Broadcast Software
There are dozens of different broadcasting software to choose from. While many of these will work with THETA.tv and provide different features, if you are a beginning streamer, we recommend that you use OBS software.
OBS Set-Up
Once you have installed OBS, navigate to the settings menu. You will have to set-up your stream information in order to connect to the THETA.tv servers.
Under the Stream tab, you will need to change the service to Custom and enter your Stream URL and Stream Key.
In order to get your Stream URL and Stream Key go to your Streamer Dashboard and login at the top right.
If there you are receiving an error, you might need to reset your password in order to log in. Go to https://theta.tv, log out and click Reset Password
Then, go to your Channel Settings and get your Stream URL and Stream Key and enter this information into the Stream tab in OBS.
- Service: Custom...
- Server: Enter your Stream URL (Choose the URL closest to your location)
- Stream Key: Enter your Stream Key
Your OBS system is now configured to connect to the THETA.tv servers. But first, you must configure your stream settings in order to stream smoothly on THETA.tv.
Required OBS Stream Settings
In order to get the best quality, lowest delay and no errors, you MUST use these settings exactly.
Under the Output tab and Streaming Section in your OBS settings:
- Output Mode: Simple
- Video Bitrate: 2500kbps
- Encoder: Software (x264)
- Audio Bitrate: 192
- Check Enable Advanced Encoder Settings
- Check Enforce streaming service bitrate limits
- Encoder Preset: veryfast
- Custom Encoder Settings: keyint=60
Under the Video tab in your OBS settings:
- Base (Canvas Resolution): 1920x1080 (Choose your monitor's resolution)
- Output (Scaled) Resolution: 1280x720
- Downscale Filter: Bicubic (Sharpened scaling, 16 sample)
- Common FPS Values: 30
How to Start Streaming
Simply click Start Streaming in OBS and you will be live.
Go to: https://dashboard.theta.tv/dashboard/livestream to monitor your stream and access various actions to perform on stream such as Clips, Raid, Send Notifications, Start Polls, or Create Giveaways.
Make sure to close and draw any giveaways prior to ending your stream.
When you are done streaming, click Stop Streaming in OBS.
Happy Streaming!