When using your studio, you have the flexibility to choose between Cloud Mode and Local Mode depending on your specific needs. Cloud Mode allows for seamless collaboration and access from anywhere in the world with minimal latency, while Local Mode enables even lower latency and higher quality video processing using your computer's resources and local network. Understanding the differences between these two modes is crucial for optimizing your live video production workflow.
Cloud Mode
Enabling Cloud Mode:
Locate the Cloud Mode toggle in the top bar of your studio interface.
If the toggle shows a cloud with a strike-through and is gray, you are currently in Local Mode. If the toggle shows a blue cloud, you are in Cloud Mode.
Click on the Cloud Mode toggle to switch from Local Mode to Cloud Mode.
A modal will appear asking you to confirm the change.
After confirming, the toggle will turn blue, indicating that video is now being routed through the cloud.
Bandwidth Requirements for Cloud Mode:
Streaming video content in Cloud Mode, especially at high quality or over long durations, necessitates a stable and sufficient internet connection. Here are some considerations regarding bandwidth:
General Bandwidth Considerations: The bandwidth needed for Cloud Mode depends on several factors, including the resolution and bitrate of your video stream, the number of video sources, and the duration of your live event. Higher video quality and more video sources will require more bandwidth.
Specific Protocols and Bandwidth Usage: Different streaming protocols can have varied bandwidth implications. For instance, NDI (Network Device Interface) is known for high-quality, low-latency video over IP but requires significant bandwidth compared to more compressed streams like H.264 via RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol). The choice of protocol can affect your bandwidth needs and should be considered when planning your setup in Cloud Mode.
Internet Upload Speed: It's crucial to ensure that your internet connection's upload speed can support your calculated bandwidth needs. Remember, the upload speed is what allows you to send video to the cloud efficiently. As a general rule, streaming video at standard definition (SD) might require between 3-5 Mbps (Megabits per second), high definition (HD) could need 5-15 Mbps, and full high definition (FHD) may demand 15-30 Mbps or more. 4K streaming will significantly increase these requirements.
Local Mode:
When to use Local Mode:
Use Local Mode to conserve bandwidth during live productions or to avoid overages with cloud usage.
Consider keeping Local Mode locked if you're trying to conserve bandwidth during a live production or if you don't want to go into overages with cloud usage.
How to enable Local Mode:
Locate the Cloud Mode toggle in the top bar of your studio interface.
If the toggle shows a cloud with a strike-through and is gray, you are currently in Local Mode. If the toggle shows a blue cloud, you are in Cloud Mode.
A modal will prompt you to confirm the switch to Local Mode.
After confirming, the toggle will turn gray, and you will receive an alert indicating that Local Mode has been activated.
When switching between modes, you may notice a slight flicker for a few frames during the transition.
Tips to Connect to Local Mode
In Local Mode, you need to be on the same network as the computer running the Hive app or Hive Bridge connected to the cameras.
To ensure seamless operation in Local Mode, it's crucial to verify that your device is on the same local network as the Hive bridge. Here's how you can check the IP address or network details of your Hive bridge:
Access the Monitoring Section: Navigate to the monitoring section within your studio's interface. This area is typically designated for overseeing the health and connectivity status of your devices.
Locking Local Mode (Admin Only):
Locking Local Mode restricts all users to accessing the studio through the local network only. This means all users with access to your Studio will not be able to connect via Cloud mode. If the Lock is Blue, Local Mode is Locked. If the Lock is Grey, then Local Mode and Cloud Mode switched is enabled for all users.
How to Lock Local Mode:
Locate the Cloud Mode toggle in the top bar of your studio interface.
If the toggle shows a cloud with a strike-through and is gray, you are currently in Local Mode.
If you are an admin, you will see a lock icon next to the Local Mode toggle.
Clicking the lock icon will lock Local Mode for all users accessing the studio.
When Local Mode is locked, the lock icon will turn blue.
Users will only be able to access the studio through the local network when Local Mode is locked.
Admins can unlock the studio by clicking the lock icon again.
Tips and Best Practices:
Choose the appropriate mode based on your specific production requirements and available resources.
Take advantage of the ability to have multiple users in different modes, allowing for flexible collaboration.
