do this 2–3 minutes before the 9:30am service.

  1. Make sure the cameras are on and showing a picture on the RodeCaster screen.
  2. Make sure the audio meters move when someone speaks into a microphone.
  3. Press the Start Stream button on the StreamDeck (recommended), or the Stream button on the RodeCaster Video.
  4. Wait for the streaming indicator to confirm you are live.
  5. Open YouTube on a phone or the PC to confirm the stream appears with picture and sound.

Use the StreamDeck

The easiest and most reliable way to start the stream is the Start Stream button on the StreamDeck — it runs the correct steps for you. See StreamDeck Buttons.

Check audio before you go live

The most common livestream complaint is "no sound online". Always confirm the audio meters are moving before you start. See Livestream Mix.

How to switch cameras during the stream

  1. Press the Camera 1 or Camera 2 button (on the StreamDeck or RodeCaster).
  2. The livestream picture changes to that camera.

➡️ Full detail: Camera Operation.

How to stop the livestream

At the end of the service:

  1. Keep streaming for a minute or two after the final words.
  2. Press the Stop Stream button on the StreamDeck (or the Stream button on the RodeCaster).
  3. Confirm the streaming indicator has switched off.

Always stop the stream before shutting down

Do not power equipment off while still live — viewers see an abrupt cut and YouTube may flag the broadcast. Stop the stream first. See Sunday Shutdown.

If the stream won't start or drops out

Symptom First thing to check Page
Stream won't start Cameras showing a picture? Internet connected? No Camera Video
Picture but no sound online Audio meters moving? Livestream matrix up? No Livestream Audio
Black / frozen picture online Camera source selected? Camera powered? No Camera Video
Stream keeps disconnecting Internet connection Network Overview

The stream key lives in the RodeCaster

The RodeCaster Video is already set up with the church's YouTube stream settings. You should not need to enter a stream key. If YouTube reports the wrong account or channel, contact Mills IT — do not change the settings yourself.