EDIT: Before you read this guide, please keep in mind that my guide is for those who don't have super high internet upload speed connection and a super good gaming computer (like me). This guide is never meant to compare LiveStream's streaming quality to other broadcasting websites' quality such as ustream.tv, justin.tv, own3d.tv, etc. Also, this guide is not meant to provide perfect streaming quality but hopefully better. And lastly, I'm not forcing you to use this guide.
I've been experimenting around with what broadcasting program brings HD quality on livestream.com when streaming SC2 in windowed fullscreen mode so that checking on your own channel's chat is easier (NOTE: don't stream SC2 in Fullscreen mode), and I found a program called XSplit Broadcaster. You can download it from this link, which is the XSplit Guide that you should read: http://www.own3d.tv/content/19/#help_xsplit (then just click on the link "Register for XSplit Broadcaster Beta here", register, and download it)
Go to menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> General tab. For Screen Capture, check "Optimize for motion picture", "Boost capture framerate", and "Disable capture of layered windows". For Audio, use Stereo Mix. Next, on Channels tab, click "Add..." -> "Custom RTMP" and fill out your Livestream channel's info in there.
For RTMP URL, you type yours in the following format:
NOTE: RTMP URL is case-sensitive. Please make sure that you type your info right with correct upper and lower case letters.
WARNING:
On January 06 2011 02:49 SugarBear wrote:
Just wanted to add that passing username and password data in cleartext as part of a URL is a VERY VERY poor security practice. I would not use this program if you use the same username/account for any other service (email, bank accounts, school sites, etc.). I would also make sure you don't mind having your stream account hacked if you use this.
The last two codes, aspectWidth = 16 and aspectHeight = 9, allows XSplit Broadcaster to stream in 16 : 9 aspect ratio to your Livestream channel. You can change your resolution from either (1) View -> Resolution or (2) Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Resolutions. I set my resolution to 1280 x 720 (16 : 9) - HDTV (video). And you should set your frame rate to 20 fps or 25 fps from the menu View -> Frame rate. Too little or too much fps will make your stream look choppy and laggy.
You have to add a screen region as Scene 1 from the menu File -> Add screen region... then drag your whole screen from the top left to the bottom right. And go to the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Hotkey tab for "Switch to Scene #", check more than one boxes for shift, ctrl, and alt keys for all the scene #'s in order to not conflict with hotkeying your units in SC2. Otherwise, your streaming channel will blink furiously when you spam your hotkeys in SC2. :O
If you want to add a new resolution, go to the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Resolutions tab -> Add... button. Then, you should change the aspectWidth and aspectHeight values in your RTMP URL accordingly and resize your Scene 1 by dragging your whole screen. NOTE: If you don't see your resolution change immediately, restart your XSplit Broadcaster and try again.
Lastly, set Video Encoding and Audio Encoding settings according to your preferences. Or, you can do it my way since mine looks pretty smooth and awesome:
Video Encoding: Quality: 10 (not recommended in higher resolutions), Max Bitrate: 500 kbps (leave preset, resolution, and Buffer Size alone for now) Audio Encoding: Format: 44,100 KHz 16 bit stereo, Bitrate: 64000, Codec: MP3
By the way for the maximum bitrate, XSplit may occasionally stream above 500 kbps but not for long, and it goes down a bit since Livestream prevents this from happening to free users. And when you first start broadcasting, your channel will say "LIVE" and will show black screen for about 10~15 seconds, and then it will actually show your screen. Just be a bit patient. Happy streaming SC2.
EDIT 2: The major problem I've been told from some users of XSplit is that they experience horrible lag. I'm trying to find the answer to this problem. It seems like the lower your computer specs are, the more lag you will have. Sorry if your horrible lag doesn't go away.
UPDATE: I found another XSplit guide which deals with adjusting XSplit settings regarding your computer specs. Here's the link:
UPDATE 2: If you absolutely still cannot get Xsplit to work on your livestream channel, then you can use other streaming programs. Or, you can also use XSplit on your JustinTV, UStream, and/or Own3D channel by clicking on Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Add... -> JustinTV, UStream, or Own3D and fill out your information and set your settings there. Also, you can send an e-mail to support@xsplit.com.
"To save your stream VODs as Video On-Demand at your livestream channel, you go to http://livestream.com/studio website, log in, then go to Video On-Demand tab (top side), look for Recordings folder (left side), choose your epic streaming session, then drag it to the right side." - ProHellZerg
"If you still experience lagging or choppiness after adjusting values in Video Encoding: Quality, Max bitrate, Buffer Size, and Audio Encoding for countless hours, try lowering your resolution (but not your screen region) by clicking on the View menu -> Resolution and choose one that is smaller than your screen resolution but in the same aspect ratio, e.g. 16 : 9 to boost your FPS."
