<h2>Definition of &ldquo;Streaming&rdquo;</h2>
Streaming refers to the delivery of multimedia content, such as audio and video, over the internet in real-time. With streaming, the content is sent in a continuous flow and can be played as soon as enough data has been received to begin playback, rather than being downloaded and saved to a local device first. This allows users to start watching or listening to the content almost immediately. Streaming is used by a variety of services, including music and video streaming platforms, live broadcast services, and online gaming platforms.
<h2>What are the requirements for Live-Streaming?</h2>
There are several things you will need to live-stream:
<ol>
<li>A camera: This can be a dedicated video camera, a DSLR camera, or even a smartphone camera.</li>
<li>A computer or a mobile device: This will be used to encode and transmit the video signal to the streaming platform.</li>
<li>An internet connection: The live stream will be delivered over the internet, so you'll need a reliable and fast internet connection. The minimum recommended upload speed is around 3Mbps, however for high-quality streaming, a connection of at least 5Mbps is ideal.</li>
<li>Encoding software: This software will take the video signal from your camera and convert it into a format that can be streamed over the internet. There are a variety of options available, such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), XSplit, Wirecast, and more.</li>
<li>A streaming platform: This is where your live stream will be broadcast. Popular streaming platforms include YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch.</li>
<li>(Optional) external microphone or audio mixing equipment: If you plan to have a live commentary along with the video you might want to have an external microphone or an audio mixing equipment.</li>
<li>(Optional) Additional lighting: This would be needed if you're filming in low-light conditions, this will help keep the image quality consistent and good.</li>
</ol>
Some cameras and smartphones have built-in encoders, allowing you to stream directly to platforms, however, most of the times using a computer or mobile device would be the best option for streaming.
<h2>What does a streaming software do?</h2>
A streaming software, also known as a "streaming encoder," is a program that takes the video and audio from your camera and other sources and encodes it into a format that can be streamed over the internet.
The software will handle the following process:
<ol>
<li>Capturing the video and audio: The software will capture the video and audio feed from your camera, microphone, and other sources.</li>
<li>Encoding: The software will then take the video and audio feed and compress it into a format that can be streamed over the internet. This is typically done in real-time and will include adjusting the resolution, frame rate, bit rate, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.</li>
<li>Broadcasting: The encoded video and audio will then be transmitted to a streaming platform, such as YouTube Live, Twitch, or Facebook Live, where it can be viewed by others in real-time.</li>
<li>Extra features: Many streaming software have additional features that enhance the broadcast experience like overlays, widgets, and support for multiple audio and video sources.</li>
</ol>
In summary, a streaming software takes the video and audio signal coming from your camera and other sources, processes them, and broadcast the signal in real-time to the streaming platform of your choice where the audience can watch the live stream.
<h2>Which streaming software are available?</h2>
There are several streaming software options available, some of the most popular ones include:
<ol>
<li>Open Broadcaster Software (OBS): OBS is a free and open-source software that is popular among both beginners and advanced users. It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to mix multiple audio and video sources, add overlays, and record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time.</li>
<li>XSplit: XSplit is a paid streaming software, that is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. It offers many of the same features as OBS and is also compatible with a wide range of video sources.</li>
<li>Wirecast: Wirecast is a paid streaming software that is designed for professional use. It offers advanced features such as live switching between multiple cameras, the ability to add graphics and text, and support for multiple streaming platforms at the same time.</li>
<li>Streamlabs Desktop: Its a free software which is a fork of the original OBS software. Its main difference is its UI and its integration with the Streamlabs service which offers widgets and other things that can be added to the stream to add more personalization.</li>
<li>StreamElements OBS.Live: Another free streaming software that is built on top of OBS. Its main difference from the others is it comes with a lot of pre-built widgets and overlays that can help to improve the quality of the stream.</li>
<li>Lightstream Studio: This is a web-based streaming software that allows you to stream directly from your browser, it's more oriented to gamers but can be used for other types of content as well.</li>
</ol>
These are just a few examples, and there are many other streaming software options available, depending on your specific needs and the platform you plan to stream on.
<blockquote>
Did you know that you can control OBS and Streamlabs Desktop with <a href="../downloads">Lumia Stream</a>?
</blockquote>
<h2>What does streaming software cost?</h2>
The cost of streaming software can vary widely depending on the specific program and its features.
