{"id":8543,"date":"2023-05-30T10:36:05","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T10:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mslive.co.in\/blog\/?p=8543"},"modified":"2023-08-26T08:15:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-26T08:15:38","slug":"multicast-video-streaming-server","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mslive.co.in\/blog\/multicast-video-streaming-server\/","title":{"rendered":"Multicast for Enterprise Video Streaming"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Buffering, lagging, and low resolution are issues that we\u2019ve likely all experienced as viewers. These quality issues can be extremely frustrating and leave viewers with a poor view of a brand. That is why it is so important to understand how to improve stream quality for your videos<\/a>.<\/p>

Luckily, streaming quality is increasing across the board for all internet users. Reported video start failures are down 33% year-over-year, buffering is down 41% and picture quality is up 25%. Bad streaming<\/a> quality is becoming a thing of the past. This is all made possible with new and improved streaming technology and updated best practices.<\/p>

To help you create high-quality live streams<\/a>, this post takes a look at the technical changes you can make to produce the best live video<\/a> content. We\u2019ll discuss everything you need to know from the settings to use on your encoder to how to choose the best OVP so that you will know how to make your streams better.<\/p>

The Importance of Live Streaming Quality<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

The quality of your live stream<\/a> can make or break a viewer\u2019s experience.<\/p>

One of the most common goals among professional broadcasters<\/a> is to create a positive viewer experience. The quality of a live stream<\/a> directly impacts that experience. You don\u2019t want your viewers to deal with bad streaming quality. Since live stream quality is so important to the viewer, it should be important to broadcasters, as well.<\/p>

Research shows that professional broadcasters<\/a> risk losing up to 25% of their revenue when the quality of their streams is less than desirable. Even putting money concerns aside, it simply makes sense to create content that your viewers enjoy watching.<\/p>

With access to the technology we have today, it is both easy and affordable to learn how to increase and improve streaming<\/a> quality.<\/p>

How to Improve Stream Quality in 8 Steps for 2022 and Beyond<\/strong><\/p>

When it comes to professional broadcasting<\/a>, \u201chigh quality\u201d and \u201cprofessional\u201d are nearly synonymous. There are several measures you can take to ensure that your video quality is the best it can be. Taking these measures will help you provide your viewers with the best experience and eliminate low-quality streaming<\/a> for your business.<\/p>

Here are 8 things that you can do to improve the quality of your professional broadcast<\/a>.<\/p>

1. Invest in High-Quality Live Streaming Equipment<\/strong><\/p>

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Professional grade recording equipment is a must for producing high-quality streams.<\/p>

The streaming<\/a> equipment that you use will make or break the quality of your live stream<\/a>. Professional broadcasters need professional-grade equipment in order to record high-quality video. You need high-quality video content in order to provide your viewers with quality streams.<\/p>

Full HD or 4K cameras<\/a> are the best options for professional broadcasting<\/a>. Cell phones and consumer-grade cameras may suffice for Twitch and YouTube streamers<\/a>, but B2B broadcasters should invest in professional live streaming<\/a> equipment to provide a top-notch user experience. Full HD or 4K cameras provide better stream quality by capturing images at a higher resolution than your cell phone or consumer-grade cameras is capable of doing.<\/p>

One major reason for this is that if your original recording is of poor quality, there is nothing you can do to improve it. That\u2019s why using a good quality camera will provide the best possible image from the moment it is captured. How to get better stream quality starts with capturing the original image in the higher possible resolution.<\/p>

For an in-depth guide on cameras for live streaming<\/a>, check out our camera recommendation guide.<\/p>

2. Optimize Your Live Encoder Settings<\/strong><\/p>

A video encoder<\/a> is used for almost all live streams. A software or hardware encoder is a tool that converts your live video into streaming<\/a> compatible formats. Encoding your video content is what allows it to transmit to your video streaming platform<\/a> to stream live or on-demand<\/a> to your viewers.<\/p>

Your encoder has a lot to do with the quality of your live stream. What it comes down to is using the optimal settings for the video player on your live streaming<\/a> website.<\/p>

