HTTP Live Streaming (also known as HLS) is an HTTP-based adaptive bitrate streaming communications protocol developed by Apple Inc. And released in 2009. Support for the protocol is widespread in media players, web browsers, mobile devices, and streaming media servers. As of 2019, an annual video industry survey has consistently found it to be the most popular streaming format. 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.

1. Professional Video Encoder For Mac Hls Streaming Download
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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.

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#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:

Professional Video Encoder For Mac Hls Streaming Media Player

• 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

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:

• 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.

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!

Multi-Bitrate HD Live Streaming Video Encoder

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. Video broadcasters can now deliver multi-bitrate HD live video streaming to Flash, iOS and Android devices using the StreamingVideoProvider's cloud live video streaming service.

The EzeCaster Pro removes the need for a separate computer, encoding software and audio plug-ins making it an easy all-in-one live streaming video solution which can be installed on-site, taken along and even be deployed in remote locations.

Reach All Devices

The live streaming video encoder can broadcast using multi-bitrate streaming that improves your viewer's experience by delivering your live stream with the resolution that matches their connection speed best. When you stream using multi-bitrate the video player automatically selects the highest quality stream version that the viewer's connection speed can stream at. It can even switch between resolutions automatically if there is a change in the viewer's connection speed ensuring that they can view your live broadcasts at the highest quality possible.

With the push of a button you will be streaming live video in no time. It takes seconds to configure the device and anyone can do it! Simply connect the EzeCaster Pro to your router or WiFi network and plug in your input device such as a camera or a visual mixer. Then it’s as simple as pressing the Auto Configuration button which will detect your available broadband speed and setup the live streaming video encoder with the best settings so you can achieve the maximum possible video quality. It will also detect the current video and audio inputs so that you ready to broadcast. You can also manually overwrite the settings for fine control and even save different settings as templates for future use.

The EzeCaster Pro lets you stream live beautiful full 1080p HD video to all compatible devices such as Android, iPhone, iPad and Flash enabled devices, ensuring that your audience gets the best viewing experience.

Having not to worry about how to make hardware and software work together or figuring out how to make different solutions from separate vendors to talk to each other is a great relief that saves you time and money. StreamingVideoProvider’s cloud video platform is seamlessly integrated with the EzeCaster Pro, so you can have the hardware device talking directly to the live video streaming platform from where your website video player can be watched by 1000’s of concurrent viewers, from anywhere in the world. Whether you are a national TV or Radio broadcaster, live sports event, meeting room, wedding, funeral organizer, churches & faith organization, rest assure that this solution is the right one for you. We have spent years developing it from the ground up to ensure it is dead-easy and anyone, even without any technical knowledge can use it. The unique cloud features that are part of the All-In-One service such as: Monetization with Pay-Per-View, Password Protection, Security and Privacy, Domain, Geo and IP Restrictions as well as full Branding and Customisation options, makes StreamingVideoProvider the preferred choice for thousands of SMB and large companies worldwide including Council of Europe, WallStreet Systems, Microfocus and many others.

Control your EzeCaster Pro straight from your SVP panel. This gives you the ability to configure and manage the EzeCaster Pro from a remote location and be able to Start or Stop the device, reboot and change the configuration, even if you are thousands of miles away.

Save time and effort with StreamingVideoProvider’s cloud recording feature. Your live events will be recorded and made available for your viewers to see on demand within minutes after the live event is over. No need to upload any recordings! For those who are running critical events and want to make sure they have a local backup in case the internet connection breaks during the event, they can connect any NTFS pre-formatted external USB hard drive to the built in USB 3.0 port of the EzeCaster Pro and record the Live HD Broadcasts locally as well. When you’ve finished recording you can easily mount your drive straight into a computer and use the local recordings for video editing, giving you the best of both worlds.

Professional Connections

The professional connections at the front include a HDMI input for crystal clear High Definition video and audio as well as easy setup. You also get more traditional connections such as HD Component Video, RCA Composite Video and Composite Audio inputs. Your networking needs are covered by providing you with a LAN wired network input for a rock solid connection as well as ability to connect wirelessly if no cable connection is available.

Black

£699 excluding Delivery

Height: 80 mm (3.12 inches)
Width: 350 mm (13.65 inches)
Depth: 200 mm (7.8 inches)
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)

High Profile H.264

High Profile AAC with 48Khz Sample Rate / MP3

HDMI Input - Supports HD 1080p/720p and SD 480p
HD Component Input - Supports HD 720p and SD 576i/486i
RCA Composite Input - Supports SD 576i and SD 486i
Composite Audio Input - Supports Dolby Stereo

10/100/1000 Mbps (Ethernet)
802.11 b/g/n 2.4Ghz (Wireless)

Multi Bitrate Streaming - Send 1 stream at full 1080p HD, another at 720p HD, and another at 480p * subject to available uplink speed
Auto-Adjust Feature - Will adjust based on your available uplink for excellent viewer experience
Auto Reconnect - in case of ISP failure
RTMP & HLS Support - delivery to HTML5, Android, iOS and Flash devices

1080p 30 - 1920x1080 FPS=30
1080p 29.97 – 1920x1080 FPS=29.97
1080p 25 – 1920x1080 FPS=25
1080p 24 – 1920x1080 FPS=24
1080p 23.976 – 1920x1080 FPS=23.976

1080i 60 – 1920x1080 FPS=30
1080i 59.94 – 1920x1080 FPS=29.97
1080i 50 – 1920x1080 FPS=25

720p 60 – 1280x720 FPS=60
720p 59.94 – 1280x720 FPS=59.94
720p 50 – 1280x720 FPS=50

486i – 720x486 FPS=29.97 NTSC
486i – 720x486 FPS=23.976 NTSC
576i – 720x576 FPS=25 PAL

Fully controllable via the StreamingVideoProvider's website
Remote Stop / Start broadcasting

No setup - Comes preconfigured to work with your account
Fully integrated to the StreamingVideoProvider platform
No need to open router ports

EzeCaster Pro
Power Cord

Showcase

Tutorial