Some streaming software options are free, such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Streamlabs Desktop. These free options offer a wide range of features and are suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Other streaming software options are paid, such as XSplit, Wirecast, and vMix. These paid options often offer more advanced features and higher levels of technical support. The price for these software ranges from $5-500 per month, depending on the subscription and the software plan.
It's also possible to find a limited version of paid software with a free trial period, which allows you to test it out before committing to a purchase.
In summary, depending on the needs, you could find a free solution or a paid one. Free options have most of the features that most users need, and the paid ones have more features and allegedly better support.
<h2>What is the difference between OBS and Streamlabs Desktop?</h2>
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Streamlabs Desktop (SLOBS) are both popular streaming software options, but they have some differences in terms of features and functionality.
One main difference is that OBS is an open-source software, while SLOBS is a fork of OBS and closed-source, which means that OBS source code is available for anyone to use, modify and redistribute while SLOBS code is not publicly available.
In terms of user interface and ease of use, SLOBS has a more modern, user-friendly interface and it comes with built-in alerts and overlays, making it easy to add custom notifications and graphics to your stream. It also allows for the integration with the Streamlabs service which includes useful widgets for the streamer like a tip jar, donators list, and more.
OBS, on the other hand, is a more flexible option, with a wider range of features and options, making it more suitable for advanced users who are looking for more control over their stream, and for those who want to modify the software with the use of plugins and scripts.
Another difference is that OBS is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac, while SLOBS is only available on Windows and Mac.
Overall, both OBS and SLOBS are great streaming software options and the choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your stream. If you're just starting out and looking for a simple solution with good default features and an easy-to-use interface, then SLOBS might be a better choice. If you're an experienced streamer and want more flexibility and control over your stream, as well as being able to access and modify the source code, then OBS could be a better option.
💡 However, OBS is 100% controllable with Lumia Stream as it uses WebSockets to its utmost. While SLOBS only gives a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; handful of Options. Regardless, both work fine with Lumia Stream and you can make your alerts and commands more&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; interactive with it.
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<h2>OBS</h2>
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source software that is popular among both beginners and advanced users. It offers a wide range of features, including:
<ol>
<li>Multi-Source Audio and Video: OBS allows you to mix multiple audio and video sources, such as a webcam, game capture, and screen capture, into a single stream.</li>
<li>Scene and source transitions: OBS allows you to set up different scenes for your stream, and transition between them smoothly.</li>
<li>Customizable overlays: OBS allows you to add custom overlays, such as logos and text, to your stream.</li>
<li>Plugins and scripts: OBS is an open-source software, which means that it can be customized and extended through the use of plugins and scripts.</li>
<li>Hotkeys: OBS supports customizable hotkeys, which allow you to quickly switch between scenes and sources or perform other actions during a stream without interrupting the flow.</li>
<li>High-performance: OBS is designed to be lightweight and efficient, so it doesn't consume a lot of system resources.</li>
<li>Multi-Platform support: OBS runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.</li>
<li>Recording and Streaming: OBS allows you to record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.</li>
<li>Audio Mixing: OBS allows you to adjust audio levels, add filters and route audio sources through virtual audio devices.</li>
<li>Advanced Encoding: OBS supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.</li>
</ol>
This list is not exhaustive, OBS offers other features as well, and being an open-source software, it has a big community that is constantly developing new features and plugins for it.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/ss-aefa14f73426de7ae6be79876b1a8055b11291bc1920x1080jpg_1673617909.jpg" alt="" width="457" height="257"> &nbsp; <a href="../downloads" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/works-with-lumia-stream-purple-solid-1png_1673618195.png" alt="" width="172" height="68"></a>
<h2>Streamlabs Desktop</h2>
Streamlabs Desktop (SLOBS) is a free streaming software that is based on the Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) but with some additional features and a more user-friendly interface. Some of the main features of SLOBS include:
<ol>
<li>User-friendly interface: SLOBS has a more modern and intuitive interface compared to OBS, making it easier for beginners to navigate and set up their stream.</li>
<li>Built-in alerts and overlays: SLOBS comes with a variety of pre-built alerts and overlays, making it easy to add custom notifications and graphics to your stream.</li>
<li>Integration with Streamlabs service: SLOBS allows for integration with the Streamlabs service, which includes widgets such as a tip jar, a donators list, and more.</li>
<li>Cloud-based: SLOBS uses a cloud-based system, which means that all your settings and sources can be accessed from any device.</li>
