Over the past few years, the expectation that videos streamed online be delivered in the highest possible quality has increased dramatically.
From mobile phones to large-screen TVs, most screens made and sold today are optimized for high-definition resolutions. If you need to be reminded how high our standards have risen over the past few decades, compare the quality of a VHS tape (if you can find one) with a 4K Ultra HD disc played on an OLED flatscreen TV.
You’ll likely be shocked at what you once accepted as “normal.”
To meet this growing expectation of high-quality streaming in all aspects of media, Resi is excited to announce the launch of its brand new Live Web Plan, Enterprise 4K, which gives churches and other organizations the ability to stream in 4K UHD to YouTube and through the Resi Media Player.
In the following blog post, we’ll reveal the basics of the new 4K to web plan, explain what you’ll need to get started, and share the top reasons you should make the switch to 4K streaming.
The New Enterprise 4K Live Web Plan: At a Glance
Designed with churches and other organizations looking to offer a superior viewing experience for their audiences, this plan unlocks the capability to deliver 4K UHD resolution live streams seamlessly and reliably.
Key details of the new plan include:
- 4K UHD: 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution at 30fps
- Streaming directly to YouTube and the Resi Media Player
- 5 TB of monthly bandwidth included
- Support for 8 transcoder resolutions (2160, 1440, 1080, 720, 540, 360, 270, and 144)
- Automatic downscaling provided for Facebook and other RTMP destinations
This new 4K to web streaming plan joins existing Resi 4K capabilities included in Multisite and Resi on Demand 4K upload (RoD “Enterprise” only).
What’s needed to stream in 4K
To begin streaming in 4K, your organization will need a few essentials. Fortunately, Resi makes it easy to upgrade and implement this functionality with minimal effort. Here’s what’s required for live 4K streaming with Resi:
- A subscription to the Enterprise 4K Live Web Plan
- A 4K-compatible Resi Encoder, such as the E4300, E1200, or E2211
- A 4K-capable camera
- The ability to deliver 4K content to the Resi Encoder (4K HDMI cables, etc)
With these components in place, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock the full potential of your video content and deliver exceptional streaming experiences to your audience. And all of this is backed by Resi’s patented Resilient Streaming Protocol, ensuring your 4K streams remain flawless and uninterrupted.
4 Reasons Your Church Should Stream in 4K with Resi
The benefits of 4K streaming extend far beyond delivering a razor-sharp image. By upgrading your organization’s streaming capabilities, you can — yes — transform the way your video content looks, and perhaps most importantly, the way your audience perceives and engages with your church.
Here are four benefits to making the leap to 4K with Resi:
#1
4K streaming allows for crystal-clear image quality
Of course, we have to start here. With nearly four times the visual clarity of 1080p HD, 4K UHD streaming means every detail — every expression, texture, and color — comes through in vibrant and stunning fidelity.
For those who may not know (or need a refresher), resolution refers to the amount of pixels contained in each frame of a video. It’s a measure of the amount of detail and information shared in a frame. The higher the resolution, the more realistic and detailed the image looks onscreen. The basic high definition resolutions are 720p (standard HD) and 1080p (full HD).
In contrast, 4K UHD (ultra-high definition) packs in up to 3840 x 2160 pixels per frame. And with more and more screens being optimized for 4K viewing, your audience is more likely to view a 4K stream at its desired output resolution.
Simply put, for organizations looking to deliver a “you are there” live streaming experience that helps bridge the gap between the in-person, on-the-go, and at-home viewer, 4K is the way to go.
#2
Adopting 4K streaming meets current and future audience expectations.
At Resi, we believe no organization should underestimate the lasting impact of a high-quality live streaming experience. When your viewers are captivated by what they see, they stay engaged, return to watch more, and even recommend it to others. And when it comes to live streaming, quality is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
From blockbuster movies to live sporting events, more and more content is being offered in 4K UHD resolution. As this practice becomes more commonplace, the viewer’s expectations — whether conscious or not — is that all consumed online should adhere to the same level of quality. And the more a viewer switches between UHD and standard HD (or lower), the starker the difference between the two resolutions will appear.
Audience members who access your content at home on large-screen 4K TVs (which represents the largest share of new TVs bought and sold in the U.S.) will especially appreciate the upgrade. Higher resolution ensures the picture remains crisp and clear even on big displays, preventing pixelation that often occurs with lower resolutions.
In short, consistently delivering superior quality tells your audience that you take production seriously—and by extension, you value their time and attention.
#3
Streaming in 4K stakes your organization as an innovator and pioneer.
Organizations that adopt cutting-edge technology first are seen as pioneers within their industries. By streaming in 4K, you can establish your ministry as a forward-looking trailblazer that drives trends rather than follows them.
While others are just considering upgrades, your organization can deliver stunning streams that organizations simply can’t match. A crisp, visually engaging 4K broadcast can make your content stand out from the sea of lower-quality streams, helping your church reach and grow its audience organically across platforms.
By investing in 4K capabilities now, you’ll ensure your organization remains a leader, not a follower, in the streaming space.
#4
Switching to 4K helps future-proof your live streaming investment
Adopting 4K streaming today prepares your organization for tomorrow’s standards.
In 1941, the FCC approved 525-line resolution as the U.S. television standard. More than 50 years later, the FCC officially adopted the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) standards for digital TV, which introduced 720p, 1080i, and 480p resolutions on broadcast television. By 2020, the first commercial 4K UHD over-the-air broadcasts began in select markets.
Just like death and taxes, evolving video resolutions are inevitable. And as with any technological leap, some organizations will be caught flat-footed and unaware when the change becomes standardized.
As mentioned above, YouTube and most phones, TVs, laptops, and tablets are almost universally optimized for 4K viewing. And with streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video already offering 4K variants of their subscription plans, 4K is well on its way to becoming the standard resolution by which video content is delivered online. Building out your live stream ecosystem to support 4K means your organization will be ahead of the curve as the industry completes its transition from HD to UHD.
Rather than scrambling to catch up when the transition happens, you’ll already be offering the next level of visual clarity and immersion.
The Resi 4K Advantage
While the benefits of 4K streaming are clear, implementing it can seem daunting—but not with Resi. Resi’s 4K streaming capabilities are designed to simplify the process and deliver results you can rely on. By live streaming in 4K with Resi, you guarantee everyone watching your streams receives the possible viewing experience.
- Unmatched Reliability: Resi’s patented RSP technology ensures your streams remain uninterrupted, even under imperfect network conditions. Your audience receives consistent 4K-quality visuals no matter what.
- Seamless Integration: Resi’s 4K solutions are built to work with your existing workflows, making it easy to upgrade without disrupting your operations.
- Broad Platform Support: Stream in stunning 4K to YouTube or the Resi Embedded Player while automatically downscaling your feed for Facebook and other RTMP, ensuring every viewer gets the best possible experience from their platform of choice.
Resi’s new Enterprise 4K Live Web plan puts the power of 4K within easy reach, making it simple to deliver premium-quality streaming that goes above and beyond expectations.
The transition to 4K is underway, and churches that embrace it now will stand out as forward-thinking ministries that prioritize exceptional experiences for their audiences. By upgrading to 4K, you can deliver captivating visuals, strengthen your professional image, set your ministry apart from the rest, and ensure you remain ahead of the curve. And with Resi at your side, you can rest assured knowing that your audience is receiving the highest quality and most resilient viewing experience possible. Don’t wait any longer, upgrade to 4K with Resi’s Enterprise 4K Live Web plan today!