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IBM Video Streaming

IBM Video Streaming

Overview

What is IBM Video Streaming?

IBM Video Streaming solutions are used to stream virtual events, executive town halls, video marketing product launches, and OTT streaming. According to IBM, the solution is built for privacy, reliability and scale, to optimize video quality, and powered by IBM…

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Recent Reviews

IBM Video Streaming

10 out of 10
February 12, 2024
Incentivized
IBM Video Streaming has proven to be an invaluable tool in our K-12 school district, significantly enhancing educational delivery, …
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Thanks IBM

9 out of 10
November 07, 2020
We used it for a 2-hour premier of a movie and a zoom Q&A panel to major healthcare institutions around the country. We were looking for a …
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IBM Watson Review

8 out of 10
November 08, 2019
Incentivized
It is used across the whole organization to help my clients to watch interviews remotely whenever they cannot join in person at our …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 31 features
  • Video link sharing (93)
    10.0
    100%
  • Live streaming (95)
    9.0
    90%
  • Video quality / Bandwidth controls (92)
    9.0
    90%
  • Mobile compatibility (87)
    9.0
    90%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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N/A
Unavailable

What is IBM Video Streaming?

IBM Video Streaming solutions are used to stream virtual events, executive town halls, video marketing product launches, and OTT streaming. According to IBM, the solution is built for privacy, reliability and scale, to optimize video quality, and powered by IBM Watson AI for video…

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.ibm.com/products/video…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

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11 people also want pricing

Alternatives Pricing

What is Vimeo?

Vimeo is a video experience platform. They enable anyone to create high-quality video experiences to connect and bring ideas to life. They proudly serve their growing community of nearly 300 million users — from creative storytellers to globally distributed teams at the world's largest companies.

What is Vidyard?

Vidyard is an enterprise video platform built to turn viewers into customers with in-depth insights and robust integrations with different customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation platforms.

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Features

Video Marketing

Features related to using video marketing content, as well as marketing videos themselves.

6.1
Avg 7.2

Video Platform Integrations

Integrations between the enterprise video platform and other business applications.

7.6
Avg 6.3

Video Security

Features related to the security of an organization's content stored on an enterprise video platform.

9
Avg 8.7

Video Player

Features that support playing and watching video content that is hosted on the enterprise video platform.

7.8
Avg 8.4

Video Analytics

Features related to collecting and analyzing data around video streaming quality, viewer behavior, etc.

8.2
Avg 7.5

Video Hosting, Management & Storage

Features related to hosting, managing, and storing video content.

9
Avg 8.5

Video Engagement

Features to engage viewers around video content, particularly for live streams.

9
Avg 8.0
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Product Details

What is IBM Video Streaming?

IBM Video Streaming solutions are used to stream virtual events, executive town halls, video marketing product launches, and OTT streaming. According to IBM, the solution is built for privacy, reliability and scale, to optimize video quality, and powered by IBM Watson AI for video search and automated closed captioning.

IBM Enterprise Video Streaming can power security-rich video communications ranging from employee town halls, to trainings and department meetings, to digital events – boosting engagement from virtually anywhere. This cloud-based solution includes AI-driven deep search and the ability to track usage down to the individual user level with metrics as detailed as when content was accessed, device information, geographic location of the viewer and completion percentage.

https://ibm.biz/Video_Streaming_product_page


IBM Video Streaming Features

Video Marketing Features

  • Supported: Lead generation
  • Supported: Video personalization
  • Supported: Audience for distribution
  • Supported: eCommerce
  • Supported: Support for advertisements
  • Supported: Video SEO

Video Security Features

  • Supported: Video access controls
  • Supported: User management
  • Supported: SSO support
  • Supported: Password protection
  • Supported: Video link sharing
  • Supported: Embed restrictions
  • Supported: Internal video
  • Supported: External video

Video Player Features

  • Supported: Player customization
  • Supported: Embedded videos
  • Supported: Video quality / Bandwidth controls
  • Supported: Mobile compatibility

Video Analytics Features

  • Supported: Streaming quality reports
  • Supported: Per viewer tracking
  • Supported: Per video tracking
  • Supported: Video analytics dashboard

