> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/AcChosen/VR-Stage-Lighting/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Video Streaming Configuration

> Set up reliable video streaming for DMX control and live events with VR Stage Lighting

## Overview

Video streaming is the foundation of VRSL's DMX system. This guide covers how to configure your streaming setup for optimal DMX data transmission and live event performance.

<Note>
  While streaming is required for DMX control, AudioLink-only setups do not need external video streaming.
</Note>

## Understanding VRSL Streaming

VRSL encodes DMX data as colored pixels in a video grid. This video is then streamed to VRChat, where VRSL's shaders decode the pixels back into lighting data.

### Why Video Streaming?

**Advantages:**

* **Universal Sync**: All players see the same data
* **Works Today**: No waiting for VRChat features
* **Flexible**: Any video player can work
* **Live Control**: Real-time DMX during performances

**Challenges:**

* Latency (typically 2-8 seconds)
* Requires bandwidth
* Compression can affect data quality
* Requires external streaming setup

## Streaming Architecture

```
DMX Software → Artnet Grid Node → OBS/Streaming Software → 
Streaming Server → VRChat Video Player → VRSL Shaders → Lights
```

## Prerequisites

### Hardware Requirements

**Minimum:**

* CPU: Intel i5 8th gen / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or better
* GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 or better
* RAM: 16GB
* Upload Speed: 10 Mbps minimum
* Extra Monitor: 1920x1080 resolution

**Recommended:**

* CPU: Intel i7 10th gen / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or better
* GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 5700 XT or better
* RAM: 32GB
* Upload Speed: 25+ Mbps
* Dedicated streaming PC (for large events)
* Wired network connection

### Software Requirements

**Streaming Software (choose one):**

* OBS Studio (recommended, free)
* Streamlabs OBS
* XSplit
* vMix (professional)

**Optional:**

* Artnet Grid Node (for DMX control)
* Local streaming server (for reduced latency)
* Network monitoring tools

## OBS Studio Configuration

### Installation

<Steps>
  1. Download OBS Studio from [obsproject.com](https://obsproject.com)
  2. Install with default settings
  3. Launch OBS and complete first-time setup wizard
  4. Skip the auto-configuration wizard (we'll configure manually)
</Steps>

### Video Settings

1. Navigate to **Settings > Video**

**Base (Canvas) Resolution:**

* Set to `1920x1080`
* This is your working resolution

**Output (Scaled) Resolution:**

* Set to `1920x1080`
* Must match base resolution for DMX (no scaling)

**Downscale Filter:**

* Set to `Lanczos` (highest quality)
* Only matters if you're scaling (which you shouldn't for DMX)

**Common FPS Values:**

* Set to `30` for standard streaming
* Can use `60` for smoother motion (requires more bandwidth)

<Warning>
  Do NOT use different base and output resolutions for DMX streaming. This can corrupt the DMX data grid.
</Warning>

### Output Settings

1. Navigate to **Settings > Output**
2. Set **Output Mode** to `Advanced`

**Streaming Tab:**

**Encoder:**

* `NVIDIA NVENC H.264` (if you have NVIDIA GPU) - Recommended
* `QuickSync H.264` (if you have Intel integrated graphics)
* `x264` (software encoding, CPU intensive)

**Rate Control:**

* Set to `CBR` (Constant Bitrate)
* Ensures consistent quality for DMX data

**Bitrate:**

* Minimum: `6000 Kbps`
* Recommended: `8000-12000 Kbps`
* High Quality: `15000-20000 Kbps`
* Balance based on your upload speed

<Tip>
  Higher bitrate = better DMX data quality = less movement jitter. Use the highest bitrate your connection can reliably sustain.
</Tip>

**Keyframe Interval:**

* Set to `2` seconds
* Lower values reduce latency
* Don't go below 1

**Preset:**

* NVENC: `Quality` or `High Quality`
* QuickSync: `Quality`
* x264: `veryfast` or `faster`

**Profile:**

* Set to `high`

**Look-ahead / Psycho Visual Tuning:**

* Disable both
* These can interfere with DMX data accuracy

### Advanced Settings

1. Navigate to **Settings > Advanced**

**Video:**

* **Color Format**: `NV12`
* **Color Space**: `709`
* **Color Range**: `Partial`

**Stream Delay:**

* Start with `0`
* Can add delay if needed for sync

**Reconnect:**

* Enable **Automatically reconnect**
* Retry Delay: `10` seconds
* Maximum Retries: `20`

### Scene Setup for DMX

<Steps>
  ### Create DMX Scene

  1. In OBS, create a new Scene called "DMX Grid"
  2. This scene will contain only the Artnet Grid Node output

  ### Add Grid Node Source

  **Option A: Window Capture (Recommended)**

  1. Click **+** under Sources
  2. Add **Window Capture**
  3. Name it "Artnet Grid Node"
  4. Select the Artnet Grid Node window
  5. **Capture Method**: `Windows 10 (1903 and up)`
  6. Enable **Capture Cursor**: No

