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- EDITOR’S CHOICE: Plex. Fast and intuitive user interface. Easy setup. Provide cover art, music videos, trailers, and more. Many features require a subscription or lifetime pass.
- Kodi. Massive add-on library. Open source and free. Can provide cover art, music videos, trailers, and more. Users must beware of malicious add-ons.
- Emby. Hardware accelerated transcoding. Provide cover art, music videos, trailers, and more. Easy setup. Most features require a subscription or lifetime pass.
- Universal Media Server. Open source and free. Fast browsing. Highly customizable. Tricky setup. Limited plugins. Lacks remote access options. Universal Media Server is an open-source and fully free media solution, that though quite a bit more complicated than Plex, is just as stable and reliable.
- Table of Contents
- Introduction to Video Streaming Software
- Rtmp and Hls Streaming Protocols
- Comparison of The 15 Best Live Video Streaming Software Applications
- OBS Studio
- Wirecast
- VidBlasterX
- VMix
- Xsplit
- Ffmpeg
Introduction to Video Streaming SoftwareRTMP and HLS Streaming Protocols15 Popular Video Streaming Software ApplicationsFinal ThoughtsVideo streaming software is a type of tool that broadcasters use to enhance their streaming experience in one way or another. Generally, streaming software is used to create a more advanced or more professional-looking stream. Some streaming software, such as encoding software, is essential, whereas other types are used to take the streaming experi...
There are a couple of protocols that are used to transmit video files from your camera to your audience, including RTMPand HLS. These are important to point out since they play important roles in the software that we are about to cover. RTMP or real-time messaging protocolis the most popular protocol for stream ingestion. Today, nearly all live str...
We’ve rounded up 15 of the most popular video streaming software for live video production on the market. For context, note that all these programs are compatible with most of the streaming platformson the market. Likewise, Dacast broadcasters and the streaming community at large have found these to be strong, capable applications. Let’s take a loo...
Overview:
OBS Studiois an open-source, community-developed project. OBS’s broadcasting software is fairly basic in operation and features. However, OBS does offer a wide range of plugins that can add lots of functionality. These plugins help to enhance the basic OBS software. In addition, they add advanced features found in high-end (and therefore pricier) live streaming software. As it’s free and open-source, OBS does not offer much in the way of support or customer service. Though it is fairly easy t...
Key Features:
1. Switching between multiple sources 2. Support for audio, video, image, web browser, and graphics sources 3. Pre-program scenes with multiple elements 4. Transitions, filters, and audio mixer 5. Studio mode and multi-view features 6. Chroma key 7. Overlays 8. Supports video recording or RTMP live streaming 9. Wide range of community developed plugins 10. NDI support via a plugin 11. Websocket API for remote control (plugin)
Pricing and Compatibility:
OBS Studio is free to use and download.
Overview:
Wirecast is software from Telestream that is great for encoding, live stream recording, switching, and light production editing. Wirecast expands the functionality of more basic applications like OBS Studio to include a wider range of powerful, professional tools. The latest version of Wirecast is Wirecast 15.0.1It is the newest full version and was also released on May 13th, 2022. It features several enhancements and fixes, regarding bugs and other technical mishaps with the previous version...
Key Features:
1. Input sources from cameras, mics, webcams, IP cameras, capture cards, and desktops 2. Ideal for sports (instant replay, scoreboards, clocks, and timers) 3. The free wireless camera app allows you to use any iOS device as a video source 4. NDI support 5. Graphics and titling tool 6. Audio mixer and up to 8 audio tracks 7. Built-in social media comment curation feature 8. Built-in video conference tool 9. Stream to more than one destination simultaneously 10. Support for MIDI hardware contro...
Pricing:
There are two versions of Wirecast: Studio and Pro. Pricing is as follows: 1. Wirecast Studio: costs $599 2. Wirecast Pro: costs $799 These rates are for one-time purchases.
Overview:
Next up in our video streaming software review here is VidBlasterX. First, note that VidBlasterX is both a software encoder and a live switcher. In fact, broadcasters can use this software for many tasks. For example, you can mix video and audio from many different sources, add images and graphics, make adjustments, add transitions, and more. Software packages range from inexpensive to pricier options, so there are plans for diverse live streaming needs.
Key Features:
1. Unique modular user interface 2. Overlay graphics, lower thirds, and scoreboards 3. Video effects including support for chroma-key (green/blue screen) 4. Stream via RTMP and record streams to local media 5. Audio mixer with peak meters, input gain, and pan settings 6. Customize further via macros, custom shortcuts, and internal APIwith a scripting language 7. “SyncLok” function syncs clocks between multiple sources to avoid mismatched frames or audio 8. Multiview allows you to monitor vide...
Pricing:
VidBlasterX offers three different pricing levels, on a subscription-based model. Also, note that VidBlasterX has a modular design. As a result, each software level adds support for using more modules simultaneously. Here are the available versions with pricing: 1. The Home editioncosts $9 per year, and it allows you to use seven modules at once. 2. The Studio versioncosts $99 per year, and it supports 25 modules. 3. The Broadcast version costs $999 per year, and now supports the simultaneous...