"If your game resolution is not the same as your desktop resolution, u might want to set up your screen region to your sc2 resolution and not the desktop resolution" - Bambipwnsu
"I have solved the blinking problem by setting my game video mode to Windowed (Fullscreen), because before that everytime I played on my standard "FullScreen" setting, the game would stream and blink pitch black, but if I were to just stream my desktop, everything would be normal. So I figured that it was a game video setting issue." - XothermeK
Do we have some sort of guide collection to put that in, so that this remains available and easy to find? It sounds like immensely useful information, but I'm afraid that the thread will disappear into the depths of inactivity.
On December 11 2010 15:31 enzym wrote: Do we have some sort of guide collection to put that in, so that this remains available and easy to find? It sounds like immensely useful information, but I'm afraid that the thread will disappear into the depths of inactivity.
(I'm no streamer myself)
I found what you are looking for under General Forum -> Tech Support -> Support FAQ and Guides thread. I will PM Plexa about my guide and hopefully he will add mine in there.
Don't know why but when I run the xsplit broadcaster it gives me this weird ticking/buzzing sound every 3 seconds. When I turn it off the sound goes away, strange. Its a very nice program thats for sure.
Edit: Whatever the problem was that was causing the static/noise has randomly gone so its fine.
I wonder what the future will be for this program? I'm guessing they aren't going to charge as own3d is free to use but then they get you to login. Maybe thats just for bug reporting reasons atm. Definately a nice program.
Edit: I figured out what the static noise was, turns out if I turn on xsplit & don't have any sounds playing then the static comes. The second any sounds are playing then the static comes back. Must be something to do with using USB speakers or something.
On December 11 2010 16:30 nalgene wrote: For the video encoding, 10000-14000kbps would be like broadcast quality from a tv capture
Are you able to set the Audio to 192000 / 24 and raise the resolution to 1920x1080?
nice fix thanks
You can set the Audio Bitrate to whatever you like. You can add 1920 x 1080 resolution in the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels ... -> Resolutions tab -> Add... button.
Sorry, but Xplit is actually terrible for livestreaming. Quality wise, and FPS wise, it isn't nearly on par with its former self (VH Multi Cam Studio) + a host program (Adobe FMLE or Procaster). I did extensive tests on both ustream and livestream with the Explit beta. The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec. (Also, there is no annoying watermark with vh multi cam like there is with xplit.)
Also, a common misconception is there is a limit on the kbs on livestream. I've been streaming on there for a while, and there is no limit. (They say 500kbs, and if anything over, then you get put in the time out corner) Never had any issue streaming @ 1mbs with no premium. I know many streamers on TL actually go higher without premium. (Most of the HQ streams on TL use this method)
The one thing that xsplit does have going for it is the fact that it uses the x264 codec to encode its video. Which is the most amazing codec out there.
On December 11 2010 17:17 hellsan631 wrote: Also, a common misconception is there is a limit on the kbs on livestream. I've been streaming on there for a while, and there is no limit. (They say 500kbs, and if anything over, then you get put in the time out corner) Never had any issue streaming @ 1mbs with no premium. I know many streamers on TL actually go higher without premium. (Most of the HQ streams on TL use this method)
I doubt that you can stream over 500Kbps. Show me some proof.
@OP. I don't see how this is better than the normal setup. You're still limited by 500Kbps.
On December 11 2010 17:17 hellsan631 wrote: Sorry, but Xplit is actually terrible for livestreaming. Quality wise, and FPS wise, it isn't nearly on par with its former self (VH Multi Cam Studio) + a host program (Adobe FMLE or Procaster). I did extensive tests on both ustream and livestream with the Explit beta. The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec. (Also, there is no annoying watermark with vh multi cam like there is with xplit.)
Also, a common misconception is there is a limit on the kbs on livestream. I've been streaming on there for a while, and there is no limit. (They say 500kbs, and if anything over, then you get put in the time out corner) Never had any issue streaming @ 1mbs with no premium. I know many streamers on TL actually go higher without premium. (Most of the HQ streams on TL use this method)
The one thing that xsplit does have going for it is the fact that it uses the x264 codec to encode its video. Which is the most amazing codec out there.
My guide is probably useful for those people who can't stream with high upload internet speed connection. And you contradict yourself on which codec is the best with the following two statements: "The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec." with "The one thing that xsplit does have going for it is the fact that it uses the x264 codec to encode its video. Which is the most amazing codec out there." And my guide is irrelevant for UStream.
And there is no watermark on this XSplit Broadcaster Version 1.2.1.25 Core Beta 4 (0.10.3.2.).
