Optimizing Settings for a Better Broadcast

Most issues that cause low-quality or interrupted broadcasts can be remedied by adjusting settings in Switcher Studio. There are 3 underlying issues that cause most broadcasting issues:

  1. Devices are not running the most recent operating system or Switcher app.

  2. Your network cannot support the Stream Quality Settings being used in Switcher.

  3. Your Wi-Fi cannot support the camera communication mode you're using in Switcher.

In this article:

Checking & Updating the iOS Version

Running your switching devices on outdated an outdated iOS can cause underperformance on your devices when streaming. Are you not sure what iOS version you have or what version you should be on? See Apple's published updates and instructions on updating your devices: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222

Checking & Updating the Switcher Studio App Version

If the Switcher Studio app is out of date, it may simply need to be updated to improve performance. Ensure all devices have the updated version of the Switcher Studio app installed.

To see if you have the most recent version of the app :

  • Go to the App Store on your device.

  • Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.

  • Look at the list of apps below that need updating.

  • Pull down on the screen to refresh the list of apps that need updates.

  • Tap Update next to Switcher Studio if it's on the list or simply Update All.

Optimizing Settings for Internet Connectivity Issues

If you are having issues like your audio/visual is out of sync, there's lag, or your stream gets cut off, you're likely having a problem with sending the broadcast to the platform successfully. This is usually due to a mismatch between your network speed and the Stream Quality settings you're using in Switcher Studio. Below are the steps to determine the issue and the resolve it.

Perform a speed test

You must have an upload speed of at a minimum 3 Mbps to adequately stream video. If not, you will need to improve your network speeds by upgrading your network hardware or internet service. If you haven't already, perform a speed test on your mobile device here: https://speedof.me/

Adjust the Stream Quality setting in Switcher

When setting up your stream, one of the most important options is the Stream Quality setting. The options shown in Switcher Studio correspond to the following resolutions:

  • Low = 480x270, 500kbps

  • Medium = 640x360, 800kbps

  • High = 960x540, 1200kbps

  • HD = 1280x720, 2000kbps

To adjust the stream quality settings:

  • Go to the Outputs tab.

  • Tap the blue arrow next to the platform you are broadcasting to (e.g. Facebook).

  • Under Stream Quality, select a lower setting than the current setting.

Enable RTMP Reconnect

RTMP Reconnect is a feature in Switcher Studio that attempts to reconnect to a livestream if any network interruptions occur. For information on how to enable RTMP Reconnect, check out the RTMP Reconnect article.

Optimizing Settings for Remote Camera Issues

If you are having issues with the quality of the video you're receiving from remote cameras to the main switching device, it usually means there's a mismatch between the strength of your Wi-Fi and the Camera Optimization Mode you're using in Switcher. You can resolve this issue by adjusting the Wi-Fi Camera Optimization Mode in Switcher Studio.

To adjust the Wi-Fi Optimization Mode Setting in Switcher:

  • Go to the Outputs tab.

  • Tap Wi-Fi Optimization Mode.

  • Tap Reinforced Wi-Fi Mode

    • This mode introduces a 1-second delay on the displayed video.

Note: For more in-depth information about Wi-Fi Optimization Settings, check out the Help Center article: Wi-Fi Optimization Mode.

Keyword(s): optimize, quality, wifi, settings, broadcast