Advanced Package

For some of us, looking good in online court isn't good enough. If you want the Mercedes Benz of a litigation studio, everything you need is available from Amazon. We'll break it down for you and tell you exactly what to buy.

1. HDMI SWITCHER -- The backbone of an advanced online litigation studio is the HDMI switcher, which allows your Zoom feed to include multiple inputs. The best of the bunch and the only one we recommend is the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini, which retails on Amazon for $295.

2. CAMERA -- Using the ATEM Mini will allow you to use true video cameras (as opposed to webcams, which are inherently lower quality). For an online litigation studio, we recommend the Canon VIXIA HF R800, which retail new on Amazon for $649. For the best production quality, buy two of these cameras. Whatever you buy, make sure that it can provide "Clean HDMI".

3. MICROPHONE -- The ATEM Mini also has two true mic inputs (as opposed to USB microphones), which means there are many more microphone options. Our suggestion is the Fosmon Cardioid Condenser Microphone, which retails on Amazon for $28.99.

4. STREAM DECK -- Change cameras, mute and unmute your microphone, and share your screen all from a little control pad that sits discreetly in your lap. You can also program it to advance your slides. An ATEM Mini coupled with a Stream Deck is a Zoom BEAST! They come in a variety of sizes, but our favorite is the Elgato Stream Deck 15 Keys, which retails on Amazon for $139.

5. SECOND COMPUTER -- The ATEM Mini will run on one computer, which is the machine that will connect to Zoom. That machine will feed Zoom the output of the ATEM Mini (rather than what its built-in webcam sees). The ATEM Mini will be able to select a variety of inputs, one of which will be the computer you share (that has either your slide show or the exhibits you plan to use on it). In other words, Zoom runs undisturbed on its own computer, which is a best practice, while you run your slides or put up your exhibits or whatever through a second computer. This second computer could be a laptop if you were looking to reduce costs, but our recommendation for the best studio experience is a beautiful 27-inch iMac, which retails at the Apple Store for $1799. (Frankly, if we were building a litigation studio from the ground up, we would include two of these machines: one to run the ATEM Mini and the Zoom connection and a second for slides and exhibits.)

6. HEADPHONES -- This rig will not work with speakers because they will create feedback. Any headphones with a 3.5 mm jack will work, but our favorite are Bose QuietComfort 45, which retail on Amazon for $329. If you don't like the look of over-the-ear earphones, we recommend the Shure SE215 Wired Earbuds as an in-ear alternative, which retail on Amazon for $99.

7. ZOOM MONITOR -- The secret to looking people in the eyes on Zoom is to position your camera directly in front of a second monitor for your Zoom computer. Keep this monitor small so it doesn't look as if your eyes are moving unnaturally. We suggest the Sceptre 20" 1600x900 Ultra Thin LED Monitor, which retails on Amazon for $121.16. You will also want a wall bracket so you can mount this monitor behind your camera, which retails on Amazon for $19.99.

8. ATEM MONITOR -- The ATEM Mini will provide you with an HDMI out. This is an essential component so that you can monitor both your video and your audio (the ATEM Mini does not provide an audio out). Once again, we recommend the Sceptre 20" 1600x900 Ultra Thin LED Monitor, which retails on Amazon for $121.16.

9. HEADPHONE MIXER -- You'll need to mix the output of both computers and the ATEM Monitor down to a single headphone feed. We suggest the Behringer MX400 4-Channel Line Mixer, which retails on Amazon for $25.

10. GREEN SCREEN -- A green screen unlocks the ATEM Mini's full capability, giving you the power to superimpose your face above your slide deck or exhibits (TV Weatherman style). There are many ways to accomplish this, but the easiest we have found is a simple green cloth that you hang behind you (if necessary, you can build a custom sized frame out of PVC pipe that you buy at the home store). The Neewer 2.7 x 4.6 meter Muslin Backdrop retails on Amazon for $38.49.

11. LIGHTS -- At this point, you're going to need a full kit of studio lights. We recommend the Neewer 3-Pack Lighting Kit, which gives you everything you need (including power packs and stands) for great 3-point lighting. It retails on Amazon for $238.99.

Everything listed here sums up to $6,391.78. Throw in a couple hundred dollars for cables and adapters and you've got a realistic price of about $6,500. But that price includes twin 27-inch iMacs and two cameras. The sticker price could be reduced significantly based on the number of computers and cameras that you need (or want) to buy. And for that price, you will have a competition crushing Zoom war horse!