Question 1

What is an Encoder? What Are the Best Settings to use on Dacast's Platform?

Dacast Team · Accepted Answer

An encoder is software or hardware that converts video files from one format or code to another. Encoding is an essential part to live streaming. Here is a quick rundown of how encoding fits into the live streaming process:

A camera captions video files in the RAW format.
RAW files are transmitted to the encoder.
The encoder converts the RAW files into streamable .mp4 files.
The .mp4 files are transmitted from the encoder to your streaming platform.
Your streaming platform uses HLS (or another protocol) to transmit the .mp4 files to the viewers devices.

The encoding process happens in a matter of moments when it comes to live streaming to keep your latency low. With Dacast, you can use any encoder that outputs into RTMP or HLS. If you have never used an encoder before or are unfamiliar with what this is, we recommend starting with our customized version of our OBS Studio. This software is free and will allow you to start streaming in a few clicks.

Required Encoder Settings on Dacast

The following encoder settings are required for live streaming with Dacast, regardless of your selected resolution and bitrate:

VIDEO CODEC	H.264 (x264 may work)
FRAME RATE	25 or 30
KEYFRAME INTERVAL	2 secs (or 2x frame rate)
SCANNING	Progressive
ENCODING BITRATE	Constant (CBR)
AUDIO CODEC	AAC
AUDIO BITRATE	128 kbps
AUDIO CHANNELS	2 (Stereo)
AUDIO SAMPLE RATE	48 kHz (48,000 Hz)

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Additional Resources

Question 2

What is H.264 Advanced Video Coding and is it Supported by Dacast?

Dacast Team · Accepted Answer

Advanced Video Coding (AVC) is known asH.264, or MPEG-4 AVC is a video codec that is commonly associated with the distribution of high definition content. This is the form of compression used for Blu-ray discs as well as many streaming video applications on the internet. The video standard is fully supported over the Dacast platform for both live and on-demand streaming.

H.264 Video Format FAQ

Live streaming technology is constantly changing, so its normal to have questions about each of the moving parts. Weve put together some H.264 FAQ in hopes of answering any questions youve had about the codec.

Are H.264 and x264 the same thing?

H.264 and x264 are very similar but they are not the same thing. Both are viable options for live streaming codecs.

Whats the difference between H.264 and MP4?

H.264 and MP4 are two terms closely related to video streaming, but they are two totally different technologies. H.264 is a video codec and MP4 is the name of a file format.

Is H.264 the best video codec?

As we mentioned, live streaming technology is always evolving. However, the H.264 codec is currently the most ideal option for live stream encoding.

Does the H.264 Codec Support 4k Video Streaming?

Yes, this codec supports 4k video streaming.

What is an Encoder?

Since the H.264 has to do with your live stream encoder, it is an appropriate time to recap what exactly an encoder is. Encoding is a process used to convert the RAW video files captured by a camera into digital files suitable for live streaming over the internet. This process uses either a hardware or software encoder.

Required Live Encoder Settings

With Dacast, the H.264 codec is actually part of the required encoder settings. The following live encoder settings are required for live streaming with Dacast, regardless of your selected resolution and bitrate:

VIDEO CODEC	H.264 (x264 may work)
FRAME RATE	25 or 30
KEYFRAME INTERVAL	2 secs (or 2x frame rate)
SCANNING	Progressive
ENCODING BITRATE	Constant (CBR)
AUDIO CODEC	AAC
AUDIO BITRATE	128 kbps
AUDIO CHANNELS	2 (Stereo)
AUDIO SAMPLE RATE	48 kHz (48,000 Hz)

Any questions or you want to access this feature?Pleasecontact us. Not yet a Dacast user, and interested in trying Dacast risk-free for 14 days? Sign up today to get started.

get started for free

Additional Resources

Introduction to Live Streaming: A Walkthrough
VOD Video Renditions & Bitrates for On Demand Content
Best Resolution for Live Streaming & Suggested H.264 Encoder Settings
Transcoding Walkthrough
Streaming Codecs for Video and Audio: What Broadcasters Need to Know
How to Setup an RTMP Encoder for Live Video Streaming

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