Available Services and Support

From basic support packages and advanced replacement, to workflow design and broadcast studio commissioning, Stream Dudes offers an array of service options. The Dudes are proud to be able to provide the following services to our customers.

Support

Each project and customer require varying levels of service and support. Because of this, Stream Dudes uses a tiered approach to better-match our customers’ needs.

Just the Basics

    Just the Basics is our simple support package designed to quickly get you up and running. Available for Stream Dudes-branded products (i.e. Dude Rack / Dude PC).

      This package includes:

  • vMix Setup & integration: performance settings specific to the customer's goals and use
  • Hardware set-up
    • Windows settings
    • IP settings
  • Six-months (6) phone support
  • Three-years (3) email support
  • Up to two-hours (2) product training to assist the customer in getting acquainted with equipment.

    • $999

Quarterly Tune-up

    The Quarterly Tune-Up is the next step in our support packages crafted to provide remote support in an age where everyone tends to operate remotely. Select this package at the time of purchase and you'll secure a perpetual S.O.S. code and twelve (12) prescheduled (up to 2-hr) appointments where the dudes remotely log into your switcher to conduct a short check-up on your Stream Dudes streaming computer on a quarterly basis. Customer will receive a reminder 24-hours prior to scheduled appointment.

      This package includes:

  • Three-years (3) of basic maintenance; Stream Dudes representative will perform quarterly updates to Stream Dudes-branded products (i.e. Dude Rack / Dude PC) including:
    • All relevant drivers
    • Windows-related
    • vMix relevant drivers
    • Verification of performance settings.
    • Systems trust tests as needed

    $2,100 per component

The Dudes Abide Care Plan

    The Dudes Abide plan essentially serves as an extension of your manufacturers' warranty. Customers may purchase an extended warranty (up to three years maximum) on equipment purchased through Stream Dudes (calculated at 10% of price at time of purchase), which covers the repair of equipment beyond that of your existing manufacturer's warranty (What does it cover? defects; plan does not cover catastrophic loss due to customer's own negligence and/or mishandling of equipment, malice, or acts of God.)

    This non-renewable package is only available at time of purchase. EXCLUDES power supplies, network switches, routers, batteries, and monitors. Customer is responsible for ALL associated shipping costs. Advanced replacement is NOT available with this package.

Advanced Replacement Plan

    Advanced replacement plan is an option that goes above and beyond our extended warranty program. The advanced replacement plan is available with purchase on all Stream Dudes-branded gear (i.e. Dude Rack / Dude PC) purchased through Stream Dudes (calculated at 20% of purchase price, at time of purchase).

    With the Advanced Replacement Plan, a covered customer will receive a replacement machine while your own machine is being fixed. Stream Dudes will send out the machine once we receive a confirmation of shipment of the covered machine. Each instance is approached in a manner so as to keep our customer streaming.

Workflow Setup and Integration

Remote Integration & Deployment

    If you elect for remote integration and deployment of equipment purchased through Stream Dudes--presuming you/your organization chooses to connect your purchased equipment onto your network yourselves--Stream Dudes will ensure a successful remote integration and deployment, where they will look at the following:

  • Switchers
  • Correct performance
  • Working with peripheral equipment
  • PoE switches
  • Correct network
  • Ensure it is powered enough
  • Ensure it is working as expected
  • Routers
  • Network connectivity
  • Ensure it is properly powered
  • Review, set network management settings
  • Network settings
  • Cameras
  • Frame rate
  • Resolutions
  • Stream settings
    Up to and including four (4) cameras = $ 1,999
    Five (5) to eight (8) cameras = $ 2,599
    Nine (9) or more cameras = Contact Stream Dudes for a custom quote

Remote White-Glove Service @ Stream Dudes

    If you elect for Remote White-Glove service of equipment purchased through Stream Dudes, the dudes will receive all of your equipment in-house, where they will conduct in-office workflow setup, testing including:

  • Switchers
  • Correct performance
  • Working with peripheral equipment
  • PoE switches
  • Correct network
  • Ensure it is powered enough
  • Ensure it is working as expected
  • Routers
  • Network connectivity
  • Ensure it is properly powered
  • Review, set network management settings
  • Network settings
  • Cameras
  • Frame rate
  • Resolutions
  • Stream settings

    Once your equipment passes all tests and work appropriately for your workflow, Stream Dudes will then ship your items onto your location for your setup.

    $ 999

Workflow Consultation & Design

    All the streaming workflows designed and engineered by Stream Dudes pay respect to client budget, while lending themselves to future expandability. What you may need today might have to change tomorrow, so being able to repurpose or expand onto equipment for current needs is logically and fiscally smart.

    In your basic workflow consultation, a Stream Dudes associate will work with you to understand you/your organizations needs as well as your streaming goals to define your basic signal flow. By the end, you and your organization should have a clear understanding of the best-use of your existing equipment within your current streaming workflow, and have in hand, recommendations of additional equipment to integrate into your workflow in order to achieve your goals.

