Professional Video Encoder For Mac Hls Streaming

Use the Cube Encoder to stream HD video over WiFi, then connect the Cube Decoder to a small hAnd-held monitor or a professional field monitor to receive the signal And view video up to 1080p24. Cube™ decoders are available in both HDMI And HD-SDI versions.

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is Apple's technology for streaming live and on-demand audio/video content to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, and Mac. Central to HLS is the delivery of content using the HTTP protocol—the same protocol that powers the web. HTTP lets you easily deploy media content in streams using commonplace web servers rather than specialized streaming servers. HLS streams behave like regular web traffic. They work with preexisting caching infrastructure, such as Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and reliably pass through typical firewalls and routers. HLS adapts to variable network conditions, dynamically adjusting playback to match the available speed of wired and wireless connections.

The best free Mac video encoder here comes MacX Video Converter Free. It supports all kinds of video conversion, video compression and editing on macOS (incl. Catalina), namely decoding and encoding videos to H.265, H.264, MPEG4 or whatever codecs for WMP, QT. The EzeCaster Pro is a stand-alone full multi-bitrate HD live streaming video encoder that accepts HDMI, RCA Component or Composite a/v signal from devices such as camcorders, visual mixers or other play-out equipment.

In addition to reliability and ease of deployment, HLS supports important features for the delivery of commercial content: closed captions, fast forward and reverse playback, alternate audio and video, fallback alternatives, timed metadata, ad insertion, and content protection.

This document describes key aspects of HLS including the features mentioned above. The full HTTP Live Streaming specification is available as an IETF Internet-Draft at http://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-pantos-http-live-streaming.

HLS Workflow

In a typical HLS workflow, a video encoder solution that supports HLS receives a live video feed or distribution-ready media file. The encoder creates multiple versions (known as variants) of the audio/video at different bit rates, resolutions, and quality levels. The encoder then segments the variants into a series of small files, called media segments. At the same time, the encoder creates a media playlist file for each variant containing a list of URLs pointing to the variant's media segments. The encoder also creates a master playlist file, containing a list of the URLs to variant media playlists, and descriptive tags to control the playback behavior of the stream. While producing playlists and segments, the encoder or automated scripts upload the files to a web server or CDN.

You provide access to the content by embedding a link to the master playlist file in a web page, or by creating your own custom application that downloads the master playlist file.

Media Segments

An encoder creates media segments by dividing the event data into short MPEG-2 transport stream files (.ts). Typically, the files contain H.264 video or AAC audio with a duration of 5 to 10 seconds each. The encoder lets you set the encoding and duration of the media segments.

1. FFmpegx is fast video and audio encoder, as well as free video converter Mac. It doesn't support previewing video as HandBrake and MPEG Streamclip do, but Supports subtitles in most formats. It is a little complex for beginners, as it is filled with settings and tools, that only confirmed users will feel comfortable with.
2. MovieStreamer HLS is an audio/video streaming application designed for Mac users looking to stream professional grade audio and video to the Net. MovieStreamer HLS accepts video from input devices that support Apple's AV Foundation and encodes the stream into HTTP Live Streaming at multiple bitrates to multiple destinations. MovieStreamer HLS is Live streaming made easy.

Media Playlist Files

The encoder creates the media playlists as text files saved in the M3U format (.m3u8). The media playlists contain URLs to the media segments and other information needed for playback. The playlist type—live, event, or video on demand (VOD)—determines how the stream can be navigated.

Live playlists let viewers perform fast forward and reverse playback within a limited time range. The range advances along the program until the end of the live presentation. Event playlists let a viewer rewind to the beginning of the stream even as it continues to stream live. VOD playlists represent a previously completed program that can be fully navigated from beginning to end.

Live and Event Media Playlists

Both the live and event types of programs require updates to the media playlists as newly created media segments become available on the server. The encoder adds new media segment references to the end of the playlist and uploads the updated playlist to the server.

In a live playlist, as shown in Listing 1, references to older media segments can be removed from the media playlist and discarded, providing a sliding window into a continuous stream.

Listing 1 A simple live media playlist

An event playlist, shown in Listing 2, has the same format as the live media playlist above, with the exception of an extra line: #EXT-X-PLAYLIST-TYPE:EVENT. That designation alerts media player that this playlist will behave differently than a live media playlist. Event playlists maintain the references to older media while gaining new references. This process results in an expanding media playlist. This type of playlist allows the players to navigate freely (backward and forward) from the beginning of the program. Because references to all media segments remain in the playlist when the live event ends, event playlists are easily converted to VOD playlists.

Listing 2 A simple event media playlist

VOD Media Playlists

A VOD playlist, shown in Listing 3, contains references to all available media segments for the complete presentation, beginning to end. This kind of playlist allows the player to navigate the entire program. A VOD #EXT-X-ENDLIST tag marks the end of downloadable media segments.

