Summary:
Your Introduction to Live Webcast Auctions with Webtron.
Live Streaming and Live Bidding, easier than ever
Setup Required – This is elaborated on further in the Setting up a Live Feed guide but please ensure you have set up your Vonage account with Webtron before attempting to test or publish a Live Feed. If you’re not sure your Vonage account is set up or you are unable to publish a Live Feed, contact Webtron at support@webtronoa.com.
Our Live Webcast Auction type is a very popular for Auctioneers and Bidders who want that typical Auction structure, but from the comfort of your own home.
In as few words as possible, a Webcast Auction is differs from a Timed Auction in that, whilst a Timed Auction runs until the countdown finishes, a Webcast Auction has two distinct Live phases:
The Pre-Bidding phase – This most resembles a Timed Auction and enables your Bidders to leave Pre-Bids (Bids on the Increment and their set Auto Bid amount) if you choose to enabling Pre-Bidding.
The Live Bidding phase – This is when your Auction rolls into Live Mode and you auction off each Lot (or Groups of Lots) one-by-one with an accompanying Livestream Feed so that your Bidders can hear and/or see you.
What’s Required to run a Webcast Auction?
Webcast Auctions can be a bit more resource intensive than Timed Auctions, as one or more of your devices are directly interacting with both the Bidding and powering your Livestream Feed, our recommendations are:
Internet Connection Speed – Minimum of 10MBs p/s Download and 2MBs p/s Upload for a Video Livestream Feed, 1MB p/s for Audio Only.
Computer – There are a few different recommendations when it comes to computers, we break it down into the following:
Operating System (Windows, macOS)
Computer Hardware (CPU, GPU, RAM)
Browser Software (Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, The Browser Company Arc)
Click the Windows dropdown at the top of the Chapter List to switch in-between Windows and Mac recommendations. If you are looking to purchase new hardware and want recommendations for both, click All.
Operating System (OS):
Windows 11 (Windows 10 still supported until October 2025) and macOS 13.5.
We can only support Operating Systems that are currently supported by their publisher (Microsoft, Apple, etc.) as the major Browser publishers (Google, Mozilla, Microsoft, Arc, Apple) typically only provide feature and security updates for their browsers on supported Operating Systems.
Computer Hardware:
CPU – We recommend using either a laptop or Desktop computer powered by an AMD Ryzen R5 (3000 Series or newer) or an Intel Core i5 (11th Gen or newer).
GPU – Dedicated Graphics hardware isn’t specifically required but if you do plan to run a multi-camera and/or multi-monitor setup, get in touch with Alec to discuss GPU options (a.young@webtronoa.com).
Memory/RAM – 16GB DDR4 at a minimum. Modern Browsers such as Chrome are very Memory-dependant and will utilise as much of your Memory or RAM as possible to run complex tasks, such as Clerking. We recommend 16GB at a minimum to give your Clerk more resource headroom and keep the Clerking Screen as responsive as possible.
Browser:
A Web Browser is the application you use to access the internet, we recommend different browsers depending on what type of Feed you will be running and what Computer you’ll be running it from, for example:
Audio-only Feed – Google Chrome
Video and Audio Feed – Mozilla Firefox
Q: Why Firefox for Video Feeds? A: We recommend Firefox if you are running a Video Livestream from any device with a built-in Webcam (Laptop, 2-in-1s like the Microsoft Surface, and others) as Google Chrome can have trouble distinguishing which Camera (Webcam) device you’d like to use as your Video source. Firefox gives you the option to set or switch your Camera and Microphone source after you click Start Publishing, making it far easier for you to get your Video Feed up and running from the get-go.
Q: What is Vonage? A: Vonage is a Live Video service we’ve incorporated into both the Dashboard and Your Portal, enabling real-time streaming for your Webcast Auctions.
Q: Do I need a really expensive Desktop or Laptop to run a Webcast? A: Not necessarily, we can assist you in choosing a new device that suits both your Webcast setup and your budget. Contact Alec at a.young@webtronoa.com to book in a hardware consultation.
Q: Is there any delay with the Livestream Feed? A: In ideal conditions, the baseline latency with the Livestream Feed will be as low as 0.2 of a second. This latency may increase depending on the quality of your internet connection and your Bidder’s internet connection as well.
Q: Can I run a Webcast Auction without a Livestream Feed? A: Yes you can, we call that a Silent Webcast Auction. The Announcement Bar and Fair Warning Clerk Controls will enable you to send out messages and announce when a Lot is about to close, and you still have full manual control over the Lot that is in the ring (Setting the Increment/Asking Price, Accepting Commission Bids, Cancelling Bids, Selling or Passing, etc.).
Q: Can I turn off Pre-Bidding? A: Yes, you can toggle Pre-Bidding on or off at any point by ticking or unticking Enable Webcast Pre-Bidding in the Auctions & Items > View Auctions > (Actions column) Edit > Dates tab. Click here for our Guide on Enabling Pre-Bidding for a Webcast Auction.