  **Option B: Display Capture**

  1. Click **+** under Sources
  2. Add **Display Capture**
  3. Name it "Grid Monitor"
  4. Select the display showing Grid Node
  5. Enable **Capture Cursor**: No

  ### Configure Source

  1. Right-click the source in OBS
  2. Select **Transform > Fit to Screen**
  3. Ensure no black bars or cropping
  4. Verify resolution is exactly 1920x1080

  <Warning>
    **Critical**: Do NOT apply any filters to the DMX grid source:

    * No color correction
    * No sharpening
    * No scaling filters
    * No chroma key
    * No effects

    These will corrupt the DMX data.
  </Warning>
</Steps>

## Streaming Destinations

### Local Streaming Server (Lowest Latency)

Run your own RTMP server for minimum latency:

**Using nginx-rtmp:**

<Steps>
  1. Install nginx with rtmp module
  2. Configure nginx.conf:

  ```nginx theme={null}
  rtmp {
      server {
          listen 1935;
          chunk_size 4096;
          
          application live {
              live on;
              record off;
          }
      }
  }
  ```

  3. In OBS, set **Stream** settings:
     * Service: `Custom`
     * Server: `rtmp://localhost/live`
     * Stream Key: `vrsl`
  4. Access stream at: `rtmp://your-ip/live/vrsl`
</Steps>

**Advantages:**

* Lowest possible latency (0.5-2 seconds)
* No external service dependency
* No bandwidth costs
* Full control

**Disadvantages:**

* Requires server setup
* Must manage port forwarding
* Limited to your upload speed

### YouTube Live (Balanced)

Good balance of latency and reliability:

<Steps>
  1. Go to [YouTube Studio](https://studio.youtube.com)
  2. Click **Create > Go Live**
  3. Choose **Streaming Software**
  4. Configure:
     * **Latency**: Ultra Low (1-2 seconds)
     * **Visibility**: Unlisted (for DMX streams)
  5. Copy **Stream URL** and **Stream Key**
  6. In OBS:
     * Service: `YouTube - RTMPS`
     * Server: Primary YouTube ingest server
     * Stream Key: \[paste your key]
</Steps>

**Advantages:**

* Ultra-low latency mode available
* Reliable infrastructure
* Free
* Can serve multiple worlds simultaneously

**Disadvantages:**

* Still 2-5 second latency
* Requires YouTube account
* Subject to YouTube terms

### Twitch (Alternative)

Similar to YouTube:

<Steps>
  1. Go to [Twitch Dashboard](https://dashboard.twitch.tv)
  2. Enable **Low Latency Mode**
  3. Copy **Stream Key**
  4. In OBS:
     * Service: `Twitch`
     * Server: Closest server
     * Stream Key: \[paste your key]
</Steps>

**Advantages:**

* Low latency mode
* Gaming-focused platform
* Reliable

**Disadvantages:**

* 3-6 second latency
* Less control than local server
* Requires Twitch account

## Video Player Setup in Unity

Once streaming, configure Unity to receive the stream:

### Choose Video Player System

VRSL supports multiple video player systems:

**TekOSC (Recommended):**

* Uses OSC instead of traditional video
* Lower latency
* Better reliability
* Included with VRSL

**USharpVideo:**

* Most common in VRChat
* Good compatibility
* Requires separate package

**ProTV:**

* Feature-rich
* Good UI
* Requires separate package

**VideoTXL:**

* High performance
* Modern features
* Requires separate package

### Configure Video Player

1. Spawn your chosen DMX reader from VRSL Control Panel
2. Select the video player component
3. Set **Default URL** to your stream:
   * YouTube: `https://youtu.be/[VIDEO_ID]`
   * Twitch: `https://twitch.tv/[USERNAME]`
   * RTMP: `rtmp://your-server/live/stream`
4. Configure playback:
   * **Auto Play**: Enabled
   * **Loop**: Enabled (for testing)
   * **Volume**: 0 (DMX data is silent)
5. Set video resolution to 1920x1080

<Tip>
  For testing, use a pre-recorded DMX video with loop enabled. This lets you test without running the full streaming pipeline.
</Tip>

## Optimizing Streaming Quality

### Reduce Compression Artifacts

**In OBS:**

* Use highest bitrate your connection allows
* Use hardware encoding (NVENC/QuickSync) over x264
* Use "Quality" preset, not "Performance"
* Disable look-ahead and psycho visual tuning
* Keep keyframe interval at 2

**In VRSL:**

* Enable interpolation in CRT materials (compensates for artifacts)
* Use maximum smoothing (0) on fixtures
* Enable signal detection system for error recovery

