Streaming Manual Rough Draft

Streaming Management Manual
By Sarah Jorczyk
Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1: Tools Required .............................................................................................................. 3
Software Options/Requirements ................................................................................................. 3
Minimum System Requirements for Broadcasting ................................................................. 3
Recommended System Specifications for Broadcasting ........................................................ 4
Optimal (for HD Multi-Bitrate Streaming) ............................................................................. 4
Chapter 2: How to Get Started ........................................................................................................ 7
Stream Specifications.................................................................................................................. 7
Internet Specs and Optimal Settings ....................................................................................... 7
Setting up The Stream ................................................................................................................. 8
Home Splash Screen ............................................................................................................... 8
Settings .................................................................................................................................... 9
Scenes and Sources ............................................................................................................... 16
Preview and Edit ................................................................................................................... 26
Going Live ................................................................................................................................ 28
Stream Keys .......................................................................................................................... 29
What to Keep an Eye On ...................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting and FAQ........................................................................................... 33
Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................................... 33
What is Twitch? .................................................................................................................... 33
What are the Minimum Requirements? ................................................................................ 33
What are the Maximum Requirements? ............................................................................... 33
What are Twitch.TVs Audio and Video Requirements? ..................................................... 33
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 34
I have a black screen and can't see my stream: ..................................................................... 34
Why can't I move any sources that I added? ......................................................................... 34
Freezing Stream and Dropping Frames: ............................................................................... 34
Lagging In-Game: ................................................................................................................. 34
Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................ 35
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Introduction
Introduction
Figure 1: Preview of OBS
Streaming is becoming an important and vital aspect for gaming. It enables video-game users to
share their experience with the world outside of their computer. In addition, it is a way for users
to preview a game before going out and spending money on a game they may or may not like.
Streaming has become one of the most popular ways to share experiences and come together
with a group of friends.
With our Streaming Management Manual, you will be given the knowledge and skills needed to
succeed at streaming at a high-quality level using one of the most popular software available.
Chapter 1
Tools Required
Chapter 1: Tools Required
Chapter 1: Tools Required

Before you can start streaming, you need to make sure that you have all the required tools and
software to stream. We highly recommend that you try to meet the listed requirements. If you do
not meet the minimum, severe damage can be caused to your computer.
Every broadcasting system has its own set of requirements that must be met for you to be eligible
to use their servers. We will be using Twitch.TV for this guide. The requirements for twitch are
as follows:
Video Requirements
Codec: H.264 (x264)
Mode: Strict CBR
Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
Audio Requirements
Codec: AAC-LC or MP3, Stereo or Mono
Maximum bit rate: 160 kbps (AAC), 128 kbps (MP3)
Sampling frequency: any (AAC), 44.1 KHz (MP3)
These configurations are already supported and active by default in the latest versions of most
popular broadcast software.
Software Options/Requirements
Three main streaming software exist:
XSplit: Free option with watermarks. Paid Version without. Heavy.
OBS: Free Open-Source alternative to XSplit. Lightweight.
FFSplit: Free Alternative. Open-Source.
For our purposes, we will be using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).
Minimum System Requirements for Broadcasting
Pentium Core 2 Duo 2Ghz or Higher
4GB RAM
700Kbps upload bandwidth
Dedicated video card, 256MB VRAM
Windows XP / Vista
Mac OS X 10.5 or higher (v20.0.89)
Recommended System Specifications for Broadcasting
Quad Core CPU
4GB RAM
Windows Vista / Windows 7
Optimal (for HD Multi-Bitrate Streaming)
Quad Core i7-2600 series CPU or better
8GB RAM
5Mbps or better upload bandwidth
Chapter 2
How to Get Started
Chapter 2: How to Get Started