Overview:
Australian-based vMix is another amazing live video production software for streaming. Overall, vMix is a strong option in terms of encoding software. It includes a wide range of excellent features, and the vMix app includes regular software updates. The latest version of the Windows-specific software is 24.0.0.72 and includes an upgrade to a free 60 day trial of vMix PRO for download. While vMix 24 is for Windows only, the software can be installed on a Mac via Boot Campif the machine has a...
Key Features:
1. Support for a wide range of inputs including webcams, cameras, capture cards, DVDs, soundcards, playlists, photos, PPT presentations, and more 2. NDI support 3. Chroma key and virtual streamingsets 4. Built-in titling tool that supports animation via XAML 5. Live streaming platform integrations (including with the Dacast video platform) 6. vMix Social allows you to pull and display content from popular social media platforms 7. Instant replay, slow motion, and scoreboards 8. Training video...
Pricing:
vMix is available for Windows computers only, and it comes in five different editions, including: 1. Basic(free), which supports 4 (up to 2 camera/NDI) inputs and video up to 768 x 576 resolution 2. Basic HD($60), which supports 4 inputs (up to 3 camera/NDI) and video up to full HD 1920×1080 resolution 3. HD($350), which supports 1,000 inputs, adds vMix call functionality, 4 overlay channels, and supports full HD video in 1920×1080 resolution 4. 4K($700), which supports 1,000 inputs, 4K resol...
Overview:
Yet another live production software for video streaming that’s widely used is called XSplit. XSplit comes in two versions, with a focus on live streaming in a video gaming context. In fact, the “Gamecaster” option targets video games specifically. The second version, “Broadcaster,” is what we’ll focus on here. XSplit markets this option as a simple, powerful live streaming and recording software. It’s ideal for video content production and in conjunction with video games.
Key Features:
1. Support for a range of inputs including all major capture cards, videos, music, webcams 2. Display webcam and remove the background 3. Professional production features, including enhanced audio 4. Chroma key (green / blue screen) 5. Remote guests via Skype 6. Record streams locally 7. Integrated chat function 8. Other custom plugins and integrations 9. Edit and do secure video uploadrecordings
Pricing:
Like VidBlasterX, the XSplit Broadcaster product is priced with a 4 tier Premium subscription model. The Premium licenseincludes the following 4 tiers: 1. Premium 1-monthlicense: $15 2. Premium 3-monthlicense: $30 3. Premium 12-monthlicense: $60 4. Premium Lifetimelicense: $200 Before committing to a subscription, however, the freelicense allows users to test the software.
Overview:
Finally, let’s move in a different direction to compare the above video streaming software with FFmpeg. Like OBS, FFmpegis an open-source option; this software includes a library of tools for recording, converting, and streaming audio and video. Additionally, FFmpeg is mainly a command-line application. This means that this encoding software targets professional users in particular. However, there are some GUI interfaces available. FFmpeg compiles, runs, and passes the testing infrastructure...
Key Features:
1. Stream via RTMP 2. Encode content using H.264, H.265, and a wide variety of other codecs 3. Any resolution supported 4. Record streams locally 5. FFmpeg is first and foremost an encoder 6. No mixing features
Pricing:
FFmpeg is free and open-source. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, BSD, Solaris, and pretty much any other computing system you can find.
- Max Wilbert
- Max Wilbert
- Wirecast. Wirecast Studio is the perfect live streaming software with unlimited inputs, unlimited destinations, and simultaneous video conferencing. Source: Telestream.net.
- vMix. vMix is powerful broadcasting software featuring simultaneous streaming, recording, and output. Source: vMix.com. vMix, one of the best streaming software options, is a highly powerful encoder developed by StudioCoast.
- VidBlasterX. VidBlasterX is a versatile live video production application allowing you to capture, stream, and broadcast everything, anywhere. Source: VidBlasterX.com.
- OBS Studio. OBS Studio is free and open-source software for video recording and live broadcasting. Source: OBSStudio. OBS Studio is one of the best free streaming and encoding software and open-source live stream broadcasting software packages.
People also ask
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Apr 19, 2023 · Pick a device to use like an old computer, NAS drive, or something more specific you've bought or built yourself. Install your choice of server like Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, Kodi, Universal Media Server, or similar. Use a dedicated app, web interface, or DLNA/UPnP streaming to access your media from just about any device.
- Senior Editor
- OBS Studio [Best for beginners] Open Broadcast Software Studio (OBS) is the official streaming service of Facebook and Twitch. It was the first-ever streaming software on the market and remains one of the most popular platforms because of its intuitive features and high-quality audio and video.
- Streamlabs OBS [Best for professional streamers] Once you’ve got the hang of OBS Studio, you may want to level up to more advanced software that offers more features.
- Flutin [Best for multichannel and monetization] Flutin is an online live streaming software that helps you multistream your real-time and pre-recorded video live streams to multiple streaming destinations like Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, and 20+ much more.
- OneStream [Best overall streaming software] OneStream enables users to stream and record both live and pre-recorded videos to up to 40 platforms simultaneously.
Jan 5, 2023 · 4. XSplit Broadcaster. As you progress towards professional, high-end live streaming software solutions, XSplit Broadcaster is a common next step. It’s easy to use, comes in basic (free) and premium versions, and offers decent support and the occasional feature update.
Nov 30, 2021 · 3. OBS Studio. OBS Studio, or Open Broadcaster Software, is an open source software for video encoding that’s completely free to use. The tool is sponsored by the biggest names in live streaming – YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
