Setup OBS for Mac and PC
To begin, please ensure you have met the Pre-Requisites and follow the steps on the Getting Started - Instructors article.
Part 1 - Install an RMTP App
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You will need to download an RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) app.
We recommend OBS: https://obsproject.com
Part 2 - Setup OBS
The first time you use the OBS app, you will need to add some settings. This is just for the first time. After that, all you need to do is open the app and start streaming.
- Open OBS.
- On first opening, you will be given the option to run the auto-configuration wizard. Click Yes.
If you accidentally click No, or want to run it again later, you can find the wizard in Tools > Auto-Configuration Wizard. - Select Optimize for streaming, recording is secondary and then click Next.
- Change the following in Video Settings:
- Base (Canvas) Resolution: 1280x720
- FPS: 30
- Then click Next
- Enter the following Stream Information:
- Service: Custom
- Server: The Server URL provided by your Class Owner (or available here).
- Stream Key: The Stream Key provided by your Class Owner (or available here).
- Video Bitrate: 2000
Review this article for how to select a proper Resolution & Bitrate option based upon your specific setup, environment and device. - Un-tick “Estimate bitrate with bandwidth test (make take a few minutes)”
- Then click Next.
- Click Apply Settings.
- Now you will need to add your capture devices for video and audio. In these screenshots we have used the built-in webcam and microphone from a Mac display. Your options will differ depending on the setup of your computer.
- In the Sources panel at the bottom of the screen, click the + button to add a new source.
- Select Video Capture Device from the list.
- Choose your Device from the drop-down list.
- Change the Preset to 1280x720, if available.
In this example, the built-in camera does not support this, so we have chosen the next best which is 1280x720.
Review this article for how to select a proper Resolution & Bitrate option based upon your specific setup, environment and device. - Now we will add an audio input.
Go back to the Sources panel and click the + icon, then choose Audio Input Capture. - Choose your audio input device from the list and then click OK.
- Check your setup as follows:
- You may need to expand your video input to fill the canvas. Click-and-drag the red box around your video to fill the canvas.
- Audio levels: play your audio (music, mic, etc) and ensure the levels are all in the green, not red. This will ensure good quality audio signals.
- When you are ready to go live to your class, press Start Streaming.