One of the most important aspects of streaming is determining what your internet and computer
are capable of. In this section we will go over different options to help you best determine what
you need to do to achieve a smooth and enjoyable stream. These settings and aspects of OBS
mentioned are very similar all across the board with the other myriad of streaming software
options.
Stream Specifications
Internet Specs and Optimal Settings
Generally, the rule of thumb for streaming is to have your Video Bitrate and Audio Bitrate
combined use 80% of your upload speed. Another way to determine what Bitrates you should be
using is to add the Video Bitrate and Audio Bitrate together. This should be 200kbps or so less
than your upload speed. For instance, 1.5 upload speed is 1500kbps. My Video Bitrate and
Audio Bitrate combined should not exceed this. With this upload size, you can stream at
1200kbps Video Bitrate and 128kbps Audio Bitrate. These numbers combined do not exceed the
1500kbps total, meaning we have some room for growth.
Here a table has been included to give a visual example of

sample bitrate combinations and their quality outcome.
These work as a good starting point when first
determining what your internet and computer can handle:
Quality
Resolution
Low
Medium
Medium/High
High
480x270
640x360
960x540
1280x720
Upload
Speed
~.5mbps
1-1.5mbps
1-2mbps
2-3mbps
HD
1920x1080
3.5+mbps
*Note that during your stream, the

bitrate you are uploading at tends
to fluctuate. This is why we want
to keep our combined total below
the threshold of our upload speed.
Video Bitrate
Audio Bitrate
FPS
400kbps
800-1200kbps
800-1500kbps
20002500kbps
3000+kbps
64kbps
96kbps
96kbps
128kbps
15/30
30
30
30
128kbps
60
Not every computer is the same, and not every internet connection delivers what is stated on the
speed test. Trial and error, using this chart as a starting point, is the best method of determining
what will work for your stream.
To determine your upload speed, go to www.speedtest.net.
Setting up The Stream

We will now cover the actual process of setting up your stream. Visual elements have been
included to aid the process. If you are using a different software, the screens may look slightly
different, but the idea is the same.
Home Splash Screen
Figure 2: Home Splash Screen
As shown in Fig.2, we see the splash screen that occurs when you first open up the software.
This is the main screen that provides navigation to all of the important aspects of the program,
such as settings, profiles, sources, and scenes. This is the screen where you will see a visual
representation/preview of your stream before, and during, the streaming process. Currently, the

program says that we are Not Streaming and we do not see a preview of our stream. This is
normal.
Select the Settings. tab located underneath the microphone icon. This will pop up our next
window where we will configure our stream.
Settings
When we select the Settings. tab, a new window will pop up. From here we will find other
pages that will allow us to manipulate our stream settings. This is perhaps the most important
aspect of the stream.
General
Figure 3: General
The first page we see is the General page. From here, we can choose our Language, Profile,
and various other selections. For now, the page is fine as-is. If you wish, you can change the
Profile name to fit your needs.
10
Click on the next tab underneath General called Encoding.

Encoding
Figure 4: Encoding
The next page that pops up is the Encoding page. From here, we will edit the information to fit
out needs:
1. Check Use CBR so that it is selected, if it is not already. Quality Balance should now
be greyed out.
2. Check Enable CBR Padding so that it is selected, if it is not already.
3. Edit the Max Bitrate (kb/s) to fit your needs. Refer to the chart at the beginning of this
section to find a starting point. This can be adjusted at a later time if need be.
4. Under Audio Encoding, edit the Bitrate to fit your needs. Refer to the chart at the
beginning of this section to find a starting point.
5. Leave everything else as-is.
6. On the left-hand side select the next page, Broadcast Settings.
11
Broadcast Settings
Figure 5: Broadcast Settings
The next page shown offers a various assortment of options. From here, you can change the
mode you are streaming at, the server, hotkeys, and more.
1. Mode should show Live Stream as the selection. If it shows File Output change it to
Live Stream.
2. Under Streaming Service, choose the one that is appropriate for you. For our purposes, we
will be using Twitch/Justin.tv.
3. Server displays where you are sending your stream to be broadcast to the internet. Choose
the one closest to you.
4. The Play Path/Stream Key is the custom URL to your stream. To obtain this, please see the
section Going Live.
5. Leave everything else, as-is. If you wish, you may change or add the Hotkeys to your liking.
12
6. Click on the next page on the left-hand side labeled Video.

