Definition of “Streaming”
Streaming refers to the delivery of multimedia content, such as audio and video, over the internet in real-time.
With streaming, the content is sent in a continuous flow and can be played as soon as enough data has been received to begin playback, rather than being downloaded and saved to a local device first.
This allows users to start watching or listening to the content almost immediately.
Streaming is used by a variety of services, including music and video streaming platforms, live broadcast services, and online gaming platforms.
What are the requirements for Live-Streaming?
There are several things you will need to live-stream:
- A camera: This can be a dedicated video camera, a DSLR camera, or even a smartphone camera.
- A computer or a mobile device: This will be used to encode and transmit the video signal to the streaming platform.
- An internet connection: The live stream will be delivered over the internet, so you'll need a reliable and fast internet connection. The minimum recommended upload speed is around 3Mbps, however for high-quality streaming, a connection of at least 5Mbps is ideal.
- Encoding software: This software will take the video signal from your camera and convert it into a format that can be streamed over the internet. There are a variety of options available, such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), XSplit, Wirecast, and more.
- A streaming platform: This is where your live stream will be broadcast. Popular streaming platforms include YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch.
- (Optional) external microphone or audio mixing equipment: If you plan to have a live commentary along with the video you might want to have an external microphone or an audio mixing equipment.
- (Optional) Additional lighting: This would be needed if you're filming in low-light conditions, this will help keep the image quality consistent and good.
Some cameras and smartphones have built-in encoders, allowing you to stream directly to platforms, however, most of the times using a computer or mobile device would be the best option for streaming.
What does a streaming software do?
A streaming software, also known as a "streaming encoder," is a program that takes the video and audio from your camera and other sources and encodes it into a format that can be streamed over the internet.
The software will handle the following process:
- Capturing the video and audio: The software will capture the video and audio feed from your camera, microphone, and other sources.
- Encoding: The software will then take the video and audio feed and compress it into a format that can be streamed over the internet. This is typically done in real-time and will include adjusting the resolution, frame rate, bit rate, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.
- Broadcasting: The encoded video and audio will then be transmitted to a streaming platform, such as YouTube Live, Twitch, or Facebook Live, where it can be viewed by others in real-time.
- Extra features: Many streaming software have additional features that enhance the broadcast experience like overlays, widgets, and support for multiple audio and video sources.
In summary, a streaming software takes the video and audio signal coming from your camera and other sources, processes them, and broadcast the signal in real-time to the streaming platform of your choice where the audience can watch the live stream.
Which streaming software are available?
There are several streaming software options available, some of the most popular ones include:
- Open Broadcaster Software (OBS): OBS is a free and open-source software that is popular among both beginners and advanced users. It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to mix multiple audio and video sources, add overlays, and record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time.
- XSplit: is a paid streaming software, that is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. It offers many of the same features as OBS and is also compatible with a wide range of video sources.
- Wirecast: is a paid streaming software that is designed for professional use. It offers advanced features such as live switching between multiple cameras, the ability to add graphics and text, and support for multiple streaming platforms at the same time.
- Streamlabs Desktop: is a free software which is a fork of the original OBS software. Its main difference is its UI and its integration with the Streamlabs service which offers widgets and other things that can be added to the stream to add more personalization.
- StreamElements OBS.Live: Another free streaming software that is built on top of OBS. Its main difference from the others is it comes with a lot of pre-built widgets and overlays that can help to improve the quality of the stream.
- Lightstream Studio: is a web-based streaming software that allows you to stream directly from your browser, it's more oriented to gamers but can be used for other types of content as well.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other streaming software options available, depending on your specific needs and the platform you plan to stream on.
Did you know that you can control OBS and Streamlabs Desktop with Lumia Stream?
How much does streaming software cost?
The cost of streaming software can vary widely depending on the specific program and its features.
Some streaming software options are free, such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Streamlabs Desktop.
These free options offer a wide range of features and are suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Other streaming software options are paid, such as XSplit, Wirecast, and vMix. These paid options often offer more advanced features and higher levels of technical support.
The price for these software ranges from $5-500 per month, depending on the subscription and the software plan.
It's also possible to find a limited version of paid software with a free trial period, which allows you to test it out before committing to a purchase.
