How to bring a guest remotely into Wirecast with Zoom

A useful tool to master in Wirecast is the ability to interview guests from a remote location during a live broadcast. Remote interviews enhance the value of a show because they allow viewers the opportunity to connect with experts in real-time.

A common software used to bring calls into Wirecast is Zoom. Zoom is video conferencing software that is free for calls up to 45 minutes and is a great alternative to using Skype.

Follow these simple steps learn how to bring Zoom into Wireacst:

Step 1: Configure the settings in Wirecast

First open Wirecast and go to the ‘output’ drop down menu and click ‘virtual camera out’ and ‘HD 720p (1280×720)’. We recommend selecting 1280×720 because it is the largest setting Zoom will allow.

Step 2: Bring the broadcasters video into Wirecast

Next, add the ‘HDMI video’ from the ‘capture devices’ drop down menu. At this point your video feed will be visible in the preview window in Wirecast.

Step 3: Select the Zoom meeting

Now it is time to open Zoom. Open Zoom and select the meeting you would like broadcasted. Next click ‘start this meeting’ and when asked which ‘audio option’ click ‘computer audio’ and ‘join by computer’.

Step 4: Set-up the audio in Zoom

Next, it is time to configure your audio so that the caller can hear you talk through Zoom.

Click the little arrow next to the mute button, this will prompt a menu called ‘select a microphone’. Click on the microphone associated with your computer, in this case we’re using a microphone called ‘C-Media USB Audio Device’ with our system so that is what is showing up for us (but this will vary with microphone).

During this step be sure to check that the audio is turned up on your computer.

Step 5: Connect audio from Zoom to Wirecast

Open Wirecast and add ‘screen capture’ as a second source. Select the ‘capture type’ drop down menu and select ‘monitor’ (if using another monitor with zoom in full screen) or ‘screen’ (if only there is only one monitor in use). The screen capture setting in Wirecast is ultimately how Zoom will be brought into the live show.

Your Zoom call is now being broadcasted on Wirecast. It is important to note that the live video will be visible to both the broadcaster and the interviewee on Zoom 20-30 seconds before the it is goes live to the audience.

So that’s pretty much everything, step-by-step. Wirecast is now set-up to broadcast a Zoom video conference call live via the ‘screen capture’ setting in Wirecast.

Want more? This is an example of the technical demos we give every week in our WirecastLive show. Tune in every Thursday for tips, tricks and the occasional give away.

To learn more about Wirecast, please visit our website.

9 Comments

    • Lynn Elliot

      Hmm… it should work on either Mac or PC. There might be something going on with the way you’re capturing the Zoom screen? Also, there are older versions of Windows 10 where there is a known bug with this. I would make sure you’re on Windows 10 Feature version 1903 or higher. If that’s not the issue, then do contact our support dept. and they can try to help. BTW: you should upgrade to 14.x! It’ll give you way more stability and features!

  1. Glad to see this post! Our friends have tried so many ways to connect the remote people for providing some educational facilities for the students in those areas. The video calling technique doesn’t suit us well, so I do search for a perfect way. Hope zoom will take over all our obstacles. Thank you for sharing!

    Victor.

  2. We have setup and streamed Zoom calls into our Wirecast environment. After a few minutes our in studio video starts to loose sync. Audio and video continue to drift. Zoom audio stays perfect and graphics still move. Not sure why it starts or why its gets worse over time. Any suggestions?

    • Lynn Elliot

      HI Michael, Audio /video sync is a complex topic that can be affected by a lot of different things. I would suggest you contact our support department, so they can gather all your info and help troubleshoot what could be going on.

    • Lynn Elliot

      Hi Ben, hmm, I’m not sure what you mean by “capture devices” option. Do you mean some of your video capture sources aren’t showing up? There is a change in 14.1 to our Black Magic SDK — so if you have Black Magic devices, you may need to update your Black Magic drivers. If that’s not at all what you’re talking about, I apologize :), and would recommend you contact our excellent support department. They can ask all the right questions and get things straightened out for you.
      Thanks!

  3. David White

    I have wirecast version 13.1 and I can’t bring the zoom audio into wirecast via the system audio capture. Whenever it’s selected I’m not getting any levels. Only way I’ve been able to directly capture from zoom is with 3rd party software like loopback. Any advice?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to Top