Running 4 Cameras through OBS without internet options

[saltyd]

Looking for any advice, please and thank you :)

Trying to set up 4 cameras to run through OBS... to record a wrestling show (the 4 cameras will be on 4 different walls... allowing for me to switch between the camera with the best view of the action).

The location I'm at doesn't have any internet options (it's the middle of nowhere)... and it's a large steel-frame building (probably 75 X 150)

I've fenagled an option that works on paper, but not real world. I have 4 old phones that I've installed the IV Cam program on (which allows me to turn the phone into a wireless camera essentially, tied back to OBS through a router that I set up a network through for the connection).

The issue is that the camera's lag terribly (likely because they're not capable of handling what I'm trying to do)... and I'm guessing that the distance between the cameras and the router/computer are great... along with signal blockage from people and things in the way. I've confirmed this is not an overload issue on the computer itself (only using 15% of resources.. computer is set up to do JUST this and had good graphics/ram/cpu/cores).

So after all of that being said... does anyone have recommendations or ideas on how to set up 4 cameras.. far apart from each other... that could tie back into a computer which runs OBS?

I'm assuming you can't run 50-100 ft usb cables to 4 different webcams, or is that not correct?

 

[Lawrence_SoCal]

Likely issues
- stupid mobile devices default settings (looking at Apple,) that try to connect WiFi networks, even when it shouldn't... but I digress.. most users leave WiFi =On on their devices, and that can interfere with other traffic, even when not connecting (see WiFi standards on Beaconing, etc for technical reasons)
- And then is the unmentioned possibility of a location WiFi network , interference between the two (channels, etc)??
- and yea, old phones..
I avoid WiFi whenever possible. period... and I know more than most about WiFi.. and that should tell you something. with that said, have you tested elsewhere?

As for 15% usage, is that CPU usage within OBS Stats window? if so, realize that does NOT indicate overall CPU usage (the most important metric), nor even all possibly OBS related CPU utilization (plug-ins, etc). Make sure good OS (operating System hygiene, with unnecessary background processes stopped/disabled, etc)

Are there examples of really long USB cable runs working with webcams? Yes, BUT... webcams typically have a fixed (close) focus, wide-angle lens, completely worthless for your setup [unless cameras mounted on even of wrestling mat area??). Most webcams will at best have a soft-focus on anything more than 10ft away from lens, often not even that far. And cheap USB cables don't cut it, nor high resolution cameras, etc... requires a lot of testing and matching of parts, and even then, as well outside the 6ft USB spec, on your own (ie may work one day, and not the next).

IF budget was no issue (and that is rarely the case), AND you could temporarily (or permanently) run Ethernet cables to desired camera locations, I'd start there. I'd be inclined if site owner permitted, (as shielded Ethernet cables are relatively cheap) would be to run cables to desired locations, (presumably running along walls) and then collect cables into a box. On even day, pull cables out of box and connect to Ethernet switch
With my IT infrastructure and networking background, I happen to be a fan of NDI cameras.
But you could also use DSLR/mirrorless camera and HDMI? and some other options. Numerous discussions in recent years in this forum on sporting events and OBS Studio (from cross-country bicycle, to indoor gym, etc)

1 thing to be careful of is mixing camera/connection technologies, as you could easily end up with out-of-sync video (ex.. processing latency differences between old and new DSLR). Personally, I'd pick one connection technology and stick to that (vs mix 'n match). And I've avoid USB unless computer and cameras all right up against wrestling stage area (shorter cable runs, and accommodate webcam lens designs

Assuming budget is constrained and 1080p is sufficient, getting prior generation 1080p networked cameras on sale, or maybe used but great condition as others upgrade to 4K resolution, is possible. Beware Security cameras that have low frame rates (often 15fps, not 30, and with wrestling, are you going to want 60fps for slow-motion option?). And you get what you pay for... those security cameras are cheap for a reason. they may be good enough for your use case, or you might compare video quality and reject security cameras as completely inadequate.
For reference, I've come across, top-tier new, open-box 1080p NDI PTZ PoE optical zoom cameras for under $500 each, if one is patient
Counter-point: using NDI means OBS Studio computer has to process video from every camera simultaneously (so more demanding) vs using something like a HDMI switcher where only a single video feed is passed onto streaming computer. Depends on computer power, and if you want to record all 4 cameras on OBS Studio computer. alternative... some PTZ cameras include flash drive slot so you can locally record

 

[Tomasz Góral]

You don't say about programs on phone.
I use IPWebcam Pro (Program), vdo.ninja (site), this two has very low latency.

 

[Lawrence_SoCal]

You don't say about programs on phone.

The reason I didn't mention something like vdo.ninja was that would simply compound any potential site cellular bandwidth issues (if such was even available)
Video from camera over cellular network to a server, or then back to OBS Studio streaming PC (over cellular)... and then sending livestream over that same connection... in an urban setting, 5G, solid bandwidth and limited cameras with testing... sure.. maybe. 4 mobile phone app/cameras in the middle of nowhere (to quote OP)... yea, wouldn't count on it. More importantly, OP would have Internet in the first place, if such cellular connections were an option

So, an app that works by sending video over WiFi to local PC (receiver)... sure, but now dealing with potential WiFi conflict issues I mentioned.
If I was forced into using WiFi, I'd be inclined to
1. hide SSID (just 'cuz)
2. configure Access Point (router/whatever) to ONLY accept connection from the selected devices and ignore EVERYTHING else. Not all consumer devices allow such a configuration. Even than, it is shared/Public frequency space, so lots can still interfere, but these 2 steps _might_ help
This is typical technical issue, like 3 side of a triangle, changing 1 leg of triangle requires changing other leg or legs to maintain triangle shape
- reducing video bandwidth would help, but then you have to choose either lower video quality, a more computationally demanding codec to compress video, which in turn may require a more powerful device And then there is battery life impact of higher performance (computational demand). And then there is the computational impact on OBS Studio PC to render those 4 camera video feeds, with higher compression taking more to uncompress)

Assuming appropriate app found, assuming that would work over Ethernet as well as WiFi, I'd be inclined towards a Ethernet network, and an inexpensive Ethernet to mobile device adapter (micro-USB, Lightning, or USB-C, depending on device). At least mobile phone cameras typically have better lenses, and focusing option, than a webcam. But probably still too wide-angle for wall mounting??

 

[saltyd]

Wow thank you for all of the info in this detailed reply!

Ironically, you're recommendation is the route I'm switching to. Running ethernet cables permanently in the building (from camera location to end location of PoE switch)... and hardwiring cameras.

Funny how one bit of lacking knowledge causes you headaches. I realized that webcams and hdmi/usb connections would never work well for this application/distance/etc... which is the original reason for trying to use cell phones and wifi/app to transmit to streaming computer.

Then I thought "wait a sec... those security cameras run long lengths and record video... how do they do it?" - and ethernet finally clicked in my mind :)