In summary, depending on the needs, you could find a free solution or a paid one.
Free options have most of the features that most users need, and the paid ones have more features and allegedly better support.
What is the difference between OBS and Streamlabs Desktop?
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Streamlabs Desktop (SLOBS) are both popular streaming software options, but they have some differences in terms of features and functionality.
One main difference is that OBS is an open-source software, while SLOBS is a fork of OBS and closed-source, which means that OBS source code is available for anyone to use, modify and redistribute while SLOBS code is not publicly available.
In terms of user interface and ease of use, SLOBS has a more modern, user-friendly interface and it comes with built-in alerts and overlays, making it easy to add custom notifications and graphics to your stream.
It also allows for the integration with the Streamlabs service which includes useful widgets for the streamer like a tip jar, donators list, and more.
OBS, on the other hand, is a more flexible option, with a wider range of features and options, making it more suitable for advanced users who are looking for more control over their stream, and for those who want to modify the software with the use of plugins and scripts.
Another difference is that OBS is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac, while SLOBS is only available on Windows and Mac.
Overall, both OBS and SLOBS are great streaming software options and the choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your stream.
If you're just starting out and looking for a simple solution with good default features and an easy-to-use interface, then SLOBS might be a better choice.
If you're an experienced streamer and want more flexibility and control over your stream, as well as being able to access and modify the source code, then OBS could be a better option.
OBS is 100% controllable with Lumia Stream utilizing WebSockets to the fullest. In contrast, SLOBS provides a limited set of options. However, both seamlessly integrate with Lumia Stream, enabling you to enhance interactivity in your alerts and commands.
OBS
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source software that is popular among both beginners and advanced users. It offers a wide range of features, including:
- Multi-Source Audio and Video: OBS allows you to mix multiple audio and video sources, such as a webcam, game capture, and screen capture, into a single stream.
- Scene and source transitions: OBS allows you to set up different scenes for your stream, and transition between them smoothly.
- Customizable overlays: OBS allows you to add custom overlays, such as logos and text, to your stream.
- Plugins and scripts: OBS is an open-source software, which means that it can be customized and extended through the use of plugins and scripts.
- Hotkeys: OBS supports customizable hotkeys, which allow you to quickly switch between scenes and sources or perform other actions during a stream without interrupting the flow.
- High-performance: OBS is designed to be lightweight and efficient, so it doesn't consume a lot of system resources.
- Multi-Platform support: OBS runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.
- Recording and Streaming: OBS allows you to record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.
- Audio Mixing: OBS allows you to adjust audio levels, add filters and route audio sources through virtual audio devices.
- Advanced Encoding: OBS supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.
This list is not exhaustive, OBS offers other features as well, and being an open-source software, it has a big community that is constantly developing new features and plugins for it.
Check out how to setup OBS with lumia stream
Streamlabs Desktop
Streamlabs Desktop (SLOBS) is a free streaming software that is based on the Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) but with some additional features and a more user-friendly interface. Some of the main features of SLOBS include:
- User-friendly interface: SLOBS has a more modern and intuitive interface compared to OBS, making it easier for beginners to navigate and set up their stream.
- Built-in alerts and overlays: SLOBS comes with a variety of pre-built alerts and overlays, making it easy to add custom notifications and graphics to your stream.
- Integration with Streamlabs service: SLOBS allows for integration with the Streamlabs service, which includes widgets such as a tip jar, a donators list, and more.
- Cloud-based: SLOBS uses a cloud-based system, which means that all your settings and sources can be accessed from any device.
- Auto-configuration: SLOBS has an auto-configuration feature that will automatically adjust your settings to optimize your stream for the best performance.
- Multi-Platform support: SLOBS runs on Windows and Mac which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.
- Multi-Source Audio and Video: SLOBS allows you to mix multiple audio and video sources, such as a webcam, game capture, and screen capture, into a single stream.
- Scene and source transitions: SLOBS allows you to set up different scenes for your stream, and transition between them smoothly.
- Customizable hotkeys: SLOBS supports customizable hotkeys, which allow you to quickly switch between scenes and sources or perform other actions during a stream without interrupting the flow.
- Advanced Encoding: SLOBS supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.