If you encounter a "Local Mode Connection Failed" error, ensure you are on the correct local network and retry the connection.
If you're accessing your studio remotely, the system will automatically turn on Cloud Mode unless you have locked your studio into Local Mode. If you have the Administrator role, you can re-enable Cloud Mode remotely.
FAQs:
Q: What is the main difference between Cloud Mode and Local Mode?
A: Cloud Mode streams video through the cloud, enabling collaboration and access from anywhere. Local Mode processes video locally using your computer's resources and network, providing lower latency and higher quality.
Q: Can I access my studio remotely in Local Mode?
A: No, in Local Mode, you need to be on the same network as the computer running the Hive app or Hive Bridge connected to the cameras.
Q: How can I switch between Cloud Mode and Local Mode?
A: You can switch modes by clicking on the Cloud Mode toggle in the top bar of your studio interface and confirming the change in the modal that appears.
Q: What happens if I try to enable Local Mode but I'm not on the correct local network?
A: If Local Mode fails to connect, you will receive a "Local Mode Connection Failed" error. The studio will default back to the previous mode (usually Cloud Mode) if the connection fails.
Q: Can multiple users access the studio in different modes simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can have multiple users in a team accessing the studio in either Local Mode or Cloud Mode independently, while still seeing the same Audio and Video sources.
Q: What is the default mode when using the studio?
A: By default, your studio will be set to Local Mode, and you have the option to enable Cloud Mode.
Q: What happens if I'm accessing my studio remotely and can't connect to the local network?
A: If you're accessing your studio remotely, the system will automatically check if you can access the local network. If not, it will automatically turn on Cloud Mode, allowing you to access your videos even outside of your local network.
Use Cases:
Collaborating with remote team members: Use Cloud Mode to allow team members from different locations to access and collaborate on the studio in real-time.
Producing high-quality local events: Switch to Local Mode for lower latency and higher video quality when producing events on a local network.
Conserving bandwidth: Keep Local Mode locked if you're trying to conserve bandwidth during a live production or if you don't want to go into overages with cloud usage.
Choosing between Cloud Mode and Local Mode in your studio is a critical decision that impacts your video production workflow. Cloud Mode offers the flexibility of remote collaboration and access with minimal latency, while Local Mode provides even lower latency and higher quality by processing video locally. By default, your studio will be set to Local Mode, with the option to enable Cloud Mode. Understanding the differences, limitations, and best practices associated with each mode, such as automatic mode switching when accessing remotely and the varying bandwidth requirements of different protocols, will help you optimize your studio setup to suit your specific requirements. Whether you need seamless remote collaboration, the highest quality local production, or to conserve bandwidth, your studio empowers you with the tools to achieve your goals efficiently.
Feature | Cloud Mode | Local Mode |
Accessibility | Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. | Access primarily restricted to the local network environment. |
Collaboration | Enables real-time collaboration globally among team members. | Collaboration is limited to those on the same local network. |
Latency | Typically low latency, but can be affected by internet speed. | Lower latency, as video processing is done locally. |
Video Quality | Dependent on internet bandwidth; higher bandwidth allows for higher quality. | Not limited by internet bandwidth, potentially offering higher quality. |
Scalability | Easily scalable with cloud resources to accommodate larger productions. | Scaling requires additional local hardware or network resources. |
Hardware Dependency | Less reliant on local hardware; leverages cloud infrastructure. | Dependent on local hardware and network infrastructure. |
Security | Encrypts all signaling and media traffic in transit using TLS. | Security is managed within the local network, possibly requiring less complex measures. |
Internet Dependency | Requires a stable and fast internet connection. | Operates independently of internet quality, requiring no internet for core functionality. |
Setup Complexity | May require initial setup for cloud access and security configurations. | Setup involves network and hardware configurations onsite. |
Operational Costs | Costs associated with cloud storage and processing power usage. | Costs involve local hardware, maintenance, and network infrastructure. |
Flexibility | High flexibility in access and scalability. | Flexibility limited to the capacity of the local setup. |
Use Cases | Suitable for remote teams, distributed production, and global access. | Ideal for localized productions with high-quality demands and secure environments. |