Live Stream Encoder Configuration and Required Dacast Settings

 

Introduction To Live Encoding

To ensure your Dacast live stream is stable and fully functional, you MUST configure your encoder to use the settings defined on this page. These settings have been chosen to ensure the maximum compatibility with the Dacast platform as well as with newer and older devices that are used for live streaming on your website ( Desktop, Mobile, SmartTVs, etc.) In this article you will find:

  1. Common Settings that must be used for all live streaming on the Dacast platform
  2. Resolution & Bitrate Settings that differ based on the desired size and quality of your stream
  3. Unsupported Settings that must not be used or you will see problems with your stream
  4. Encoder Download Links to get your hands on a software encoder

1. Required Live Encoder Settings

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

Video CodecH.264 (x264 may work)
Frame Rate25 or 30
Keyframe Interval3 seconds
ScanningProgressive
Rate ControlConstant (CBR)
Audio CodecAAC-LC
Audio Bitrate128 kbps
Audio Channels2 (Stereo)
Audio Sample Rate48 kHz (48,000 Hz)

2. Resolution & Bitrate Settings

Please select one of the following video configurations and ensure your encoder is set up with these exact settings to help prevent streaming issues:

ULDLDSDHDFHD
NameUltra-Low DefinitionLow DefinitionStandard DefinitionHigh DefinitionFull High Definition
Video Bitrate (kbps)350350 – 800800 – 12001200 – 19001900 – 4000
Resolution Width (px)42664085412801920
Resolution Height (px)2403604807201080
H.264 ProfileMainMainHighHighHigh

IMPORTANT: Due to COVID19, internet companies throttle download and upload speeds at various times, and therefore a lower bitrate on the lower side of the range is recommended.

Before going live, we invite you to do a speed test first (testmy.net/) at the place where you will be live streaming. If you have any questions about your encoder settings, you can reach out to our support team and send screenshots of your encoder settings.

3. Unsupported Settings

Note that the following settings are unsupported and will break your stream:

  • Baseline H.264 Profile
  • Interlaced Scanning

4. Encoder Download and Stream Guide Links

Any questions or need help/access to this feature? Please contact us. Not yet a Dacast user, and interested in trying Dacast risk-free for 14 days? Sign up today to get started.

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Additional Resources

1. More on Video Transcoding

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.

2. More Relevant Topics:

 

Rich Jenkins

Director of Product at Dacast with experience in enterprise, start-ups and everything in-between. Believes coffee and kale do compete and enjoys consuming both.