Low resolution, buffering, and lagging are common and frustrating streaming issues. Luckily, fast internet is prevalent in India, which is a joy for streamers. In addition, streamers have discovered browsing tips and tricks like using a VPN to access content unavailable in India.
For example, you can use a VPN to stream YouTube TV in India even though the service is only available in the US.
That aside. As viewers, we all want to stream quality and well-produced content online. Content creators must use the best methods that new and better streaming technology makes possible.
There are several measures content producers can take to give us the best experience and get rid of low-quality streams. Here are eight things content producers must do to improve broadcast quality.
Get High-Quality Live Streaming Gear
The equipment used to broadcast can make or break your live stream, so content creators must get the best quality equipment to thrive in such a competitive industry.
Consumer-grade cameras and phones are sufficient for Twitch, TikTok, and, to an extent, YouTube. However, low-quality gear is not an option for B2B broadcasters, and they must invest in full 4K and HD cameras. These cameras capture images and video at the highest resolution, which is what content consumers are looking for.
Fine-tune and Optimize Live Encoder Settings
A video encoder is a piece of software or hardware that changes live video into a format that can be streamed. Video streaming platforms only let people watch encoded videos, and your encoder is a very important part of how good your stream is.
Here’s a sample of our recommended live encoder settings:
| Audio Sample Rate | 48 kHz (48,000 Hz) |
|---|---|
| Video Codec | H.264 or x264 |
| Audio Channels | 2 (Stereo) |
| Keyframe Interval | 2 secs (or 2x frame rate) |
| Audio Bitrate | 128 Kbps |
| Scanning | Progressive |
| Audio Codec | AAC |
| Frame Rate | 25 or 30 |
| Encoding Bitrate | Constant (CBR) |
You’ll need these settings to stream live video with most streaming solutions, regardless of your bitrate and resolution. However, you should find the right blend depending on the size of the video.
Use a Professional Online Video Platform
The best Online Video Platform (OVP) should host the video content and offer streaming solutions for security, monetization, etc. There are three things to consider when choosing an online video platform, and they are:
- Support – a professional OVP should provide 24/7 customer support which comes in handy when you want some troubleshooting done.
- Content Delivery Network (CDN) – how does the OVP distribute video content?
- Resolution – the best OVP should allow you to broadcast in the highest video setting.
Pick a Robust Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A content delivery network (CDN) is made up of proxy servers that send out video content, and the best video hosting platform integrates them all. The Online Video Platform should use a global and reliable CDN to ensure the video gets to viewers in the best format, regardless of location.
In this regard, the CDN should have no fewer than 100,000 servers to allow HD streaming to a broader geographical region. A large CDN ensures smooth streaming for viewers worldwide.
Use a Stable Internet Connection
A fast internet connection is a must-have when uploading video content, and the upload speed should be twice the bandwidth bitrate. The broadcast bitrate is the number that comes up when you add your video bitrate to your audio bitrate.
For broadcasters, the upload speed is more important than the download speed, which you should consider when choosing an ISP. Also, always use a wired connection instead of a wireless one, and if Wi-Fi is your only option, move closer to the router. Here’s how to get the best connection for improved live stream quality:
- Subscribe to a fast internet connection.
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
- Kick out other devices from your network since every device uses bandwidth.
- Move as close as possible to your router if Wi-Fi is your only option.
- Close unused web apps, browsers, and tabs to free up space on your computer’s bandwidth.
Use Transcoding and Multi-Bitrate Streaming
Multi-bitrate streaming is the simultaneous sending of a live stream in different qualities, and transcoding a video file into different renditions makes this possible. This is important because modern video players use adaptive measures, meaning you’ll receive a low-quality video if you’re on a slow network or a high-quality video on a fast connection.
So, your OVP should offer video transcoding tools and allow multi-bitrate streaming capabilities.
Choose The Best Resolution
Choosing the highest resolution is tricky because the highest video setting isn’t always the best when streaming. The best resolution should provide great video clarity, but it shouldn’t be too large to transmit without lagging.
That’s why broadcasters opt for 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p) or 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). Always choose the best resolution for your viewers.
Always Test Before Streaming
Testing helps you discover errors or find areas to improve your streaming quality. Here are some things to look at before uploading or hitting publish:
- Test the video on a slow and fast network to see if it’s adaptive.
- Check the video embeds on your website. Is everything okay?
- Test video quality at different bitrate levels when using bitrate streaming to see if the levels are viewable and available.
- Carry out some stress tests on your cameras, encoders, and other live-streaming equipment to check if it fails under load.
- Test the live stream and broadcast it privately before releasing it to the world.
Wrap Up
This guide should show you workable ways to improve the quality of the stream. However, it makes sense to test a powerful streaming solution before spending your hard-earned cash. Therefore, always look for a solution with a free trial, like Dacast.