While circumstances can vary from network to network the general rule of thumb is:
You need twice the amount of upload bandwidth available as you will need for your stream.
The BoxCaster, BoxCaster Pro, and Broadcaster App can automatically set the bitrate for your broadcast depending on the network's available bandwidth at the start time of your live stream.
You should multiply by 2 for minimum recommended upload speeds on your network itself. For example, if you would like to send 720p using a BoxCaster, we would like to be able to send that signal at 3.5 Mbps and your network would need to have at least 7 Mbps in available bandwidth to achieve that.
The tables below indicate the minimum and maximum bitrates each BoxCast device will send, as well as the target bitrate BoxCast would like to see, in order to achieve that specific quality level (or resolution and frame rates). Keep in mind, these are the speeds the encoding medium itself will send.
Minimum Upload Speed Recommendations
Resolution | Min Bitrate | Target Bitrate | Max Bitrate |
480p | 700 kbps | 1.5 Mbps | N/A |
720p | 1.5 Mbps | 3.0 Mbps | N/A |
1080p | 3.0 Mbps | 4.0 Mbps | N/A |
BoxCaster (HDSD2):
Resolution | Min Bitrate | Target Bitrate | Max Bitrate |
480p | 700 kbps | 2.5 Mbps | 4.8* Mbps |
720p | 1.5 Mbps | 3.5 Mbps | 4.8* Mbps |
1080p | 3.0 Mbps | 4.0 Mbps | 4.8* Mbps |
* The BoxCaster's maximum streaming bitrate.
BoxCaster Pro / Spark:
Resolution | Min Bitrate | Target Bitrate | Max Bitrate |
720p30 (HEVC) | 500 kbps | 4.0 Mbps | 6.0 Mbps |
720p60 (HEVC) | 800 kbps | 6.0 Mbps | 9.0 Mbps |
1080p30 (HEVC) | 1.0 Mbps | 8.0 Mpbs | 12.0 Mbps |
1080p60 (HEVC) | 1.5 Mbps | 12.0 Mbps | 18.0* Mbps |
* The BoxCaster Pro / Spark's maximum streaming bitrate.
RTMP:
Resolution | Min Bitrate | Target Bitrate | Max Bitrate |
720p30 | 1.0 Mbps | 4.0 Mbps | 6.0 Mbps |
720p60 | 1.5 Mbps | 6.0 Mbps | 9.0 Mbps |
1080p30 | 2.0 Mbps | 8.0 Mbps | 12.0 Mbps |
1080p60 | 3.0 Mbps | 12.0 Mbps | 18.0 Mbps |
Broadcaster App:
Resolution | Min Bitrate | Target Bitrate | Max Bitrate |
720p30 (HEVC) | 1.0 Mbps | 4.0 Mbps | 6.0 Mbps |
720p60 (HEVC) | 1.5 Mbps | 6.0 Mbps | 9.0 Mbps |
1080p30 (HEVC) | 2.0 Mbps | 8.0 Mbps | 12.0 Mbps |
1080p60 (HEVC) | 3.0 Mbps | 12.0 Mbps | 18.0 Mbps |
Again, the target bitrates are simply general recommendations, while the optimal upload speed and bitrate depend on the type of content that you are streaming. Other considerations include the BoxCaster's optimal settings for HD broadcasts, and the HEVC compatibility of iOS devices with the Broadcaster app.
Keep in mind that while your upload speed is the most important factor in streaming video, it is not the ONLY factor. The equipment in your network setup (ethernet cables, switches, routers, modems, etc.) all play an important part in reliably delivering video data.
More information about Upload Speed
Test Your Upload Speed
You can test your upload speed at Speedtest.net. This site is great for getting a general idea of your upload speed, but should be taken with a grain of salt. It will determine your speed for a moment in time; sometimes internet speeds can vary depending on your ISP and traffic on your network.
If you are streaming from a location where faster internet isn't an option
BoxCast encoders allow you to enable a feature called BoxCast Flow Control, that will allow you to put a small delay on your stream and cover for spotty internet.
Still need help?
Feel free to reach out to our support team in the chat below, or email questions@boxcast.com.