Twitch Streaming Help

[Troy210]

Not sure if this is the right area, so mods please move if not.

So I've been attempting to stream my game play for about two months now, and my stream is always heavily pixelated. It doesn't matter if I use Xsplit, OBS, or some in game software, it all looks like it is being streamed via potato. You can see from my specs, I have the hardware to pull this off. I have the upload speed (5.7mbps). I am just trying to stream @ 720P, not even 1080p. Hell, even 480p looks terrible!

I've tried getting official help from both Xsplit (I have a paid license) and OBS forums. Those places are full of mostly trolls. So I'm hoping the gurus of TPU will be able to offer me some advice. I'll include my settings for both OBS and Gamecaster. I'll also post a link to my twitch channel.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

OBS

X-Split Game Caster

Twitch TV Channel

http://www.twitch.tv/dosweirdos

Speedtest.net Results

 

[RCoon]

Use shadow play.
If you're set on OBS I have a guide knocking around somewhere, as I used it for a few months. Gimme a few hours to get into work and I'll post some settings for you.

 

[Troy210]

I appreciate that.

I've never been able to make Shadow play work for streaming? Nothing happens.

 

[brutlern]

I would also like a nice guide with OBS, I tried it once, and it worked fine, but that was just a quick test to see if it worked, but if I want to get into more serious streaming, a more in-depth guide is needed.

Also, I dont know if 5.63 Mbps is enough for proper streaming, because thats Mega-bits per second not Mega-bytes, aka it's only 0.7 Megabytes. Could be wrong though, dont know exactly how much bandwidth 720p streaming needs.

 

[erocker]

Weird, your settings (for OBS anyways) look good! You could reduce the bitrate of your audio though and save some bandwidth. I have a feeling this is a networking issue. Make sure port 1935 TCP is open. Also, make sure you're not being blocked or partially blocked by a firewall, be it on Windows or your router. For testing, you might want to try enabling DMZ mode on your router or modem for your internal IP.

 

[Troy210]

I had the same thought as you erocker, I reduced the audio bitrate, even tried using MP4 with no luck. Recently, I was having issues with setting up a in game server for a steam game, and I had to set up the DMZ, so that's still in place.

I'll add that port, and see if that works.

 

[erocker]

If you haven't, disable the firewall on your router.

 

[RCoon]

I appreciate that.

I've never been able to make Shadow play work for streaming? Nothing happens.

I would also like a nice guide with OBS, I tried it once, and it worked fine, but that was just a quick test to see if it worked, but if I want to get into more serious streaming, a more in-depth guide is needed.

Also, I dont know if 5.63 Mbps is enough for proper streaming, because thats Mega-bits per second not Mega-bytes, aka it's only 0.7 Megabytes. Could be wrong though, dont know exactly how much bandwidth 720p streaming needs.

These were settings for 1440p
Ensure your Twitch Stream Key is correct
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/t...-rig-for-1440p-streaming.202133/#post-3124054

Shadowplay is even easier to set up, all you do is choose your base settings and you're away, as well as link it to your Twitch Account. If that doesn't work, then as erocker says, it's liable to be a network issue. Another thing mentioned is your upload speed, you can only push so much data with your kind of upload speed, so you might have to downsample to 720p, and definitely compress the audio to at least 128kbps.

 

[Troy210]

I turned off the firewall for both Windows, and my router. The results were the same.

 

[brutlern]

These were settings for 1440p
Ensure your Twitch Stream Key is correct
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/t...-rig-for-1440p-streaming.202133/#post-3124054

Excellent, thank you very much.

 

[jboydgolfer]

When I have more time in the later morning I'd be happy to walk You Through OBS.... I have a good bit of experience with it, and have gotten some twitch streamers through some tough times....I'd be happy to see if I am able to help You.

 

[jboydgolfer]

Send Me a PM if You HAVEN'T resolved Your issue by the time You read this, and I'll gladly try My best to help You out with troubleshooting it.

A couple of suggestions....and TRUST Me, I've streamed a few times,and have tested them THOROUGHLY, there is NO need to stream @ a bitrate HIGHER than 2000kb/s,unless of course Your going higher than say 720p/30fps(which I personally recommend NOT to do),720/30fps is great for twitch, and try to always keep in Mind that even if YOUR internet connection CAN handle it, Your viewers Connection might NOT be able to, and whatever You upload @, they must download @, e.g. You stream @ 2000kb/s=viewers require a DL speed of atleast 2MB/s to watch, and MANY countries have REALLY bad internet. This is something that I find a LOT of people overlook.

In the past I have found that it became prudent for Me to learn When and where bandwidth usages where @ they're highest....meaning for example, @ 2PM The Texas twitch server is under heavy load, So it MIGHT be better for You to stream to say, the Florida server, or New York. Personally, I have done this on Several occasions, simply because I live in Massachusetts, and in My area there are 5 colleges, which means that @ certain times (like when classes let out) there is a HUGE spike in bandwidth usage, which would interfere with My stream(for whatever reason).

Lastly, I'm uncertain if it has been covered, but I recommend if @ ALL possible, that You be CAT6'd to the Router(for obvious reasons). Also, be SURE You know Your TRUE connection speed, IMO flash based speed tests are kinda B.S., I use TestMy.net.

I Don't claim to be an expert in ANY of the areas I have covered, I am simply someone who has used all of these methods to overcome issues with stream quality. I don't know How or why some of My solutions work, I simply know from Personal experience that they have/Do. I say this because I know some "know it all" will inevitably post how this or that solution doesn't make sense, I just know that they do.

Good luck, and have fun. I hope You get it worked out, and try and remember that Some days Twitch just hates Streamers, and for reasons out of Your/My control ,Twitch will just give You hell. I find that this happens sometimes due to.... possibly traffic, or some type of network based strain on twitch's part.

Just drink a six pack, and wait until tomorrow.

 

[Troy210]

Awesome post, thank you jboyd. I will certainly be PM'ing you.