Bitrate Recommendations
Bitrate Recommendations
When using the SetStream.io Web Broadcast Panel to stream via a browser, we take care of negotiating optimal encode bitrates and quality based on your network connection. This keeps things simple. If you’re using an RTMP-based encoder, you’re going to have to dial in the settings manually.
Before we get to our recommended settings, there is one required setting that will ensure smooth streaming. B-Frames setting should be disabled on your encoder. B-Frames diminish the quality of the low-latency WebRTC feed to the viewers, and can sometimes cause stuttering. Some encoders have B-Frames disabled by default. Others have a checkbox, or an ‘options‘ area for you to type in any options (usually ‘bframes=0’).
We also recommend a constant bitrate (CBR), as this will prevent frame drops caused by high bitrate peaks from fast camera motion.
As for the bitrate itself, this is more subjective. The bitrate you choose should always take into consideration the network quality between the encoder and SetStream, as well as the quality of network between SetStream and each viewer. Setstream is a global network with servers around the world. But we can’t control the “last mile” connection between clients and SetStream.
The following are ballpark guidelines to give you a starting point to figuring out what works for your use-case.
Optimal Network Conditions
broadcaster and clients have high-speed physical network connections
- 3-4Mbps
- HD 1080P
Wireless Network Connection
broadcaster and clients are connected via a strong wifi signal
- 2Mbps
- HD 1080P
Cellular Network Connection
broadcaster or clients are using 4G LTE connection
- 1-2Mbps
- HD 1080P or 720P
Interface Overview
Interface Overview
We created a straightforward interface designed to make the streaming process as easy and simple as possible for our clients. We’ve streamlined the process to get you streaming as fast as possible. Lets take a tour of all the elements of SetStream to get you familiar with the interface.
Device Compatibility
Device Compatibility
Web Broadcast (Browser)
Streaming through our built-in Web Broadcast module requires an input device. Most devices that appear as a webcam (UVC) work as well as Blackmagic’s range of UltraStudio and Decklink products.
In the past Chrome was our recommended browser for best quality and reliability. Unfortunately recently a bug made its way into Chrome and other similar “Chromium” browsers when used with Blackmagic Deckling and Ultrastudio devices, causing them to not appear in the device list. At this time there isn’t a fix. If you’re using a Blackmagic device, we recommend you use OBS Studio WebRTC for streaming instead of the browser. Chromium developers are aware of this bug and are working to fix it. There is no current estimated date for resolving this bug, but we’ll update this as soon as it’s been fixed.
Below are devices that have been specifically tested with the Web Broadcast module. Additional devices may be compatible, but haven’t been tested.
Compatible Browsers
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
Compatible Computers
- 2018 MacBook Pro or higher system
- Equivalent spec'd windows computer
- M1 Mac Mini, Studio, Macbook Air
Input Devices
- Blackmagic ATEM Mini
- AJA U-TAP
- Magewell USB Capture SDI Plus
- Elgato Cam Link
- AVer Media Live Gamer 2-Plus
- NDI Tools Virtual Input
**BMD Mini Recorder Thunderbolt 3 version is one of our favorite devices. It’s inexpensive and sends a clean video feed. There is a quirk with this unit caused by bugs in the BMD Desktop Video drivers. Sometimes you won’t get a picture, but just a black image. If this is the case, disconnect the Mini Recorder, restart your computer, plugin the Mini Recorder, connect a video source and make sure there is a video signal feeding the recorder. Then open OBS Studio or Chrome for broadcasting. If you open OBS or Chrome before the Mini Recorder is receiving a video signal from the source, this could cause the black image problem.
Computer Requirements
The Web Broadcast module requires moderately fast GPU/CPU speeds. We recommend a modern i7-based MacBook Pro or equivalent Windows computer.
We are big fans of the Gen 1 M1 Mac computers, which are all very capable of streaming at least 1 and in some cases 2 full HD feeds. M1 Mac Mini and MacBook Air are economical, streaming machines!
RTMP Broadcast
We also support a RTMP based uplink. Below are hardware and software encoder solutions that have been specifically tested with SetStream.io. Additional encoders may be compatible, but haven’t been tested.
Hardware Encoders
- Teradek Cube/Bond
- Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro
Software Encoders
- Assimilate Live Looks/Assist
- OBS Studio
* If you are planning to use the Teradek Cube/Bond, contact SetStream support at least 24 hours before use to obtain your stream key.
Viewer Portal
The viewer portal is quite versatile. It is compatible across devices, operating systems, and browsers.
Ready, Set, Stream!
Ready, Set, Stream!
We are excited today to release to you SetStream.io, a streaming service that creates a virtual video village so client, agency, and production can view and collaborate in real time on any device from anywhere.
SetStream is designed specifically to meet the needs of production in the post-COVID era. Kelsey Wood, founder of SetStream and a Sound Mixer based in Seattle, WA, says, “During the Covid-19 shutdown I had a lot of time to think about the challenges presented by working together remotely. Collaboration is at the very core of film making. With SetStream, I wanted to create a dedicated tool focused on the unique needs of the film, television, and media workflows, while supporting the shift to working together, remotely.”
Kelsey along with his business partner Thatcher Kelley, a Colorist and DIT also based in Seattle, have used their first-hand knowledge of on-set workflow and demands to inform the design and functionality of SetStream. The three tenants at the core of their new service are: Security, Speed, and Simplicity.
We know that time and efficiency are high priorities for production. A production day is scheduled down to the last possible second, so the last thing anyone needs is a delay in video feed to hold up production. SetStream uses WebRTC to bring you live video from set in real-time. Your client and agency teams/viewers won’t miss a beat.
Most productions have strict privacy policies, therefore, creating a secure connection between set and the viewer was paramount. SetStream utilizes fully encrypted communication to ensure that your private information and intellectual property is protected. We also feature user-based authentication giving producers full control over who accesses the stream.
We strive to make Setstream as easy and seamless as possible, no one needs another app to install and learn or lengthy setup on top of a busy shoot day. Our client viewer is entirely browser-based and scales to all sizes allowing you to view the stream on a computer, tablet, or phone.
Simply buy the pass that you need for your shoot day, invite your team members using their email address, where they will receive a link and unique security code, and you are ready to stream.
Ready to start streaming?
Demo a free trial to see how SetStream can work for your production and explore the Kowledge Base page for guides and tutorials to help get you up and streaming in no time.
Feel free to contact us with any questions and we’ll be in touch again when we have more exciting news and updates.