Q: Can I re-offer Unsold/Passed-in Lots while the auction is still running? A: Yes, at any point you can click the green Remove from Sale button if you still have a Lot in the ring. After that, the clerk can click Re-Offer on both a Sold or Passed Lot to instantly pull it back into the ring. Bidding will automatically pause whilst you review the Lot and change the Asking Price or Increment, but you can unpause and open that Lot for bidding whenever you are ready.
Q: Can I set Reserves on my Webcast Lots? A: No, this is one of our most requested features but we don’t currently support Reserves on Webcast Lots. We recommend keeping a running sheet with you (either printed or digital) to keep track of Lots with Reserves in your Webcast Auctions.
Q: Is Clerking automated or manual only? A: Certain features of the Clerking Screen can be automated, such as running with Automatic Increments, but we recommend having someone operate the Clerking Screen for the entire duration of your auction, as actions such as Sell or Pass & Next are manual.
Q: Can you run a Webcast Auction from a Tablet like an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab? A: Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it if you are operating the Clerking Screen purely via touch inputs. Touchscreens have an inherent delay when it comes to tapping on a button and that action being reflected on-screen, effectively Clerking an auction requires that action to be as close to real-time as possible. Tablets are also limited in terms of what external Microphones and Webcams they support. If you need a portable clerking setup we recommend getting either a Microsoft Surface or Apple MacBook Air.
Q: What’s the difference between Auto Bids and Commission Bids? A: Technically they are one and the same, we use different terminology to denote the status of that Auto Bid. During the Pre-Bidding phase, your Bidders can set an Auto Bid amount. We call it an Auto Bid in this phase because there is the possibility another Bidder will attempt to outbid them, and the Portal will bid on their behalf up to their set amount or until bidding activity ceases, hence Auto Bid. During the Live Bidding phase, we call it a Commission Bid because it is Auctioneer’s discretion whether or not to accept a Commission Bid, and then the Clerk’s manual action to accept a Commission Bid at the current Asking Price/on the current Increment.
Q: What do I do if I don’t have a clerk or my clerk is unavailable? A: For an additional fee, we can remotely clerk your auction. If you need to get this scheduled, get in touch with us at support@webtronoa.com as soon as possible. We can route audio from a phone call between your Auctioneer and the Webtron Webcast Clerk to pow
Webcast Auctions
Summary: Your Introduction to Live Webcast Auctions with Webtron.
Live Streaming and Live Bidding, easier than ever
Setup Required – This is elaborated on further in the Setting up a Live Feed guide but please ensure you have set up your Vonage account with Webtron before attempting to test or publish a Live Feed. If you’re not sure your Vonage account is set up or you are unable to publish a Live Feed, contact Webtron at support@webtronoa.com.
Our Live Webcast Auction type is a very popular for Auctioneers and Bidders who want that typical Auction structure, but from the comfort of your own home.
In as few words as possible, a Webcast Auction is differs from a Timed Auction in that, whilst a Timed Auction runs until the countdown finishes, a Webcast Auction has two distinct Live phases:
The Pre-Bidding phase – This most resembles a Timed Auction and enables your Bidders to leave Pre-Bids (Bids on the Increment and their set Auto Bid amount) if you choose to enabling Pre-Bidding.
The Live Bidding phase – This is when your Auction rolls into Live Mode and you auction off each Lot (or Groups of Lots) one-by-one with an accompanying Livestream Feed so that your Bidders can hear and/or see you.
What’s Required to run a Webcast Auction?
Webcast Auctions can be a bit more resource intensive than Timed Auctions, as one or more of your devices are directly interacting with both the Bidding and powering your Livestream Feed, our recommendations are:
Internet Connection Speed – Minimum of 10MBs p/s Download and 2MBs p/s Upload for a Video Livestream Feed, 1MB p/s for Audio Only.
Computer – There are a few different recommendations when it comes to computers, we break it down into the following:
Click the Windows dropdown at the top of the Chapter List to switch in-between Windows and Mac recommendations. If you are looking to purchase new hardware and want recommendations for both, click All.
Operating System (OS):
Windows 11 (Windows 10 still supported until October 2025) and macOS 13.5.
We can only support Operating Systems that are currently supported by their publisher (Microsoft, Apple, etc.) as the major Browser publishers (Google, Mozilla, Microsoft, Arc, Apple) typically only provide feature and security updates for their browsers on supported Operating Systems.
Computer Hardware:
CPU – We recommend using either a laptop or Desktop computer powered by an AMD Ryzen R5 (3000 Series or newer) or an Intel Core i5 (11th Gen or newer).
GPU – Dedicated Graphics hardware isn’t specifically required but if you do plan to run a multi-camera and/or multi-monitor setup, get in touch with Alec to discuss GPU options (a.young@webtronoa.com).
