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Using SRT to live stream

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Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) is a cutting-edge protocol designed for low-latency, secure, and reliable live streaming—perfect for broadcasters who prioritize quality and stability. FastPix provides seamless integration of SRT, making it easy to set up and stream content with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the setup process for SRT with FastPix, from obtaining your stream details to configuring your encoder and playback.


DEVELOPMENT TIP

SRT is particularly effective when streaming over long distances or across different geographical regions, as it handles network jitter and packet loss much better than traditional protocols.


1. Prerequisites

Before diving into the setup, make sure you have the following:

  • A FastPix account. You can sign up and log into the FastPix Dashboard.
  • An SRT-compatible streaming encoder(such as OBS Studio).
  • The SRT URL, Stream Key, and Passphrase (SRT Secret Key) that will be provided by FastPix.


2. Setting up SRT with FastPix

Here’s a step-by-step guide to stream using SRT with FastPix:


Step 1: Obtain your SRT URL, Stream Key, and Passphrase

To start, log in to your FastPix Dashboard and follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Live section in your dashboard.
  2. Either create a new livestream or select an existing one.
  3. In the stream configuration section, choose SRT as the streaming protocol.
  4. Copy the details provided to you:
    • SRT Base URL: srt://live.fastpix.io:778
    • Stream Key: A unique identifier for your stream.
    • SRT Secret Key: A secret key used to encrypt your stream.

PLEASE NOTE

Your Stream Key and Passphrase are sensitive details. Keep them secure, as they provide access to your live stream.


To enable streaming, you’ll need to construct the server URL by appending the necessary parameters to the SRT Base URL. The format will be:

srt://live.fastpix.io:778?passphrase=<SRT Secret Key>&streamid=<streamId>

Replace <SRT Secret Key> and <streamId> with the values from your FastPix Dashboard.


Step 3: Configure your encoder

Once you have the constructed SRT URL, configure your streaming encoder. Let’s take OBS Studio as an example:

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Stream.
  3. Set the Service to “Custom”.
  4. In the Server field, paste the constructed SRT Server URL (e.g., srt://live.fastpix.io:778?passphrase=yourSRTSecretKey&streamid=yourStreamId).
  5. In the Stream Key field, paste the Stream Key you received from FastPix.
  6. Save the settings and start streaming!

DEVELOPMENT TIP

Always test your stream before going live! This ensures everything is configured correctly and helps avoid any last-minute issues.


3. Playback configuration

FastPix supports playback of your SRT streams. To view your livestream, you’ll need to construct the playback URL in the following format: 

srt://live.fastpix.io:778?streamid=<playbackStreamId>&passphrase=<srtPlaybackSecret>

Replace <playbackStreamId> and <srtPlaybackSecret> with the values provided to you. You can use this URL in any SRT-compatible player to view your livestream.


4. Tips for optimal streaming

To ensure your live stream runs smoothly and reliably, here are a few tips:

  • Low Latency: SRT is optimized for low-latency streaming. However, network stability is key. Always prefer using a wired connection over wireless for better performance.
  • Adjust parameters: Configure your encoder’s bitrate and resolution to match your audience’s expectations. Higher bitrate and resolution can improve quality but require more bandwidth.
  • Monitor your stream: The FastPix Dashboard provides detailed monitoring for your livestream. Keep an eye on your stream’s connection stability, viewer statistics, and any performance alerts.

5. Troubleshooting common issues

If you run into issues while using SRT with FastPix, here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:

  • Connection errors: Double-check that the SRT URL, Stream Key, and Passphrase are entered correctly. Even a small typo can break the connection.
  • Low-quality stream: If the stream quality is poor, try adjusting your encoder’s bitrate or resolution settings for better video performance.
  • Playback issues: Verify that your playback URL includes the correct stream ID and passphrase. Test the URL in a supported media player.

If the issues persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to FastPix Support for further assistance.

Updated 9 days ago