UltraStudio SDI or Intensity Pro

Let me describe what I'm trying to do here. I'm looking at upgrading our video quality for live streaming setup at our school. I am getting a Panasonic GH3 camera and want to go HDMI out into my laptop in order to stream via Ustream. Currently we stream in very low quality SD via an old Dazzle device through composite cable! We do get the audio in from a Tascam via the main out from our sound board, so that isn't an issue.

I understand I need to get a device to get the live feed from my camera to my laptop. I'm looking at the Intensity Pro or UltraStudio SDI. I understand that with the SDI, I will need an HDMI to SDI converter box, but the nice option there is I can add another camera if needed in the future. I also found in reviews that the Intensity Pro didn't get the best reviews when it comes to getting it to work.

Currently we have an HP 6560 laptop, which only has USB 2. We may be getting a USB 3 laptop in the future.

My question is what is the best way I can go about this? What product do I need to buy in order to get my video HDMI feed into my computer? And what software should I use? Currently we use Ustream Producer, but I am willing to switch to a different application while keeping Ustream, if that means it would work.

Thanks for any help!

Your laptop will not work. USB2 is not capable of supporting HD resolutions, and virtually no Blackmagic devices support it for streaming. If you're going to be buying another laptop anyway, you might consider buying a Teradek VidiU, it's cheaper than a laptop and supports direct streaming (no computer required) to Ustream, Livestream, and any other RTMP enabled streaming service.

Ok thanks.

How does a device like the Elgato Game Capture HD work then? It captures HD through HDMI into a simple USB 2 port.

Easy. They don't capture in HD, but in lower (non-SMPTE) resolution and framerates that Blackmagic doesn't support.

According to the webpage, the game capture HD captures in 1080 and can stream to Ustream. Is that not true?

Your other option would be to see if your streaming software supports other products such as Matrox as your laptop appears to have an Express card socket so if you need to keep the quality you could look at a device that connects through that instead