Live encoder
A live encoder is software or hardware that compresses a camera feed in real time and sends it to a streaming server over a protocol like RTMP or SRT. It turns raw video into a smaller, compressed stream that can travel over a normal internet connection. Examples include OBS Studio, vMix and dedicated hardware boxes.
Why it matters
The encoder is the first link in every live stream, so its quality limits everything after it. A weak encoder or wrong settings cause blocky video, dropped frames or a broken stream that no CDN can repair. Choosing between software and hardware affects cost, reliability and crew skills.
How it works
- The encoder receives raw video and audio from cameras, microphones or a screen capture.
- It compresses the signal with a codec such as H.264, HEVC or AV1 to shrink the data.
- It packs the compressed video into a protocol such as RTMPS or SRT for the trip online.
- It sends the stream to the ingest URL using a stream key that identifies the channel.
Software vs hardware encoder: which is better for live streaming?
Software encoders are cheaper and flexible, while hardware encoders are more reliable for long or high-stakes events. Software such as OBS Studio runs on a laptop and suits webinars, classes and creators. Hardware boxes run dedicated chips, survive long shifts and suit sports venues and broadcast crews that need steady multi-camera feeds.
What bitrate should I use for a 1080p live stream?
For a 1080p live stream at 30 frames per second, YouTube recommends 14 Mbps with H.264 and accepts a minimum of 5 Mbps. Newer codecs need less: about 10 Mbps recommended with HEVC or AV1. Your upload speed should comfortably exceed the stream bitrate, so test your connection first.
RTMP vs SRT: which should my encoder use?
Use SRT when the network is unreliable or long distance, and RTMP (or its encrypted form, RTMPS) when you need the widest compatibility. SRT recovers lost packets and handles jitter well, which helps on venue or cellular links. RTMP is supported by almost every encoder and platform but copes less well with packet loss. Crews streaming into FastPix can use SRT on shaky venue or cellular links and RTMPS everywhere else, since FastPix accepts both, though not plain RTMP.
Where it's used
Venue crews at live sports broadcasters use hardware encoders for steady multi-camera feeds. Webinar hosts, fitness studios and creators run software encoders on a laptop to send talks and classes online.
Where it usually goes wrong, and how FastPix handles it
Teams often discover too late that their platform only accepts one protocol or needs special encoder settings. Plain RTMP also sends video unencrypted over the internet.
Encoders such as OBS, vMix and mobile encoders connect to FastPix over RTMPS or SRT, not plain RTMP, so crews keep the gear they already own and avoid sending feeds unencrypted.
By the numbers
- YouTube recommends 14 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 over RTMP, with a minimum of 5 Mbps. (Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions (YouTube Help))
- Haivision open-sourced the SRT protocol under the Mozilla Public License in 2017. (Secure Reliable Transport (Wikipedia))