<li>Auto-configuration: SLOBS has an auto-configuration feature that will automatically adjust your settings to optimize your stream for the best performance.</li>
<li>Multi-Platform support: SLOBS runs on Windows and Mac which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.</li>
<li>Multi-Source Audio and Video: SLOBS allows you to mix multiple audio and video sources, such as a webcam, game capture, and screen capture, into a single stream.</li>
<li>Scene and source transitions: SLOBS allows you to set up different scenes for your stream, and transition between them smoothly.</li>
<li>Customizable hotkeys: SLOBS supports customizable hotkeys, which allow you to quickly switch between scenes and sources or perform other actions during a stream without interrupting the flow.</li>
<li>Advanced Encoding: SLOBS supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.</li>
</ol>
In summary, SLOBS is a fork of OBS and shares most of the features, but it comes with a more user-friendly interface, built-in alerts, overlays, integration with the Streamlabs service, and a cloud-based system. This makes it a great option for those who are just starting out and want a simple solution with good default features. However, Premium features are monetized.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/streamlabs-obs-312861webp_1673617957.webp" alt="" width="457" height="257"><a style="text-align: center;" href="../downloads" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/works-with-lumia-stream-purple-solid-1png_1673618195.png" alt="" width="172" height="68"></a>
<h2>XSplit</h2>
XSplit is a paid streaming software that is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. Some of the main features of XSplit include:
<ol>
<li>User-friendly interface: XSplit has a modern and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and set up their stream.</li>
<li>Multi-source Audio and Video: XSplit allows you to mix multiple audio and video sources, such as a webcam, game capture, and screen capture, into a single stream.</li>
<li>Scene and source transitions: XSplit allows you to set up different scenes for your stream, and transition between them smoothly.</li>
<li>Customizable overlays: XSplit allows you to add custom overlays, such as logos and text, to your stream.</li>
<li>Chroma key: XSplit allows you to apply the chroma key effect which allows you to remove a specific color from the background, mostly used for green screen setups.</li>
<li>Audio Mixing: XSplit allows you to adjust audio levels, add filters, and route audio sources through virtual audio devices.</li>
<li>Multi-Platform support: XSplit runs on Windows and Mac, which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.</li>
<li>Recording and Streaming: XSplit allows you to record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.</li>
<li>Advanced Encoding: XSplit supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.</li>
<li>Cloud-based: XSplit allows you to save your settings and scenes to the cloud, which means you can access them from any device.</li>
<li>Advanced features: XSplit offers a range of advanced features such as virtual cameras and audio devices, which allows you to use your stream in other applications like Zoom, Skype, and more.</li>
</ol>
In summary, XSplit is a paid streaming software that is known for its ease of use, intuitive interface, and range of features. It's a great option for those who are looking for a more polished and professional-looking stream with good support and additional features.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/x28ozy86rnvja2was4zta4-970-80jpgwebp_1673618007.webp" alt="" width="457" height="257">
<h2>Wirecast</h2>
Wirecast is a paid streaming software that is designed for professional use. It offers advanced features such as:
<ol>
<li>Live switching between multiple cameras: Wirecast allows you to switch between multiple cameras, including IP cameras, webcams, and capture cards, during your stream.</li>
<li>Graphics and text overlays: Wirecast allows you to add graphics and text overlays, such as lower thirds, to your stream.</li>
<li>Audio mixing: Wirecast allows you to mix audio from multiple sources, apply effects, and adjust levels.</li>
<li>Multi-Platform support: Wirecast runs on Windows and Mac, which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.</li>
<li>Recording and Streaming: Wirecast allows you to record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.</li>
<li>Virtual sets: Wirecast allows you to create virtual sets, which can be used to add a more professional and polished look to your stream.</li>
<li>Advanced Encoding: Wirecast supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.</li>
<li>Live Streaming to multiple destinations: Wirecast allows you to stream to multiple platforms and social media at the same time.</li>
<li>Live replay and instant replay: Wirecast allows you to create instant replay during the live stream, which can be useful for sports and other live events.</li>
<li>Live Scoreboard: Wirecast allows you to add live scoreboards to your stream, which can be useful for sports and other live events.</li>
</ol>
In summary, Wirecast is a paid streaming software that is designed for professional use. It offers a wide range of advanced features such as live switching, graphics, text overlays, virtual sets, and multiple destination streaming.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/wirecast-6jpg_1673618049.jpg" alt="" width="457" height="257">
<h2>Summary</h2>
As you see every streaming software has its pro and cons. As I stream myself and use software to the utmost I can&rsquo;t see the advantage between a paid streaming software to a free one. In my personal opinion, OBS gives you everything you need and even more. As it is open source it offers many 3rd party plugins and if you put much effort into it you could produce a real TV show with it.