On December 11 2010 17:17 hellsan631 wrote: Also, a common misconception is there is a limit on the kbs on livestream. I've been streaming on there for a while, and there is no limit. (They say 500kbs, and if anything over, then you get put in the time out corner) Never had any issue streaming @ 1mbs with no premium. I know many streamers on TL actually go higher without premium. (Most of the HQ streams on TL use this method)
I doubt that you can stream over 500Kbps. Show me some proof.
@OP. I don't see how this is better than the normal setup. You're still limited by 500Kbps.
Yes, it's still limited by 500 Kbps, but your channel looks more crystal clear than before.
On December 11 2010 17:07 theqat wrote: Can it be set to 16:10? Sorry to ask a petty question in your thread, but I can't try out the program at the moment
I don't know but what I would do is set aspectWidth=16 and aspectHeight=10 for your RTMP URL. I hope that works.
On December 11 2010 17:33 ProHellZerg wrote: My guide is probably useful for those people who can't stream with high upload internet speed connection. And you contradict yourself on which codec is the best with the following two statements: "The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec." with "The one thing that xsplit does have going for it is the fact that it uses the x264 codec to encode its video. Which is the most amazing codec out there." And my guide is irrelevant for UStream.
And there is no watermark on this XSplit Broadcaster Version 1.2.1.25 Core Beta 4 (0.10.3.2.).
I actually contradict myself. With procaster, you have 2 choices of codec. VP6 and H264. H264 is multi-threaded, however, it lacks the quality of VP6.
The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec.
X264 is most likely the best codec out there if quality per size is concerned. However, it is the settings that matter. A CRF of 25 (Which is 10 quality, aka max, on xplit) is hardly "high" quality, compared to what VP6 offers.
(CRF = constant rate factor, is the basis of quality in the codec. Its similar to Variable bit-rate, in that is tries to maintain a constant quality without having to vary the bit-rate.)
But options, options options. I have no problems with streaming at low quality (For all intensive purposes, when I am laddering, I run at 500kbs upload), but I still find the above to be true.
I do not have any issue with what your trying to do (spread the word of streaming and xplit), because it is just another option for streaming. Its not as good as what they've (Hmelyoff Labs) done in the past, but that's ok. I do however, take issue you with claiming that there is a correlation between live stream premium and how high your quality can be in regards to pixelation, while using only procaster (which is just untrue), and also limiting your application of xplit to livestream, when it can be used on pretty much any streaming service.
On December 11 2010 17:32 T.O.P. wrote: I doubt that you can stream over 500Kbps. Show me some proof.
@OP. I don't see how this is better than the normal setup. You're still limited by 500Kbps.
On December 11 2010 17:33 ProHellZerg wrote: My guide is probably useful for those people who can't stream with high upload internet speed connection. And you contradict yourself on which codec is the best with the following two statements: "The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec." with "The one thing that xsplit does have going for it is the fact that it uses the x264 codec to encode its video. Which is the most amazing codec out there." And my guide is irrelevant for UStream.
And there is no watermark on this XSplit Broadcaster Version 1.2.1.25 Core Beta 4 (0.10.3.2.).
I actually contradict myself. With procaster, you have 2 choices of codec. VP6 and H264. H264 is multi-threaded, however, it lacks the quality of VP6.
The best way to up the quality on livestream is to stream at a higher resolution, and use the VP6 codec.
X264 is most likely the best codec out there if quality per size is concerned. However, it is the settings that matter. A CRF of 25 (Which is 10 quality, aka max, on xplit) is hardly "high" quality, compared to what VP6 offers.
(CRF = constant rate factor, is the basis of quality in the codec. Its similar to Variable bit-rate, in that is tries to maintain a constant quality without having to vary the bit-rate.)
But options, options options. I have no problems with streaming at low quality (For all intensive purposes, when I am laddering, I run at 500kbs upload), but I still find the above to be true.
I do not have any issue with what your trying to do (spread the word of streaming and xplit), because it is just another option for streaming. Its not as good as what they've (Hmelyoff Labs) done in the past, but that's ok. I do however, take issue you with claiming that there is a correlation between live stream premium and how high your quality can be in regards to pixelation, while using only procaster (which is just untrue), and also limiting your application of xplit to livestream, when it can be used on pretty much any streaming service.
You are right, sir. They don't have to use only XSplit Broadcaster to get better streaming quality on livestream; it's just a way that I found out today.
hello i did everything in your guide (I think) but when I broadcast it my livestream still remains offline status for and screen is black in xsplit, waited like 5 minutes, what could be the cause of this?