The red text displayed at the bottom of the page is an automated response from OBS geared
towards the settings that are optimized for Twitch/Justin.tv. These are only recommended
settings, and are not set in stone.
Video Settings
Figure 6: Video Settings
The Video page is used to set your input and output screen size, as well as your Frame Rate
per Second (FPS).
1. Under Base Resolution you can choose either Custom OR Monitor. If you choose
Custom, input the size resolution of your monitor. If you have dual monitors, use Monitor to
select either of them. The resolution will be chosen automatically.
2. For Resolution Downscale refer to the chart shown at the beginning of this chapter.
3. For FPS refer to the chart shown at the beginning of this chapter.

4. Disable Aero should be selected. Many games have trouble running with Aero activated,
hindering your stream. By selecting this option, we can automatically turn off Aero every time
our stream starts to minimize technical difficulties.
5. Video Adapter is your graphics card and should automatically be selected.
6. Click on the next page on the left-hand side named Audio."
Audio Settings
Figure 7: Audio Settings
On the Audio page we can configure the microphone, set the audio hotkeys, and more. Open
Broadcaster will pick up your systems default audio playback device.
For our purposes, we are going to leave everything but the Microphone/Auxiliary Audio
Device as-is.
1. If you are going to use a microphone, select it under the drop-down list next to
Microphone/Auxiliary Audio Device. If you prefer not to use a microphone, select
Disable.
2. Click on the next page on the left-hand side named Advanced.
13
14
Advanced
Figure 8: Advanced
Under the Advance page, things can get technical. Most of this will be left alone, and only
advanced or experienced users should attempt to change these settings.
1. Use Multithreaded Optimizations should be selected.
2. Process Priority Class should be set to High. This allows OBS to have the Highest
Priority when using your computer. Most of your power will go towards your stream,
ensuring a smoother replay.
3. Under Video x264 CPU Preset needs to be configured to what will work with your
computer. If you have an i7 processor or better, this can be set to medium, slow, or
slower. Having this set slower is better for quality, but takes up processing power.
Generally, if you have a good processor, but slower internet upload speed, you want to
set this preset to a slower setting to take some strain off of your internet.
4. Key frame Interval should be set to 2.
5. Use CFR should be selected.
6. Click on the next page on the left-hand side named Microphone Noise Gate.
15
Microphone Noise Gate
Figure 9: Microphone Noise Gate
For the most part, this page can be left alone. The defaults are good enough for our purposes, and
messing with them further can result in problems.
Now that we have set up our stream, we can click Apply and then Ok to exit this window.
This will bring us back to the splash page where we can begin adding and editing the visual
elements of our stream.
16
Scenes and Sources

Scenes and Sources are the bread and butter of the live-stream. These are the visual elements that
will be broadcast to the internet. Scenes are individual layouts of various elements on the
stream. Only one scene can be viewed at a time, but they can be changed as many times as you
choose during the stream. Scenes can be added, deleted, renamed, reordered, etc. Sources, on
the other hand are the elements that are within one individual Scene.
Figure 10: Right Clicking Scenes
1. To add a Scene Right-Click on the white area under the Scenes: label. This will bring
up a small area of choices.
2. Select Add Scene and name it to your choosing.
17
Figure 11: Right Clicking Sources
1. Right click under the Sources: box and select Add.

