Professional JVC Camcorders GY-HM200 and GY-LS300

Introduction

This guide provides instructions for setting up the professional JVC camcorders GY-HM200 and GY-LS300 for live streaming to popular platforms such as Facebook Live, YouTube, and Ustream.

Image Description: Two professional JVC camcorders are shown side-by-side. The left camera is a JVC GY-LS300, and the right is a JVC GY-HM200. A blue arrow points downwards from the cameras towards logos for Facebook Live, YouTube, and Ustream. Below these logos, a selection of other JVC streaming products are displayed: GY-LS300, GY-HM200, GY-HM650, GY-HM850/890, and the BR-DE800 Professional Decoder. The JVC KENWOOD logo is at the bottom.

Check our comprehensive line of streaming products at pro.jvc.com.

Setup Steps for Ustream or YouTube Streaming

1. Select recording format to enable network / streaming.
2. Plug in a USB adapter, enable the camera's network function, and connect to a Wi-Fi (LAN) network.
3. Verify the camera's IP Address by pressing the Status button.
4. Using a PC/Mac browser, type the camera's IP Address to access the Settings and Remote page.
5. Find the RTMP URL and Stream Key from your Ustream / YouTube accounts.
6. Copy and paste these values into the camera's Streaming / RTMP settings and click Save.
7. Assign one of the User Buttons to the Stream function. Example: User 7, next to the zoom control.

Camera Controls for Setup

• Menu button and Joystick for navigation ⚙️
• User 3 button to confirm Recording Format changes ✔️
• Status button to verify camera's IP Address and connection information ?

Image Description: A close-up view of the rear controls of a JVC camcorder. The LCD screen displays "Main Menu" with options like "Camera Function...", "Camera Process...", "TC/UB...", "LCD/VF...", "A/V Set...", and "System...". Buttons labeled "Menu", "User 3", and "Status" are clearly visible and indicated with callouts. The joystick for navigation is also shown.

Menu Navigation

By pressing the Menu button, two menu screens are available: Main Menu and Favorites Menu. Pressing the Menu button for two seconds toggles between Main Menu and Favorites Menu. Any items from the Main Menu can be added to the Favorites Menu for quick access. Example: Added Connection / Streaming Setup and Record Format to the Favorites Menu.

Image Description: Two screenshots of camera menu interfaces. The left shows the "Main Menu" with options like "Camera Function...", "Camera Process...", etc. The right shows the "Favorites Menu" with options like "Connection Setup...", "Live Streaming Set...", "Record Format...", and "Edit Favorites".

Selecting Recording Mode and Streaming Resolution/Bitrate

While streaming and recording to an SD card are available simultaneously, some recording modes may inhibit streaming functions. For example, streaming is not available when in 4K or 1080 HD422 recording modes. Progressive streaming formats are not available when recording interlaced video formats; HD streaming is not possible when recording SD, etc. Setting the camera to 1080p (25/30/50/60) H.264 (not 422) recording mode enables all streaming formats.

720p is recommended for streaming to Ustream / YouTube.

Image Description: A diagram illustrating connectivity. A JVC GY-HM200 camcorder is shown with icons representing 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and LAN connections, all leading to an "Internet" icon. From the internet, arrows point to the Ustream, YouTube, and Facebook Live logos.

Connecting Network Adapters

Plug a Wi-Fi, Ethernet (LAN), or 4G LTE adapter into the USB Host connector.

Some USB adapters may not be recognized or may generate errors during high-bitrate streaming. Please use a JVC certified adapter for error-free streaming, such as the Hawking Technology HD65U: http://hawkingtech.com/products/hawking_products/wireless_ac/hd65u.html

Supported 4G LTE Cellular Broadband Modems

XLTE nearly doubles upload speed due to simultaneous use of two frequencies.

Image Description: A collage of devices used for internet connectivity. It includes a Pantech 4G LTE modem, a Hawking Wi-Fi adapter with an antenna, a Verizon Jetpack mobile hotspot displaying "Personal Hotspot" and network information, and a JVC camcorder with a USB Host port highlighted.

Enable Network Function and Connect

Enable the Network function and connect to an available network. Follow the menu prompts until a successful connection is established. The connection status is displayed in the upper right corner of the Viewfinder and LCD screen.

Image Description: Screenshots of the camera's menu system. The first shows "Main Menu" with "System" selected, displaying options like "Record Set...", "Media...", "Setup File...", "Language: English", and "Network: On". The second shows "Network Settings" with options like "Web...", "Live Streaming Set...", "Connection Setup...", etc. The third shows "Connection Setup" with a "Wizard" and options to "Load", "Store", "Delete". The fourth shows "Select Connection Type" with options "P2P" and "Connect with Access Point". The fifth shows "Wireless LAN" as the available adapter.

The network symbol is Yellow while obtaining an IP address and White when connected to the network. ?

System Reset: Menu ➡️ System ➡️ Reset All is recommended if connectivity problems occur.

Image Description: A screenshot of the camera's viewfinder or LCD screen displaying recording status (e.g., "172min", "A 115min", "B --min"), resolution ("1280x720 60p 35M"), time ("00:02:44.04"), date ("Feb 15, 2015 08:05:51PM"), ND filter setting ("ND 1/16"), audio levels, and other technical data. A red circle highlights the time display.

Network Status and Remote Control Access

Press the Status button and use the left-right joystick controls to navigate to the Network Status page. (Press Status again to cancel).