On December 11 2010 18:32 Nailpolish wrote: hello i did everything in your guide (I think) but when I broadcast it my livestream still remains offline status for and screen is black in xsplit, waited like 5 minutes, what could be the cause of this?
Your rtmp url may be incorrect. Did you double check it? Did you try removing the brackets where you put your info in the rtmp url format that I posted?
Ok thanks, i put rtmp://publish.livestream.com/mogulus/nailpolish/username=nailpolish/password=[password]/isAutoLive=true/aspectWidth=16/aspectHeight=9
do you use procaster or webcaster? i followed everything in the guide and it works great, but i'm having issues with procaster's control bar when i go live
the green lines that denote the screen capturing area are permanently showing now whereas before they'd go all the way off screen and essentially not show. now they're all fat and won't even go off screen. obviously they don't show up in the stream itself, but still.. quite annoying for me. =(
talking about these things:
edit: or am i supposed to skip using procaster completely and launch from xsplit broadcaster? brb rereading guide >_>
On December 11 2010 18:57 wooozy wrote: do you use procaster or webcaster? i followed everything in the guide and it works great, but i'm having issues with procaster's control bar when i go live
the green lines that denote the screen capturing area are permanently showing now whereas before they'd go all the way off screen and essentially not show. now they're all fat and won't even go off screen. obviously they don't show up in the stream itself, but still.. quite annoying for me. =(
talking about these things:
edit: or am i supposed to skip using procaster completely and launch from xsplit broadcaster? brb rereading guide >_>
Move your mouse cursor to the top right edge of the green lines and resize it to fullscreen. That's what I did and it worked.
EDIT: Skip procaster completely and broadcast from XSplit.
fairly certain the url is right so don't know what's up
You have to add a screen region as Scene 1 from the menu File -> Add screen region... then drag your whole screen from the top left to the bottom right. And go to the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Hotkey tab for "Switch to Scene 1", check more than one boxes for shift, ctrl, and alt keys in order to not conflict with hotkeying your units in SC2.
I think the hotkeys are set to Crtl+# so it switchs scene to a scene where your desktop wasn't added into the scene. Just change all those hotkeys in the settings and it 'should' be ok. I had the black screen problem but the program seems to use to much processor for me to use it reliably on a low end dual core cpu. A quad core or v.high mhz is probably needed at the minimum i'd say to use this.
I'll try it once more tonight and then switch to VHScreenCap + FMLE for a while then back to livestream to see how low end pc can handle streaming.
"I really need to get a job and upgrade my pc lol".
Livestream gets annoyed anytime I use over 500k and even emails me that I was going over. I think using Procaster on higher settings doesn't give you the warning and just gives max output possible in the range allowed but I can't test as my upload is only barely at that max.
On December 12 2010 05:19 philippo wrote: My livestream just goes black when I start the broadcast. It activates and detects, but it´s just black on the screen. :/
Did you add a screen region as Scene 1 in XSplit? Did you type your rtmp url correctly? If you still have problems, PM me your livestream channel and we can work it out.
On December 12 2010 07:03 Vedad wrote: CAn anyone tell me what i need to do to remove that sideshit from my streaM? non-featured stream -> Vedad EDIT: fixed it
but cant use controlgroups ((
anyone?
What control groups? Control groups in SC2? Make sure to go to menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Hotkeys tab and check more than one checkboxes for ctrl, alt, and shift for all the "Switch to Scene #".
sorry for the short reply but the limit on Livestream is 500Kbps not 500kbps so you can go quite high with ur upload and get really qood quality if you've got a good enough machine
On December 11 2010 13:51 ProHellZerg wrote:And lastly, I'm not forcing you to use this guide.
if you wanted to, how would you force anyone to use it?
[/b]
I don't want to. And I don't know how I would. :O I shouldn't have put "Must read!" in the thread title. That was my mistake. I asked Plexa to remove it since it sounds forceful.
1) is it possible to mute microphone somehow? My microphone is my integrated laptop mic, and its quite it produces an annoying static sound (does this also on vent but not on skype)
edit: answer is yes you can, just found a microphone mute button
2) is it possible to have the stream save on my livestream channel? I know procaster does this so i can actually see how my stream looks like when playing sc2.
On December 12 2010 08:44 Bambipwnsu wrote: I just tried it out and i have 2 questions:
1) is it possible to mute microphone somehow? My microphone is my integrated laptop mic, and its quite it produces an annoying static sound (does this also on vent but not on skype)
edit: answer is yes you can, just found a microphone mute button
2) is it possible to have the stream save on my livestream channel? I know procaster does this so i can actually see how my stream looks like when playing sc2.
For 2): Are you talking about saving your stream VODs as Video On-Demand at your livestream channel? If you are, then you can do this manually by going to http://livestream.com/studio website, log in, then go to Video On-Demand tab (top side), look for Recordings folder (right side), choose your epic streaming session, then drag it to the right side. Hope this helps.