2. Choose the appropriate selection. The definitions for these selections can be found in the
following images.
18
Windows Capture
Figure 12: Window Capture
Windows Capture is pretty self-explanatory. Here you can select the Window you wish to
show on the stream, whether or not you want to show the Entire Window or only the Inner
Window and many more options.
Play around with the settings to see what fits your needs best.
19
Monitor Capture
Figure 13: Monitor Capture
Monitor Capture is very similar to Windows Capture. The only difference is that you are
choosing a whole monitor to display, including all of the windows, rather than just one window
on either monitor.
20
Image
Figure 14: Image
The Image window allows you to select the file-path of an image located on your hard-drive.
21
Image Slideshow
Figure 15: Image Slideshow
Image Slideshow is similar to the earlier mentioned Image window, except that this is a
moving slideshow of your chosen images.
1. To add images to the slideshow, select Add and navigate to your image of choice on
your Hard Drive.
2. Do Step 1 for any other images you wish to add.
3. Move Up and Move Down can be used to change the order the images will show in
the slideshow.
4. Edit the Time between images and other various options to fit your needs.
5. Hit Ok.
You should now have a slideshow of images as a Source.
22
Text Scene
Figure 16: Text Scene
The Text window allows you to add text to be displayed on your stream. This can be in a
stationary format, or you can choose to have the test Scroll across the screen.
Choose the settings that best fit your needs.
23
Device Selection
Figure 17: Device Selection
Device should be used when you are trying to capture an external source, like a videogame
console using a capture card, or a webcam. If you are not trying to capture an external source,
leave this page as-is.
If you are trying to capture an external source, select your device, and then adjust the settings to
your need. The audio can be enabled or disabled based on your preference.
You can use this setting with a webcam to do Chroma Keying if you have the appropriate
hardware and equipment. To do so, you will need a webcam and a green-screen. Use the
Chroma Key box to adjust the settings. This requires a lot of fine-tuning to get correct, so
work with it adjusting the settings until you are satisfied.
24
Game Capture
Figure 18: Game Capture
Game Capture allows you to select an individual game or Application to show on the screen.
This is similar to Window Capture, except not all windows will show up under this as a
selection, as some programs conflict with this option. Use this at your own discretion.
25
Global Sources
Figure 19: Global Sources
Global Sources work as the name is implied. These are sources that can be made as a one-time
deal to be used across all of the scenes. This allows you to minimize the amount of time it takes
to set up multiple scenes with the same elements.
26

Preview and Edit
Figure 20: Example of Preview Screen
Now that you have your scenes set up to your liking, it is time to preview it to see a visual
representation of the stream. To do so, select Preview Stream. Your sources will not be
visualized on the preview screen for you to edit and move around.
27
Figure 21: Right Click Preview Screen
You can right-click the Preview window to open up a box of options:

Projector: Allows you to select a monitor to project a full-screen representation of your preview
screen while you work on it. This can ONLY be used if you have dual-monitors, otherwise the
options will be greyed out.
Full Screen Preview Mode: This maximizes the preview screen to fill up your monitor. It hides
the top toolbar, while keeping the bottom one for you to use to edit and select scenes. This is the
best option for users with only one monitor.
Preview: This changes the scaling of the source you have chosen.
Add: Lets you add extra sources.
Order: Allows you to change the ordering of the sources. The sources overlay each other. This
lets you change the way they are seen.
Position: Lets you change the sizing and positioning of the selected source. You can center the
source from here, and move it to align with the edges.
28
Remove: Removes the source.

Rename: Renames the source.
Properties: Opens up the original source settings to be edited.
The selection Edit Scene (Fig. 22.) allows you to manually resize and move the source by
clicking and dragging the mouse. You can identify being in this mode by the red box located
around the source.
Figure 22: "Edit Scene"
Going Live
Now that your stream is configured and set up, it is time to start streaming! To start streaming,
select the Start Streaming button bellow to speaker icon. You will now start broadcasting your
stream to the internet.
29
Stream Keys
To locate your stream key, you need to navigate to the service you are broadcasting to. For our
purposes, we are using www.twitch.tv as our service. We can locate our unique stream key by
logging in, locating to our Dashboard and selecting the Stream Key tab (Fig. 23.)
Figure 23: Twitch.TV Dashboard
Do not let others see or use your Stream Key. This would enable them to stream from their
computers onto YOUR stream. This can cause many problems for you, and unintended
outcomes. If this does occur, you can select Reset Key to have a new key connected to your
stream.
30

