live stream

Live-Streaming Made Better with Fan2Stage

Super Fan

Has live-streaming left you feeling lonely? Are you hungry to hear from the audience? Did you try a conference system and end up just getting distracted by chat boxes and little faces on the screen? Fan2Stage might just be what you are looking for.

The Audience Makes It Better

The reality is simple. Live shows are better than recorded. TV studios figured that out forty years ago and build bleacher seats for sitcoms and talk shows. When the pandemic hit and the audience was sent home, the shows changed. As an actor that has been in the audience and on stage, I can tell you that having a live audience changes everything. Some of the best actors build their chops on stage in live theater. Building emotional skills means getting feedback from other people.

My first experience with a live audience was working a specialized background job on a nickelodeon set. The rehearsals all went well and one would expect. We had a lot of fun with the gag and the actors were ready. When we came back after dinner to find the room filled with almost a hundred people everything changed. All of the actors including me changed the game. One of the biggest changes was an actor playing the owner of a shoe store. You might recognize him as a teacher from Young Sheldon.

Staying Connected Live-Streaming

Live-Stream with a Live Audience.

When the pandemic first hit people tried anything to Live-Stream and stay connected. The reality is that no good tools existed. The NFL fined teams for piping in audience roars. Even the NFL realized they needed an audience to get the players to get to another level. The fact of life is that as humans, we love attention. Without that cheering from the audience we have no attention.

Using the tools most of the Live-Streaming platforms simply become a distraction. Those little chat boxes give you something to look at and think about right in the middle of a show. While you are reading the chat box, you are losing the rest of the audience. When you see the little faces or the chat box texts flying by, you are just distracted.

Going to The Next Level Live-Streaming

As Fan2Stage evolves and gets faster we are looking for more artists to test out the system. We are rebuilding the system from the ground up after the feedback we received from the first versions. The original is alive and well here at Fan2Stage.com and you can get it free too. We’d love to hear how Fan2Stage elevates your game, grab the app and cheer me on next time we have a CoolToys live too!

Low Latency Streaming And Fan2Stage

Super Fan

Fan2Stage gets ready for Broadcast as Apple and Microsoft play nice?

Early in the testing of Fan2Stage, a major studio thought it could work for one of their talk shows. Using conferencing platforms like Zoom, just didn’t cut it. While the system was good at preventing audio loops, it had other issues. Fan2Stage was build to solve many of those issues.

During the early testing it was discovered that there was nearly two minutes of delay from the time the shows host made a comment until the fans saw it. No one ever checked it because no one ever cared. There was still a live audience in the studio for the host to work off of. Performers and entertainers of all kinds need an audience. The audience gives them the energy to go on. As an actor I will tell you that I am not a live theater actor but my favorite jobs were shows shot in front of a live studio audience.

Latency is the Delay

That 90 to 120 second delay we experienced testing with the show was due to the way streaming is handled. The technical term for it is latency delay. The delay is caused by the fact that every viewing device doesn’t decode the signal the same. When an Apple iPad logs in to see the live stream, it sends a code to the shows systems saying it is an Apple Device using x.decoder. When an Android tablet check it, it sent that it used G.decoder. The same was true for Microsoft PC’s.

Because each operating system used a different viewer for live events and live stream video, latency delay was inevitable and low latency streaming nearly impossible. The server at the host had to generate 3 or more different streams, and that accounted for the biggest chunk of the delay. Even if the server converted it to Mp4 so everyone could see it, that would take time too.

Lets Get Chunky

In the July 2022 issue of TVTech.com‘s magazine, they announced a new technology. The new tech is called Chunked CMAF. Chunked CMAF is a low latency streaming protocol. In 2016 Apple and Microsoft realized that streaming latency was a problem, and started working with the Moving Pictures Expert Group, the MPEG in Mpeg video files, to create a single standard.

In 2017 demonstrations showed the delay to be as little as 5 seconds, but that still wasn’t the same as a straight webcam which could be sub 1 second. They kept working. Everyone realizes that OTT (Internet live streaming) latency delays are a problem. In the stock market companies pay millions for faster networks, closer to the trading floor to execute trades just milliseconds ahead of the other guy.

Live sports isn’t much different. If you can bet on the outcome of a field goal, and have a 90 second head start on the outcome, that is a major advantage. Interestingly live sports is one of the first areas that Chunked CMAF is expected to be used. Because of that we are working on Fan2Field as well.

Its About a Laugh

The NFL fined teams for adding fake applause as live audiences returned. What if they could add live applause from real people? We thought it would be the right thing. Laughing at a joke 90 seconds after the talk show host delivers it, doesn’t enhance the show. Cheering for the field goal 90 seconds later doesn’t cut it either. Live streaming is about to really be “live”. Don’t be left out, download the live fan app now.

Fan2Stage – “The Audience is Here!”℠

Fan2Stage Intro Video

Super Fan

Ever missed your favorite singer’s concert, or a sports event you had been eagerly waiting for,

 Or in fact a Theatre performance?

