Become a live streaming expert - Set up a broadcast on @DLive

A basic guide of getting your live stream started on @DLive today.

I'm going to break this post down into 3 sections which are listed below. If you have already setup streams on different platforms and just want to know how to start your broadcast with @DLive you can head down to section 3. For everyone else that is just getting started follow all 3 sections.

Section 1 - Requirements
Section 2 - Setting up OBS - Basic settings to get you started
Section 3 - Going Live!

1. Requirements

Accounts

Since @DLive is running on the Steem blockchain you can use your Steemit account to sign in using Steemconnect. If you don't have a Steem account yet you can sign up for one here.

Software

In this guide I'll be covering the setup of OBS Software. Open Broadcaster Software is free and open source. It's also compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS.

Computer Specifications

Depending on what you’re trying to stream the minimum computer specifications may vary. My recommendation would be to have at least an Intel i5-4670 processor or equivalent. 8GB of ram and some sort of a graphics card to get you started. If you are playing resource demanding games, you will require more computing power to stream and play at the same time.

Internet

Last but not least, you will need a decent internet connection. Personally I would aim for something above 10mbps of download and upload speed. Although I know this might not be achievable in all areas of the world.

2. Setting up OBS - Basic settings to get you started

There are tons of settings within OBS to help you customize the look and feel of your application and stream. In the steps below I will be covering the basics to get you started.

Download and Install OBS Software.
Launch OBS.
Click on File > Settings.

a. The General tab is where you will be able to select your Language.

b. The Output tab is where you can select your Video Bitrate. Depending on your location and Internet speeds this will vary. A good starting point is between 1000-1500. If you don't experience any lag on your stream you can increase this value.

c. The Audio tab will be where you can select your Audio devices (example. Microphone, Default Sound).

d. The Video tab is where you will be able to change your Output Resolution and FPS. The majority of streamers will use 1280x720 for their Output and 30 for FPS.

2a. Adding Scenes and Sources

In the bottom left hand corner of OBS you will see a box for Scenes click on the + button to add a new one.
Name the scene anything you want to.
After you’ve created and named your Scene you can now add Sources.

a. The most common Sources that you will add will be Game Capture and Window Capture. Before adding these Sources make sure they are open or launched.
You can add as many Sources as you’d like. If you are adding more than 1 source make sure that they are layered correctly. You may have to right click the source and move it to the Top if it’s being blocked by another one.

3. Going Live!

Open DLive in a browser.
Log into DLive by pressing the Login button in the top right of the homepage.
Once you’re logged in click on Go Live.
Click on Upload thumbnail. Select an image file from your local hard drive. This can be a .png, .jpg or even .gif. This will be the image of your stream that will appear on the DLive homepage and the image that will be posted on your Steemit post.
Fill out all of the following under Options.
a. Title – Pick a good one! This is the first thing people will see.
b. Description – Be as descriptive as possible. If you enter in something like “Come chat with me” you better be watching the chat!
c. Category – There are only 4 right now. Game, Learning, Music or Lifestyle.
d. Tags – Enter in some tags, this will also help Steemit users find your stream as well.
e. Language – Enter in your language.

f. Enable age restriction if it is NSFW content.
Click on Next under the Encoder authentication box.
You will be able to preview your Steemit post before posting. You will also be able to choose your payout if you want something different than the 50/50. If you’re satisfied with how it looks click Post.
Click Start in DLive under your thumbnail (this step is very important).
Wait until you receive the popup that says Don't forget to click "Start Streaming" in OBS to start live stream.
Copy and paste the Server URL, Stream Name/Key, Username and Password into the Stream settings in OBS. (File > Settings > Stream)

If you do not see the fields above make sure to change your Stream Type to Customer Streaming Server
Click Start Streaming.