However, in the end, it is your choice what fits you best.
If you are going to use Lumia Stream to enhance your stream I absolutely have to recommend OBS with its 100% compatibility. Streamlabs Desktop would be my second choice. XSplit and Wirecast are not supported by Lumia Stream.
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*The software and features mentioned are only examples and do not claim to be complete.
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Let's have a closer look at the most popular streaming softwares

Everything you need to know about Lumia Stream compatible lights.

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Lumia 5.2 Logitech Integration</h1>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/logitech-imagepng_1631218350.png" alt="" width="446" height="446" />
If you'd like to watch a video version of this blog it can be found on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2syps3ez1jE">Youtube.</a>
With the updated version 5.2, we are finally bringing the requested Logitech Integration. Yes, that's right, all your Logitech RGB Keyboards and peripherals can now be connected to Lumia and controlled via chat! We know you guys have been asking for it for a long time so here it is. Setup is super simple, and this blog will give you a quick guide on how to get set up and some cool things you can do. So, without further ado, let's get started!&nbsp;
<h2>Connecting Logitech&nbsp;to&nbsp;Lumia&nbsp;</h2>
The first thing that you need to do is download and log into your Logitech G Hub. G Hub can be found on the Logitech website for download on Mac or Windows. Since Lumia connects directly to your device through G Hub, it's important that your account is properly set up however you like. After getting your G Hub set up, it is time to open Lumia and connect the two.&nbsp;
In Lumia, navigate to&nbsp;&ldquo;Connections&rdquo; under&nbsp;the Configuration Tab in the sidebar. Click the plus button to create a new connection under the Lights section. Click on Logitech and select which peripherals&nbsp;you&rsquo;d&nbsp;like to connect to Lumia.&nbsp; The list contains all the compatible Logitech devices, but if you have another keyboard that uses RGB lighting from Logitech, hit the "RGB Keyboard" or "RGB Mouse" settings.&nbsp; 
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<img src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/add-logipng_1631214690.png" alt="" width="517" height="313" />
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And it&rsquo;s that easy! Whichever device you connect will now be fully integrated and ready to go with Lumia! Remember to keep G Hub open while using your Logitech device with Lumia so that the connection will remain intact. Now you&rsquo;re good to go! Get to experimenting!&nbsp;
<h2>Setting up lights and alerts&nbsp;</h2>
Now that your Logitech devices are connected to Lumia, they can be used in the same way that all your other lights can. This means chat control through commands and Twitch points. As well as alerts like donations and subscriptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Try connecting your favorite animations and having them play out over your keyboard and mouse! You can also create and connect Twitch Points to your device, giving your users an incentive to interact and have some fun while streaming. &nbsp;
Now that you have the freedom to connect all your devices through G Hub and Lumia we're super excited to see everything that you come up with!&nbsp;

Logitech Integration Guide

We know that Lumia Stream does a great job at managing your lights and adding interactivity to your stream, but did you know that Lumia also gives you the ability to create chat commands as well as control Chatbots?&nbsp;
That's right, with Lumia we bring you the ability to craft your own commands that can. From setting off lights to controlling your smart plugs, with some creative use of the software the sky is the limit. Lumia also gives you the control of who can use what commands by setting the required user level. Chat now has a fun way to interact with the stream directly and interesting incentives to subscribe or donate in other ways.&nbsp;
We also help you with your chatbot! The chatbot can do a number of things, including arrival announcements, as well as list light commands. So without further ado let's explore what Lumia chat commands and chatbots can do!
