If your streaming setup doesn't have a fast or stable internet connection, your live streams could suffer from:
- buffering
- lagging
- stuttering
- playing in fast-forward
- audio and video out of sync
The video below shows visual examples of what you might see if you encounter these problems:
This page suggests some quick steps you can take to improve your streaming quality, if you encounter these problems. These suggestions are listed in the expanding accordions below:
1. Turn off live upload
- Go to Video > Live Upload and untick Upload Video Now.
Doing this stops ball clip uploads during the match, reducing bandwidth use. You can always upload ball clips later during an innings break by clicking Video > Upload Video Now.
2. Lower your stream resolution
- Go to Tools > Configuration > Live Streaming and reduce the resolution setting from 1080p to 720p. This uses less bandwidth and can help stabilise your stream.
3. Change camera to constant bitrate
- Open your camera settings and check the bitrate type. Change it from VBR (variable bitrate) to CBR (constant bitrate).
VBR adjusts based on image complexity, which can cause spikes in bandwidth use when there’s lots of movement. CBR provides a more consistent stream.
More info:
4. Reconnect your camera
Use the Reconnect to IP Camera option during drinks or innings breaks. This lets the stream reset and catch up.
You can play a fullscreen card (like Manhattan or Bowling Summary) before reconnecting to mask the disruption.
Reconnect to the IP camera from the Video Display panel:
- Click the cog icon in the upper right corner of the Video Display panel.
- Click Reconnect to Capture Device on the menu item, and then Reconnect to IP Camera.
Or, to reconnect an IP camera from the main menu:
- Open Tools > Configuration. The Configuration dialogue opens.
- Click the Video Capture tab.
- Click the IP camera name in the list of devices and then click Edit Selected. The Capture Device Settings dialogue opens.
- Use the Search function to reconnect the camera.
- Click OK.
5. Switch to H.265 encoding
Access your camera via a web browser and change the Video Encoding option from H.264 to H.265.
H.265 offers better compression, allowing high-quality streaming with less bandwidth.
More info: Why H.265 is better than H.264
6. Use a dedicated Wi-Fi channel
Ask your internet provider or network administrator to split your Wi-Fi into separate networks. For example, one general network for the clubhouse and one dedicated to scoring and streaming. You might also want to survey surrounding Wi-Fi networks and change your Wi-Fi network to use a less-crowded channel, or upgrade to a more powerful wireless system.
Keeping your scoring/streaming connection separate from public Wi-Fi can help prevent slowdowns during peak usage.
Avoid sharing the streaming Wi-Fi password widely, and update it regularly.
7. Close unnecessary apps and tabs
Media-heavy applications and browser tabs, like BBC Sport, Sky Go, or your email client, can eat up bandwidth.
Close anything you don't need while streaming. If you want to check scores, use your phone with mobile data instead of the club Wi-Fi.
8. Use a mobile router or hotspot
A dedicated 4G or 5G router (like a Teltonika device) can offer reliable, high-speed internet for less than £200. These devices are ideal for clubs where broadband is limited or shared.
Benefits:
- Consistent upload speeds
- Separate from general club traffic
- Portable and easy to manage