Listing 3 A simple VOD media playlist

Master Playlists

The master playlist provides an address for each individual media playlist in the stream. Figure 1 shows this relationship. The master playlist also provides important details such as bandwidth, resolution, and codec. The player uses that information to decide the most appropriate variant for the device and the currently measured, available bandwidth.

The sample master playlist in Listing 4 shows four variants. The order of the media playlists in the master playlists does not matter, except when you start the stream. The player begins downloading the first variant it can play. If conditions warrant, the player switches to another media playlist midstream.

Listing 4 A master playlist file with four available variants

A player downloads a master playlist only once. However, the number of media playlist downloads vary with the playlist type. For live and event broadcasts, the player downloads the media playlist files after each segment duration because the the playlist may update with new segments or lose older segments as the stream progresses. For VOD, players download media playlists only once.

Publishing Your HLS Streams

You provide access to your streams by adding a link to the master playlist file in a web page, or by creating your own custom application built with the AV Foundation or Media Player frameworks. See AVFoundation Programming Guide or Media Player Framework Reference.

Key Features

The HLS technology lets you stream your content through HTTP and enables automatic switching between streams as network conditions change. Those attributes alone make HLS a great solution for media distribution. Additionally, the technology includes features for usability, availability, advertising, and security. You can build the quality with the following extensible solutions.

Closed Captions and Subtitles

HLS supports CEA-608 closed captions embedded in the MPEG-2 transport stream as specified in ATSC A/72. Most encoders automatically include the closed captioning in the media segments as the encoder processes the incoming video. Some encoders also insert closed captioning from a separate closed caption file or segmented QuickTime files that contain closed caption tracks (cclp).

HLS also supports multiple subtitles in WebVTT format. For more information on implementation of WebVTT, see WWDC 2012: What's New in HLS and WebVTT: The Web Video Text Tracks Format specification.

Fast Forward and Reverse Playback

HLS supports fast forward and reverse playback through the use of an I-frame playlist. The I-frame playlist points to a byte range within already existing media segments. Fast forward and reverse playback do not need special media segments.

For in-depth information on I-frame playlists, watch WWDC 2012: Effective HLS.

Alternate Audio and Video Renditions

HLS master playlists offer multiple audio renditions, a valuable trait for localization. For example, your master playlist may include multiple language soundtracks such as French, German, Spanish, and English. The audio tracks contain unmuxed (signals have not been combined) audio segments. The master playlist file controls the playback.

HLS also supports multiple video streams; for example, multiple video angles for a sporting event. Again, the master playlist file controls the playback.

For more information on alternate media renditions, watch WWDC 2012: Effective HLS.

Fallback with Stream Alternates

Not only do alternate media playlists in your master playlist operate as bandwidth or device alternatives, the alternates also serve as failure fallbacks. If the player cannot reload the media playlist file—due to issues such as 404 errors, server crashing, or a content distributor node problem—the player attempts to switch to another compatible media playlist provided on a different server. Offering multiple media playlists with the same bandwidth, the player switches to an identical playlist, providing consistent stream performance.

Timed Metadata

You can add various kinds of metadata to media stream segments. The data offers applications additional information during playback. For example, add the album art, artist's name, and song title to an audio stream, or add the current batter's name and statistics to video of a baseball game.

You insert the additional data, known as timed metadata, into a media stream at a given time offset. (Optionally, insert timed metadata into all segments after a given time.)

For more information on timed metadata, read Timed Metadata for HTTP Live Streaming.

Ad Insertion

HLS facilitates ad insertion through discontinuity markers. The markers within playlists smooth transitions between disparate content.

For more on discontinuities, read Example Playlist Files for use with HTTP Live Streaming.

Content Protection

Media segments can be individually encrypted using sample-level encryption. References to the corresponding key files appear in the playlist file so that the player can retrieve the keys for decryption.

HLS supports key exchange with the method of your choice. Static keys, encoder generated keys, and frequently updated keys are just a few of the possibilities.

For detail on the sample-level encryption specified for use with HLS, read MPEG-2 Stream Encryption Format for HTTP Live Streaming.

For details on serving keys, see How to securely serve Key files for HTTP Live Streaming with HTTPS.

Hls Streaming Tool

Requirements for iOS Apps

The following requirements apply to iOS apps submitted for distribution in the App Store for use on Apple products. Noncompliant apps may be rejected or removed, at the discretion of Apple.

• If your app delivers video over cellular networks, and the video exceeds either 10 minutes or 5 MB of data in a five-minute period, you must use HLS. You can use progressive download for smaller clips.

