LiveStream FAQ and assistance

Don't know what live streaming is? Need helping setting up your programs to stream? Or do you just want to push you're gear to the max, for better quality streaming?

Well then this is your One-Stop shop for all your streaming Questions. I helped people on the xsplit forums Debuq their programs, or tweak for better streaming, so i figured i'd offer it here aswell upon release of the new streaming section.


So, What is livestreaming?

- Live streaming, which refers to content delivered live over the Internet, requires a camera for the media, an encoder to digitize the content, a media publisher, and a content delivery network to distribute and deliver the content.


How do i get start livestreaming?

- Well there are various placing to stream, and you want to pick a site according to what you are going to stream, if you want to stream games, the hottest place on the net at the moment, is www.twitchtv.com if you wish to stream other things you can try www.ustream.com or www.livestream.com


What programs will i need?

- You only need two programs to live stream, one being the program used to encoded, and transmit the data, and the other is the game itself, or your "Source"

- There are two great programs you should try. xsplit and open broadcaster.

Xsplit - https://www.xsplit.com/

Xsplit has two version free and subscription The free version limits you to 25 fps and 1280/720 while the paid version offers unlimited fps/screen size.

The pros of xsplit is that it has a ton of great features, better looking UI
The cons of xsplit is that you are limited on the free version, and it is known to be a CPU hog.


Open broadcaster - http://obsproject.com/ OBS is a free program that does the same thing as Xsplit, except at this point and time it is 100% FREE! * may be subject to change*

The pros of OBS is that it has no fps/resolution restrictions, delivers the same quality as xsplit.
The cons of OBS being it is a free program you don't have all the features of xsplit, nor the fancy UI


I suggest getting both programs and testing them and see which you prefer, i personally had xsplit paid version, but switch to OBS for my computer specs etc.


Do i need a high upload rate to be able to live stream?

- Well this is a tricky question, the answer is yes, and the answer is no.
when livestreaming you use bandwith and your CPU to encode the data
be transmitted.

For example if you only have a 1MB upload speed, it's recomended that you have atleast a 1.5mb connection to stream at 720p, but if you have a I5 or higher cpu, you can stream at a lower upload and have your cpu
handle the load, this also works vice versa.


If you have any questions related to Streaming just ask!

If it's related to settings to stream please include your UPLOAD connection, and computer specs.

If it's related to how to advertise, get more viewers, etc please post a highlight of your stream.

Here is a table chart to help you find the best settings for your CPU/Upload



EDIT

Also the 720p Region.

[/QUOTE]


Enjoy and good luck!​

 

Thanks for all the tips, delta!!!!

 

This thread is to be used for assistance with setting up a stream only. Do not spam it. Consider this your warning.

 

Will I be able to stream league of legends with these specs:

Internet: 15MB download (most of the time), 1MB upload speed.

PC:



If so, what settings should I use using open broadcaster for better quality / less lagg?

 

Use testmy.net - Speedtest gives inaccurate readings.

 

Also try this speedtest http://testmy.net/ as speedtest is known to increase speeds do to its flash player, it states i have a 4MB upload when truly i only can push out to 2MB and that is a HUGE difference when it comes to streaming.

A general rule of thumb is try to stream 500kb/s below your upload, as you still require bandwith for the game itself if its online, like LoL is.


Here are some settings to try, give it a test and post your highlight after wards so i may review it.

I reccomend downloading xsplit to find the best server to upload too, you could also try TCP relay, but it is a more advanced tool.
But do a test stream with these settings, post your highlight, and let me know how well your game ran, where you lagging? did it seem like you got fps stuttering, etc. these will help find the best settings for your setup.

 

Apparently my upload is much lower.

 

Yea.. that's kinda bad.. try it with the settings excaprt on a 300k bitrate.

 

Both 300, right?



Edit: I am also not able to get a stream key, this is an old account I am using which I crated back when twitch was called justin.tv or something.

 

Yep! You should probably turn quality down to about 7-8 as well. Saves you bandwidth at just a VERY minor hit to the quality.

Also, on the testmy.net speed test, did you make sure to change the server test location to one near you first?


Edit: You don't need a stream key. Just authenticate with username and password.

 

After switching to an european server, this is the upload speed I got.

 

alright, then yes, revery back to my orginal settings, and try again were you able to resolve the key issues? i'm on le kingdoms click my sig.

 

What should I play around with to reduce my ingame ping?

 

your bitrate/quality. you may not be able to play on NA servers when streaming.

 

Nah, I want to stream playing on EU. On NA I have 300 ping without even streaming while having 50-60 ping on EU. Thanks for all the help buds.

 

*You should put this up there aswell*




EDIT

Also the 720p Region.

 

i meant to but couldn't remember where it was lol. thanks.

 

Hey Delta, when you get a chance. Would you mind assisting me with mine.

 

400k bitrate I guess.

 

Yeah I just streamed and I only dropped 200 frames out of 200k. Which I guess is not terrible. Just hated streaming in 360p :/