In live production, milliseconds matter. If you are streaming a keynote, running a hybrid panel, or broadcasting an auction, latency (the gap between what happens in the room and what people see online) can quietly wreck timing, Q&As and audience trust.
At MyEvent Productions we build low-latency streaming that stays tight for panels, remote contributors and interactive segments. Below is a straight read on what latency is, what usually causes it, and how we keep it under control on site.
What is latency?
Latency is the time delay between when something happens in real life and when it’s seen or heard by a remote viewer. In the AV and streaming world, we break it down like this:
- Glass-to-glass latency: From the lens of the camera to the screen of the viewer
- Audio latency: Delay in audio processing or sync with video
- Network latency: Delays caused by internet speed, routing, or congestion
A few seconds may not sound like much, until you’re in a hybrid Q&A where the speaker’s reaction hits the room before the stream catches up, or an interactive vote wraps up before remote users can even participate.
🎯 Why Latency Matters
🗣️ Audience Interaction
Live polls, chat engagement, Q&A sessions, all demand
near-instant feedback. High latency ruins the flow.
🛰️ Hybrid Events
Connecting remote speakers or audiences with in-person ones requires a tight sync. Even a 2-second lag can disrupt panel timing and engagement.
🏁 Live Sports & Performances
In real-time broadcasts like esports, theatre, or auctions, delays can affect viewer excitement, competitive fairness, or result timing.
🧠 What Causes Latency?
Understanding where latency comes from helps prevent it. Common culprits include:
- Encoding & decoding delays: The time it takes to compress and decompress video/audio streams
- Streaming protocols: RTMP (standard) adds delay; SRT and WebRTC offer faster options
- CDNs (Content Delivery Networks): Used by platforms like YouTube and Facebook, these add buffering to ensure smooth playback, but at a cost to real-time performance
- Network jitter: Variable delays over inconsistent internet connections
🛠️ How We Keep It Low at MyEvent
We build streaming workflows designed for speed without compromising stability. Here’s how:
✅ Advanced Encoders
We use professional-grade gear like Blackmagic Web Presenter HD, Teradek, and Epiphan Pearl to reduce encode times and ensure rock-solid streams.
✅ Protocol Optimisation
We choose protocols based on the use case:
- SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) for low-latency, high-quality contribution
- RTMP for compatibility with major platforms
- WebRTC for sub-second real-time interactions
✅ Network Bonding & Local Backup
With bonded internet solutions (combining 4G/5G/WiFi) and redundant on-site encoders, we eliminate single points of failure.
✅ Platform Matching
We recommend the right delivery method, whether that’s Zoom for ultra-low latency, Vimeo for brand control, or custom RTMP endpoints for total flexibility.
🧪 Real-World Scenarios
📍 Hybrid AGM Across 5 Cities
We delivered sub-second delay between in-room and remote participants, enabling real-time feedback and interactive polling.
🎮 Esports Stream
Gamers and commentators synced perfectly, even with contributors dialling in from three different countries.
🧑💼 Remote Keynote with Instant Reactions
Our setup allowed remote attendees to respond in real time, with applause meters and live reactions integrated into the feed.
✅ Your Low Latency Streaming Checklist
Here are our top tips for preparing your next real-time broadcast:
- ✔️ Use wired internet wherever possible
- ✔️ Choose encoders with hardware acceleration
- ✔️ Match camera frame rates and encoding settings
- ✔️ Run end-to-end latency tests pre-show
- ✔️ Build in redundancy for both video and network
🚀 Final Thoughts
Latency isn’t just a tech buzzword, it’s the difference between a disconnected stream and a real-time, immersive audience experience. At MyEvent Productions, we design every stream with latency in mind, so your message hits at the speed of now.
📞 Ready to deliver your next low-latency stream?
Let’s chat about how we can engineer a seamless, responsive experience for your hybrid or virtual event.
📩 Get in touch today to see how we can support your next event! Phone 1300 412 431 or email hello@myevent.io