• If your app uses HLS over cellular networks, you must provide at least one stream at 192 Kbps or lower bandwidth. The low-bandwidth stream may be audio-only or audio with a still image.

Sample Streams

A series of HTTP streams are available for testing on Apple's developer site. These examples show proper formatting of HTML to embed streams, .m3u8 playlists to index the streams, and .ts media segment files. See the HTTP Live Streaming page.

Apple provides simplified command-line tools, such as the Media File Segmenter and Media Stream Segmenter, to divide presentations and produce playlist files. Sign in with your developer ID and visit the HTTP Live Streaming page, under 'Downloads.'

Use the Apple-provided media stream validator found in these downloaded tools prior to serving your streams, to ensure that they are fully compliant with HLS.

Getting Started with HLS

To get started with your own HLS streams, the HTTP Live Streaming Content Guide provides a simple walkthrough of basic stream creation. The guide also explains complex HLS concepts, how to implement advanced features, and requirements for streaming to iOS devices.

Read the HTTP Live Streaming specification for current and definitive technical information.

HLS Feature Release History

Copyright © 2014 Apple Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Updated: 2014-10-16

What software is best for live streaming?

What hardware do I need to stream?

Live streaming is one that enables you to engage with your spectators in real-time through a video feed, broadcast vlogs, gameplay, etc., and lets you host things like webinars and share your screen with your target audience. The YouTube livestreaming hardware requirements include a camera, USB microphones, lights, encoding software or hardware encoders, dual monitors, etc.

An encoder is the best way to live stream a video online which can be software/hardware depending on the purpose and budget of your work. The purpose of encoding a video is to transform the video content into a digital copy to stream on various platforms.

Using an YouTube livestreaming software & hardware encoder allows you to:

• Share your screen to broadcast your gameplay or any content.
• Use external audio with video hardware.
• Manage a production advanced with devices like multiple cameras and microphones.

In this article, we will try to look at various YouTube streaming hardware and software encoders along with their key features as they have a major role in video live streaming from various devices like windows-10 free, android, iOS, etc.,

5 Best YouTube Live Streaming Software Encoders for Windows/Mac

Software encoders are computer programs that run on your personal computer to retrieve data from the capture cards, and send it over the internet. They are commonly preferred for their cost-effectiveness and it is exciting to know that some of the popular software encoders are free for users.

Tips: If you want to record or edit your livestreaming videos, you can try Filmora Video Editor. It's easy to use, and friendly for begginers to record the streaming videos with one simple clic. And Filmora also has multiple video editing features like trim, cut, split, add titles, transicions or effects. Have a try! It won't let you down!

Now, let us take a look of which ones are the best software encoders for YouTube livestreaming.

#1. Open Source Broadcaster

OBS or Open Broadcaster Source is an easy recording and best live-streaming software tool that is used by all the beginners. Since it is an open-source software tool, it allows you to customize your needs. It is a freely available application for recording and streaming for Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. Studio Mode provides a preview of your video scenes before streaming them live.

Price: Free

Operating System: Linux, Windows, and Mac

Key Features:

• Advanced design for customized transitions.
• Necessary Filters, noise suppressors, audio mixers, and gain boosting facility added for creating classic videos.
• Easy access to light and dark themes.

#2. Xsplit Broadcaster

Xsplit Broadcaster is a simple and powerful live streaming software tool that can foster an impressive video content with its user-friendly interface. It comprises all the basic video creation tools featured with audio support. It is surprising to know that it offers a Full HD video recording ability.

Price: Free/Paid

Operating System: Windows

Key Features:

• It supports all kinds of capture cards.
• It possesses custom integrations as well as plugins.
• Easy video development along with other professional production tools.
• Access to options like chatting and notifications for interactively organizing your video uploads.

#3. Wirecast play

Wirecast play enables its users to enjoy professional live video recording facilities. Users are allowed to encode all their live streaming content over multiple platforms. It is the only all in one platform that enables you to capture content, production, and encoding of videos of your interest.

Price:
Wirecast Play 6: Free/$9.99
Wirecast Play Studio 6: $279
Wirecast Play Pro 6: $549

Operating System: Windows, Mac OS

Key Features:

• Widely compatible with different online platforms.
• Compatible with different camera inputs and devices.
• Fine-tuning different compositional elements like audio delay, live switching, etc.,
• The simultaneous broadcasting of contents on multiple platforms is possible.

#4. vMix live stream

vMix is software that lets you create impressive and professional quality content on your device at a fraction of the cost. It is a downloadable product that involves production, streaming, and cost-effective mixing of the video content (as per the name of software).

Price: $350

Operating System: Windows

Professional Video Encoder For Mac Hls Streaming Media Player

Key Features:

• Facilitates high quality animated graphics.
• Supports low latency audio and video content.
• Good quality real-time chroma key.
• Built-in audio mixer with compressor and noise gate effects.