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Chat Commands</h2>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/imagetools1png_1630081855.png" alt="A screenshot of the chat command menu" width="812" height="500" />
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Chat commands give you a lot of different options so it may seem a little daunting at first, but take some time to explore and it&rsquo;ll become second nature in no time. Chat commands can be found under the Command tab on the sidebar.&nbsp;The Chat commands panel is split into two segments: List, and Global Settings.&nbsp;The List is where you can find all the different commands that you have&nbsp;created, and&nbsp;Global Settings does as the name implies; adjusts your global chat command settings in Lumia.&nbsp;
<h4>List&nbsp;</h4>
Here is where all the different commands that you&rsquo;ve made are found. Depending on whether or not you&rsquo;ve made light effects before, you may have some commands here already. Commands can be easily added, edited, and deleted using the appropriate buttons. There is also a test button available so that you can double-check that everything is working properly.&nbsp;
<img src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/edit-commandpng_1630082321.png" alt="" width="624" height="300" />
Once you click the edit button of&nbsp;the command;&nbsp;a dropdown will appear where you can adjust the specifics of each command.&nbsp;You can rename, change type, and even re-assign lights from this edit menu.&nbsp;Take some time to explore the settings with each of your lighting commands so that you can ensure that the proper lights and sounds activate when they are supposed to.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h4>Global Settings&nbsp;</h4>
<img src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/global-settingspng_1630082411.png" alt="" width="795" height="300" />
The Global Settings tab is another important aspect of controlling your chat commands. Global Settings&nbsp;give you access to your user levels so that you can edit their titles&nbsp;as needed. There are also options to turn on a command cooldown and change where commands can be used in messages.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Chat Bot&nbsp;</h2>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/chat-botpng_1630082591.png" alt="" width="769" height="500" />
The Chatbot is the second feature we&rsquo;re going to cover today. Found under the Chatbot tab in the sidebar; this is where the bot&rsquo;s settings are controlled.&nbsp;There are a lot of different toggles in the Chatbot sections, but it is rather simple to operate. Each setting represents a different ability of the bot that can be both toggled and edited. You have the ability to edit the specific information that the bot will communicate with your viewers. With the combination of chat commands and the chatbot working together, your viewers get an interactive and informed experience. The chatbot will relate important Lumia information via the chat box while users enter their light commands and setting off your&nbsp;color&nbsp;show!&nbsp;
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Get creative with your use of commands, and have a good stream! &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chat Commands and Chatbot

<h1 style="text-align: center;">How To Get The Best Out Of Your Stream Deck</h1>
The Elgato Stream Deck is a powerful tool and after a microphone and a webcam, it's usually one of the first bits of dedicated streaming kit that most streamers buy. It's a staple piece of equipment that appears on the average streamer's desk so we though it would be good to give you some inspiration and ideas on how you can utilise it to its fullest.
<h2 style="text-align: center;">What is the Elgato Stream Deck?</h2>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71aY%2BmfIxiL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" alt="Elgato Stream Deck" width="252" height="190" /> For those of you who don't know (have you been living under a rock?!) the Elgato Stream Deck, pictured above, is a USB plug and play device that can be programmed to carry out various actions at the push of a button. You can use it to launch programs, swap scenes inside your boradcasting software, mute and unmute you mic and just about any other function you can think of that can be linked to a hotkey, and more!
It comes in 3 different models, the only difference between them is the size of the unit and the number of buttons on it. The Stream Deck Mini has 6 buttons, the standard model has 15 buttons, and the XL model has 32 buttons. There is also a mobile version which you can download from the Apple or Google stores respectively. They are all functionally identical, but some provide you with more flexibility than others in that they have more buttons readily available.
<h2 style="text-align: center;">How does it work?</h2>
When you get your Stream Deck, it's a simple case of unboxing it and plugging the USB cable into your PC. Head to the Elgato downloads page <a title="Elgato Downloads Page" href="https://www.elgato.com/en/downloads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(link here)</a> to download and install the Stream Deck software. Once the software is installed, go ahead and launch it. You should be presented with a window that displays blank squares laid out in the same arrangement as your Stream Deck. Each of these squares can be assigned an action, or a folder within which you can place even more actions.&nbsp;
The Elgato Stream Deck comes preloaded with a set of buttons for you to pick from which can be found listed on the right hand side of the Stream Deck application. The buttons that are natively included with the Stream Deck are split into their respective categories such as OBS Studio specific buttons, Twitch Studio specific buttons, Twitter specific buttons and so on. To configure a button, open the relevant drop down on the right and drag the desired button description to a square on the left.&nbsp;
We'll have a look at some of the most useful buttons here before we move on to some of the more specialised unique plugins which need to be downloaded and installed.
