lectureStudio vs Planet eStream

lectureStudio is a free, open-source tool for presenting PDF-based lectures. It supports dual-screen presentations using a tablet, computer, or laptop with a projector, and presenters can mark slides with digital ink or highlights. The software records audio and video, then provides post-processing tools to correct slide errors without making a new recording. Students can participate in real-time quizzes and chat through smartphone browsers. Slides must be converted to PDF before use; the FAQ describes workflows for PowerPoint and LibreOffice Impress. Recordings can be exported as MP4 videos or lectureStudio .plr files for sharing through an LMS or file-sharing service. Institutions can host the software on-premise, and the maker says it can integrate with institution-wide Single Sign-On facilities. The maker labels lectureStudio GDPR compliant and says on-premise hosting can help address data-protection concerns tied to external services. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, web, and self-hosted use, with live streaming listed. The project is on GitHub under GPLv3, and contributions are welcome. A FAQ and technical support contact are available.

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.