On December 12 2010 09:03 ziggy408 wrote: any one know a solution to the blinking problem?
Please read this part carefully:
You have to add a screen region as Scene 1 from the menu File -> Add screen region... then drag your whole screen from the top left to the bottom right. And go to the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Hotkey tab for "Switch to Scene #", check more than one boxes for shift, ctrl, and alt keys for all the scene #'s in order to not conflict with hotkeying your units in SC2. Otherwise, your streaming channel will blink furiously when you spam your hotkeys in SC2 (edited today btw). :O
On December 12 2010 09:03 ziggy408 wrote: any one know a solution to the blinking problem?
Please read this part carefully:
You have to add a screen region as Scene 1 from the menu File -> Add screen region... then drag your whole screen from the top left to the bottom right. And go to the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Hotkey tab for "Switch to Scene #", check more than one boxes for shift, ctrl, and alt keys for all the scene #'s in order to not conflict with hotkeying your units in SC2. Otherwise, your streaming channel will blink furiously when you spam your hotkeys in SC2 (edited today btw). :O
followed your instructions, still does not solve the problem. tried it both playing and during a replay, the blinking is still prevalent
On December 12 2010 09:03 ziggy408 wrote: any one know a solution to the blinking problem?
Please read this part carefully:
You have to add a screen region as Scene 1 from the menu File -> Add screen region... then drag your whole screen from the top left to the bottom right. And go to the menu Broadcast -> Edit channels... -> Hotkey tab for "Switch to Scene #", check more than one boxes for shift, ctrl, and alt keys for all the scene #'s in order to not conflict with hotkeying your units in SC2. Otherwise, your streaming channel will blink furiously when you spam your hotkeys in SC2 (edited today btw). :O
followed your instructions, still does not solve the problem. tried it both playing and during a replay, the blinking is still prevalent
Let me see your stream. I will try to help you out. What's your livestream site address?
On December 12 2010 08:44 Bambipwnsu wrote: I just tried it out and i have 2 questions:
1) is it possible to mute microphone somehow? My microphone is my integrated laptop mic, and its quite it produces an annoying static sound (does this also on vent but not on skype)
edit: answer is yes you can, just found a microphone mute button
2) is it possible to have the stream save on my livestream channel? I know procaster does this so i can actually see how my stream looks like when playing sc2.
For 2): Are you talking about saving your stream VODs as Video On-Demand at your livestream channel? If you are, then you can do this manually by going to http://livestream.com/studio website, log in, then go to Video On-Demand tab (top side), look for Recordings folder (right side), choose your epic streaming session, then drag it to the right side. Hope this helps.
Thank you very much, using this i was able to tamper with my settings until it worked
Id like to add for future users that if your game resolution is not the same as your desktop resolution, u might want to set up your screen region to your sc2 resolution and not the desktop resolution
On December 12 2010 08:44 Bambipwnsu wrote: I just tried it out and i have 2 questions:
1) is it possible to mute microphone somehow? My microphone is my integrated laptop mic, and its quite it produces an annoying static sound (does this also on vent but not on skype)
edit: answer is yes you can, just found a microphone mute button
2) is it possible to have the stream save on my livestream channel? I know procaster does this so i can actually see how my stream looks like when playing sc2.
For 2): Are you talking about saving your stream VODs as Video On-Demand at your livestream channel? If you are, then you can do this manually by going to http://livestream.com/studio website, log in, then go to Video On-Demand tab (top side), look for Recordings folder (right side), choose your epic streaming session, then drag it to the right side. Hope this helps.
Thank you very much, using this i was able to tamper with my settings until it worked
Id like to add for future users that if your game resolution is not the same as your desktop resolution, u might want to set up your screen region to your sc2 resolution and not the desktop resolution
Oops, my bad. I meant Recordings folder (left side), not right side. You are welcome though. D:
On December 12 2010 12:41 guluru wrote: Quality looks great with it, but my stream just lags pretty bad :[ I'm guessing that might just be my computer??
My settings may not be the best for every computer in the world. So, you just have to tweak your settings such as your quality, fps, resolution, bit rate, etc for a while until you see considerably less lag. I can help you out if you want me to monitor your quality. What's your livestream channel site address?
On December 12 2010 09:03 ziggy408 wrote: any one know a solution to the blinking problem?