### Reduce Latency

**Streaming:**

* Use local RTMP server if possible
* Use hardware encoding (lower processing delay)
* Use wired network connection
* Reduce keyframe interval (but not below 1)
* Choose geographically close streaming server

**In Unity:**

* Position video screen near spawn point
* Use efficient video player (TekOSC recommended)
* Pre-load/pre-buffer when possible

### Network Optimization

**Upload:**

* Reserve bandwidth for stream (QoS on router)
* Use wired connection, not WiFi
* Close bandwidth-heavy applications
* Test your upload speed before events

**Monitor Your Stream:**

* Watch dropped frames in OBS
* Monitor bitrate stability
* Check network usage
* Have fallback plan for connection issues

## Testing Your Stream

<Steps>
  ### Test Stream Quality

  1. Start streaming to your destination
  2. In OBS, check **Stats** panel:
     * **Dropped Frames**: Should be 0%
     * **CPU Usage**: Should be under 70%
     * **Render Lag**: Should be 0
  3. View stream on another device
  4. Check for compression artifacts on the grid
  5. Verify colors are accurate

  ### Test in Unity

  1. Enter Play Mode
  2. Wait for video to start playing
  3. Send test DMX data from console
  4. Verify fixtures respond correctly
  5. Check response timing

  ### Test in VRChat

  1. Build and upload world
  2. Enter world
  3. Wait for stream to load
  4. Test all fixtures and DMX channels
  5. Invite friends to test sync across multiple users
</Steps>

## Common Issues

### High Latency

**Causes:**

* Distance to streaming server
* Buffering in video player
* Network congestion
* Slow encoding preset

**Solutions:**

* Use local RTMP server
* Use faster encoding preset
* Reduce keyframe interval
* Use wired connection
* Choose closer server

### Dropped Frames

**Causes:**

* Insufficient upload bandwidth
* CPU/GPU overload
* Network instability

**Solutions:**

* Reduce bitrate
* Use hardware encoding
* Close other applications
* Check network quality
* Reduce canvas resolution (last resort, may affect DMX)

### Compression Artifacts

**Causes:**

* Bitrate too low
* Aggressive encoding preset
* Network packet loss

**Solutions:**

* Increase bitrate (minimum 6000 kbps)
* Use "Quality" preset
* Enable maximum smoothing in VRSL
* Use hardware encoding

### Stream Not Playing in World

**Check:**

* URL is correct and accessible
* Video player is configured properly
* Stream is actually live
* Permissions in VRChat
* Video player has correct permissions in world

## Advanced Configuration

### Multi-PC Streaming Setup

For large events, separate streaming from DMX control:

**PC 1 (DMX Control):**

* Runs lighting software
* Runs Artnet Grid Node
* Outputs to capture card

**PC 2 (Streaming):**

* Receives capture card input
* Runs OBS for streaming
* Handles network upload

**Advantages:**

* No performance impact on DMX
* Dedicated resources for streaming
* Can use different network connections

### Stream Backup System

Create redundancy for critical events:

1. **Primary Stream**: Live DMX via YouTube/Twitch
2. **Backup Stream**: Pre-recorded DMX loop on second URL
3. **Fallback**: AudioLink-only mode

Use Udon to switch between sources if primary fails.

### Quality Profiles

Create OBS profiles for different situations:

**Testing Profile:**

* Lower bitrate (3000 kbps)
* Faster preset
* Local streaming

**Performance Profile:**

* Medium bitrate (6000 kbps)
* Balanced preset
* Public streaming service

**Quality Profile:**

* High bitrate (12000+ kbps)
* Quality preset
* Local or reliable service

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  **For Live Events:**

  * Test stream setup 24 hours before event
  * Have backup pre-recorded DMX video ready
  * Monitor stream health during event
  * Use dedicated hardware for streaming
  * Have emergency fallback plan (AudioLink-only mode)
  * Run test events to verify full pipeline
</Tip>

**Reliability:**

* Use wired connections everywhere possible
* Have backup internet connection
* Use stable, proven software versions
* Document your entire setup
* Train backup operator

**Performance:**

* Use hardware encoding (NVENC/QuickSync)
* Keep OBS scenes simple
* Close unnecessary applications
* Monitor system resources
* Use dedicated streaming PC for large events

## Next Steps

* Complete your [DMX Setup](/guides/dmx-setup)
* Learn [Performance Optimization](/guides/performance-optimization)
* Integrate [AudioLink](/guides/audiolink-setup) as backup
* Create [Custom Fixtures](/guides/custom-fixtures)

## Resources

* [OBS Studio Documentation](https://obsproject.com/wiki/)
* [VRSL Discord](https://vrsl.dev)
* [nginx-rtmp](https://github.com/arut/nginx-rtmp-module)
* [YouTube Live Documentation](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2474026)