FAQ
What is Vivo? How does it differ from other live video services?
Vivo provides a private, affordable, entirely web-based environment to broadcast live video from a camcorder or webcam to the web. Vivo does not require downloaded software for broadcasters or viewers.
Once you begin a live broadcast, viewers that you invite can visit your personalized live event webpage and watch your broadcast.
Our focus is on creating a user-friendly live broadcasting experience. While other live video applications are loaded with ads and objectionable content, Vivo is perfect for individuals or organizations who want to create a place on the web that they own, not advertisers. Our customization options allow you to build a live event page that is completely personalized to your tastes and broadcast your event with minimal configuration.
What kind of camera and computer do I need to use Vivo?
Most commercially available video cameras and computers are supported by Vivo. Webcams are also supported.
If you are buying a new camera or computer, we recommend making sure that your camera has a Firewire or RCA port and your computer has a Firewire port. If your computer lacks a Firewire port, you'll need to purchase the Sima Vivo video kit, which will allow you to connect your camera's RCA port to the USB port on a Windows computer.
You will also need a broadband internet connection, the free Adobe Flash browser plug in, and a modern web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer 7 or 8, Safari, Google Chrome, or Opera). Javascript must be enabled.
For more detailed camera and computer setup information, please see our step-by-step Connect Your Camera guide.
How is Vivo different from Skype? Slingbox?
Skype provides a downloadable client that needs to be installed. Once installed, you can engage in a one-to-one video chat session. Vivo offers a one-to-many experience, where you can broadcast live to as many people as you choose. Vivo is accessed entirely accessed through the web, so no additional downloads are needed. Just share your Vivo event page address with anyone you want to view it.
Slingbox allows a user to shift their home TV broadcasts to a single, different location where they can then be viewed. Vivo is capable of similar functionality with Sima Vivo cables. We allow and encourage users of our service to share home movies and other non-copyrighted materials in this manner.
How do I know my personal information is secure?
Vivo follows all Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) and a strict privacy policy that ensures Vivo will never see or store your credit card number, or share any of your personal information.
Vivo uses Authorize.net as a payment gateway for secure payment processing. All communications with Authorize.net occur over Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), which ensures all transmitted data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption and operates in accordance with the SSL/TLS protocol. Data transmission is certified by Equifax Secure Certificate Authority.
Authorize.net was founded in 1996, and processes over $1 billion in payments by over 230,000 organizations annually. This combination of industry experience and secure data transmission ensures that every online transaction with Vivo is as secure as using your credit or debit card in person.
I have a question or need technical help.
We have customer service representatives ready to assist you. Visit our contact page.