#5. Livestream

Livestream is the best livestreaming software for YouTube and Facebook. It is easy to use interface and simple settings make it the best suitable for the beginners who have just started streaming. It also supports simple and high-quality game casting.

Price: $75 per month

Operating System: Windows, Mac OS

Key Features:

• Accurate compositing and live switching.
• Compatible with various camera inputs.
• Broadcast quality video output.

What Hardware Encoders Do I Need to Stream on YouTube?

Hardware encoders are powerful and reliable video developing tools used by professionally experienced streamers. A hardware encoder is a piece of physical equipment that is hooked up in the live streaming procedure. It has a lot of functionalities in an online video development process.

#1. Taradek VidiU Pro

The Taradek VidiU Pro is the ultimate live streaming device for schools, churches, production companies, and businesses trying to take their content to live online from anywhere without a computer. It is practically an alternative to VidiU Go and is the best YouTube livestreaming hardware for features like remote management etc.,

Price: $2690

Key Features:

Professional Video Encoder For Mac Hls Streaming Software

• Configurable with Bluetooth.
• Supports multiple broadcasts on various destinations.
• Ultimate reliability and maximum bandwidth.
• Compatible with all platforms.

#2. Taradek VidiU Go

Taradek VidiU Go provides a solution to one of the greatest challenges to giving a high-quality content stream through network bonding. It is a bonded device using Taradek's core technology, which enables you to divide your signal bandwidth between modems reducing the dropping of frames and of course increasing the content quality.

Price: $1400

Key Features:

• Dual video input.
• Save 50% of the required bandwidth.
• Streaming content is instant.
• Stream on cutting edge.

#3. Digicast DMB-8800A Premium

Digicast DMB-8800A Premium is one of the best YouTube live streaming hardware encoders used for remote education, health care operations, video conferences, news interview, public security, banking operations, transportation, and other industrial applications.

Price: $433

Key Features:

• It provides clear delicate videos at low bit rates.
• A built-in audio gain for independent volume adjustment.
• Multi-resolution and multi-protocol configurable
• Sharpening and filtering facility in video processing.

#4. Webcaster X1 for YouTube

Webcaster X1 for YouTube is a lightweight, portable hardware encoder device that enables you to live stream on YouTube using any device with an HDMI output or a camera or a mixer. It streams high-quality video with embedded audio.

Price: $299.95

Key Features:

• Very simple and easy to use.
• Versatile to live stream content from anywhere.
• Facilitates scheduled live streaming and stream now options.

#5. H.265

The H.265 is commonly called HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding). The move towards obtaining a better resolution has necessitated an improved level of compression efficiency in this version compared to its precursor versions of H.264 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding). AVC is also a video compression standard that is based on motion-compensated and block-oriented coding.

Price: $255

Key Features:

• Compressed bit rate.
• Better visual quality due to better resolution.
• Secured broadcast of high-quality videos.
• Most versatile and powerful video developer tool.

[Bonus Part] Software vs Hardware Encoders - Should I Use Software or Hardware Encoding?

Now that we are aware of various encoders, the common confusion that arises in our minds is, 'Which one is better: hardware or software encoder?' An encoder is an algorithm and the hardware is what that is needed to run it.

The main difference between the hardware and software encoders is that the significant characteristic that lets hardware encoders to perform comparatively effective -is that hardware encoding devices are solely designed for encoding. Software encoders operate with your computer, so encoding is not the prime function. You should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of both types of encoders if you want to arrive at a better decision. So, let's look at them a little deeper.

Using a hardware encoder

PROS
• Great performance and reliability.
• High encoding speed and lower latency.

CONS
• Expensive
• Difficult for timely upgrading

Using a software encoder

PROS
• Cheap and Flexible
• Customizability

CONS
• Lower performance
• Higher latency.

Hls Streaming Downloader

Depending on the budget of your stream and the purpose of your work, your choices may be different. For example, hardware encoders run upwards to around $1000 making them costly while encoding software is mostly less than $100 and even for free sometimes. Hence, hardware encoders are considered to suit best for professional and experienced broadcasters, while software encoders perform well for beginners. So, choose wisely!

Final Words

The encoder you use plays an important role in the quality of your live stream video that is to be delivered to your target audience. There are several choices and configurations to look into when choosing one of them to go for your live stream. While hardware encoders tend to produce better quality video live streams, software encoders are easier to handle and cost-effective.

Now, that we have come across different encoder tools, we have an idea of going on a YouTube live stream in the best way possible. If you think we have missed out on any other encoders from your list of recommendations, don't forget to leave it as a comment below. We are always pleased to accept such comments to upgrade our content. Thank you!