What to Keep an Eye On
Figure 24: Keep an eye on Dropped Frames and Bitrate
While streaming, you want to watch out for the indicators at the bottom of your window,
indicated by the red arrows.
If you notice that your start dropping frames, this can be an indicator of issues with your
Encoding Settings and should be changed accordingly.
If you notice that the small box on the bottom right-hand side starts flashing from green to
yellow/red multiple times, this means you are exceeding your set Bitrate and need to adjust it
accordingly. It is not uncommon for this to flash occasionally, but if it flashes very fast or
frequently, check your settings.
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting and FAQ
33

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twitch?
Twitch is the worlds largest video platform and community for gamers. More than 45 million
gamers gather every month on Twitch to broadcast, watch and chat about gaming.
Twitchs video platform is the backbone of both live and on-demand distribution for leading
video game broadcasters including casual gamers, pro players, tournaments, leagues, developers
and gaming media organizations.
-Twitch.TV
What are the Minimum Requirements?

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2Ghz or Higher
4GB RAM
Windows XP / Vista
What are the Maximum Requirements?

Quad Core i7-2600 series CPU or better
8GB RAM
5Mbps or better upload bandwidth
What are Twitch.TVs Audio and Video Requirements?

Video Requirements
Codec: H.264 (x264)
Mode: Strict CBR
Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
34
Audio Requirements
Codec: AAC-LC or MP3, Stereo or Mono
Maximum bit rate: 160 kbps (AAC), 128 kbps (MP3)
Sampling frequency: any (AAC), 44.1 KHz (MP3)
Troubleshooting
I have a black screen and can't see my stream:
Make sure you have Preview Stream turned on.
Why can't I move any sources that I added?

To move sources, you have to be previewing the stream. If you are actually streaming, click
Edit Scene to move things around.
Freezing Stream and Dropping Frames:

Check your stream settings. They may be too high for your computer or internet connection to
handle.
If you are still having issues, check your firewall/router/antivirus. Try it with them off. If the
problem improves, then chances are the ports are not open for your particular server you are
sending to. Check with your streaming server for those ports to open.
Lagging In-Game:
Check for Throttling. ISPs of large networks (like universities) will throttle your connection if
you are using more upload than they want to see. If you find that you are not receiving the speeds
you were guaranteed, contact your ISP.
35
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Preview of OBS ............................................................................................................... v
Figure 2: Home Splash Screen ........................................................................................................ 8
Figure 3: General ............................................................................................................................ 9
Figure 4: Encoding ........................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 5: Broadcast Settings ......................................................................................................... 11
Figure 6: Video Settings ............................................................................................................... 12
Figure 7: Audio Settings ............................................................................................................... 13
Figure 8: Advanced ....................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 9: Microphone Noise Gate................................................................................................. 15
Figure 10: Right Clicking Scenes ................................................................................................. 16
Figure 11: Right Clicking Sources ................................................................................................ 17
Figure 12: Window Capture.......................................................................................................... 18
Figure 13: Monitor Capture .......................................................................................................... 19
Figure 14: Image ........................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 15: Image Slideshow ......................................................................................................... 21
Figure 16: Text Scene ................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 17: Device Selection .......................................................................................................... 23
Figure 18: Game Capture .............................................................................................................. 24
Figure 19: Global Sources ............................................................................................................ 25
Figure 20: Example of Preview Screen ........................................................................................ 26
Figure 21: Right Click Preview Screen ........................................................................................ 27
Figure 22: "Edit Scene" ................................................................................................................ 28
Figure 23: Twitch.TV Dashboard ................................................................................................. 29
Figure 24: Keep an eye on Dropped Frames and Bitrate .............................................................. 30
Index
Audio Encoding", 11
Bitrate, 11
Broadcast Settings., 11
Encoding, 11
File Output, 12
General, 10
Live Stream, 12
Mode, 12
Settings., 9
Add, 29
Advanced, 15
Aero, 14
Application, 26
Audio, 7, 11, 14, 15
Audio Bitrate, 7
Base Resolution, 13
black screen, iii, 36
capture card, 25
CBR, 11
CBR Padding, 11
CFR, 16
chart, 8, 11, 14
Custom, 13
Dashboard, 31
Device, 25
Dropping Frames, iii, 36
Edit Scene, 30
Entire Window, 20
external source, 25
FPS, 7, 13, 14
36
Frame Rate Per Second, 13
Freezing, iii, 36
Fullscreen Preview Mode, 29
Game Capture, 26
Global Sources, 27
Hotkeys, 13
Image, 22, 23
indicators, 32
Inner Window, 20
internet, 7, 8, 12, 16, 17, 31
ISP, 36
Keyframe Interval, 16
Lagging, iii, 36
Language, 10
Max Bitrate (kb/s), 11
microphone, 9, 14, 15
Microphone Noise Gate, 16
Microphone/Auxiliary Audio Device, 15
Monitor, 13, 21
Multithreaded Optimizations, 15
OBS, 7, 15
Order, 29
Play Path/Stream Key, 12
Position, 30
Preview, 29
Preview Stream, 28
Process Priority Class, 15
processor, 16
profiles, 9
Projector, 29