Video Hosting, Management & Storage Features

  • Supported: On-Demand video
  • Supported: Live streaming
  • Supported: Impact of streaming on network
  • Supported: Video upload & format support
  • Supported: Video library / File management
  • Supported: Video portal
  • Supported: Video downloads
  • Supported: Video editing
  • Supported: High definition support
  • Supported: Closed captioning / Transcription

Video Engagement Features

  • Supported: Audience polling
  • Supported: Audience Q&A / Live chat
  • Supported: Video comments

Additional Features

  • Supported: Scalability
  • Supported: Enterprise Security
  • Supported: Quality of Service
  • Supported: Integrated Content Management
  • Supported: Multi-CDN Delivery via SD-CDN
  • Supported: Cloud-based Transcoding
  • Supported: Social Sharing with Facebook and Twitter Integration
  • Supported: Integrated Chat
  • Supported: Live Analytics Dashboard
  • Supported: Auto-Recording
  • Supported: Custom Branding
  • Supported: Lead Capture
  • Supported: Live Playlists
  • Supported: Support for Professional Encoding/Production Gear
  • Supported: Enterprise Support Plans
  • Supported: Managed Event and Production Services
  • Supported: Enterprise Content Delivery Network (eCDN)

IBM Video Streaming Screenshots

Screenshot of the viewer's portal experience (channel page).Screenshot of how the automatically generated closed captions can be edited if necessary.Screenshot of the Analytics Console.Screenshot of the Watson Media CMSScreenshot of the viewer's portal experience (channel page).

IBM Video Streaming Videos

IBM Video Streaming Technical Details

Deployment TypesSoftware as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationApple iOS, Android, Mobile Web

Frequently Asked Questions

Kaltura, Dalet Flex, and Vidyard are common alternatives for IBM Video Streaming.

Reviewers rate Video personalization and Video link sharing highest, with a score of 10.

The most common users of IBM Video Streaming are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).

IBM Video Streaming Customer Size Distribution

Consumers0%
Small Businesses (1-50 employees)15%
Mid-Size Companies (51-500 employees)50%
Enterprises (more than 500 employees)35%
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(205)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(51-75 of 126)
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Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
We are a video production company that has multi-camera set-ups. I stream events like meetings, TedX, commencement exercises, and sporting events.
  • Good Statistics
  • After you get into your account, it is user-friendly.
  • After IBM took over it does not offer notices when a channel you have joined is live.
  • Since IBM took over it is not easy to find your channel with the live stream.
  • I wish they would have made it easier as an original Ustream customer to sign in and see your stream easier.
It is a good streaming platform but needs to be modified so it is easier to use. When it was Ustream, it was easy to get notified when the channel went live. You could find your stream easily. I wish when IBM took over they would have made signing in and using the program easier, but it has too many steps to use it now.

