Tapping OBS for hyper production

live ep.3. dev-work vlog

On this page:

• show notes (keep reading):
  • The experiment
  • Workarounds for RTSP server & Multiple outputs plugins
  • A variety of content
• video&links (<-click to jump to section)

This article covers description of video production methods used during stream event aired live to Twitch, Odysee, KICK and Bolt+ TV.

For resources used during above mentioned live event, OBS plugins, tech. specifications etc. go to this post.

Beyond multi streaming with Obs (power of) and plugins (RTSP server, Multiple outputs)

I confirm at the end of the live stream proof of concept is achieved. All worked better than expected.

QR codes generated in web browser seem a great fit as a visual cue in video for a more comfortable experience for the viewer.

This QR code of url to this article is nested in “group” WordPress element to keep it visible in browser view, while the other content scrolls as usual. “Group” element position property set to “sticky” makes it possible.

The experiment, proof of concept multi streaming different content.

One stream dedicated as “behind scene” from directors-producers perspective. Including live preview of secondary stream.

Secondary dedicated stream to different “target” can have it’s own unique content for and audience.

I have one specific requirement for my stream video. It is an audio-visualization that I use in background. That is sourced from another OBS on second computer, running Linux to provide drivers for my 20yrs old composite video pci capture cards.

That is where RTSP server obs plugin comes in to play. It allows OBS to multi-stream. Where one stream is served over local area network, with a small delay price.
To receive stream specific local network rtsp stream in OBS on another pc in same network use “Media” source. In Media source properties dialog uncheck “local file”. That will enable “Input” field to provide rtsp address of stream from source pc running rtsp server plugin on it.
Required info for connecting is on source pc in obs in rtsp plugin dialog (Tools/Rtsp server).

While, Multiple outputs plugin provides a mean to stream “program” from OBS to other target destination on internet along with main or primary OBS stream.
It also allows to stream different scene independent from primary stream, and with different output encoder settings. Ideal for multi gpu setups.

Workarounds for RTSP server & Multiple outputs plugins

RTSP server plugin form ATM provides audio in output only with simple output setting in OBS it only accepts my custom encoder settings when I start main – primary OBS streaming.

Multiple outputs plugin also requires main – primary OBS stream initiated (it can be stopped but have plugin running the stream).

But in fact OBS is not required to actually stream. I use a fake “custom” stream server destination, like : “rtmp://localhost:8964/blive”. And I hit “start streaming”, that makes OBS report error. But, it is enough for both plugins, RTSP & | Multiple outputs to work as intended.

For Rtsp server plugin it means it will use any encoders settings set in “simple” mode, like bit-rate. While I’m still not getting audio in output when “advanced” mode for encoder output setting set.

RTSP server can run one instance per OBS at a time, just require different or unique port number set in plugin settings. That way clients (OBS on another pc can connect to it).
Errors and glitches occurring in my video from rtsp I managed to fix unplugging network cables from lan switch hub of computers that where powered off. As they were having its network hardware still operating over lan in low power state and disturbing network UDP packets. But I didn’t manage to get clear video on a pc that was connected over my main router that is in another room.
Quality of video reception can be tuned up with tweaking buffer settings in “Media source” properties.
I also had audio issues occurring on receiving end, put hiding and un-hiding that rtsp media source got it fixed.

A variety of content

“Studio mode” in OBS unleashes it’s potential when running multiple OBS instances on same computer.

With studio mode ON it is possible to simultaneously “project” “preview” and “program” into separate window or full-screen (separate display).

That way another OBS instance running on same computer can select and use any of those projected (live) video containers.

Stuff to keep in mind when running two or more OBS on same computer

Hardware, audio and or video sources and generally access locked to single process. “Projectors” concept makes capturing video in multi OBS environment possible. Audio capture in those conditions works the same way, it’s just not using “projectors” but “monitor” or output device to get desired audio between OBS instances.

Like I mentioned in the beginning of this article. I successfully run the whole experiment.

On one pc I run two obs instances with rtsp server running each with unique ports for that ip. While one of obs on that source pc was additionally streaming to internet streaming service.
And on second pc one obs was receiving both rtsp streams while streaming separate different scene arrangement to three additional rtmp targets on the internet.

This open up a whole new range of combinations and possibilities that are just limited by imagination and or creativity.