How to broadcast 2 cameras and 1 slideshow to YouTube on an unstable internet?
Welcome to another article about YouTube, Vlogging, and Live Video Streaming.
What happened?
Today, we completed a continuous 7-hour live stream of a conference.
The challenge is in using a rented 4G mobile data modem for broadcast.
We usually have the luxury of a dedicated internet line provided the venue.
So, in the previous post, I documented the test setup I did for this situation.
Now, I will document the actual real setup that went surprisingly smooth.
https://www.facebook.com/VideoLane/videos/10156503997404489/
What worked?
- First, OBS is loaded with 12 scenes with overlapping sources. That means OBS is working really hard handling multiple tasks.
- The control is in Studio Mode so that I can make changes to a scene before going live. NO local recording was done because it was taking up resources.
- Under Video Settings, the Output Resolution is forced down to 480p, while Base Resolution remains at 720p, and Downscale Filter set to Bilinear to lower processing tasks.
- Under Output Settings, Streaming is set to Veryfast, CBR, 800kbps, with x264 Encoder.
- Under Advanced Settings, Stream Delay is disabled. Again to ensure the Mac does not work too hard. (WARNING! Immediately after unchecking the Enable box, OBS crashed and the MacBook Pro hung. Had to force hardware shut down and restart. A real panic moment.)
- Under Advanced Audio Properties, select Monitor and Output so that I can listen to stream’s audio with my headphone plugged into the Mac. Note a backup audio is set up just in case.
What did not work?
- Audio Sync Problem: After 5 hours of continuous streaming, the audio from the main camera drifted a little out of sync and here is how I rectified it on the fly. Just double-click on Video Capture Device to open the properties option box. Next click Cancel to close the box. Magically, the audio syncs back.
- Audio and Video Blink Problem: The video and audio blinked once in a while like a split-second disconnection. I checked the converters for loose connectors and heat intensity, but the culprit was my phone being place next to the converters. Every incoming message creates a blink. Tip: Never place your phone next to your live streaming equipment!
What could be better?
- An internet dedicated line to broadcast at a better quality of HD720.
- A recording of the original 1080p instead of a scaled-up 480p video.
- An industrial grade EZcap to replace the Blackmagic Design devices.
What to do next?
- I will post the set up of the hardware if enough readers want to know.
- Explore other alternatives to using OBS, Mac and Blackmagic Device.
- Market my Live Streaming service to corporate and government agencies.
Feel free to leave comments, ask questions and share your solutions.
Adrian Lee
VIDEOLANE.COM
PS: Join me to learn more about my experience with YouTube, Vlogging, and Live Video Streaming! Register for the upcoming 2-Day Camera Videography and Video Editing Course for BEGINNERS | 23 & 24 June 2018 [in Singapore]
