FAQ: External encoders for live events – Acme Technology Solutions Help Center

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

This article discusses best practices for using an encoder when hosting your live event over ZenVideo.

In this article:

What’s an encoder?
What are the basic settings that my encoder should have?
Which encoder should I use?
What ZenVideo solutions can I use as an alternative to a third-party encoder?

What’s an encoder?

An encoder converts audio and video into a compatible format, compressing data to reduce bandwidth usage. This enables real-time delivery and playback on various devices. An encoder is essential for streaming live events.

What are the basic settings that my encoder should have?

We recommend setting the following for optimal performance when considering an encoder for your live event.

Codec H.264
Output resolution of 1920 x 1080 (maximum)
A frame rate of 30fps is recommended, but the max input is 60fps
Key frame interval of 3 seconds

If you're using encoding software on a Mac or Windows PC for your event, we suggest using a separate machine for different tasks to prevent CPU usage spikes that can negatively impact your stream quality and cause lag. For example, one machine can be dedicated to encoding, while another handles previewing, monitoring, and moderating the chat.

If your encoder lacks a designated field for your event's stream key, you can add it to the end of your RTMP URL. Ensure you include a forward slash between the URL and the stream key.

Which third-party encoder should I use?

Although we can't endorse a particular third-party encoder, here are some that are compatible with ZenVideo. For further instructions, please check their help centers.

What ZenVideo solutions can I use as an alternative to a third-party encoder?

If you don’t have or want to use an external encoder, ZenVideo offers a built-in web-based production tool that allows you to go live without additional equipment. Read more at ‘About the web-based production tool’

Additionally, you can go live directly from the ZenVideo mobile app.

Finally, a license to Livestream Studio is included with a ZenVideo Premium or Advanced account and up. This desktop client is compatible with Windows and Mac. (An Enterprise account with the Events feature added includes three licenses.)