Live-streaming with RaceCast.me using the Sioeye Iris4G
As of 11/30/2016 Sioeye has closed their US operations and the Iris4G can no longer be purchased.
The Iris4G is a live-streaming camera by Sioeye. http://www.sioeye.com
It has a built-in LTE cellular modem & Wifi!
It has a 2" touch screen and runs Android so you can download smartphone apps!
The Sioeye Iris4G is a first generation sports action camera with built in live-streaming capabilities. As with all first generation hardware/software you should expect a few limitations, some work arounds, and general quirkiness. We feel the folks at Sioeye did a great job but there are a few things you should know about the Sioeye Iris4G before you rush out and purchase one.
A few things you should know about the Sioeye Iris4G
01. You can use all your GoPro accessories with the Sioeye Iris4G! The Iris4G comes with a 90 degree adapter that screws into the base of the included camera case and the base of the recommended Compact Mounting Frame and will attach directly to standard GoPro mounts!
02. The default streaming app on the Iris4G is locked into broadcasting to the Sioeye live network.
Fortunately you can easily download apps like the Larix Broadcaster from the Google Play store and configure them to stream to any RTMP based platform (like the RaceCast.me platform).
Information about the Larix Broadcaster on the Google Play store is here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wmspanel.larix_broadcaster
Details on how to configure the Larix Broadcaster to live-stream to your RaceCast.me account can be found here: https://live.racecast.me/setup/sioeye-iris4g
03. The Sioeye Iris4G runs hot while broadcasting. When the ambient temperature is > 90F and the Iris4G is in the enclosed case that it ships it will overheat and shutdown.
We highly recommend purchasing their Compact Mounting Frame if you plan on using this camera in a race car: https://shop.sioeye.com/collections/accessories/products/compact-mounting-frame
04. The built-in LTE cellular modem is weak and only accepts SIM cards and supports cell data frequencies for use with AT&T and T-Mobile.
We recommend you use the Iris4G’s built-in Wifi and connect your Iris4G to a mifi hotspot.
Using the Iris4G Wifi uses less power than the LTE cell modem which allows the camera to run cooler and the battery last longer. It will also improve your broadcast quality and provide you freedom to chose the carrier that is best for the tracks you frequent.
We have been compiling a list of tracks and the cellular quality of carriers at each: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BfvHhP5U9lgxUgl41cmdSk0jZYzkZMpVBm30-xVhXwk/edit?usp=sharing
05. Running a video encoding app for live-streaming on any hardware is CPU intensive and is responsible for ~85% of the power consumed by the camera while live-streaming. An added benefit of pairing your new Iris4G with a hotspot is the ability to augment the battery life of the Iris4G by powering it from a hotspot. Both the AT&T Unite Pro and Verizon Jetpack (mentioned above) offer a “boost” capability for charging your smartphone from the hotspot battery via USB. You can use this same capability to extend the runtime of your Iris4G by connecting the hotspot via USB to the Iris4G. You will still broadcast via Wifi from the Iris4G to the hotspot but the USB cable will keep your camera topped off for up to 1.5hrs before utilizing the internal camera battery.
06. The Iris4G natively (through the Android OS) supports OTG (On The Go) devices via an OTG Cable or adapter. You’ll want to snag yourself an OTG Cable or adapter for both of the following reasons.
a). You will want to plug a keyboard into your Iris4G to configure the Larix Broadcaster connection string. The tiny keyboard on the 2" touchscreen on the back of the Iris4G makes it difficult to type more than a few characters.
b). You will also use the OTG Cable or adapter if you want to connect your Iris4G to a hotspot to utilize the hotspot “boost” capability as mentioned in item 04 above.
OTG Cables & Adapters are cheap and readily available, here are two Amazon links:
or
We hope the above information about the Sioeye Iris4G is helpful to you and will assist you in getting the most from your amazing new Iris4G live-stream camera!
When you are ready to begin your live-streaming adventures, head on over to https://live.racecast.me and signup for an account to get started!
Now go out there and “Stream The World”!
