Sony SupportDSC-H20

Article ID : 00245829 / Last Modified : 06/03/2020

How to use your Alpha or DSC camera to live stream using the HDMI port

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

    Certain Alpha and DSC cameras will support live streaming through the HDMI® port.

    Before you start

    You will need the following items to setup live streaming

    • HDMI to USB video capture device (not a Sony product)
    • HDMI cable. The camera model (must have a HDMI Out port)and your video capture device will determine the type of HDMI cable needed for connectivity.
    • USB cable
    • A computer with streaming software installed

      Notes:

      • The video capture device and software are not manufactured by Sony.
      • Make sure that you have a HDMI to USB capture device and not a USB to HDMI adapter (for an external monitor).

    Steps to setup live streaming

    1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the camera HDMI output and the other end of the cable to the HDMI input of the video capture device
    2. Connect the video capture device to the computer using the USB cable.
    3. Open the video/audio settings of the capture/streaming software on your computer.
    4. The software should recognize the capture device and therefore your camera as a webcam.
    5. You should then see the live stream from the camera on your computer.
    6. To provide better focusing, enable the following on the camera (if available):
      • Face-Detection Auto-Focus: Navigate to AF Menu → Face/Eye AF Set → Face/Eye Prty in AF → On
      • Continuous AF: Navigate to AF Menu → Focus Mode → Continuous AF
    7. Enable Movie Mode on the camera.

    Notes:

    • High quality, continuous video streaming may cause the temperature inside the camera to rise and it may turn off automatically until it cools.
      • Review the heat specifications, avoid streaming in direct sunlight, and turn the camera off when not in use.
      • If your camera can record in XAVC S 4K and it has the Auto Power OFF Temp. setting, changing the setting from Standard to High will provide longer recording time.
    • If you use an external microphone, then be sure to select the proper device in the audio settings of your computer.
    • If the camera menu appears on the stream, then turn off the display: Navigate to HDMI Settings → HDMI Info. Display → Off
    • If there are still face detection and focusing issues, then change the file format to HD (if available): Navigate to File Format → XAVC S HD