FAQ
Common questions about live video streaming, encoder setup, server credentials, and troubleshooting your broadcast.
What do I need to start live video streaming?
To start live video streaming you need three things: a video source (webcam, camera, or capture card), an encoder to compress and transmit the video signal, and a streaming server to distribute it to your viewers. Server Room provides the streaming server infrastructure. For the encoder, you can choose a free software option like OBS, a paid tool like xSplit Broadcaster, or a dedicated hardware encoder like TeraDek CUBE or Epiphan. Our tutorials cover the setup process for each option.
How do I connect my video encoder to a Server Room streaming server?
You will need your Server Room server hostname, RTMP port, stream key or mount point, and stream password - all available in your account dashboard. In your encoder's settings (OBS, xSplit, Wowza, or a hardware device), navigate to the streaming or output settings and enter these credentials. Our individual tutorials for each encoder walk through every field with screenshots to get you live as quickly as possible.
What video bitrate should I use for live streaming?
The right bitrate depends on your target resolution. For 720p at 30fps, 2,500–4,000 kbps is recommended. For 1080p at 30fps, use 4,000–6,000 kbps. For 1080p at 60fps, allow 6,000–8,000 kbps. Your upload speed must comfortably exceed your chosen bitrate - ideally with 20–30% headroom. Most encoders like OBS and xSplit let you set the bitrate directly in their output settings.
What is Wowza Streaming Engine and do I need it?
Wowza Streaming Engine is a professional media server platform for live and on-demand video streaming. It supports a wide range of input protocols (RTMP, RTSP, SRT) and output formats (HLS, DASH, RTMP), making it suitable for large-scale or multi-platform broadcasts. It is available as a dedicated server option through Server Room. For straightforward live streaming, OBS or xSplit connected directly to a Server Room streaming server is sufficient and easier to configure.
Why is my live video stream buffering or dropping frames?
Buffering and dropped frames are usually caused by insufficient upload bandwidth, a CPU that can't keep up with encoding demands, or an unstable network connection. First, run a speed test to confirm your upload speed exceeds your stream bitrate by at least 20%. In OBS or xSplit, lower your output resolution or bitrate and switch to a faster encoding preset. For hardware encoders like TeraDek CUBE, connect via wired Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.
