Intro
Welcome to the dynamic world of streaming, we’re happy you’ve chosen our service to aid your church and ministry! In today's fast-paced digital era, streaming has emerged as an extremely vital tool for churches and ministries to connect with their congregations and communities outside their church walls!
In this article, we will guide you through the first steps with our platform, and ultimately solidify your knowledge of our dashboard as you move into your Streaming Setup call!
Let’s begin with defining key terminology and what will be required prior to a Streaming setup call with your equipment and our team!
Terminology
Encoder
Encoders are software-based (using programs like OBS Studio) or hardware-based (using dedicated devices BlackMagic ATEM Mini Pro). The encoded data is then sent to your streaming provider, where it is distributed to viewers. (Equipment Settings page needs major updating, extremely outdated with missing crucial new options)
They’re called an “Encoder” due to the Encoding that occurs video and audio data into a digital format that can be efficiently transmitted over the internet. When you stream live, the video and audio signals captured by your camera and microphone are in raw form, which is typically very large and not suitable for real-time transmission. Encoding compresses this data and converts it into a stream-compatible format, reducing its size while maintaining quality, and making it possible to broadcast it to your audience in real-time!
Streaming Credentials
A URL and Stream Key are essential components required to connect your Software or Hardware encoder to our streaming service.
- Review "Streaming: Set-up: First Live Stream" to learn how to obtain your Streaming Credentials, Schedule an Event, bring your Streaming Channel online, and more!
- Amplify Streaming: Streaming Equipment Settings Page (requires sign-in)
The Stream URL, also known as the RTMP URL (Real-Time Protocol URL) is the address of the server where your send your live stream.
The Stream Key is a unique alphanumeric code that we provide, and like your URL, both are unique to your account and remain static requiring no change.
Bit Rate
Bit rate refers to the amount of data transmitted per second in your audio and video streams. It is the determining factor of the quality of your stream.
- Higher Bit Rate: Results in better quality video and audio but requires more internet bandwidth. This is useful for high definition 1080p streaming but might not be feasible if your internet connection or “Upload Speeds” aren’t fast enough.
- Lower Bit Rate: Uses less bandwidth but may result in lower quality video and audio. This can be necessary if your internet connection is slower or if you want to ensure that viewers with slower connections can watch without buffering.
Bit rate is usually measured in kilobits per second (kbps) for audio and video. For example, a common bit rate for HD video streaming might be 4,000 to 6,000 kbps, while audio might be 128 to 320 kbps. Finding the right bit rate is about balancing quality and the available internet bandwidth.
- TIP: The common Frames Per Second (FPS) associated with your resolution and bitrate choice would be 30fps for streaming Churches and Ministries!
Schedule Event:
To begin your connection, a Scheduled Event is required on your dashboard with our service.
You’re able to schedule your events well ahead of time with our repeating event feature, so one stream every Sunday or whichever day you choose to stream. These can be scheduled for up to a whole year in advance.
Common Question: Yes, you can edit these event’s title, details or change anything you wish leading up to the event. We recommend no closer than 20 minutes to Event Start Time.
The next sections are why your Scheduled Events are important with our service, three main reasons! Streaming channel, social media and Archive/Recordings.
Streaming Channel
With our service, your streaming channel located on the top right of your dashboard must “Online”. This occurs with a scheduled event, and then you can connect with an encoder for your video and audio to be seen at the Event Start Time!
- TIP: Your streaming channel will automatically come online and 5-7 minutes prior to your scheduled event start time
Schedule Your Event: Log into your dashboard and specify the date, time, title, description, and other details of your event.
Go Online: Once your event is scheduled, your channel or event page will go live at the Event Start Time. Viewers can see that an event is upcoming with a countdown on your embedded player.
Connect Your Encoder: In the 5-minute period before your Event Start Time, or at the scheduled time, you connect your encoder. The encoder sends the live video and audio to the platform, and at the Event Start time your video and audio would be seen.
Social Media Integrations:
Our streaming platform allow your single live stream to be shared directly on social media networks. With these integrations, your Scheduled Event enables your streaming platform to output your live stream to various social media channels by scheduling an event, thereby reaching a wider audience.
The simultaneous broadcasting is achieved by signing into your Facebook account with your Church or Ministry that is an admin of the page you wish to stream to directly. The scheduled event handles the scheduling on Facebook, and when you’re live we send it to Facebook.
The same would apply for YouTube, you would have the option to sign into the Gmail/YouTube Channel associated with the Channel you with to reach with YouTube Live.
Embed Players:
Key Feature: An embedded live player and an embedded archive player are tools provided our streaming service to display both your live and recorded video content directly to your webpage.
