GoCast vs Planet eStream

GoCast is a self-hosted platform for streaming and recording lectures. Organizations can run it on their own servers, keeping streaming data processing and storage under their control. It can automatically stream auditorium lectures according to schedules, while lecturers can also stream using OBS, Zoom, or other software. Lecturers manage videos through a self-service interface, and course and student enrollment information can be imported from CAMPUSonline. Live streams are recorded automatically, and video-on-demand uploads are supported. Post-processing can detect silence, create searchable transcripts, and generate thumbnails. Live chat lets listeners ask questions and upvote them; lecturers can run polls and mark or hide questions. Course access can be public, limited to enrolled or invited users, or restricted to users logged in with an LRZ ID. GoCast is open source under the MIT license and listed as free. Deployment requires worker or runner servers and shared storage. Its self-streaming guide warns that streams may be unreliable and recordings may be corrupted, and recommends keeping a local copy.

Planet eStream is an education platform that brings media management together with lecture and room capture, live streaming, digital signage, TV and radio resources, and photo management. Its room-capture tools can schedule and record lessons or lectures, then stream them using autonomous hardware. The system can capture several audio and video sources at once, including cameras, microphones, whiteboards, and projectors. Automatic transcription can add subtitles, and searchable transcripts are supported. A web scheduler works from any internet-connected device and can publish recordings to Microsoft Office 365 calendars; viewers can ask questions in live-stream chat. Administrators can manage access by user or group. Listed integrations include Microsoft Teams, OneNote, Sway, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, and Google Classroom. Authentication options include Microsoft Azure AD, LDAP, Active Directory, Microsoft ADFS, SAML2/Shibboleth, and Google Login. Planet eStream is offered as a cloud platform or locally hosted option. Pricing is on request and modular; room capture has no per-room licence cost and no limit on rooms.