Fan2Stage brings a solution to all of these problems.

Now you can attend live concerts! Sports events and even worship together through Fan2Stage system which is a two way virtual reality platform.

And no!! You are not dreaming,

 Fan2Stage is the next Astroworld! But less chaotic haha.

This Virtual Audience System was built by performers for performers and fans.

So don’t lose fans or funds because of social distancing. Bring the Fans to your Stage! 

And don’t forget to click the bell icon and subscribe for more amazing updates!

Fan2Stage ® – Because Fans Are Everywhere

Super Fan

The lesson we learned during the pandemic is that fans are hungry and fans are everywhere, but we couldn’t hear them. More importantly, we wanted to hear them. Even when they couldn’t make it to the show they were hungry for live content. But live isn’t the same without feedback from the audience. So we found a solution that made sense. We wanted to keep in simple after trying dozens of other methods for our live version of CoolToys.TV

Fan2Stage brings real feedback from real fans to any size studio or live show. Have 50 fans in the audience and want to hear from 1000 more? Fan2Stage can make that happen. Fans can be anywhere they have internet access as long as you have a truly livestream show. We did find a few of the streams are monitored or delayed like Facebook live so while Garth and Trisha did a great job with their live shows there, we don’t recommend it for Fan2Stage.

We can bring the audience to you in realtime, you will need a live stream that brings you to the audience in real time. We are currently working with vendors to cut the latency delay of their livestreams. Some are recording them, others are monitoring them so there is a built in delay that can be up to 3 minutes. We don’t recommend Facebook live or YouTube Live unless you have the pro version on YouTube and even then performance at the time of writing is not as good as most performers would like. For now the best is a simple webcam. If you want to learn about different ways to set up your studio, check out this article.

Fans are Everywhere, hear them with Fan2Stage
Real Fans are Everywhere, Can You Hear Them?

Fan2Stage brings real fans to your shows virtually. There is nothing like the live feedback from live fans when you are on stage. We know because the founders of Fan2Stage have all worked in front of live audiences, on stage and in studio. There is no greater thrill than hearing back from your fans. Get Fan2Stage today.

If you are looking for new fans, remember, fans are everywhere ® and when they get the Fan2Stage app they can find new artists and shows like yours to follow and join the audience. Fan2Stage is about keeping us connected no matter where we are in the world. Doesn’t it make sense to connect to fans everywhere from anywhere? Don’t forget your swag too. There are versions of Fan2Stage for venues and performers of all kinds of show sizes.

If you are ready to hear from more of your fans, then it is time to start using Fan2Stage.

Fan2Stage Logo on Pickle ball court

Fan2Stage Sponsors Make a Wish Pickle Ball

Super Fan

Fan2Stage joined the local community and sponsors for the Make a Wish pickle ball tournament at Newport Beach Country Club.

The OCIE chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation held a fundraiser at the Newport Beach Country Club. Fan2Stage joined the Cain Group and other sponsors as part of the nearly $70,000 raised to make wishes come true.

“Obviously with our Fan2Field app in development it makes sense to sponsors sports related events. Maybe next year the event can be live on Fan2Field to raise more money.” said Fan2Stage CMO Kelly Bourquin who also played in the tournament. Pickle Ball is a cross between tennis and ping pong according to some, but many of the players found it to be a bit more challenging.

The next event for make a wish is the Galaxy of Wishes on December 7th, 2021

About Make a Wish

The Make a Wish Foundation mission is based on the idea that “A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness.”

This one belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish. It inspires us to grant life-changing wishes for children going through so much. It compels us to be creative in exceeding the expectations of every wish kid. It drives us to make our donated resources go as far as possible. Most of all, it’s the founding principle of our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

For more information about the OCIE Chapter of Make a Wish and other events, you can visit their website.

On Stage Live App Logo

Grow Your Audience With Fan2Stage

Super Fan

If you want to grow your audience, start with Fan2Stage Virtual Audience System.

The key to success as a performer is to grow your audience. Actors, musicians, comedians, ministers and athletes all need an audience. Growing an audience is tough work. There is marketing, search engine optimization, live shows, live streaming and selling seats to make money. Today there is a better way.

grow your audience like CoolToys TV with Fan2Stage.

Performers at all levels are always looking for a better way to find people that might be interested in their work. Getting lost in the hundreds of Live Streaming apps, is easy. With Fan2Stage Virtual Audience Systems, your show can stand out because the fan know that you want a live audience. When you are connected with a live audience instead of just looking into the camera hoping they are watching is very different. With the Fan2Stage Live Fan Audience app in their hands, fans stay engaged with your show.

Created by performers like you for performers like you, the Fan2Stage virtual audience system is designed to help you grow your audience. The CoolToys TV host needed to find a better way. After trying dozens of systems, CoolToys TV host tried to find a better way. Working with the top performance Psychologists, he found the top interactions between audience and the hosts on stage. Now you can have a live stream show with the real live connection with the audience that you have been missing.

