Video Settings – Larix Broadcaster - Storm Streaming Cloud

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of optimizing the streaming encoding settings in the Larix Broadcaster software, specifically for Storm Streaming Cloud.

Video Tutorial

Theory - Preparation

1. Internet Connection & Stability

   First and foremost, it is imperative to ensure that your mobile device has a stable and fast internet connection. When referring to speed, we specifically address the rate of data upload to the internet, which differs from the download speed. Additionally, stability refers to the percentage of lost or dropped packets during transmission to the server.

   Please keep in mind that some types of mobile carrier connections (like LTE) provide decent download speeds, but very low upload speeds might greatly affect your stream. Packet loss for 4G/LTE is usually greater compared to "wired" connections.

2. Device Computing Power

   The second factor to consider is the hardware itself. Encoding videos is a computationally intensive task. While modern smartphones have no issues playing 4K videos, encoding images presents more significant challenges. This is especially true for mobile devices like phones or tablets.

   Furthermore, it is worth noting the occurrence of "thermal throttling." This phenomenon refers to a reduction in performance, typically observed in processors when they overheat. You may notice that initially, your stream runs smoothly, but after a few minutes, performance starts to deteriorate significantly.

3. The Technical Capabilities of Your Viewers

   The final aspect to address, which is equally important, pertains to the hardware and internet capabilities of your viewers. If you opt for the Transcoding option, your streams will automatically be converted into lower versions with reduced resolution and bitrate. In this case, it is advisable to broadcast with the highest quality feasible. However, when utilizing Passthrough subscriptions, the stream you transmit is precisely what your viewers will see. Consequently, it is recommended to lower the requirements in terms of connection to accommodate a wider range of viewers.

   Additionally, here are a few tips from us:
   
   
   • Whenever possible, use a Wi-Fi connection (you can plug an Ethernet cable via a special USB-C/lightning dongle).
   • Mobile LTE-based internet connections usually perform poorly for streaming.
   • Check for packet loss to the streaming server. The packet loss value should not exceed 0.01%.
   • To avoid thermal issues, make sure that your device is cooled properly.

Practice - Larix Broadcaster Configuration

1. On the main program screen, select the "gear icon" and then go to "Video"
   
2. Now apply the following settings:
   1. Resolution - depending on your device capabilities, pick the right resolution like 1280x720. Then under the Bitrate field, make sure to provide a matching bitrate according to this table.
      
      

      Resolution	FPS	Bitrate
      1920x1080	60	6000
      1920x1080	30	4500
      1280x720	60	4500
      1280x720	30	3000

      Table 1. required bitrate for different resolutions table
   2. Enable B-frames: off
   3. H.264 Profile: Main/High
   4. Keyframe frequency: 1 sec
      
3. Once all settings are in place, head back to the main application window and start broadcasting.