Your BoxCast Spark encoder allows you to perform some helpful actions directly from the Spark device's interface, saving you from having to initate the same actions from a computer logged in to your BoxCast Streaming dashboard, or from the BoxCast Broadcaster app for iOS. This article will guide you in the following:
Start a test broadcast
Start a scheduled broadcast before its scheduled start time
End a live broadcast before its scheduled end time
Extend the scheduled end time of a live broadcast
Start a Broadcast
There are two reasons you may want to start a broadcast from your Spark.
Start a test broadcast
Start a scheduled broadcast earlier than its scheduled start time
The requirements for going live from your Spark are no different than usual. It must be powered on, online over your internet connection, and recognizing your video signal.
The Spark need only be online over your internet connection to stop or extend your live broadcast.
Start a Test Broadcast
You can schedule a 15-minute private test broadcast if the following conditions are met:
You don't have any broadcast scheduled, or your next broadcast is scheduled over one year away.
There are more than 20 minutes before the start of a scheduled broadcast.
1. Tap the Broadcast Options button on your Spark touchscreen to start a test broadcast. You will be prompted to enter your Spark passcode on the next screen if you have set one up.
2. Tap the Start Now button to proceed with your test broadcast.
Start a Scheduled Broadcast Early
You may find yourself needing to go live with a scheduled broadcast sooner than expected, and you can do this as early as 60 minutes before the scheduled start time.
1. Note your upcoming broadcast on the Spark home screen and tap the Broadcast Options button. You will be prompted to enter your Spark passcode on the next screen if you have set one up.
2. Tap the Start This Broadcast Now button to proceed. If the countdown to your scheduled broadcast is over 20 minutes, you may choose to tap the Run a Private Test Broadcast Instead button.
3. Tap the Start Now button to confirm going live with your scheduled broadcast.
Ending and Extending a Broadcast
BoxCast works from a scheduling format, and this includes setting end times for your broadcasts. BoxCast recommends choosing an estimated end time well beyond your event's actual end time, just so the broadcast doesn't finish airing should the event run a bit longer than anticipated. In many cases, events end before the scheduld end time and most broadcasters choose to end the broadcast. However, there are instances where a broadcast's end time may need extended.
1. Tap your live broadcast's Broadcast Options button. You will be prompted to enter your Spark passcode on the next screen if you have set one up.
2. Tap the End Broadcast or Extend Broadcast buttons, whichever action you're needing to perform.
Ending a Live Broadcast
Once you've tapped the End Broadcast button you will be asked to confirm this is the action you wish to perform, as this action cannot be undone. Tap the Yes button to proceed.
Extending a Live Broadcast
Once you've tapped the Extend Broadcast button you will be presented with some options for adding to your broadcast's original end time. Tap your option of choice to proceed.
You will see confirmation of your broadcast's end time being extended.
Extending a broadcast can fail if extending the time (a) exceeds the maximum broadcast duration permitted by your plan, or (b) overlaps the start time of a scheduled broadcast which exceeds the number of broadcasts you can stream concurrently.
