Game Day Checklist - Encoder

Broadcast Checklist
  • More than 30 minutes before warmup: setup your camera, audio, and encoder and plug them in.
  • 30 minutes before warmup: connect to bbtvops.com/soundcheck to test with BBTV Operations.
  • Before warmups: Resolve any issues or switch to backup plans if anything is not working.
  • Broadcast the game — leave a microphone on when no announcing is happening so the audience at home can hear that something is coming in (even low). If using a video switcher, either output "intermission" with a clock or show a feed of the ice so people at home know they aren’t missing the action.
  • After the game — send a message in broadcaster chat: "Our team has finished broadcasting at ARENA". If multiple games: "We are done with game 1 from ARENA and starting game 2 at ARENA".

Game Day Checklist - Spiideo

Spiideo Broadcast Checklist
  • Connect to Cloud Studio and join the appropriate game / rink.
  • Connect on a different device to bbtvops.com/soundcheck to say that you are speaking on Spiideo and are sending a test audio.
  • BBTV Operations staff will confirm that they hear your input and that it sounds good.
  • Give BBTV Operations staff a way to reach the broadcaster DURING the game if things start to go south for some reason. (If your audio is messed up and your phone is on silent, no one will be able to hear you anyway.)

Game Day Checklist - Larix Broadcaster (Backup)

Backup Broadcast Checklist
  • Notify BBTV Ops at bbtvops.com/soundcheck that you will be using a backup broadcast method (Larix Broadcaster) on your phone/tablet.
  • Download Larix Broadcaster (Google Play) or Larix Broadcaster (Apple iOS).
  • Ask operations for specific setup details — it will be case dependant on a number of factors.
  • Once the game starts broadcasting successfully, keep the Larix transmission running until the conclusion of the game. Do not attempt to stop during intermission and restart later — it will fail.

First Time Setup Process

1.

Schedule a Call

Click the button below to schedule a call with one of our technicians.

This call will be a walkthrough of the encoder setup and sending a test broadcast of your setup.

2.

Install the Discord App

Discord is the platform we will use for calls while testing equipment and performing soundchecks during the season.

3.

Create a Discord Account

Create your Discord account and note down what your Discord username is (you will need it for the next step).

It's free and once it's setup you can activate your camera to show BBTV OPS Technicians your setup to ensure everything is ready to broadcast.

Encoder Setup

BBTV / Videon Encoder Unboxing & Setup

Schedule Your Encoder Test

One test per season is recommended to ensure stability

Frequently Asked Questions

I've received an Encoder - What do I do?

You can schedule a time to setup your encoder at https://bbtvops.com/setup

Please ensure you watch the tutorial video and set up in your venue to test.

I haven't yet received an Encoder - What do I do?

Ensure that your leadership has filled out the USPHL Hockey Club Onboarding Form here.

If you are part of the USPHL - Black Bear TV will be handling streaming operations for the 2025-26 season.

Will my club be able to run ad space during the broadcast?

Using a Videon Encoder - Yes. The encoder will broadcast exactly what you send—audio, video, and any embedded media. This means if your production includes advertisements or branded content, viewers will see them. If you hook up a single camera you won't be able to run ad space - but if you hook up a video switcher you can cut between cameras or graphics and videos!

Important note: A small Black Bear TV logo is automatically embedded in the bottom-right corner of the broadcast. Because this overlay appears above all image data, we recommend avoiding ad placements or branding in that area.

Will Encoders Connect to Multiple Cameras?

Connect the encoder to one video source. If you want to add more cameras or video sources the encoder can take an output from a video switcher so you can cut between cameras or graphics and videos!

Who Should Provide the Laptop?

Videon Pipeline - Currently, No laptops or tablets are needed to control the setup.

Spiideo Pipeline - The club is responsible for providing the laptop used to control Spiideo Cloud Studio and send audio into the production.

Need BBTV assets for your website?

Broadcast Setups

We have broadcast setup tips to ensure teams are prepared for the upcoming season.

Videon Encoder Guide

We have created a page dedicated to a basic streaming setup using Videon Encoders if you have specific questions please reach out to operations.

Spiideo CloudStudio Guide

We are creating a page dedicated to a basic streaming setup using Spiideo if you have specific questions please reach out to operations for immediate support