It is hard to find out how to pay-per-view. I wish it was easier to talk to someone about how to use it to pay-per-view. I am missing opportunities because I need someone to handle Customer Service, take the payments and handle the sign-up part of the process.
Anna Soares | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Ustream to allow our clients to remote view research sessions that take place in our facility. Ustream has been consistently reliable, and is very easy to manage. I have not experienced any problems with it.
  • Easy set up
  • Reliable service - no technical issues
  • The layout of the back end could be more intuitive. I change the passwords on the channels very frequently and it takes a few clicks to get there.
It's a good option for clients with multiple office locations, and researchers/designers in multiple locations, all of whom would like to view the research sessions.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We are currently using it to stream our monthly funding meetings and council meetings. It is primarily used by the whole organization. Having this streaming service allows our project team members statewide to attend meetings virtually that they are often not able to attend in person.
  • Integrates well with our company website using embed code provided by IBM.
  • No complaints here!
Well suited to live streaming meetings to a large audience.
Loual Puliafito | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
At St. Patrick's Cathedral, the video streaming service is used every day for daily Mass. We also stream organ recitals, music concerts, and special occasions. Yes the streaming service is used by the entire organization. The biggest problem addressed is sharing the good works of the Cathedral with those people who are homebound or live in another part of the country or world.
  • It's great at hosting large amount of streamers at once. We reach upwards of 5,000 at a time.
  • The stream adjusts to the device the user is using.
  • Placing information in the stream is very easy.
  • I would like for it to approve its capabilities with connecting to social media.
Let's just say I was in a unique situation where all I had was my phone. I could literally broadcast a stream from my iPhone. Amazing!
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Watson Video Streaming just once a year for our high school Senior Signing Day event in May of each year. It is pretty easy to navigate and the guys on the service line are great. They really want to help resolve your issue in the best manner possible. We stream our two-hour event for parents who are at work and attend the live event or other family members living outside the area and can't attend. We fundraise and take comments during the live stream. As I said, I really like the folks on the helpline.
  • The video is high quality!
  • Ease of use
  • Great customer service
  • Good pricing
  • Not a technician so I'm good for what I need it to do.
It is well suited for our event because we want our live streaming to be of high quality, but our funds are limited. Watson gives us both high quality at a cost even our small non-profit can afford. Ustream was good, but Watson Media is even better.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We do a lot of corporate events where we have to stream to multiple servers at the same time and it has never let us down, we use it nationwide for all our shows we go to.
  • Versatile problem solver for all streaming solutions.
  • Compact for conference streaming.
  • Reliable never had any issues.
  • Perfect system
Great product launches and conference streaming for all streaming needs.
Score 5 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We had been using Ustream since before it was acquired by IBM and before Facebook and YouTube offered streaming services. We are a house of worship and we stream our church services 3 times a week all year round. Ustream gave us an opportunity to share our church experience with people who cannot physically attend our church services.
  • The video and audio quality is very impressive compared to other streaming services.
  • Good customer support.
  • Pricing. Now there are more companies offering streaming services for less money and with less limitations.
IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming is well suited for any organization that can afford to pay top dollar for their services.
Christopher Cantrall | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use IBM Watson Media to deliver streams in a closed-loop when requested by clients. We never allow open access but always have the videos gated behind a password. IBM Watson Media is used organization-wide and is our only streaming tool, which we use instead of another industry alternatives.
  • Price.
  • Uptime.
  • Ease of use.
  • Ease of sharing.
  • Could use a better domain name.
  • More obvious IBM branding.
  • Better chat functionality.
For simple video presentations, IBM Watson Media really shines. In cases where our clients don’t necessarily need to do anything complex with the videos live, like time-stamping or other live annotation. We like that we can easily share the link and password and get people into the stream quick. The chat functionality is also a client favorite.
July 26, 2019

Basic user

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use it across our organization to live stream events for our members.
  • Sound quality and video quality are much improved from when we started with Ustream.
  • Downloading streams for other apps is easy.
  • We like to be able to do chats in real time during presentations.
  • It is extremely annoying when I get a message that I am unable to connect at this time.
  • When an error occurs it is usually right before a scheduled stream, and that creates chaos
We stream speakers and presentations that are specific to our religious community to all members across the globe.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I set up Ustream at my church to broadcast daily church services.