Sign up today at onstage.fan2stage.com and find your new better audience.

Fan2Stage

Is Your Network Ready For Fan2Stage

Super Fan

Getting your network ready for Fan2Stage isn’t very hard, but it is important.

Having a computer that can handle video streaming is just the first step to hosting live shows from anywhere. If you want to have a great looking show, not only does the computer play a big part in making sure you put on a quality show, the network does too. In this video Scott talks about a good solid set up for live streaming.

Scott is the host of CoolToys® TV and he will talk about the exact network set up that he uses, the computers and the gear. He’ll also talk about options that he has set up for others and how you can start live-streaming on a budget.

Live streaming is a big thing and trying to manage and understand your audience is an even bigger challenge. That is why we created the Fan2Stage Virtual Audience Server. You get real feedback from real people when you are hosting live shows.

Those that do will get the audience, those that wait will be fighting for the scraps. Get your network ready for Fan2Stage. CoolToys hosts Scott and Josh also put out The Easy Guide to Internet and Network Stuff to help you keep track of all this stuff the easy way.

The Gear We use in the Studio and the Easy Guide Book:

Talk Shows and The Virtual Audience

Talk Shows and The Virtual Audience

Super Fan

Can Talk Shows Survive with a Virtual Audience? Can They Survive Without Them?

Talk shows have been very different thanks to the lifestyle changes imposed on us by the government. All television is changed for that matter just slightly. While I can’t fix soap opera’s lack of intimacy issues, I can bring in a virtual audience.

If you are thinking, “But Scott, the pandemic is almost over.” I’d say you are looking at the problem wrong. Have you ever been to a live talk show taping? The security hassles are incredible. What if there is an issue with security, or another pandemic? Covid-19 is just the most recent pandemic. During the last election we had the Zika pandemic.

Our world is changing and it might be time to change with it. Even if you keep a live audience, a virtual audience can be a great addition to the show.

DayTime TV

Since I generally work very early in the morning and shoot video during the day, I haven’t watched much day time TV. I can’t imagine a show like “The View” being nearly as cool without an audience. Sure a few people could zoom in. In the crazy land of TV I bet someone pitched putting an iPad at every seat and having everyone in the audience FaceTime their own seat.

Late Night TV

I do from time to time catch a few minutes of late night talk shows. Sadly none measure up to the great Johnny Carson or even Jay Leno. Those guys were centered and funny. They could make fun of anyone any time without making a ridiculous political statement. These days everyone apparently wants to clearly be “on a side”.

CoolToys TV Roadtrip
You can Take a Virtual Audience With You!

Late night talk show hosts complained incessantly about not hearing the laughter of the audience. I agree. COOLTOYS® TV isn’t nearly as fun without fan energy. We tried the chat box on our live stream. It was a failure. We tried the Q&A box and had someone reading them and giving us signals. At a social distance of course. That too failed.

Meeting an Audience

While zoom and Microsoft Teams are great tools for virtual meetings, they are failures at the virtual audience. FaceTiming more than a dozen people on iPads is crazy, but lame as well. The reason the audience is there is to feed energy to the performers. Talk show hosts are performers. If you don’t believe me, try it some time. I spent a lot of time in class at Marki Costello’s “Become a Host” program to understand the dynamics of talk.

Talking to a person and making it interesting for an audience is a lot harder than you think. One key piece is the feedback from the audience. Without live feedback energy the show lacks life. Someone in the booth pressing the applause button doesn’t add life.

Sound Designers

Yes there is a job designing sound. Specifically sound for pro sports. The guys that sound design for the NFL do a great job. The audience sounds real. The problem is that the players and the few fans that are there know it isn’t. Therefore the fans know it isn’t.

Fan2Stage isn’t about designing sound. It is about bringing real fan energy back to the stage or the field. If you want to hear your real fans, get Fan2Stage.

Fan2Stage Releases F2S. Cloud based VAS

Fan2Stage Releases F2S. Cloud based VAS

Super Fan

F2S is the cloud based version of Fan2Stage for smaller venues.

Realizing that not everyone has the budget or the fan base for a full Fan2Stage system, F2S was created. F2S is the cloud based version for entertainers and smaller houses of worship that allows fans and parishioners to participate from home or anywhere else they can stream an event.

The F2S system provides a visual chart and audio feedback of the inputs made by the people on their phones. If you aren’t sure which version you need there is a handy comparison chart on the F2S.Live website.

Fan2Stage offered two free years to the first 100 artists that signed up but there is a catch. “The first 100 are helping to debug and perfect the sound feedback. The big difference is the customization” said Scott Lee, the lead programmer. With Fan2Stage we can use recorded response from your venue to keep the acoustics unique to your location. With F2S the response is scaled based on the number of people logged in and participating.

The more that log in and the more that participate, the “bigger” the feedback according to Lee. That makes the Virtual Audience System by Fan2Stage® a solution that works for anyone.

The Fan2Stage App is now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.