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

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:

1. A camera captions video files in the RAW format.
2. RAW files are transmitted to the encoder.
3. The encoder converts the RAW files into streamable .mp4 files.
4. The .mp4 files are transmitted from the encoder to your streaming platform.
5. 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:

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.

get started for free

Additional Resources

• Walkthrough: Encoder Setup Guide
• Integrating a Live Encoder with the Dacast Platform
• Introduction to Live Streaming: A Walkthrough
• What is Video Encoding?
• Software vs. Hardware Live Streaming Encoders
• How to Use Wirecast for Live Event Streaming
• Is Wirecast (or Another Encoder) Necessary to Use the AAC Stream Format?
• Wirecast: What to Do When You Get an Error Publishing Stream
• How To Use Wirecast Encoder For Live Event Streaming
• Multi-Bitrate Streaming with vMix and Wirecast: What You Need to Know
• How Do I Broadcast My Screen With Microphone Audio on Wirecast?
• Spanish Tutorial: How Do I Broadcast My Screen With Microphone Audio On Wirecast?
• How to Use Wirecast and OBS Studio with Multiple Video Sources
• Wirecast: What to Do When You Get an Error Publishing Stream
• Introduction to Live Streaming: A Walkthrough
• New Transcoding Limits on VOD
• Transcoding: Everything You Need to Know
• VOD Multi-Bitrate Walkthrough
• Video Streaming Software and Multi-Bitrate Streaming
• Does Dacast Support Broadcasting via My Own Encoder?
• Walkthrough: Encoder Setup Guide
• Integrating a Live Encoder with the Dacast Platform