Better Internet TV Studio Gear Checklist: Cameras, Audio, Lighting, and SoftwareCreating a better Internet TV studio means assembling gear that reliably delivers professional-looking video, clear audio, consistent lighting, and flexible software-driven workflows. Below is a comprehensive checklist and practical guidance to help solo creators, small teams, or organizations build a studio that looks polished on camera and is stable during live broadcasts or recorded productions.
Camera gear
Choosing the right camera(s) shapes the visual quality of your Internet TV show. Consider your budget, space, and whether you need multiple camera angles.
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Primary camera
- Mirrorless cameras (e.g., Sony A7 series, Canon EOS R series, Panasonic GH/ S series): excellent image quality and interchangeable lenses.
- Prosumer camcorders (e.g., Canon XA series, Panasonic HC): built for long-recording sessions and convenient ergonomics.
- Webcam alternatives (e.g., Logitech Brio, Elgato Facecam): budget-friendly and simple for single-host setups.
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Secondary/backup cameras
- A second camera for cutaways, audience shots, or alternate angles. Use lower-cost mirrorless, compact, or action cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo Action) for variety.
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Lenses
- Fast prime lenses (35mm, 50mm) for shallow depth of field and low-light performance.
- Zooms (24–70mm, 24–105mm) for flexible framing.
- Wide-angle (16–35mm) if you need to capture a larger set.
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Capture/connection
- HDMI capture cards (Elgato Cam Link 4K, Blackmagic DeckLink/Intensity) or SDI capture for professional cameras.
- Clean HDMI output and camera settings optimized for continuous power (use AC adapters or dummy batteries).
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Tripods & mounts
- Sturdy tripods with fluid heads for smooth pans.
- C-stands or articulating arms for overhead or unconventional placements.
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Backup power & media
- AC adapters, battery chargers, and hot-swappable media when using recording devices.
Audio gear
Good audio often matters more to audiences than flawless video. Prioritize microphones, routing, and monitoring.
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Microphones
- Lavalier mics (wireless systems like Sennheiser EW/AKG/RODE) for on-camera talent.
- Shotgun mics (Rode NTG series, Sennheiser MKE series) for directional capture.
- Condenser microphones (Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20 with appropriate preamps) for studio-style seated hosts.
- USB mics (for simple setups) — useful for quick demos but limited for multi-channel productions.
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Audio interfaces & mixers
- Multi-channel audio interfaces (Focusrite Scarlett, MOTU, RME) for multi-mic setups and low-latency monitoring.
- Mixers (Roland, Yamaha, Behringer) for live mixing and routing, with built-in effects/equalization.
- Digital mixers (Rode RodeCaster Pro, Zoom LiveTrak) for integrated podcast/live-show workflows.
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Wireless systems & interference management
- Use UHF/VHF wireless systems or modern digital systems; scan frequencies and lock settings carefully.
- Have wired backups (XLR) when possible.
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Cables & accessories
- Balanced XLR cables, quality short patch cables, mic stands, pop filters, windshields for lavs.
- DI boxes for connecting line-level gear where needed.
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Monitoring & recording
- Closed-back headphones for monitoring (Sony MDR-7506, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x).
- Record separate audio tracks when possible (dual-system recording) for redundancy and easier post-production.
Lighting
Consistent, flattering lighting builds production value. Aim for a three-point lighting base and practical accents.
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Key light
- Soft LED panels (Aputure, Godox, Nanlite) with adjustable color temperature and dimming.
- Softboxes or diffusion for softer shadows and flattering skin tones.
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Fill light
- Lower-intensity panel or reflector to reduce contrast from the key light.
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Back/rim light
- Small LED or Fresnel to separate talent from the background and add depth.
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Accent/background lights
- RGB LED strips or puck lights for branding and set interest.
- Practicals (lamps, LEDs inside set elements) create a lived-in look.
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Modifiers & grip
- Light stands, booms, grids, barn doors, diffusion frames, and gels for shaping light.
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Power & heat management
- LED fixtures reduce heat and power draw; ensure safe cable runs and ventilation.
Software & switching
Software controls your switcher, graphics, streaming, and recording. Choose tools that match your workflow and team size.
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Live-switching & production software
- OBS Studio (free) — highly customizable, with plugins and NDI support.
- vMix — robust for multi-camera, supports virtual sets and external input types.
