How to stream a live event over SRT

This feature requires an Advanced or Premium plan, or an Enterprise plan with the Events feature added.

This article discusses how to stream a live event from the web-based studio using the SRT protocol. 

⚠️Note: Streaming over the SRT protocol is currently in beta. Users may encounter instability or unexpected behavior while using it

In this article: 

• What is the SRT protocol? 
• What does ZenVideo support and not support for the SRT protocol? 
• How do I stream a live event using SRT? 
• How can I monitor the health of my SRT stream?

What is the SRT protocol?

Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) is a widely adopted, open-source, encrypted video transport protocol developed by Haivison. This protocol enhances streaming performance on networks with inconsistent connectivity. SRT excels at delivering high-quality video even under less-than-ideal network conditions.

What does ZenVideo support and not support for the SRT protocol? 

As of May 2025, we support SRT streaming in BETA. This means that you may encounter instability or unexpected behavior while using it. 

We support the following when streaming over SRT: 

• Container: MPEG-TS
• Video codec: H.264, H.265
• Audio codec: AAC 
• Max frame rate: 1080p 30fps
• Using the backup stream feature 
• Low-latency mode
• Simulcasting 
• One audio track on a single SRT stream 

We do not support the following when streaming over SRT: 

• All available modes on SRT encoders
  • Our platform can only work in “Listener” mode, as the external encoder is expected to use “Caller” mode.
• Extended stream mode 
• Fail-safe streaming 
• Multi-audio tracks

What configurations are required for my SRT stream? 

Learn how to configure your SRT stream from Haivision’s Help Center at 'Configuring an SRT Stream'.

How do I stream a live event using the SRT protocol with an external encoder? 

You can stream with an external encoder from the web browser while setting up your event. Learn which external encoders we support at ‘Supported external encoders’. 

To stream your live event with an external encoder in the web browser: 

1. Select your event from your Live Events folder in your Library, or create a new event to access the browser-based production studio. 
2. In the top right corner of the browser studio, select the drop-down arrow next to ‘Go Live’. 
   
3. Select ‘Use an external encoder’. 
4. In the settings pane on the right-hand side of the screen, select SRT from the Stream menu.
   
5. Copy your stream URL and stream ID into your external encoder. 
6. Add in any additional information needed for your stream in the Settings pane. 

When you’re ready to go live, select Go Live. To preview your stream before going live, select the toggle next to ‘Preview stream before going live’. This will allow you to preview your stream before it is visible to your audience. Your stream will not go live unless you select the “Go Live” button. Read how at Preview your stream before going live.  

How can I monitor the health of my SRT stream? 

You can monitor your stream stability using the indicator bars above the stream output window in the production studio. The network indicator will change to yellow or red if the connection worsens. When the connection quality is good, the indicator will be hidden.

Select the stream health indicator button to open the stream health pane to monitor your stream’s health specifics.