Streaming to Twitch with these PS5 accessories wasn't as terrible as I expected

Date:
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 12:28:07 +0000

Description:
Do you really need a complicated setup to stream to Twitch? Not if you have a PS5 and Sonys official accessories.

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Streaming to Twitch is something that Ive dabbled with in the past, but Ive been curious to know whether streaming directly from my PS5 using the
laziest setup possible could provide a somewhat enjoyable experience for any unfortunate viewer who stumbled across my channel.

You see, while Im aware that you can significantly improve the quality of a stream by using a capture card and dedicated broadcast software like OBS , I honestly cant stomach sitting in my office a minute longer than I have to these days. I wanted to determine, then, if it was possible to stream while slumped on my couch, using just the PS5, Sony 3D Pulse Wireless Headset and PS5 HD Camera .

And you know what? Its not as bad as I thought it would be. How to stream on Twitch How to stream on Facebook Gaming How to stream on YouTube Facecam slam (Image credit: Sony)

It wasnt long before I encountered my first stumbling block, however. The PS5 HD Cameras quality, especially in low light conditions, isnt great. In fact, its pretty awful. This can be combated somewhat using a decent softbox light but, for my cheap and cheerful setup, it was rather disappointing that the PS5s proprietary camera (you cant use any other webcam, annoyingly) wasnt a bit more capable.

A feature that I did enjoy, though, is how you can make the PS5s camera focus directly on your face. As I sit much further away from the TV than I would a monitor, the ability to have the camera zoom in to capture my grizzly visage is a huge plus, but I did notice that I had to set the PS5 HD Camera up to capture my face each time I turned it on.

Another win for the PS5 HD Camera is how it lets you customize how the image will appear on screen. You can choose from various cutouts, like a circle or square, along with different types of filters, such as a monochrome or a scanline effect. Theres even support for those who use a green screen.

Not bad, then. But theres one big flaw you need to consider if you want to
use a facecam on PS5: be prepared to sacrifice some precious screen real estate. (Image credit: Future)

Wherever you place the cutout of your face on screen when streaming on PS5, theres a high probability it will block some sort of key information. This isnt the case if you stream using a capture card and say, OBS, as only the viewer is subjected to your facecam layout, pop ups and notifications. On
PS5, youre shown exactly what the viewer sees, so your camera will be permanently on screen, and will unfortunately mask information you really
need to see during a game.

Thankfully, Twitchs notifications arent quite as intrusive. Youll be notified briefly if someone joins your stream to watch, and comments will appear on screen for a few seconds. Sure, its not the most exciting or interactive experience out there, but for the most part it works. A little notification
to indicate if you have a new follower would be welcome, though. Drop the mic (Image credit: Shutterstock/Narith Thongphasuk38)

But what about the audio quality when streaming? Again, its a mixed bag.
While I really enjoy the sound quality from the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset , the microphone isnt exactly broadcast quality something which was
immediately apparent after watching my Twitch stream back. It isnt the worst sounding microphone Ive ever heard, but its muffled, lacking clarity and detail, and isnt really pleasant to listen to if you plan on retaining a captivated audience.

This problem could be easily circumvented by using a different headset with a superior mic when streaming on PS5, but with the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset being such a popular choice, its a shame the microphone is so bang average. I am a fool https://t.co/gqbNs8YpU0 August 13, 2021 See more Crystal clear (Image credit: Future)

One thing that particularly stood out when streaming to Twitch from a PS5, though, is just how surprisingly crisp and clear the actual video is. If the video quality wasnt up to snuff, then streaming from your PS5 just wouldnt be worth it. Period. Luckily, my zippy internet speeds (around 140MB/s down) meant I could stream at 1080p 60fps, and I must admit that the quality was excellent throughout. Theres little sign of artefacts, barely any visible stutters or frame drops, and the audio balance is good, if not a touch quiet for my liking. Overall, theres nothing to complain about here.

So is streaming to Twitch using nothing but Sonys official PS5 accessories worth it? Well, I think I actually summed it up best during my stream of Marvels Spider-Man Remastered:

Its nice being able to just stream off the couch, no worries, and Im not having to sit at my desk. Yeah, the lighting isn't that great, the mics probably not that great, and I cant have fancy notifications. And its
annoying that my picture sits over the game. But its easy its like the McDonalds of streaming.

You can watch the whole stream here . PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition : what's the difference?



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/streaming-to-twitch-with-these-ps5-accessories- wasnt-as-terrible-i-expected/


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