What is the Best Video Format for Streaming on Dacast?

 

The best video format for broadcasting on Dacast is MP4 with a video codec of H.264 and an audio codec of AAC-LC. This ensures great delivery over the widest range of devices. However, other formats can be uploaded and then encoded to become compatible. The following are formats that are supported but need to be encoded after upload to be fully compatible with all devices:

• MOV
• M4V
• M2V
• AVI
• MPG
• FLV
• WMV
• MKV
• WEBM
• OGV
• MXF
• ASF
• VOB
• MTS

What is an Encoder?

In case you need a refresher, 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. You can use an encoder to convert your video files into a streamable format. For an exhaustive list of the file formats supported by Dacast, please visit this site: https://www.encoding.com/formats/.

Required Encoder Settings

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)

Additional Resources

• Video Transcoding: Technology You Need to Improve Your User’s Experience
• Video Streaming Protocols: Which to Use For Live Video
• Transcoding: A Walkthrough