Best Live Stream Encoding Software Options [Updated for 2020]

Fanny Elise Lagarde

Fanny Elise was a part of the Dacast engineering team, and with her technical knowledge, helped the marketing team to engage readers with streaming content.

The quality of your live stream can make or break your audiences’ experience. Lagging video and shaky audio becomes a distraction from the message you’re trying to share.

Encoding your video content—or converting the raw video file into a digital one—is one of the best things you can do to maintain professional quality. This requires a special encoding tool that can come in the form of either hardware or software.

Let’s talk about what exactly an encoder is, what purpose it serves, some processes related to encoding, and the best live stream encoding software on the market.

Table of Contents:

• What is an Encoder?
• What is Transcoding?
• Cloud Video Transcoding vs. Encoding
• Hardware vs. Software Encoding
• Encoding vs. Codecs
• What is the Best Encoding Software for Video Streaming?
• Choosing the Best Live Streaming Encoding Software
• Conclusion

What is an Encoder?

An encoder is a tool that transforms video content into a different format. The purpose of encoding a video is to create a digital copy that can be transmitted over the internet. Digital video content can be embedded or streamed live right on your website.

You have the option to choose between a hardware and a software encoder. Which way you go will largely depend on the purpose of your stream and what sort of budget you are working with. Most professional broadcasters will go with a hardware encoder, but due to the high price point, most beginner to mid-experienced broadcasters will go with an encoding software.

What is Transcoding?

Transcoding and encoding are often misused interchangeably. Rather than converting the format of a video, transcoding converts a video to a smaller size.

The purpose of transcoding a video is so that your viewers can watch the video in the size that works best with their internet speed. For example, somebody with slower internet would watch your video in lower resolution in order to minimize buffering.

Cloud Video Transcoding vs. Encoding

As we discussed, transcoding is a little bit different than encoding, but they share the purpose of converting videos into a format that is easier to broadcast without hiccups.

Cloud video transcoding is typically considered a simple alternative to a hardware encoder. While a hardware encoder stores multiple versions of one video, cloud video transcoders convert and broadcast each version as it’s created.

Hardware vs. Software Encoding

While hardware and software encoders are different in nature, they function very similarly. They take RAW video files and convert them into digital files.

The main difference that sets hardware and software encoders apart—and the characteristic that allows hardware encoders to perform more effectively—is that hardware encoding devices have the sole purpose of encoding. Software encoders work with your computer’s operating system, so encoding isn’t the primary function.

Of course, the difference in performance capabilities is reflected in the price tag. Hardware encoders run upwards of $600 to $1000. Encoding software is often less than $100 and can be found by some providers for free.

Hardware encoders are best suited for experienced, professional broadcasters. Software encoders work well for beginner broadcasters. 

Encoding vs. Codecs

There is a bit of overlap between encoders and codecs. While encoders serve the sole purpose of encoding, codecs are designed to encode and decode.

Codec is short for “coder-decoder” and it encodes a video for storage and decodes for broadcast. Oftentimes, the term “encoder” is used to describe hardware or software codec.

What is the Best Encoding Software for Video Streaming?

There are several video streaming software solutions available today. In order to determine which is the right encoding software for your broadcast, you want to ask yourself the following.

• Is the encoder compatible with my streaming platform?
• What features does the encoder provide? Is it the best option for my broadcasting needs?
• What’s my budget?

Keeping those questions in mind, let’s explore the top encoding software on the market.

1. Wirecast

Telestream’s Wirecast offers an encoding software that is widely compatible with many online video platforms. The professional video streaming services that Wirecast works with include Dacast, IBM Video Cloud, and Wowza. These streaming platforms, among others, allow you to live stream your event to any RTMP destination. They also support recording MP4 or MOV files to any drive.

Last year, Wirecast launched a new encoding software that features several enhancements and fixes, including Facebook Live polling, re-written WebStream plugin, and Virtual Camera improvements. Wirecast is compatible with a variety of capture cards, devices, and camera inputs. 

Wirecast supports live video compositing via a “layers” architecture similar to many graphics programs. The encoder facilitates live switching, picture-in-picture composition, titles, audio delay, and many other fine-tuning compositional elements. 

Wirecast’s live stream encoding software makes it easy to incorporate pre-recorded video content into your broadcast. It also supports the encoding of HD and SD sources for streams broadcast simultaneously to multiple servers and platforms.

The Wirecast Pro enhanced program adds several other specialized features, including:

• Replay
• Live scoreboards
• Virtual 3D
• Use of IP cameras and web streams
• 8-track audio output

These advanced features of Wirecast Pro make it a better choice than the basic Wirecast program for most live-streamed events. With all those features, Wirecast’s biggest downside may be the price. To start, you can download a free trial version of the basic software.