In addition to being a member, I own an audio visual company that installs cameras and video streamers. Since the first installation, we have set up Cerevo streamers for other clients and had them create UStream accounts to broadcast their events.
  • Auto record
  • Easy to use
  • Great reporting
  • Video editing
  • Lighting control
  • Adding the ability to block unwanted users who rack up viewing hours
Churches- used for sick at home or shut in members who cannot make it to the building for weekly services.
Township board meetings are generally lightly attended. Some towns have public access channels on cable while others do not. Streaming allows smaller municipalities a greater audience reach without having to invest in cable TV access.
Score 4 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
The product was used to stream and record school events. Streaming was open to all departments, but it was primarily used for athletics, music, chapel services and special events like graduation. It provided a way to share events live and also automatically recorded them and made them available for on-demand playback.
  • Cloud transcoding
  • Player customization
  • Analytics
  • Security/privacy options
  • Very poor communication
  • Support
  • Ease of accessing on-demand playback
We found the streaming product very good, but I would hesitate to recommend the product because of the pricing changes they made to our longstanding account without any notice. Support was not at all helpful and had no interest in preserving our business. We left the company because of this.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Our company produces a live-streaming broadcast for Las Vegas-based entertainers. It is critical we have no lags, disruption, or dropped content during the live productions. Doing live broadcast provides no margin of error as compared to on-demand or more traditional broadcasts.
We found Upstream after we had an unsuccessful experience with many of the other well-known streaming services.
  • We were two hours away from our first live broadcast when our streaming service failed. We contacted IBM and the show went on as scheduled.
  • We went from initial contact with IBM to live streaming in less than two hours, no problems.
  • If reliability is critical then there is only one choice, the IBM Watson Media service.
  • If budget is important then IBM Watson proved to more cost-effective than services advertising lower initial cost.
  • While we set it up in less than two hours we did need to do some trial and error through the first show.
  • The documentation provided is technical and complete which requires time to figure out all the options available for the user. Being more concise would be better.
  • It would be nice to have a simpler process for creating passcodes for viewers to select a show and pay for those shows without us having to generate codes each time.
It is perfect for live and on-demand video streaming where customers expect excellent results. If someone only needs to stream a meeting of Youtube style videos it is overkill, but this doesn't mean it does not work, it is just a waste of the capabilities of the IBM video service. For individual gamers who want to stream it is also massive overkill but if they want the best service available this is the one.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We have used IBM's Ustream for several years to broadcast a corporate event to a large international manufacturing firm - a client of my company. It's being used by my production team and shared with the client's entire international organization across multiple states and countries. Employees from all over US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries were able to tune in and view their local team compete in a company wide competition. The software is easy to use, reliable, and an affordable option to establish a private, secure, and dedicated connection for live streaming - something that is integral for this particular situation as privacy & access are major concerns.
  • Privacy Settings - very easy to establish a variety of security levels depending on the project.
  • Publishing features are simple and easy to use. Not only can I publish the stream immediately after the live event is over, but I can upload to youtube directly.
  • Communication - I can talk directly with the viewers of the stream in the event that their are questions or concerns
  • The interface - though easy to use - is a bit dated. It does seem that it could be updated a bit.
  • Browser exclusive streaming - it would be nice if the streaming service could be more directly integrated with streaming services/apps such as Youtube or a Ustream App. Maybe it is, but at the time I used it, i was unfamiliar with this option.
  • Pricing options - though I think it is affordable, it's a bit difficult to determine what level I need to purchase. It might be nice to see more options in terms of pricing.
I found this software to be very well suited for private, corporate production - where live streaming is for internal corporate purposes. The interface would be less useful for conventional entertainment productions for broad audiences as it's lesser known from the user side as a brand. I'd likely use Facebook, YouTube or some other streaming platform for more general public facing live streams.
Stephen Michael | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use it to record and stream funeral services. This service allows family and friends who are unable to attend the service to still be part of it, no matter where they are. Some times, the venue is not large enough so it is streamed to an off site building.
  • Technical support is excellent
  • The software is very easy to configure
  • The quality of the stream is excellent
  • There is minimal delay between the upload and download
  • New users are not able to personalize their site address
The system streaming fits every application that we have tried. Having done private events and public gatherings - all worked well.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
IBM Video Streaming (previously Ustream) has the best pricing around. Their analytics are incredibly granular and their servers have always been reliable. We have used Ustream for two years here and I used it for three at a previous company - it grows with each user and there isn't a product on the market delivering what they offer at this scale and with this feature set.
  • Metrics are great and extremely specific.
  • The platform loads quickly and scales to different size video players easily.
  • The support structure is unheard of for any of the competitors.
  • Their documentation on how to use their call to action/api features is lacking.
For a medium sized church, Ustream/IBM is the best streaming service answer available because of its high value and strong feature set.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming to bring a closer sense of community and inclusion for our remote staff.
  • Easy to use
  • Many options for engagement
  • Looks good
  • More security options like encryption
Great for one way communication. If you are looking for bidirectional communication then there are probably better options.
June 26, 2019

