Hey there,

Before we jump into this edition of The Memo, an important reminder:

If you're currently using Facebook for streaming–Meta is deleting ALL livestreams on May 19. April 30th is our final deadline for migrating your existing videos before they're permanently lost.

We're offering:

• Free migration of all your Facebook videos

• 3 months of unlimited streaming

• Complimentary 20-minute consulting call

Call us at 469-983-4832 before April 30th to secure these benefits and protect your families' memories.

SPECIAL EDITION: The Power of a Tripod

Welcome to this special edition of The Memo, where we're focusing on one simple tool that dramatically improves your livestream quality: the tripod. Let's dive in!

Why Tripods Transform Your Video Quality

Handheld is the enemy of clear video. When you go handheld for a service, your camera has to work twice as hard to read and stabilize your image since it's constantly moving. A tripod eliminates this issue.

With a camera stable and mounted, your device can devote more energy to reading data and optimizing for a sharper image. The difference is immediately noticeable to all your viewers.

Here's why stability matters so much:

• Motion Blur: Small rapid camera movements cause blur, making video appear distorted, especially in low-light situations.

• Increased Compression: To maintain stability, streaming platforms compress video when they detect movement

• Strained Processing: Your device spends resources stabilizing instead of optimizing image quality

• Stream Health: In some (rare) cases, a mobile device will fail completely if it has too much to process. This is more common on older devices

Choosing the Right Tripod

Like funeral homes, not all tripods are the same. When selecting one for funeral service, look for:

• 60” Minimum Height Range:: Ensure it can reach eye level (60-84 inches) when fully extended

• Stability: Wider, metal leg bases provide better stability on carpet and uneven floors. Avoid “monopods”

• Quick-Release Plate: Allows for fast setup and teardown between locations

• Weight: Aluminum or carbon fiber tripods give the best performance and are the lightest load to carry

Here are a few we’ve tested and recommend:

• Coman Tripod ($80-120): Low cost, stable build, perfect for funeral directors who stream at multiple locations

• Sirui Tripod ($250+): Rock-solid stability, lightweight, portable, weather proof, and smooth pan features with a quick-release base plate

Setting up your Tripod

For optimal results:

• Position your tripod before families arrive

• Place it where it won't block pathways but can still capture important elements–bonus points if it’s near the speaker system for capturing better audio

• Set it slightly higher than you think - a slightly elevated angle tends to look better. Especially when attendees stand up to leave

• Pay attention to your framing. Ask yourself, “if this was my family, what would I want to see?”

• Make sure all tripod locks are secure before starting your stream

If you absolutely need to move during a service, remember this rule: slow, steady, and smooth. Brief, gentle movements minimize quality loss. Quick or jerky movements will always result in reduced video quality–no matter how expensive your camera is.

The bottom line? A tripod is the most cost-effective upgrade to your streaming setup. Your families will notice the difference immediately. And besides, who wants to hold a camera for an hour anyway?

Stay lively,

The MemoryShare Team