I have solved this problem by setting my game video mode to Windowed (Fullscreen), because before that everytime I played on my standard "FullScreen" setting, the game would stream and blink pitch black, but if I were to just stream my desktop, everything would be normal. So I figured that it was a game video setting issue.
check more than one boxes for shift, ctrl, and alt keys for all the scene #'s in order to not conflict with hotkeying your units in SC2. Otherwise, your streaming channel will blink furiously when you spam your hotkeys in SC2. :O
this doesn't work for me. it works for the uneven hotkeys, not for the even ones
Thanks for your hard work man, its people like you that get the esports scene rolling. The world of esports and sc2 community thank you for your time and contribution.
On December 11 2010 16:18 Adeeler wrote: Don't know why but when I run the xsplit broadcaster it gives me this weird ticking/buzzing sound every 3 seconds. When I turn it off the sound goes away, strange. Its a very nice program thats for sure.
Edit: Whatever the problem was that was causing the static/noise has randomly gone so its fine.
I wonder what the future will be for this program? I'm guessing they aren't going to charge as own3d is free to use but then they get you to login. Maybe thats just for bug reporting reasons atm. Definately a nice program.
Edit: I figured out what the static noise was, turns out if I turn on xsplit & don't have any sounds playing then the static comes. The second any sounds are playing then the static comes back. Must be something to do with using USB speakers or something.
Xsplit in still in beta atm, think they will prolly do a "pro" version eventually and a free version
On December 12 2010 07:03 Vedad wrote: CAn anyone tell me what i need to do to remove that sideshit from my streaM? non-featured stream -> Vedad EDIT: fixed it
but cant use controlgroups ((
anyone?
Go to the hotkeys and select none for every scene.
I keep getting an issue where I have a small box that shows what I'm actually broadcasting and the rest of the space is filled with green. Any input on this problem?
EDIT: I RTFM and fixed it. Thanks so much for this guide!
1)Procaster: IMO the only downside is livestream's absurdly low limit on upload at 500 kbps. Procaster itself is great. Can play in fullscreen mode and there is absolutely no effect on gameplay. FPS is maybe down to 70 from 80 and with the right settings the stream looks okay. Only downside is that your limited on options. But for what it is it runs and works great.
2)Xsplit: First off it is a nice piece of software. Great options and quality is good on ustream and owe3d.tv where upload is unlimited. My problem with it is twofold...first have to play in windowed mode. Not a big deal...still get 110 fps in windowed with settings dropped to high. Well...the game is laggy is hell with xsplit running. Fps drops to 60 according to FRAPS, but feels and looks like 20. Units respond a full second after I give them a command. This makes it a bust for me.
3)VHScrCap and adobe FLME: Again, great software, great options, good quality streams....but again, I can't play in fullscreen mode and it lags the crap out of starcraft just the same as Xsplit.
Personally, I really would like to use VHScrCap + FLME. If anyone has any idea why trying to stream starcraft using this software lags really bad please let me know. I mean my computer should easily handle it. And I've tried everything. Limiting the stream quality to the lowest possible, turning all the graphics options in SC to low. Still get the exact same lag and the exact same low fps. Again...if anyone knows what might be causing this I'd be very grateful.
1)Procaster: IMO the only downside is livestream's absurdly low limit on upload at 500 kbps. Procaster itself is great. Can play in fullscreen mode and there is absolutely no effect on gameplay. FPS is maybe down to 70 from 80 and with the right settings the stream looks okay. Only downside is that your limited on options. But for what it is it runs and works great.
2)Xsplit: First off it is a nice piece of software. Great options and quality is good on ustream and owe3d.tv where upload is unlimited. My problem with it is twofold...first have to play in windowed mode. Not a big deal...still get 110 fps in windowed with settings dropped to high. Well...the game is laggy is hell with xsplit running. Fps drops to 60 according to FRAPS, but feels and looks like 20. Units respond a full second after I give them a command. This makes it a bust for me.
3)VHScrCap and adobe FLME: Again, great software, great options, good quality streams....but again, I can't play in fullscreen mode and it lags the crap out of starcraft just the same as Xsplit.
Personally, I really would like to use VHScrCap + FLME. If anyone has any idea why trying to stream starcraft using this software lags really bad please let me know. I mean my computer should easily handle it. And I've tried everything. Limiting the stream quality to the lowest possible, turning all the graphics options in SC to low. Still get the exact same lag and the exact same low fps. Again...if anyone knows what might be causing this I'd be very grateful.
For VHScrCap, you need to make sure your settings match. In the VSC config, set the capture tab to your screens resolution. In the settings tab, choose 20 fps, tick align video and show mouse and untick everything else.
In FME, set the video size to your screen resolution. Set the bitrate to 60-80% of your total upload speed. So if you have 1MBps upload speed, use 600 to 800kbps bitrate, test which works best. Set the framerate to 20. Now the important one: set the output resolution very low at first. Try 854x480 if you have a 16 : 9 monitor. Then test the stream. Look at the status page in FME and see what FPS you're getting. If you're getting 19-20fps constantly on the stream, you can increase the output size. Keep increasing the output size until your game starts lagging, then back it off a bit.