The software comes in two versions: Studio and Pro. The basic software starts at $486, and the Pro version starts $696.50. 

Wirecast caters to a variety of live streaming contexts, including live event production, sports, faith-based events, education, television and radio broadcasts, and digital marketing and social media.

2. Open Broadcaster Studio (OBS)

OBS Studio is an open-source software encoder for live streaming. OBS Studio is a great option for those new to live streaming as it’s effortless to use. OBS Studio offers downloads for Windows, Mac, and Linux. 

The encoder is equipped with a powerful API, which enables community-generated plugins and scripts. These add-ons can provide further customization and functionality specific to your needs. Note that OBS Studio no longer supports Windows Vista.

Advanced features of this live stream encoding software include:

• Real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
• Intuitive audio mixer
• Modular “Dock” UI

Dacast has developed a customized version of this live stream encoding software. As a Dacast customer, you can access this customized software for no charge with direct Dacast integration of the OBS Studio platform. Within just a few clicks you can be up and streaming.

See for yourself in this video:

Please note that OBS Studio does not support multi-bitrate streaming. Multi-bitrate streaming can be crucial when broadcasting to diverse users in distinct locales.

Regardless of this minor setback, we still highly recommend this encoder, particularly for those who are testing or becoming familiar with live streaming.

3. VidBlasterX

Like Wirecast, VidBlasterX is a professional-quality encoding software. 

They offer three packages: VidblasterX Home, VidBlasterX Studio, and VidBlasterX Broadcast. The main difference between each version is the number of modules each supports. Each successive module also adds additional advanced features pro broadcasters will appreciate.

The Home version costs only $9 per year, but to get access to advanced features, you need to upgrade to the Studio version, which starts at $99 a year, or the Broadcast version, which starts at $999 a year. 

VidBlasterX Home is a basic product. It supports up to 7 modules. 

VidBlasterX Studio has several features for studio production of videos (hence the name) and allows for more versatile video. The Studio version supports HD and full-screen television-quality production, as well as community support. 

VidBlasterX Broadcast incorporates all the features of VidBlaster Studio, adds more module capacity, and is recommended for professional broadcast studios. With Broadcast, you get direct email support from the developer.

One drawback of VidBlasterX is that it does not come in a Mac OS version, so it requires a Windows machine to operate.

This VidBlaster help site provides a walk-through on setting up VidBlasterX as your encoder for live streaming. For more information on VidBlaster, you can also click here.

Choosing the Best Live Streaming Encoding Software

The live stream encoding software that you should choose greatly depends on the features that you need to help you reach your goals. That being said, no single live stream encoding software will be the perfect match for every broadcaster.

In order to identify which features are most important to you, take some time to think about the following questions:

• How big is your target audience?
• How many camera feeds do you need to incorporate into your videos and which camera will you use?
• What kind of computer will you use, and with what kind of operating system?
• How much will you need to do in the way of studio effects or video editing?
• What are the requirements of your live streaming platform service?
• How much money do you want to spend? Is this a flexible or fixed price-point for you or your business?

If you’re new to live streaming video, we recommend that you start with OBS Studio to first become familiar with how to stream live video on your website. After you get down the basics, you can upgrade later to a more powerful program if you like. 

Overall, it’s important to ensure that any live stream encoding software you choose helps you to meet all of your goals for producing and broadcasting your video content.

Conclusion 

The encoder you use plays a huge role in the quality of your live stream video. There are many options and configurations to consider when choosing one to operate your live stream. While hardware encoders tend to produce better quality streams, software encoders are easier to use and more cost-effective.

If you’re new to live streaming video, we recommend Dacast’s custom version of OBS since it is free for our users and allows anyone to become familiar with how to stream live video on your website. After you get down the basics, you can upgrade later to a more powerful program if you like. Overall, it’s important to ensure that any live stream encoding software you choose–as with your hardware, your cameras, and your streaming platform–allows you to meet all of your goals for producing and broadcasting your video content.

If you are looking for a unified streaming solution with both live streaming and VOD capabilities, give Dacast a try. Why not sign up for our 30-day free trial (no credit card required) to test out all our features for yourself! Click the button below to sign up for free today.

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We hope this article has helped you to compare live stream encoding software options for your broadcasts. For regular tips on live streaming and exclusive offers, you can also join our LinkedIn group.

Thanks for reading, and let us know your questions and feedback in the comment section below. We love to hear from our readers, and we do our best to incorporate useful comments and tips into future articles.

Note to our readers: We’ve updated and expanded this article to reflect the available options and features of the three encoders covered here as of May 13, 2020.