    Starting @ $499

Read More

Broadcast Design, Setup & Commissioning

Commissioning of your podcast studio / broadcast studio / broadcast trailer / Press Box typically is completed on-site and generally requires a minimum two-day visit, exceptions apply.

Live Event Production Consultation

    More than just experience, Stream Dudes possesses the resources and knowledge to ensure your event’s broadcast is a success. There is no organization too big or too small for Stream Dudes to service. Based in the Midwest and servicing the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond, Stream Dudes offers:

  • Standalone, web video encoding services
  • Multiple camera, live switching, and live streaming in full HD
  • Virtual set and chroma keying
  • Customization of titles, graphics and lower thirds
  • Monetization of webcast via paywall or subscription services
  • Multicast streaming over internal network
    For an additional fee, Stream Dudes can make a "fixer" available for your live events. Consider the fixer as shadow support for your event. They will be available onsite and observe your onsite production. They will review your entire production, from reviewing the efficacy of your workflow process to the execution of the event. The fixer will then provide recommendations to improve your future live productions.

Broadcast Trailer Design & Commissioning

    This service includes a Stream Dudes advisor to understand your goals for the broadcast trailer, budget, and general desired use. Once we understand this, we can help to design your trailer including:

  • All associated equipment
  • Workflow design & implementation
  • Provide a basic manual for operation

  • Along with commissioning the trailer, our advisor can train a small group on how to operate the trailer and equipment, provide a service schedule for keeping your gear in tip top shape, as well as providing scheduled follow up support and advisement to keep your broadcast trailer updated and running smoothly.

Podcast Studio Setup & Commissioning

    This service includes a Stream Dudes trainer to help setup your podcasting studio to get the most out of the space, gear, and operation, including:

  • Making needed connections
  • Showing you how to use the audio board and/or video camera (if applicable)
  • Microphones
  • Recording media

  • This service is best for those with great content to produce, but little technical knowledge or experience.

Press Box Setup & Commissioning

    Looking to build out or renovate your press box (video village)? This service includes a Stream Dudes advisor to help with:

  • Designing your press box space, while maximizing the use of the space
  • Designing workflow
  • Recommending broadcast equipment
  • Suggesting scoreboard solutions & integration (if desired)
  • Installing gear
  • Training your team on operation of the setup
  • Instructing team on how to bring in commentators/analysts/interviews
  • Providing a general Operation Manual for your press box.

Broadcast Studio Design & Commissioning

    This service includes a Stream Dudes advisor to help with:

  • Designing your broadcast studio
  • Multiple studio integration
  • Recommending equipment
  • Workflow documentation
  • Back-up/redundant power/bonded cellular
  • Training studio staff on studio operation
  • Setting a schedule to keep maintenance of your gear a breeze.

Training & Educational Services

Virtual Training for Educators and Students

    This service includes a Stream Dudes trainer who will virtually introduce your staff and students to your gear, discuss basics of broadcasting with your gear, and train those in attendance how to use your gear properly to broadcast live content to the web, including:

  • Discussion of workflow setup
  • Basic training on camera operation
  • Training on basic switcher functions including:
  • Adding camera or graphics (if applicable)
  • Bringing in scoreboard data
  • Recording
  • Streaming

  • On-site training is possible with the addition of a daily fee and travel fee. More involved workflows may require additional time.

Virtual House of Worship (HoW) Production Team Training

    With this service, a Stream Dudes trainer will introduce you and your in-house production team to your gear; discuss basics of broadcasting with your gear; and train those in attendance how to use your gear properly to broadcast live content to the web. This includes:

  • Discussion of workflow setup
  • Basic training on camera operation
  • Training on basic switcher functions including:
  • Adding camera or graphics (if applicable)
  • Bringing in scripture verses or song lyrics
  • Bringing in video from other rooms/locations as inputs
  • Recording
  • Streaming

  • More involved workflows may require more time.

Training for Switcher Operators

    This package is tailored to your needs and includes one-on-one time with a Stream Dudes trainer to assist you in understanding what it takes to be a switcher operator. This process includes:

  • Best practices on how to setup your workflow and demonstrate ease-of-operation
  • Tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your workflow
  • Use of playlists
  • Organizing media for shows
  • Workspace management
  • Working with multiple camera feeds
  • Use of short cuts & triggers in vMix

Training for Camera Operators

    This session is catered to the camera operator and the cameras they have access to like:
  • Shoulder cameras
  • PTZ Cameras
  • ENG cameras
  • Box cameras
  • Service includes a Stream Dudes trainer to introduce your operators to your camera(s) in your current workflow so your camera operators understand:

  • Basic operation
  • Camera protocols
  • Why, When to use interlaced vs progressive
  • White/color balancing
  • Basic camera shot setup
  • Advanced camera functions
  • Assist you and your team to get the most out of your camera(s)

Broadcast / Podcast Curriculum for Schools

    Stream Dudes can assist your team in creating and customizing a broadcasting curriculum for your educational institution. Instruct your students on the basic and advanced methods of the broadcasting or podcasting space. Curriculum to include:

  • Syllabus
  • Teaching notes
  • Associated classroom materials