What is RTMP Streaming?
RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is a TCP-based protocol designed to maintain low-latency connections for audio and video streaming. To increase the amount of data that can be smoothly transmitted, streams are split into smaller fragments called packets. Therefore, video and audio are delivered on separate channels simultaneously.
RTMP allows for an encrypted encoded stream to be sent over a secure TLS/SSL connection to the webinar.net streaming servers. Many hardware or software encoders that have RTMP support will need to be tested thoroughly to ensure streaming works properly.
How to Use RTMP Streaming
Within General Settings, select RTMP Stream as your Presentation Source.
Launch the Presenter Console and click the gear icon within the stream controls area to access the stream settings.
NOTE: If the Producer Role is enabled, non-producers will not be allowed to access the RTMP settings.
Copy the necessary parameters needed for your hardware or software encoder.
Usually, the Server Address and Stream Key (a.k.a. Stream ID) are the two settings needed.
Once the encoder is connected, the stream status will change from Waiting for stream to Stream connected with a green indicator.
Once the webinar has started, the status will be changed to Streaming.
Stream Disconnecting
If you're encountering streaming issues while connected to the primary server, the webinar can be switched to a backup server. Just click on the Switch to Backup button to activate it on the webinar.
The active server will appear with a blue check indicator to the right of the server name.
RECOMMENDATION: Use a second computer and network to encode and deliver the backup stream to avoid creating issues on the webinar’s primary stream.
If you already have a backup stream connected to the event, make sure you have adequate bandwidth to avoid drops on the primary stream.
To optimize bandwidth, use a wired internet connection and close any unneeded programs or applications that are running.
Your broadcast encoder must have a dedicated bandwidth connection (up and down) that consistently exceeds the bitrate you are transmitting.
For example, if you are streaming at 800Kbps, we recommend a dedicated connection of at least 1.6Mbps.
Additionally, It is important to be conscious of your audience's bandwidth capabilities when broadcasting at higher bitrates.
RTMP Limitations
With RTMP selected as Presentation Source, presenters will be unable to:
Use screen sharing.
Use multiple RTMP streams for the same webinar.
Use the in-platform webcam function for the same webinar.
Utilize the in-platform webcam function during Live QA.
For further assistance, contact us through chat or send us an email at support@webinar.net.