- Wirecast — enterprise features for broadcasters.
- Streamlabs Desktop — user-friendly with integrated widgets for streamers.
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Graphics & motion
- NewBlueFX, Titler Live, or built-in tools in vMix/OBS for lower-thirds, bugs, and animated graphics.
- Adobe After Effects or Motion for pre-rendered assets.
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Audio software
- Reaper, Adobe Audition, or Audacity for editing.
- Voicemeeter (Windows) for advanced routing if you need virtual audio I/O.
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Remote guest integration
- NDI, SRT, RTMP, or dedicated services (Zoom, StreamYard, Riverside.fm) depending on latency and quality needs.
- Use multitrack recording from remote guests when possible.
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Encoding & CDN
- Configure bitrate, keyframe interval, and encoder (x264 vs hardware NVENC/QuickSync) based on upload capacity.
- Test streams to chosen CDN/platform (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, private CDNs) and use stream keys securely.
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Automation & control
- Stream deck (Elgato) or MIDI controllers for hotkeys, scene changes, and device control.
- Scripting and macros in vMix/OBS for repeated tasks.
Networking & compute
Stable, fast network and capable computers are the backbone of Internet TV.
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Computer hardware
- Multi-core CPU, discrete GPU (for hardware encoding and compositing), 32GB+ RAM for multi-camera and graphics-heavy shows.
- Fast NVMe SSD for media and caching.
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Capture & I/O
- Dedicated capture cards, ATEM switchers (Blackmagic) for SDI/HDMI hardware switching.
- Network-based video using NDI for flexible routing on LAN.
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Network
- Wired Ethernet (Gigabit or better) for streaming PCs; avoid Wi‑Fi for primary uplink.
- Redundant internet links or bonding (if uptime is critical).
- QoS settings on routers to prioritize streaming traffic.
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Storage & backups
- RAID arrays or NAS for archiving.
- Offsite backup strategy for important content.
Set design & ergonomics
A well-designed set improves perceived production quality and keeps hosts comfortable.
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Background options
- Physical sets with textured elements, plants, and practical lights.
- Seamless paper or fabric backdrops for simplicity.
- Green screen for virtual sets (ensure even lighting and distance from talent).
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Furniture & ergonomics
- Comfortable chairs, appropriate desk height, neat cable management.
- Camera eyelines and host sightlines—mark positions on floor.
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Acoustics
- Acoustic panels, bass traps, and soft furnishings to reduce reflections and reverb.
- Rugs, curtains, and diffusers for inexpensive treatment.
Testing, redundancy, and workflows
Plan for problems and rehearse workflows.
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Pre-show checklists
- Camera framing, audio levels, lighting balance, network test, recording check.
- Use test recordings to verify A/V sync.
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Redundancy
- Dual-recording (switcher and camera) and backup internet.
- Spare cables, spare mics, and backup power (UPS).
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Signal flow diagrams
- Document inputs, routing, and destinations — helps troubleshoot quickly.
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Crew roles & run sheets
- Clear assignments (director, switcher, audio engineer, camera op) and a timed rundown.
Budget tiers (concise examples)
- Entry-level (solo creator): webcam or entry mirrorless, USB mic or basic XLR interface, 1–2 LED panels, OBS, laptop/desktop with decent CPU.
- Mid-level (small team): 2–3 mirrorless cams, multichannel audio interface, soft LED panels, vMix or paid OBS plugins, dedicated streaming PC.
- Pro (studio/broadcaster): SDI cameras, hardware switcher (ATEM), professional audio console, studio lighting package, redundant encoders and bonded internet.
Quick shopping checklist (copy-paste)
- Primary camera + lens
- Secondary camera(s)
- HDMI/SDI capture card(s)
- Tripods, C-stands, mounts
- Lavalier + shotgun/condensor mics
- Audio interface/mixer
- XLR cables, adapters, pop filters
- Soft LED key, fill, rim lights + stands
- RGB background lights + gels/diffusers
- Streaming PC with GPU + NVMe SSD
- OBS/vMix/Streamlabs license (if applicable)
- Stream deck / control surface
- Wired Ethernet, router with QoS
- UPS and spare batteries
- Acoustic treatment panels
- Backup storage / NAS
If you’d like, I can convert this into a printable checklist, tailor gear recommendations to a specific budget, or create a signal-flow diagram for your planned setup.
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