My CPU personally cannot handle higher than 854x480, but a 480p stream looks pretty good. Although, I have to change my monitors resolution to 1280x720 and set VSC/FME to 720p too, then output 480p. This works great for me - the quality is decent (at 900kbps bitrate) and I can't even feel it in game.
If you're using FME 3.1 (which I don't recommend, no matter what settings I use in 3.1 I can feel it lag in game - FME 2.5 works much much better) you can use the auto adjust option too so your quality degrades instead of dropping frames. Personally it doesn't help me but it's worth mentioning. You can also assign different applications different cores. I assign SC2 core 0 and 1, FME cores 2 and 3 and set the priority of FME to high. Like I said, this gives me a solid in game fps and I can't really notice the stream being on.
So yeah, the key is to get the output size correct. Start off low and gradually increase the resolution until you start to lag. I also recommend turning off Aero in Windows 7 - right click the desktop, go to personalize and choose Windows Basic. Should help scrape a few fps in game.
1)Procaster: IMO the only downside is livestream's absurdly low limit on upload at 500 kbps. Procaster itself is great. Can play in fullscreen mode and there is absolutely no effect on gameplay. FPS is maybe down to 70 from 80 and with the right settings the stream looks okay. Only downside is that your limited on options. But for what it is it runs and works great.
2)Xsplit: First off it is a nice piece of software. Great options and quality is good on ustream and owe3d.tv where upload is unlimited. My problem with it is twofold...first have to play in windowed mode. Not a big deal...still get 110 fps in windowed with settings dropped to high. Well...the game is laggy is hell with xsplit running. Fps drops to 60 according to FRAPS, but feels and looks like 20. Units respond a full second after I give them a command. This makes it a bust for me.
3)VHScrCap and adobe FLME: Again, great software, great options, good quality streams....but again, I can't play in fullscreen mode and it lags the crap out of starcraft just the same as Xsplit.
Personally, I really would like to use VHScrCap + FLME. If anyone has any idea why trying to stream starcraft using this software lags really bad please let me know. I mean my computer should easily handle it. And I've tried everything. Limiting the stream quality to the lowest possible, turning all the graphics options in SC to low. Still get the exact same lag and the exact same low fps. Again...if anyone knows what might be causing this I'd be very grateful.
For VHScrCap, you need to make sure your settings match. In the VSC config, set the capture tab to your screens resolution. In the settings tab, choose 20 fps, tick align video and show mouse and untick everything else.
In FME, set the video size to your screen resolution. Set the bitrate to 60-80% of your total upload speed. So if you have 1MBps upload speed, use 600 to 800kbps bitrate, test which works best. Set the framerate to 20. Now the important one: set the output resolution very low at first. Try 854x480 if you have a 16 : 9 monitor. Then test the stream. Look at the status page in FME and see what FPS you're getting. If you're getting 19-20fps constantly on the stream, you can increase the output size. Keep increasing the output size until your game starts lagging, then back it off a bit.
My CPU personally cannot handle higher than 854x480, but a 480p stream looks pretty good. Although, I have to change my monitors resolution to 1280x720 and set VSC/FME to 720p too, then output 480p. This works great for me - the quality is decent (at 900kbps bitrate) and I can't even feel it in game.
If you're using FME 3.1 (which I don't recommend, no matter what settings I use in 3.1 I can feel it lag in game - FME 2.5 works much much better) you can use the auto adjust option too so your quality degrades instead of dropping frames. Personally it doesn't help me but it's worth mentioning. You can also assign different applications different cores. I assign SC2 core 0 and 1, FME cores 2 and 3 and set the priority of FME to high. Like I said, this gives me a solid in game fps and I can't really notice the stream being on.
So yeah, the key is to get the output size correct. Start off low and gradually increase the resolution until you start to lag. I also recommend turning off Aero in Windows 7 - right click the desktop, go to personalize and choose Windows Basic. Should help scrape a few fps in game.
Oh, thanks a lot for that. I may just have to try FME 2.5 and see if it is any better. It gives me hope that you experienced lag with 3.1 but not 2.5. The rest of that I understand...I'm just trying to figure out why using FME + VHScrCap or xsplit lag the heck out starcraft ingame...to where it is unplayable, but procaster works just fine.
1)Procaster: IMO the only downside is livestream's absurdly low limit on upload at 500 kbps. Procaster itself is great. Can play in fullscreen mode and there is absolutely no effect on gameplay. FPS is maybe down to 70 from 80 and with the right settings the stream looks okay. Only downside is that your limited on options. But for what it is it runs and works great.
