Everything You Need to Know About Live Streaming Funeral Services
Technology is constantly evolving – and the funeral industry is no exception. Although a relatively new concept, live streaming enables anyone unable to attend a funeral service to feel like they are still present at the service.
Want to know what live streaming actually involves, and how you would set it up at a funeral? Here’s everything you should know about making the decision to live stream a funeral service.
What is Live Streaming?
Whether it’s due to illness, distance, or family/work obligations, it’s not always possible to attend the funeral of a friend or loved one. But with live streaming, family members and friends have the option to watch the funeral without being physically present.
Different than videotaping a funeral, live streaming allows family and friends to observe the funeral in real time as opposed to after the fact. This allows anyone who has a unique link to the broadcast to view the funeral – regardless of where they are located.
Although the technology to complete live streaming has been around since the early 2000s, the popularity surrounding it has slowly been building. The millennial population (born between 1981 – 1996) has been most receptive to this trend, although other demographics are starting to realize the benefits, too.
How Do I Live Stream a Funeral Service?
Live streaming a funeral service isn’t as difficult as it may initially seem. Begin with contacting your local funeral home to see if they already offer live streaming services at their facility. If they do, they will already be familiar with the process and can provide you with guidance.
If the funeral home you’re using does not currently offer the service, you can easily set it up on your own using the following three tools:
#1) Webcam
Although a regular video camera can be used, a webcam and mic provide better sound quality. Plus, it’s much easier to use since the equipment’s already connected to a computer.
#2) Computer
Your webcam needs to be connected to a powerful computer which can effectively process the incoming video and transmit it to viewers. Minimum specs for the computer include a dual/quad core processor, 4 GB RAM, 513 MC VRAM (RAM specifically designed for video processing) and a bandwidth upload of 1.3 Mbps – 1.5 Mbps.
#3) Live Stream Website
An output is needed to enable others to watch the incoming live stream. Many website options are available including livestream.com.
Although certain social media sites provide live experiences, they are only limited to viewers who are on social media.
How Do I Educate People About the Live Stream?
To inform people about the online funeral service, you’ll need to communicate the details via email or in the funeral notice. If you want the service to remain private, a password can be set up and distributed to certain parties only.
At Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc., we will work with you to ensure a funeral service can be accessed by anyone wanting to attend. Contact us today to discuss more options when it planning a memorial service.
