Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. You can stream from OBS to BoxCast in two different ways.
The first way is using the BoxCast RTMP integration with OBS, sending from a third party RTMP encoder.
The second way is by sending to a BoxCast brand encoder, like the Boxcaster, Pro or Spark.
Follow the steps below to learn more about streaming to OBS.
Connecting OBS to BoxCast via RTMP
Watch this video below or follow the steps to connect OBS to BoxCast.
Start by, coping your Stream Key from your BoxCast Sources.
If you need to create an RTMP Source, learn more from our support article.
Next, open OBS, and click on the Settings tab.
Click Stream, select BoxCast from the Stream Type, and copy the stream key from the dashboard into the Stream Key area in OBS.
When using the BoxCast Integration, we will automatically fill in the RTMP Server URL.
Make sure you have a broadcast scheduled in the BoxCast Dashboard and hit Stream in OBS. You will want to start a stream at least 5-10 minutes before the broadcast goes live to ensure it goes live at the time you scheduled it to start. The broadcast will not begin until the time you selected in the BoxCast Dashboard.
Connecting OBS to BoxCast via a BoxCast encoder
The recommended way to stream from OBS to a BoxCast encoder is to use Projector Mode to send the program feed to the encoder from the computer. Using this approach provides the following advantages:
The hardware encoding relieves your computer of the task of encoding the video and audio. Hardware encoding is more reliable and efficient.
The BoxCast encoder can take advantage of specially designed communication protocols to optimize your available network connectivity — OBS can't.
The BoxCast encoder gives us the ability to help troubleshoot any issues with your broadcast, including hundreds of data points and logs our expert streaming coaches can look at. OBS provides limited troubleshooting capability.
To Stream from OBS through your BoxCast encoder
Connect the BoxCast encoder to your computer via the appropriate cables (Display to HDMI, Thunderbolt to HDMI, VGA to HDMI, USB C to HDMI etc).
The BoxCast encoder should be recognized by your computer as a second monitor, so you'll need to ensure your display settings are set to recognize your computer as the primary display and the BoxCast encoder as a secondary display.
PC: Panel Items - Display - Screen Resolution - switch Display dropdown to Boxcast
Mac: System Preferences - Displays - AirPlay Display dropdown - Turn OFF
Next, make sure you direct your audio to go out via HDMI to the BoxCast encoder. If this isn't done BEFORE you open OBS, your audio won't appear on the stream.
PC:
Mac:
Start and configure OBS as desired.
Right-click or Command-click on the preview window and choose Monitor 1 or BoxCast from the Projector menu.
This should now send the program feed of OBS over to your BoxCast encoder. If you still are not getting audio, you might need to click on the audio source and go into the Advanced Audio Properties and select "Monitor and Output" for it to work.
Please Note:
Do not set audio bitrates below 64kbps. This will result in OBS encoding your audio in HE-AAC and will result in no audio on your stream.
Need Help?
Reach out to our friendly streaming coaches at questions@boxcast.com or use the chat button in the bottom-right corner of your screen.