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Basic Functionality</h2>
Once you've got your stream deck plugged in and the software installed, open the software up. You should be greeted by a grid on the left hand side which replicates the layout of your Stream Deck. This will vary depending on which model you purchased. On the right hand side you will have all of the functions that come natively included with the Stream Deck split into categories depending on their use, for example there's an OBS Studio category and a seperate Streamlabs OBS category.&nbsp;
Within these categories are all of the buttons or functions that can be triggered from your Stream Deck.&nbsp;
If you expand the OBS Studio category, you will see that you have 5 basic functions. They are Scene, Mixer Audio, Record, Stream and Source. If you drag each of these functions to a square button slot on the left you will be able to investigate them in more detail.
The Scene function allows you to select a scene from OBS. Upon pushing the button it will change to the chosen scene inside of OBS. The Mixer Audio function allows you to select a source from OBS. Upon pushing the button it will mute or unmute the chosen source inside of OBS. The Record function allows you to start and stop recording.&nbsp; The Stream function allows you to start and stop streaming. The Source function allows you to select a source from OBS. Upon pushing the button it will reveal or hide the chosen source inside of OBS.
 There are lots of basic functions that come included with the Stream Deck and it's not strictly limited to your Streaming software. The Stream Deck is also capable of communicating directly with your PC's operating system and therefore you can use it to launch applications, websites, videos and more.&nbsp;
If you expand the System Category you will see various functions. We won't cover them all but the Open Function will allow you to select an application and will launch it when you press the button and Website will allow you to enter a URL and will open the chosen URL when you press the button.&nbsp;
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"> Advanced Functionality&nbsp;</h2>
As well as the buttons that come natively inlcuded with the Stream Deck, there is an ever growing library of third party plugins designed to be used with your Stream Deck too. You can view these by opening the Stream Deck app and clicking 'more actions' in the bottom right hand corner. This will open a new window with a list of available plugins, sorted by popularity as default.&nbsp;
We can't cover every plugin here, but we'll take you through the process of installing and setting up a plug in. It's very straightforward and will open up a whole world of possibilities with your Stream Deck.&nbsp;
In the search bar type 'Twitch Tools'. Click the install button on the right hand side. This will install the plugin for you. Once the install is complete it will add a new category on the right hand side of the Stream Deck application called Twitch Tools. In this category you will see a number of new buttons that you can now use with your Stream Deck.
When you first drag a Twitch Tools button to your Stream Deck you will prompted to connect your Twitch accounts to the plugin. Go ahead and do that. Once connected you can start utilising some of Twitch Tools features. For example the Shout Out button, when pressed, will convert your other Stream Deck buttons into Shout Outs for unique individuals, with each button showing the profile picture of a viewer which you can then select to shout them out.&nbsp;
Twitch Tools is just one of many powerful plugins available for the Stream Deck and I'd highly recommend that you take the time to check out some of the other plug ins available, including StreamFX, Windows Mover and Resizer.&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center;">In Summary</h2>
The Elgato Stream Deck is a mighty piece of equipment that has been well thought out, properly procuded and has an almost endless lifespan as new and more impressive plugins are continously added to its library. Integrations are being added and improved all the time, and there's some very creative and interesting functionality being brought to life.
We can't wait to see what the future holds for the Stream Deck, and would highly recommend then you join us for the journey!
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How To Get The Best Out Of Your Stream Deck

In the beginning, was darkness, then was the creation of light. Whether we are speaking about the beginning of the universe or the beginning of our lives, we are all going from a state of darkness into light both symbolically and literally. Traditionally, darkness was viewed as being in a state of ignorance, and the light was viewed as arriving at knowledge and understanding. We at Lumia Stream, are very aware of this tradition and we understand why lights are an important means of interaction for streams.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Psychological Impact of Light</h2>
Light can psychologically impact us in different ways. Some lights are associated with specific memories, which can evoke certain emotions, desires, or thoughts. For example, red and blue flashing lights behind an American driver can cause nervousness and cause fear to arise because of our knowledge associated with those lights. Other lights and colors can improve our mood, mental cognition, and overall wellbeing. In general, bright lights can intensify emotions, while lowlight keeps emotions steady allowing a person to make rational decisions.
