Connect and test a live event feed
Starting the encoder
Prior to sending the live event from your source to the platform, you will need to start the transcoder. Do this by pressing the "Start" button.
You will be charged as per any commercial agreement, either on an hourly basis (or part thereof), or on a fixed amount, whilst the transcoder is running.
The transcoder typically takes around 60-120 seconds to start, after which you will see the "Play" button activate.
If it takes longer than 120 seconds to start the transcoder, refresh the webpage or press the small
refresh icon to update the status.
- At this point, if there is no live event stream being sent to the platform, you will encounter an error when trying to press "Play". The platform requires that a live event stream is being sent to the platform.
Sending Live Media to the platform
When you are ready to send the live stream for your live event feed go to the "Link Media" tab. There you will find the information you need below the RTMP-push column.
RTMP Server URL (Orange Highlighted Text)
Example: rtmp://54.220.45.65:1935/fb457947-f92c-4297-aa3d-d167b566575a
Note: Do not include any trailing / (forwardslash) in the RTMP Server URL
RTMP Stream Key /Blue Highlighted Text)
Example: xkmyndyhsg
When you have connected your Live stream it can take up to 60-120 seconds before you can see it in the player of the console.
You can then see the stream by pressing the "Play" button, which can allow you to preview the stream before the event is live to an audience.
Stopping the encoder
After the live event has concluded, stop the encoder by pressing the "Stop" button. This will then stop any futher usage or associated costs for the live event.
Testing a Live event
- In order to check that the platform & live event are operational, a known and proven method is to send a live stream from a computer.
- There are 2 different options to run a test decribed below - Larix Broadcaster & OBS Studio
- This test should be prepared before any live event, in order to have the test available should their be issues.
Testing Using Larix Broadcaster
- Larix Broadcaster is a popular free application that can stream live video to many streaming platforms, including Magine Pro from a Mobile phone. This is good to use for a simple live stream check.
- You can download and learn more here: https://softvelum.com/larix/ and download the applications from the iOS and Google Play Apps Stores.
- Down the app from the revelant App Store.
- From the main screen (where you see "live view", on the top right hand side, select the settings menu)
- Settings > Connections > New Connection
- Under Name, enter any name you want, i.e. "Test Stream".
- Under URL, enter the full URL as you see in console. This app uses the "URL" + "KEY" all in one string
- Example: rtmp://54.220.45.65:1935/fb457947-f92c-4297-aa3d-d167b566575a/xkmyndyhsg
- After you save your connection (hit the back button), then go back to the Live View, and press "record", and this should start the stream. It should appear around 60 seconds in Console.
You can also save a local copy of the steam in MP4 format from Larix, which can be used to upload an edit version of the event to the Magine Platform as a VOD asset. Under settings, you must make sure that the following configuration is set (the settings should conform to VOD Specifications for transcodingand should be tested once before a Live event). Long Event recording, may require significant storage sace on the device, so it's advised to ensure there is enough space free before starting the event.
- Settings > Audio >
- Audio Channels = "Stereo"
- Bitrate = Auto
- Sample rate = "48000"
- Settings > Record >
- Record Stream = On / Toggle activated
- Custom > Stream Resolution = 1920x1080
- Bitrate = 5000kbps (recommended) This can be varied depending on the quality required, however no more than 10,000kbps is required for Full HD.
- Format = H.264 (default)
The video can the be uploaded to the Magine Console as a VOD.
Testing Using OBS Studio (Mac / Windows PC)
- Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a popular free application that can stream live video to many streaming platforms, including Magine Pro.
- You can download and learn more about OBS here. https://obsproject.com/download
Open OBS Studio (instruction is based on Windows - interface may differ when using Apple)
Select "Tools" > "Auto-Configuration Wizard"
Select "Optimise for streaming, recording is secondary" > "Next"
Select the default options. Magine accepts up to 1920 * 1080 resolution, 30fps. (See additional specifications here:
Use the inputs from the "Sending Live Media to the Platform" section, and enter the Server and Stream Key.
Allow the following test to be run:
Accept the settings:
The configuration is now set up, and a live stream from the laptop can be tested.
- Add a simple media source, by selecting the + button under "Media Sources"
Select "Display Capture", and this will then use your display as the media source to send to the live event. Other options are available (including sending in a video file from your computer, using Media Source"
- Once the media source is selected, you can select "Start Streaming" under the "Controls" menu.
The "Start Steaming" will change to "Connecting" and then if successful, the button will change to give the option to "Stop Streaming). This can take between 10-60 seconds.
If there are issues with the network or platform, the status may remain in "Connecting", at which point try again and troubleshoot.
- Once the stream is running, the OBS Application will display information on the stream and quality. The right-hand data will display the bandwidth of data being sent to the platform. For a good quality stream, this should be at 8,000kbps to 10,000kpbs