In summary, SLOBS is a fork of OBS and shares most of the features, but it comes with a more user-friendly interface, built-in alerts, overlays, integration with the Streamlabs service, and a cloud-based system. This makes it a great option for those who are just starting out and want a simple solution with good default features. However, Premium features are monetized.
XSplit
XSplit is a paid streaming software that is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. Some of the main features of XSplit include:
- User-friendly interface: XSplit has a modern and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and set up their stream.
- Multi-source Audio and Video: XSplit allows you to mix multiple audio and video sources, such as a webcam, game capture, and screen capture, into a single stream.
- Scene and source transitions: XSplit allows you to set up different scenes for your stream, and transition between them smoothly.
- Customizable overlays: XSplit allows you to add custom overlays, such as logos and text, to your stream.
- Chroma key: XSplit allows you to apply the chroma key effect which allows you to remove a specific color from the background, mostly used for green screen setups.
- Audio Mixing: XSplit allows you to adjust audio levels, add filters, and route audio sources through virtual audio devices.
- Multi-Platform support: XSplit runs on Windows and Mac, which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.
- Recording and Streaming: XSplit allows you to record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.
- Advanced Encoding: XSplit supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.
- Cloud-based: XSplit allows you to save your settings and scenes to the cloud, which means you can access them from any device.
- Advanced features: XSplit offers a range of advanced features such as virtual cameras and audio devices, which allows you to use your stream in other applications like Zoom, Skype, and more.
In summary, XSplit is a paid streaming software that is known for its ease of use, intuitive interface, and range of features. It's a great option for those who are looking for a more polished and professional-looking stream with good support and additional features.
Wirecast
Wirecast is a paid streaming software that is designed for professional use. It offers advanced features such as:
- Live switching between multiple cameras: Wirecast allows you to switch between multiple cameras, including IP cameras, webcams, and capture cards, during your stream.
- Graphics and text overlays: Wirecast allows you to add graphics and text overlays, such as lower thirds, to your stream.
- Audio mixing: Wirecast allows you to mix audio from multiple sources, apply effects, and adjust levels.
- Multi-Platform support: Wirecast runs on Windows and Mac, which allows for flexibility in terms of the operating system you're using.
- Recording and Streaming: Wirecast allows you to record or stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.
- Virtual sets: Wirecast allows you to create virtual sets, which can be used to add a more professional and polished look to your stream.
- Advanced Encoding: Wirecast supports both software and hardware encoding and also allows you to adjust the bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize the quality and performance of the stream.
- Live Streaming to multiple destinations: Wirecast allows you to stream to multiple platforms and social media at the same time.
- Live replay and instant replay: Wirecast allows you to create instant replay during the live stream, which can be useful for sports and other live events.
- Live Scoreboard: Wirecast allows you to add live scoreboards to your stream, which can be useful for sports and other live events.
In summary, Wirecast is a paid streaming software that is designed for professional use. It offers a wide range of advanced features such as live switching, graphics, text overlays, virtual sets, and multiple destination streaming.
Summary
As you see every streaming software has its pro and cons. As I stream myself and use software to the utmost I can’t see the advantage between a paid streaming software to a free one. In my personal opinion, OBS gives you everything you need and even more. As it is open source it offers many 3rd party plugins and if you put much effort into it you could produce a real TV show with it.
However, in the end, it is your choice what fits you best.
When using Lumia Stream to enhance your stream, The recommended option is OBS with its 100% compatibility. Streamlabs Desktop would be another choice.
XSplit and Wirecast are not supported by Lumia Stream.
Check out how to setup OBS with lumia stream
The software and features mentioned are only examples and do not claim to be complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Lumia Stream free?
Lumia Stream provides numerous free features and offers a 7-day trial for complete premium access.
Why choose OBS over Streamlabs Desktop?
OBS is more flexible, suitable for advanced users seeking control over their stream. It supports customization through plugins and scripts, runs on multiple operating systems, and has a broader feature set.
Why is OBS recommended with Lumia Stream?
OBS offers 100% compatibility with Lumia Stream, utilizing WebSockets for optimal control.
Which streaming software is more customizable? OBS or Streamlabs Desktop?
OBS is more customizable due to its open-source nature, supporting third-party plugins and offering extensive options for users to modify and enhance their streaming experience.