<img src="https://storage.lumiastream.com/uploads/images/vector-visible-light-with-wave-length-difference-between-spectra-colors-which-give-different-properties-human-eye-can-see-white-color-spectrum-which-composed-of-all-colors-of-rainbowsjpg_1615435814.jpg.jpg" alt="See the source image" width="1024" height="399" />The lights that we are exposed to daily, impact us on a subconscious level below the depths of our waking consciousness. This is why people are happier, more optimistic, and more charitable on hot and sunny days, and people are more depressed, sad, and selfish on cold and gloomy days.&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1057740813001174" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research&nbsp;</a>shows that the more intense the lighting in a room, the greater positive and negative emotions a person will have. Americans spend approximately&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/7500165" target="_blank" rel="noopener">93% of their lives indoors</a>. Because of this, we should make a conscious effort to surround ourselves with good lighting, and warm colors to help get a jumpstart on hacking our emotional health.&nbsp;
<h2>Lighting The Way With Lumia Stream</h2>
Lumia Stream creates a brand new experience for streamers and their viewers by involving a physical light that can be controlled through alerts and chat. Each color in an alert triggers a different emotion within. With Lumia's ability to trigger colors on a stream, we are changing the way streamers think about and react to specific colors. Twitch primarily uses 6 types of alerts, here are some color recommendations to invoke the best emotional responses on your stream using Lumia Stream.
<h3>1. Follows</h3>
When you get a follow from a viewer a great color choice for the alert is the color&nbsp;red.&nbsp;Red&nbsp;light is a physical color that can promote feelings of courage, strength, and energy. This color can trigger a physical reaction of excitement in our users. Red has a long wavelength and is easily visible in the color spectrum. It grabs people's attention and warns them about the danger. This is why red was chosen as a color for stop signs, traffic lights, fire trucks, and fire hydrants.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2. Subscribers</h3>
When a viewer goes out of their way to subscribe to your channel to show their appreciation, we recommend having your alert color in Lumia Stream set to&nbsp;blue.&nbsp;Blue&nbsp;light is an intellectual color that can promote feelings of trust, coolness, and calm. We often associate the color blue with the stability and consistency of the sky or the vast stretches of the ocean. The sky is the limit in regards to how many subscribers a person can get and users are all across the world in lands separated by the ocean. Many of our users report feeling at peace knowing that they are now one step closer to their goals of fame, fortune, or freedom.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
<h3 id=""><picture class="flex flex-col items-center"><source srcset="https://www.oberlo.com/media/1603967803-oral-b-color-meanings.jpg?fm=webp&amp;w=1824&amp;fit=max" type="image/webp" /></picture></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Hosts</h3>
When a user displays your stream on their channel a color that would be perfect to display is&nbsp;purple.&nbsp;Purple&nbsp;light helps to spark the imagination and trigger introspective thoughts about themselves and the content that is being shared. We often associate this color with royalty, power, and wisdom. This can invoke a feeling of honor when seeing this color knowing that their content is appreciated and shared by others.&nbsp;
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Raids</h3>
The color of choice for a Raid is&nbsp;orange.&nbsp;Orange&nbsp;light is a warm color that makes a user feel optimistic, spontaneous, and uplifted. Psychologically this color can cause us to have a &lsquo;gut reaction&rsquo; or trigger our gut instincts. We often associate this color with creativity, adventure, and success. This is why it will be the perfect color to help one feel curious and creative when someone raids your channel.
<h3> 5. Bits</h3>
When you receive a donation in the currency called bits, you can choose the color&nbsp;yellow. Yellow is a color that is uplifting and can make a person hopeful, happy, and cheerful. Yellow has the longest wavelength and is the most easily visible color. This color triggers a mental reaction in most people and is often associated with sunshine or gold. Our users report feeling cheerful when seeing this color knowing that someone was kind enough to give them some of their much-desired bits.&nbsp; 
<h3>6. Donations</h3>
When you receive cash donations the obvious choice is the color&nbsp;green.&nbsp;Green&nbsp;is a natural color that promotes harmony, balance, and universal love. We often associate this color with nature and money. Considering that trees were used to make the very paper that money is printed on. Donating is an act of generosity, so we should choose a color that will portray our gratefulness.
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Lumia Stream is changing the way people feel within themselves and interact with others. We are hacking our emotional health by creating new neurological connections in the brain due to our mix of colors and the alerts they are associated with. We are also building a community within a community because only our users will&nbsp;truly&nbsp;understand this experience. We look forward to the continual spread of Lumia and our positive impact on people psychologically, economically, and socially.

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