Question:
I have content being captured in Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) that I want to send to SnapStream for recording using one of my Tuner licenses. How do I do this?
Answer:
NOTE: This article assumes that you have already configured OBS Studio to get the content you are wanting to stream to SnapStream. For more information on OBS Studio configuration in general, please visit https://obsproject.com/help .
To add your OBS source to Snapstream, you will need to
1) Create a SnapStream RTMP address
Note: You will need an Admin account to do this. If you do not have an Admin account, you can contact your local SnapStream Admin to set it up.
Head over to Admin -->RTMP --> Add Stream and name the stream OBS.
Once done, click Add
You should be redirected to the RTMP list with your new RTMP address created. Go ahead and copy the address by clicking on the Copy to Clipboard icon.
2) Create a new lineup for OBS.
-In SnapStream, click on Admin --> Guide -->Create New Local Lineup
-Name the Lineup OBS
-Set the Type to IPTV
-Channel name: OBS
-Callsign: OBS
-Guide Channel: (This can be any channel you want it to be as it will appear in the SnapStream Guide with the number you choose)
-Transport Type: RTMP(Alt) ***Note: With the 9.5 version release of the SnapStream software, this option is no longer available and the chosen option should be RTMP.***
-Source Address: The RTMP address that you created. (In my case, it would be rtmp://server085.cloud.snapstream.com/snapstream/OBS?key=K1Du7FYMK0ZLwhuj3sGNpgSM5Lrvg1RC)
-Click Save Local Lineup
3) Adding your new lineup to a tuner.
NOTE: This step is very crucial. If you do not have an available tuner, you will need to contact your SnapStream Admin to modify an existing tuner. A tuner will be used to live playback/record your OBS content. If you are modifying an existing tuner, that tuner will not be able to record the programs it was scheduled to record before you changed it.
Please follow either step 3.1 or 3.2
3.1) Adding your lineup to a new tuner
-Head over to Admin-->Tuners --> Add Tuner
-Under Lineup select the OBS lineup you just created.
-Number of Tuners to Add: 1
-Click Save
3.2) Adding your lineup to an existing tuner
-Head over to Admin --> Tuners
-Edit the Tuner you wish to use as your dedicated OBS tuner
NOTE: If you plan on reverting the tuner after your OBS recording has ended, please make sure to copy the tuner's original properties.
-Under Lock Tuner make sure it is toggled to Off
NOTE: Lock Tuner can be toggled to ON. If toggled to ON, make sure the transport type is RTMP(Alt) and the Source URL would be the RTMP URL that was made. However, since the RTMP URL is already applied to the Lineup, you will not need to do this.
NOTE: As mentioned above, the 9.5 version release of the SnapStream software removes the RTMP(Alt) option, so the chosen option should be RTMP.
-Under Channel Lineup select OBS
-Under External Tuning Interface make sure it is toggled to None.
-Click Save
4) Edit your Stream settings in OBS to send to the RTMP endpoint you just configured in SnapStream.
-Head over to OBS > File > Settings > Stream
- Set Service to Custom
Paste the 1st half of your RTMP address into the Server field. (example: rtmp://server085.cloud.snapstream.com/snapstream/)
Paste the 2nd half of your RTMP address into the Streaming key field.
(example: OBS?key=K1Du7FYMK0ZLwhuj3sGNpgSM5Lrvg1RC)
Here's what it should look like when completed:
Click Apply, and OK.
5) Check your encoding settings before attempting to stream your OBS source (File > Settings > Output).
Some Basic encoding settings that should work are below.
You can view our general recommendations when it comes to encoding settings for SnapStream here: Best Practices for Third Party Encoders.
6) When your source OBS settings are all ready, select Start Stream in OBS to start sending the stream to your SnapStream system.
7) You are done! Now you can record the OBS Stream in SnapStream.
You can now head over to Guide in SnapStream and start a recording using "Record Now" and view your OBS broadcast.
Additional Notes:
This guide simply covers how to configure the stream output in OBS Studio to go to SnapStream for Recording. For help with using OBS Studio, please consult https://obsproject.com/help
Applies to Version:
SnapStream Software version 9.1 and above.