Real-Time Streaming: Viewers can watch events, webinars, concerts, or any live broadcast as it happens with your live embedded player.
On-Demand Viewing: Visitors can watch recorded content anytime, providing flexibility and convenience.
Placing Embedded Players:
With Live, the Live embedded player must be placed on your webpage for live viewing. For your "Sermons" to be seen, the Archive player must be embedded into your archive page.
(Sermon) Archives:
Live Stream Recording
While you are live streaming, our streaming service records the broadcast. This recorded video becomes the archive once the live stream ends.
Video Processing
After the live stream ends, the recording is processed and saved by the streaming service. This can take some time depending on the length and bit rate quality of your stream.
Sermon
The Sermon is the name or “placeholder” for the archive recording, you can manage these within your “Content” > “Sermons” section. To publish these player archive embed player, or set these recordings to draft so they're only available to admins to view within your Media Library, not visible on your player.
Media Library – Content Management:
Your video and audio storage from your archives are found within the Media Library on your page.
Within each Media Asset you’re able to access a Trim Feature for the beginning and/or end of your recording.
Checklist
Have you contacted an Account Executive to begin your CSTV Trial | Are you ready to convert your free trial to a paid subscription?
Please contact your Account Executive who first reached you during your sign-up period; an email should have reached you with a phone number also listed within the email signature.
Are you able to sign into your new Streaming account?
When signing up for your new Streaming account, the Account Executive will have your account created!
If you do not see your initial password setup email, please check your Junk/Spam folder! If you’re still experiencing issues, please reach your Account Executive by email or phone number they have reached you previously.
If there are still issues, you can also contact support through support@yourstreamlive.com with the Account Executive’s contact information and we’ll aid you prior to a Streaming Setup Call.
Now that your account is active, have you set your Time Zone?
On the top right of your dashboard when you’re signed in, please enter your Settings > Account section.
From there you would need to ensure your current Time Zone is selected before you begin!
To get started, have you reviewed the Set-up: First Live Stream help article?
Understanding the Channel System will aid you in creating your first Streaming Event!
Your Streaming Events are required to connect with your video and audio, record with our service, and push your stream to Social Media integrations!
Do you wish to Stream to Social Media Integrations – Facebook or YouTube?
For our call, you are required to have your social media integrations connected on your streaming dashboard. This will allow you to test a connection to your social media channels on your own time before your first service, or when you’re connect with our streaming support for setup!
Helpful tip: You will need your integrations to Facebook and/or YouTube connect before creating a scheduled event if you wish to stream to these platforms. This ensures your event will reach your timeline or channel!
Encoder + Integration Setup Appointment Purpose
What it is
An outbound call of 30 minutes with a Streaming agent to assist with connecting your streaming encoder to our system, a remote-in session with your computer, and a scheduled test event to ensure you’re ready for your first streamed service with us!
Confirmation of your connections with integrations. Final questions you may have about features or embedding your new Live and Archive players on your website, as time would allow.
What it isn’t
This call is unfortunately not intended to troubleshoot potential preexisting issues at length with streaming equipment.
Our time on this call will not include an advanced tutorial of your dashboard, however, we’re happy to provide quick information and further knowledge base articles through our support email and future call requests!
Requirements for your Encoder + Integration Setup Appointment
Ready with Equipment Powered on
Have the following on your person, powered on, and ready at the time of our call:
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- Streaming equipment (Camera, necessary capture equipment, etc)
- Software or hardware encoder
TeamViewer Downloaded
It will be crucial to be in front of your equipment during this call as we will remote into your computer via TeamViewer to navigate the scheduled event test.
IMPORTANT: The download link shared below is specifically configured to automatically connect you to our system without any additional need for modification of settings. As such, you will need to download the specific version of TeamViewer we have provided, even if you already have another version of TeamViewer preinstalled on your device.
- Download TeamViewer and Run
- Upon starting TeamViewer, you will be provided both a Teamviewer ID and Password which will allow us to remote into your device during our session.
Signed Into Dashboard
Signed into your Amplify streaming dashboard and ready.
Social Media Integrations Enabled
Social media integrations must also be signed in if you wish to test your accounts.
- Refer to "Do you wish to Stream to Social Media Integrations – Facebook or YouTube?" section of this article for assistance
Scheduled Event Created
If you have successfully went over the Channel system and Event, you’re required to have a test event ready during your scheduled time.
Example: If your Encoder Setup appointment is scheduled for 10:00 AM CST, follow the steps outlined in the "Schedule Event" section of this article to schedule an event with a start time of 10:00 AM CST.
The event's start time can be scheduled for time during the call.
Encoder Setup Appointment Link
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