Here are our recommended live encoder<\/a> settings:<\/p>

VIDEO CODEC\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 H.264 (x264 may work)
FRAME RATE\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 25 or 30
KEYFRAME INTERVAL\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a03 secs (or 3x frame rate)
SCANNING\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Progressive
ENCODING BITRATE\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Constant (CBR)
AUDIO CODEC\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0AAC
AUDIO BITRATE\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 128 kbps
AUDIO CHANNELS\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02 (Stereo)
AUDIO SAMPLE RATE\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a048 kHz (48,000 Hz)<\/p>

These settings are required for streaming live video<\/a> with Mslive, regardless of your selected resolution and bitrate. There is often a sweet spot that is determined by the size of the video you are streaming and what your viewers\u2019 internet connection will withstand. The above settings are one way to improve your stream quality.<\/p>

There are other important encoder settings related to video resolution, video bitrate, and audio bitrate. For more information, read our full guide to live streaming encoder<\/a> settings. This guide will provide you with more information on how to improve your live streams<\/a> and on-demand content through the use of the right encoder settings.<\/p>

3. Use a Professional Online Video Platform<\/strong><\/p>

The OVP that you choose to use plays a huge role in the improvement of live streaming<\/a> quality.<\/p>

Maximize your video streaming<\/a> setup quality by selecting the right online video platform (OVP)<\/a>. An OVP provides streaming solutions for managing and hosting video<\/a> content. They usually also provide other tools for monetization, security, and so on.<\/p>

There are three features to look for that will help you maintain high-quality streams.<\/p>

1. CDN or a content delivery network<\/a>: How does the OVP distribute content?
2. Resolution: Look for an OVP that allows you to broadcast<\/a> in full 1080P HD.
3. Support: Choose an OVP that offers 24\/7 customer support so that you don\u2019t find yourself in a pinch without anybody to help you troubleshoot your live streaming<\/a> issues.<\/p>

Mslive<\/a> is a great streaming solution and VOD platform<\/a> with OTT video delivery capability that offers all of these useful features. You can learn more about the full range of video streaming<\/a> features that we offer on our website. If you really want to know how to increase your stream quality, you need to work with a quality OVP that provides you with the tool to deliver powerful content to your viewers.<\/p>

4. Choose a Powerful CDN<\/strong><\/p>

As we touched upon in the OVP section, the video CDN<\/a> that your OVP uses makes a world of difference in your viewers\u2019 experience.<\/p>

A CDN (Content Delivery Network)<\/a>, is the system of proxy servers that are used to distribute content. The best video hosting platforms<\/a> integrate with powerful CDNs. Look for an OVP that uses a reliable, global content delivery network. This will help ensure that no matter where your viewers are located, they will experience great stream quality.<\/p>

You want to choose a live streaming CDN<\/a> that has a decent-sized distribution network. More than 100,000 servers are ideal. This will help you bring high-quality streaming to viewers in a wider geographical region. A large CDN network is one way to make your streams smoother for all your viewers around the globe.<\/p>

5. Use a Reliable Internet Connection<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

An encoder<\/a> is essential to a reliable connection and improving stream quality.<\/p>

When you broadcast streaming video<\/a>, you need sufficient internet speed to sustain the streaming. For live video<\/a>, your upload bandwidth should be at least twice your broadcast bitrate.<\/p>

Here is a quick calculation on how to increase bitrate and determine your broadcast bitrate: add your video bitrate to your audio bitrate. If you are broadcasting<\/a> in multi-bitrates, add all of them together.<\/p>

Then, you can test your internet speed by searching \u201cinternet speed test\u201d on Google. Google has a built-in tool that will give you both your upload and download speeds. For broadcasters<\/a>, the upload speed is typically more important than the download speed.<\/p>

When you\u2019re choosing an internet connection, we recommend favoring ethernet over a wireless connection since WiFi<\/a> can be unstable. If WiFi is your only option, move close to the router to ensure a clear signal.<\/p>

Here are a few more recommendations for getting the most out of your connection:<\/p>