Memory/RAM – 16GB DDR4 at a minimum. Modern Browsers such as Chrome are very Memory-dependant and will utilise as much of your Memory or RAM as possible to run complex tasks, such as Clerking. We recommend 16GB at a minimum to give your Clerk more resource headroom and keep the Clerking Screen as responsive as possible.
Browser:
A Web Browser is the application you use to access the internet, we recommend different browsers depending on what type of Feed you will be running and what Computer you’ll be running it from, for example:
Audio-only Feed – Google Chrome
Video and Audio Feed – Mozilla Firefox
Q: Why Firefox for Video Feeds?
A: We recommend Firefox if you are running a Video Livestream from any device with a built-in Webcam (Laptop, 2-in-1s like the Microsoft Surface, and others) as Google Chrome can have trouble distinguishing which Camera (Webcam) device you’d like to use as your Video source. Firefox gives you the option to set or switch your Camera and Microphone source after you click Start Publishing, making it far easier for you to get your Video Feed up and running from the get-go.
Frequently Asked Questions – Webtron Webcast Auctions
Q: What is Vonage?
A: Vonage is a Live Video service we’ve incorporated into both the Dashboard and Your Portal, enabling real-time streaming for your Webcast Auctions.
Q: Do I need a really expensive Desktop or Laptop to run a Webcast?
A: Not necessarily, we can assist you in choosing a new device that suits both your Webcast setup and your budget. Contact Alec at a.young@webtronoa.com to book in a hardware consultation.
Q: Is there any delay with the Livestream Feed?
A: In ideal conditions, the baseline latency with the Livestream Feed will be as low as 0.2 of a second. This latency may increase depending on the quality of your internet connection and your Bidder’s internet connection as well.
Q: Can I run a Webcast Auction without a Livestream Feed?
A: Yes you can, we call that a Silent Webcast Auction. The Announcement Bar and Fair Warning Clerk Controls will enable you to send out messages and announce when a Lot is about to close, and you still have full manual control over the Lot that is in the ring (Setting the Increment/Asking Price, Accepting Commission Bids, Cancelling Bids, Selling or Passing, etc.).
Q: Can I turn off Pre-Bidding?
A: Yes, you can toggle Pre-Bidding on or off at any point by ticking or unticking Enable Webcast Pre-Bidding in the Auctions & Items > View Auctions > (Actions column) Edit > Dates tab. Click here for our Guide on Enabling Pre-Bidding for a Webcast Auction.
Q: Can I re-offer Unsold/Passed-in Lots while the auction is still running?
A: Yes, at any point you can click the green Remove from Sale button if you still have a Lot in the ring. After that, the clerk can click Re-Offer on both a Sold or Passed Lot to instantly pull it back into the ring. Bidding will automatically pause whilst you review the Lot and change the Asking Price or Increment, but you can unpause and open that Lot for bidding whenever you are ready.
Q: Can I set Reserves on my Webcast Lots?
A: No, this is one of our most requested features but we don’t currently support Reserves on Webcast Lots. We recommend keeping a running sheet with you (either printed or digital) to keep track of Lots with Reserves in your Webcast Auctions.
Q: Is Clerking automated or manual only?
A: Certain features of the Clerking Screen can be automated, such as running with Automatic Increments, but we recommend having someone operate the Clerking Screen for the entire duration of your auction, as actions such as Sell or Pass & Next are manual.
Q: Can you run a Webcast Auction from a Tablet like an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab?
A: Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it if you are operating the Clerking Screen purely via touch inputs. Touchscreens have an inherent delay when it comes to tapping on a button and that action being reflected on-screen, effectively Clerking an auction requires that action to be as close to real-time as possible. Tablets are also limited in terms of what external Microphones and Webcams they support. If you need a portable clerking setup we recommend getting either a Microsoft Surface or Apple MacBook Air.
Q: What’s the difference between Auto Bids and Commission Bids?
A: Technically they are one and the same, we use different terminology to denote the status of that Auto Bid. During the Pre-Bidding phase, your Bidders can set an Auto Bid amount. We call it an Auto Bid in this phase because there is the possibility another Bidder will attempt to outbid them, and the Portal will bid on their behalf up to their set amount or until bidding activity ceases, hence Auto Bid. During the Live Bidding phase, we call it a Commission Bid because it is Auctioneer’s discretion whether or not to accept a Commission Bid, and then the Clerk’s manual action to accept a Commission Bid at the current Asking Price/on the current Increment.
Q: What do I do if I don’t have a clerk or my clerk is unavailable?
A: For an additional fee, we can remotely clerk your auction. If you need to get this scheduled, get in touch with us at support@webtronoa.com as soon as possible. We can route audio from a phone call between your Auctioneer and the Webtron Webcast Clerk to pow