Image Description: A close-up view of the camera's rear controls, similar to page 2, with the "Status" button highlighted. The "Network Status" screen is displayed, showing details like Type (Home_Wi-Fi), SSID, Security Type (WPA2), Passphrase, DHCP (On), IP Address (192.168.1.109), and MAC Address. An arrow points to the IP Address.

Note that 192.168.1.109 is the camera's IP Address. Your IP address may be different.

Now, you will need a PC/Mac connected to the same network.

Enter http://192.168.1.109 in your PC/Mac browser to access the camera's Remote Control page.

User Name: jvc
Password: 0000 (four zeroes)

Image Description: A screenshot of the camera's web-based remote control interface accessed via a browser. The URL "192.168.1.109" is visible in the address bar. The interface shows icons for "Planning Metadata", "Clip List", "View Remote", "JVC", "Camera Control", and "Settings". A preview of the JVC GY-HM200 camcorder is displayed.

Ustream Setup: RTMP URL and Stream Key

Open your Ustream account page in a new browser window and navigate to Channel Settings. Click on Broadcast Settings and select Encoder Settings.

Image Description: A screenshot of the Ustream channel settings interface. The left sidebar shows "CHANNELS" with "GYHM200" selected. The main area displays "Broadcast Settings" with options for "Auto-recording" and "Multi-quality streaming". Below this is "Encoder settings", with a link to learn more. The "Encoder settings" section shows fields for "Manual Entry" including "RTMP URL" and "Stream Key", with example values provided. Checkmarks indicate valid entries.

Copy and Paste the RTMP URL and Stream Key (one by one) into the camera's RTMP setup page.

Image Description: A screenshot of the camera's "Settings > Live Streaming" page. Fields for "Destination Server", "Alias", "Type" (with RTMP selected), "URL", and "Stream Key" are shown. Example values for URL and Stream Key are present. Buttons for "Cancel" and "Save" are at the bottom. Arrows point to the URL and Stream Key fields.

Click Save to complete setup. ✔️

YouTube Setup: RTMP Credentials

For YouTube, proceed to: My Channel – Video Manager – Live Events – New Live Event.

Select Custom ingestion and Other encoders to see RTMP credentials.

Image Description: A screenshot of the YouTube Studio interface for setting up a live event. The left sidebar shows "CREATOR STUDIO" with options like "DASHBOARD", "VIDEO MANAGER", "Live Events", etc. The main area shows an "Event successfully saved" message for "GY-HM200". Options for "Thumbnail", "Choose maximum sustained bitrate", and "Select your encoder" are visible. Under "Other encoders", steps are outlined: 1. Configure your encoder, 2. Copy and paste into your encoder (showing "Stream Name", "Primary Server URL", "Backup Server URL", and "Stream Key" with example values), 3. Start your encoder, 4. Go to the Live Control Room.

Facebook Live Setup

For Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/get-started/live

Image Description: A screenshot of the Facebook Publishing Tools interface. The left sidebar shows "Page", "Messages", "Notifications", "Insights", etc. The "Video Library" section is displayed, showing a list of videos. The "Create Live Video" section is prominent, stating it's for professional video equipment. Options for "Secure connection (SSL)" are present. Below this, "Single Field" and "Separate Fields" are shown for entering streaming details. The "Separate Fields" section displays "Server URL" and "Stream Key" with example values. A note warns to keep the Stream Key secret and mentions its validity.

Selecting Streaming Format and Bitrate

Depending on local conditions and type of connection (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or 4G LTE), different streaming formats and bitrates may be chosen to provide smooth streaming and a pleasant viewing experience. Keep in mind that a slightly lower resolution with a stable stream is always preferable to higher resolution video that stops and breaks abruptly.

It is always a good idea to check your connection speed with Speed Test tools using a smartphone, tablet, or PC prior to starting streaming. Check Upload speed, not Download speed, since you will be uploading (pushing) video to the server.

Image Description: Three graphical representations of internet speed tests. Each shows PING, DOWNLOAD SPEED, and UPLOAD SPEED with numerical values (e.g., PING 59 ms, DOWNLOAD SPEED 2.54 Mbps, UPLOAD SPEED 14.08 Mbps).

JVC camcorders offer a wide range of streaming bitrates, from as low as 0.2 Mbps for Skype-like video to broadcast-quality streaming at 5-8-12 Mbps.

The rule of thumb is to select a streaming bitrate at approximately 50-65% of your available upload speed. Depending on the type of video: low motion (interview, focus group, “talking head” etc.) or high-motion (sports, action, stage), choose 480i or 720p/1080i formats.

Assigning User Buttons for Streaming

Finally, one of the camera's eight User Buttons can be assigned to the Streaming function.

Navigate: Menu ➡️ Camera Function ➡️ USER Switch Set ➡️ USER7 ➡️ Live Streaming.

Example: We chose the Rec/7 (User 7) button located next to the zoom rocker.

Image Description: A close-up of a JVC camcorder, similar to previous images, with a yellow label "User 7" pointing to a button near the zoom rocker. The button is labeled "REC".

Setup is complete, and now you can stream live to Ustream by pushing the Rec/7 button.

All settings are stored in the camera (four separate Ustream channels/accounts can be saved).

Image Description: A diagram showing a JVC camcorder connected wirelessly (indicated by Wi-Fi waves) to the Internet. From the Internet, an arrow leads to the Ustream logo. Below this, logos for YouTube and Facebook Live are also shown, indicating the camcorder can stream to these platforms as well.

For more information visit: pro.jvc.com.