Small Fry Review

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
[It's used] To capture our live services, save them and upload them to our website.
  • Works with Live-Air and Teradek smoothly
  • The quality of capture and saving of the product
  • Quick response in having the video rendered to a different format
  • Can't think of anything to improve
Media streaming (Ustream now changed to IBM Watson) is the platform we have used, although we did use Vimeo, but chose to stay with IBM due to the years we have used them and the many videos stored. We have not run into any scenarios that could not be resolved.
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use IBM Cloud Video (Ustream® Enterprise) as a professional white label service for the client not interested in using a social media streaming service. These typically include internal corporate communications or government agencies. Once an awhile we'll use the service for universities and colleges for their commencements which the institutions don't feel a social media streaming platform is appropriate.
  • Quick launch of a webcast
  • Player compatibility
  • Broad adoption of third party add-ons and hardware encoders
  • Tech support turnaround on corrupted VOD videos.
  • Channels need to have the ability to stream to two servers simultaneously--like YouTube's ability to stream to two different servers. They also allow you to see the health of the backup stream etc., in real time. Right now the Enterprise® solution for failover includes a 5-second black frame until the backup stream pops up. It also can only be set up by IBM staff as a special request.
  • Ability to customize the player. The older Flash-based player allowed for this. A basic customer customizable player like Vimeo would be amazing.
[Well suited for] lead generation and production companies with no web technical expertise. Clients looking at Livestream® - I would recommend them IBM Cloud Video over that service. Corporate communications would benefit from the registration tracking ability. [Also well suited for] clients looking for a simple way to password protect and domain lock their streams and event companies that want to monetize their content with pay-per-view.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Ustream is used by one of our clients in order to share video and broadcast their live events. Ustream was recently introduced and it replaced another similar service. The reason behind this shift can be, probably, linked to the additional features offered by Ustream (for example the possibility to ask to users to access an event only by giving their email address, the geographical localisation of viewers, etc).
  • You can ask viewers to attend only if they give you an email address so that you can create your mailing list for further info/questionnaires/other events.
  • You can locate where your viewers are from, in order to understand if you were able to attract the correct audience.
  • The chat is automatically supervised so, in principle, you do not need to have someone checking on improper use of the chat.
  • You can personalise the off-air contents as well as the videos on demand
  • Maybe the chat can be improved a little, to make it easier to access.
  • It should be given the possibility to embed the video also to non-logged in users.
  • Provide full features in the demo mode, in order to better understand what is possible to do with Ustream and better decide whether to pay or not.

GOOD: I would suggest to use Ustream whenever there is a live event and you would like to have it streamed around the world. Especially if there are some additional activities to be carried out after your event, you can collect the email addresses of those who are connecting to your event.

NOT APPROPRIATE: I would not use Ustream if I want to be easily found on the internet because, in this case, people would rather directly look on YouTube.

Erik Woodard | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized

We implement video e-learning systems and creating educational content for corporate entities, and use IBM's Ustream Align when security and viewership reporting/analytics are required. Once deployed, multiple departments take advantage of the system as we create department-level educational content - M&A onboards new groups, HR trains new employees, Compliance keeps staff up-to-date on regulatory and education requirements, and senior leadership and executives communicate quarterly meetings.

Clients save tremendous time and money by reducing education, onboarding, and compliance costs, while freeing up management's time to focus on more strategic decisions. Ultimately, the organization is able to grow faster and more efficiently, especially during M&A or new-hire pushes.

  • Reliable Platform - there is no down-time, so your employees are always free to train, managers to manage, etc.
  • Desktop and Mobile - your teams can use this platform in office, at home, or during travel, so e-learning is convenient and easy.
  • Reporting and Analytics - managers and senior leadership can see who's progressing, how many are watching, and what questions are asked.
  • Live Q&A - during a video stream, viewers can message questions right in the player and get prompt answers, keeping everyone engaged and learning.
  • Watch Anytime - all videos are hosted in the cloud and can be watched at any time, and still have the option of asking questions to moderators
  • Report Exports - reports are exported as csv/excel, which is helpful, but the data needs to be massaged to be useful
  • Back-end Admin Limits - there are only a few users that can have admin and moderator privileges, which at times can make things difficult when creating educational content for multiple departments/subjects
  • First-time User issue - for some less tech savvy individuals, first time use can be difficult as you're required to validate your email and enter a provided code.
Ustream Align is excellent when security and reporting is needed. If you don't need these features, we recommend other Ustream products.
Robbie Dalley | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use Ustream to broadcast live events for our corporate clients to their end users. We have streamed live events to audiences from as small as 50 users to over 10,000 users over the past five years. We typically stream 2-5 events per month, and have appreciated the ease of use Ustream offers our clients and technicians both.
  • Ease of use in setup of client channels
  • Ease of use in connecting and managing streams
  • Ease of use in publishing live content for later use
  • There is really not much we are currently unhappy with.
It has been a great platform to use for our live streamed corporate clients. It is easy for the end users to connect and view the content.
June 07, 2019