Properties, 30
Quality Balance, 11
Remove, 30
Rename, 30
resolution, 13
Resolution Downscale, 14
scenes, 9, 27, 28, 29
Scenes, 17, 18
Scroll, 24
Server, 12
settings, 7, 9, 15, 20, 24, 25, 30, 32
Slideshow, 23
sources, 9, 27, 28, 29
Sources, 17, 19, 27
splash screen, 9
Start Streaming, 31
stream, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 24, 28, 31
Stream Key, 31
Streaming Service, 12
Text, 24
Throttling., 36
Twitch/Justin.tv, 12
upload speed, 7, 16
URL, 12
Video, 7, 13, 14, 16
Video Bitrate, 7
webcam, 25
Windows Capture, 20, 21
x264 CPU Preset, 16

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Streaming Management Manual

Figure 1: Preview of OBS

Chapter 1: Tools Required

Chapter 1: Tools Required

Codec: H.264 (x264)

Mode: Strict CBR

Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds

Codec: AAC-LC or MP3, Stereo or Mono

Maximum bit rate: 160 kbps (AAC), 128 kbps (MP3)

Sampling frequency: any (AAC), 44.1 KHz (MP3)

For our purposes, we will be using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).

Minimum System Requirements for Broadcasting

Pentium Core 2 Duo 2Ghz or Higher

700Kbps upload bandwidth

Dedicated video card, 256MB VRAM

Mac OS X 10.5 or higher (v20.0.89)

Mac OS X 10.6 or higher (v20.2.0)

Recommended System Specifications for Broadcasting

Quad Core CPU

1500Kbps upload bandwidth

Dedicated video card, 512MB VRAM

Windows Vista / Windows 7

Mac OS X 10.5 or higher (v20.0.89)

Mac OS X 10.6 or higher (v20.2.0)

Optimal (for HD Multi-Bitrate Streaming)

Quad Core i7-2600 series CPU or better

5Mbps or better upload bandwidth

Dedicated video card, 512MB VRAM

Windows Vista / Windows 7

Streaming Management Manual

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Here a table has been included to give a visual example of

*Note that during your stream, the

Streaming Management Manual

Setting up The Stream

Home Splash Screen

Figure 2: Home Splash Screen

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Streaming Management Manual

Click on the next tab underneath General called Encoding.

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Figure 5: Broadcast Settings

Streaming Management Manual

6. Click on the next page on the left-hand side labeled Video.

Figure 6: Video Settings

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Figure 7: Audio Settings

Streaming Management Manual

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Microphone Noise Gate

Figure 9: Microphone Noise Gate

Streaming Management Manual

Scenes and Sources

Figure 10: Right Clicking Scenes

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Figure 11: Right Clicking Sources

1. Right click under the Sources: box and select Add.

Streaming Management Manual

Figure 12: Window Capture

Chapter 2: How to Get Started

Figure 13: Monitor Capture

Streaming Management Manual