2)Xsplit: First off it is a nice piece of software. Great options and quality is good on ustream and owe3d.tv where upload is unlimited. My problem with it is twofold...first have to play in windowed mode. Not a big deal...still get 110 fps in windowed with settings dropped to high. Well...the game is laggy is hell with xsplit running. Fps drops to 60 according to FRAPS, but feels and looks like 20. Units respond a full second after I give them a command. This makes it a bust for me.
3)VHScrCap and adobe FLME: Again, great software, great options, good quality streams....but again, I can't play in fullscreen mode and it lags the crap out of starcraft just the same as Xsplit.
Personally, I really would like to use VHScrCap + FLME. If anyone has any idea why trying to stream starcraft using this software lags really bad please let me know. I mean my computer should easily handle it. And I've tried everything. Limiting the stream quality to the lowest possible, turning all the graphics options in SC to low. Still get the exact same lag and the exact same low fps. Again...if anyone knows what might be causing this I'd be very grateful.
For VHScrCap, you need to make sure your settings match. In the VSC config, set the capture tab to your screens resolution. In the settings tab, choose 20 fps, tick align video and show mouse and untick everything else.
In FME, set the video size to your screen resolution. Set the bitrate to 60-80% of your total upload speed. So if you have 1MBps upload speed, use 600 to 800kbps bitrate, test which works best. Set the framerate to 20. Now the important one: set the output resolution very low at first. Try 854x480 if you have a 16 : 9 monitor. Then test the stream. Look at the status page in FME and see what FPS you're getting. If you're getting 19-20fps constantly on the stream, you can increase the output size. Keep increasing the output size until your game starts lagging, then back it off a bit.
My CPU personally cannot handle higher than 854x480, but a 480p stream looks pretty good. Although, I have to change my monitors resolution to 1280x720 and set VSC/FME to 720p too, then output 480p. This works great for me - the quality is decent (at 900kbps bitrate) and I can't even feel it in game.
If you're using FME 3.1 (which I don't recommend, no matter what settings I use in 3.1 I can feel it lag in game - FME 2.5 works much much better) you can use the auto adjust option too so your quality degrades instead of dropping frames. Personally it doesn't help me but it's worth mentioning. You can also assign different applications different cores. I assign SC2 core 0 and 1, FME cores 2 and 3 and set the priority of FME to high. Like I said, this gives me a solid in game fps and I can't really notice the stream being on.
So yeah, the key is to get the output size correct. Start off low and gradually increase the resolution until you start to lag. I also recommend turning off Aero in Windows 7 - right click the desktop, go to personalize and choose Windows Basic. Should help scrape a few fps in game.
Oh, thanks a lot for that. I may just have to try FME 2.5 and see if it is any better. It gives me hope that you experienced lag with 3.1 but not 2.5. The rest of that I understand...I'm just trying to figure out why using FME + VHScrCap or xsplit lag the heck out starcraft ingame...to where it is unplayable, but procaster works just fine.
It just means you haven't got your settings right.
Sadly I'm not reading this entire thread to find out if someone had the same issue as me.
I have a 1600x900 res, and when I tried to use xsplit, it would just make my screen really tiny, and stretched it out. Any solution to this? I'd like to stream my whole screen, while playing LoL, and with procaster, I can't seem to use windowed mode streaming without a bit of lag (And not being able to alt tab)
Any suggestions? I feel like I followed the guide fairly perfectly.
hopefully this isn't a problem but I heard about this from a friend and my upload speed being .53 and blows said I could get better quality without lagging. I got it to work on ustream/justin.tv but can't livestream hmm.
When I try streaming it says it is, I test it and its just infinitely looping or whatever as if its gonna load but never does any help would be appreciated!
NOTE: RTMP URL is case-sensitive. Please make sure that you type your info right with correct upper and lower case letters.
Just wanted to add that passing username and password data in cleartext as part of a URL is a VERY VERY poor security practice. I would not use this program if you use the same username/account for any other service (email, bank accounts, school sites, etc.). I would also make sure you don't mind having your stream account hacked if you use this.
On February 02 2011 08:08 blade55555 wrote: All right so I know there is no known solution but whenever I try using xsplit my fps in game drops to 20 and just lags.
Just having the program running and my in game fps drops between 20-30 when not having it stream. Dunno has anybody found any solutions to this yet?
computer specs: Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit 4 gigs of DDR2 Ram Intel quad core 2.66 ghz Q8400 gtx 260 16 core superclocked
same. somethings fucked up with xsplit making you have so low fps in game. my hardware is more than capable. someone find out how to fix this
EPT
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