FANTASTIC

Sujoy Sarkar | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We maintain two 24/7 television channels. We use Ustream to stream the channel to everyone on our web page and through their computers and cell phones. Palomar College in San Diego, has purchased the license from the vendor for the community college system, to stream without commercials 24/7. I want to add an additional channel soon as well. We love the service.
  • Streaming live television Channels 24/7.
  • Hosting live events for IEEE and SEMPTE from our studios in full HD.
  • Hosting live events for various cities and sporting events we have here on campus, including campus recruiting events.
  • At this time we are fine with what the vendor has.
Easy to use and quick to set up. And it has worked for us so far 100% of the time.
Bill Hetzel | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
I am using Ustream to provide high quality live streaming to world wide audiences from multiple locations across the globe. I have had trouble in the past (with other stream companies) with attendees viewing webcasts at different bandwidth rates. Obviously, if we're broadcasting in HD, but a viewer is capable of viewing in only 240p, problems will occur! Ustream's built-in multiple bit rates make my life easier, and our final product is much more effective.
  • UI
  • Ease of use.
  • Multiple methods of streaming. you don't have to use just a single method. There are plenty of options for getting your content up and online.
  • Metrics. Ustream has good general metrics. But to get deep, very precise metrics is unavailable.
  • More control of Q&A and chat functions. Currently you can turn them on and off. But, there are no ways of configuring these to make them look exactly as you'd like. There are a couple templates, but it would be nice to have full control of the view in order that it fits perfectly into your theme.
  • Their contracting needs to be more streamlined
I think Ustream is great. I have had wonderful success with our products and the quality. As I stated earlier, we were required to build some custom code for in-depth metrics, and Q&A functionality. But, for high level video streaming, Ustream is perfect straight out of the box.
Alejandro Rojas | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
IBM Cloud Video (Ustream) is used as a streaming service for our entire news broadcast video platform. It's used by our TV broadcast department (ABC TV) to broadcast our daily local news in our 24 hours basis on the internet (on our web page, desktop, mobile and native app) and to store it as video on demand.
  • Stable streaming platform
  • Good reports
  • Easy to deploy
  • Transconding
  • Advertisement layer
  • High price
  • more options in ad servers
  • api improvements
In our case scenario, it is well suited for what we do - broadcast video streaming on the Internet and environments where transcoding is almost mandatory such as mobile and native app on smartphones. I think it is less suitable for video on demand because of the high priced storage space.
Derek Hoiem | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I've been using IBM Cloud Video (UStream) for a number of years now in support of a music blog that I run, and also for events that I livestream for my clients. Although many other free solutions have come online in recent years (YouTube Live, Facebook Live, etc.) they simply are not as reliable as having a private streaming service. IBM Cloud Video allows us to stream from a multitude of professional devices, including Teradek gear that we use a lot, both reliably and easily. Also, the cloud recording is fantastic and allows me to have peace of mind that beyond our local recordings (from a camera or recorder) we will have a cloud-recorded video that we can download to give to the client and/or edit later.
  • Cloud-based video recording.
  • Reliable transmission of video, resulting in ease of starting a broadcast (more important than you think) and a clear and smooth picture.
  • Ability to save recordings, organize them, share them, and send them to other online video services.
  • The user interface is pretty good, but it definitely needs some improvements to help organize videos better, and request online restoration of videos that have been taken offline.
  • As far as I can tell, new features haven't been added since UStream was acquired by IBM. It seems like development has been paused, or focused on back-end improvements that we as users simply don't see. Would like to see some new improvements being made, especially at this price point.
  • The mobile viewing window lacks options and cannot detect device orientation. So I embed a video on a page that I can publish through an app, but then the viewing window does not orient correctly, without some complicated JavaScript that I personally have to write. This is an example of a feature that IBM should make and have part of the viewer window platform. Mobile friendly is essential in this day and age.
For scenarios where you want a reliable broadcast window, without all of the noise from YouTube or Facebook. You can have a clean viewing experience embedded on a web page or mobile app. And also you can cloud-record your broadcasts so you can download and edit them later.
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