HLS Ingest: What It Is and How It’s Compatible with Streaming Software [2022 Update]

The online broadcasting industry is constantly evolving to enhance the streaming experience for broadcasters and viewers alike. RTMP and HLS are two protocols that software engineers have tested in a few different roles in an attempt to optimize the live streaming process.

Although RTMP (real-time messaging protocol) is currently the most popular protocol for ingest, HLS has become a viable option for some streamers, as well.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at the HLS protocol and how it works for HLS ingest. From there, we’ll discuss how encoding comes into play before we cover a few hardware and software encoders that are compatible with HLS streaming software.

Table of Contents

• What is HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)?
• What is HLS Ingest and Why is it Important?
• The Role of Encoders in Live Streaming 
• Software vs. Hardware Encoders
  • Top Hardware Encoders for HLS Ingest
  • Top Encoding Software for HLS Ingest
• HLS Ingest on Dacast
• Encoder Settings on Dacast
• Conclusion

What is HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)?

HLS stands for HTTP Live Streaming and refers to the streaming video protocol that plays different roles in live streaming. It works by splitting videos into 10-second chunks that can be easily broadcasted in real-time.

HLS was developed by Apple to work with an HTML5 video player. It was originally launched to replace RTMP, which delivered live streams to Adobe’s Flash player. In the years since its launch, developers have updated the protocol, and it has become nearly essential for online video.

One of the most attractive features of HLS is that it is compatible across just about any device and operating system. That means that it works seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, computers, and other internet-enabled devices. It works well with Apple operating systems, Windows, and Linux, as well.

What is HLS Ingest and Why is it Important?

Now that you understand what HLS is, it’s time to delve into HLS ingest. In order to understand HLS ingest, you must have some idea of how to live streaming video functions. 

The workflow for a live online broadcast looks something like this:

1. Camera(s) capture video and audio
2. The video may be sent to a switcher or mixer, which edits multiple sources together and adds graphics and other effects as needed
3. The video then goes to the live streaming encoder, which converts it into a broadcastable format
4. The encoded video is sent to a live streaming solution, which may partner with a CDN provider to deliver the stream to the final destination
5. Finally, the viewer receives the live broadcast on their device via an HTML5 video player

For the last 5 years or so, most live streams have reached viewers using the HLS protocol, and most live streams have been ingested from the encoder to the video streaming solution using the RTMP protocol.

Now, however, end-to-end HLS delivery is becoming more popular, meaning that HLS is used for both delivery and ingest. When HLS is used at the encoder stage, rather than only at the delivery stage, it is referred to as HLS ingest.

Although end-to-end HLS delivery and ingest provide a seamless streaming experience, there are a couple of things that are preventing this workflow from becoming the standard.

For one, RTMP + HLS adds a reasonable latency for live streaming (RTMP) to solid reliability for delivery (HLS).

Additionally, RTMP encoders are more readily available than HLS streaming software encoders. Since RTMP and HLS protocols are just a little bit different, it’s important that you use an encoder that is compatible with the type of video ingestion that you’re using. 

There are a few HLS-compatible encoders on the market, so this is not a major issue. You just need to be intentional when selecting your encoder.

The Role of Encoders in Live Streaming 

Encoders play an important role in the live streaming process. As we briefly mentioned, encoding software converts RAW video files from your cameras/mixers into a format that is suitable for live broadcasting. 

When using HLS ingest, encoding also involves splitting the video into short segments for sequential broadcasting. With this process, the segments are ultimately put back together into a smooth stream by the end-user device.

Encoders are an essential part of HLS live streaming because otherwise, you’d be left with bulky video files that could not be streamed over the internet.

With this information in mind, let’s shift gears and start looking at streaming encoders in more concrete detail.

Software vs. Hardware Encoders

There are two types of encoders available for broadcasting: hardware encoders and software encoders. 

Software encoders are applications designed to run on computers. There are also stream software solutions available for mobile devices and tablets. It is typical for streaming software to have tools for mixing, editing, and other functions in addition to encoding tools.

In general, software encoders are more popular than hardware. Using a software encoder allows you to build your own configuration, use existing computers and workstations, and swap out components to upgrade or repair your machines.

Hardware encoders, on the other hand, are dedicated pieces of equipment that run independently of a computer. These devices allow you to plug in cameras and other equipment on one end, and output streams to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. They come in the form of rack-mounts, as well as mobile camera-mount and backpack-mount sizes.

Hardware encoders are typically used in high-end production scenarios. In certain cases, they can be faster, more durable, and more reliable than software encoders, and the price tag reflects that. However, software encoders have greatly improved over the past decade, and many professional broadcasters rely on them today.

Top Hardware Encoders for HLS Ingest

There are a variety of hardware encoders on the market. However, do note that very few of these have native support for HLS ingest live streaming. Almost all encoders output video in RTMP or other formats.

However, there are a number of HLS-compatible hardware encoders. These include:

• Safari HLS Unicast
• Teradek’s Cube 705 and 755 
• DVEO encoders
• NewTek MediaDS 

Typically, these encoders cost in the range of $2,000-$3,000 and up. They offer native support for high-end SDI inputs and other features.

Top HLS Streaming Software for HTTP Live Stream Ingest

There are many different types of HLS encoder software on the market today, from different manufacturers, but as with hardware, most of these don’t support video ingest in HLS streaming software.

Two HLS-compatible streaming software encoders include OBS Studio and Wirecast.

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source option that’s excellent for beginning live streamers. It’s expandable with a variety of plugins and has a robust community for support and questions. It is supported on Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs.

Previously known as Open Broadcaster Studio, is an open-source platform with encoding capabilities. This software encoder and this comparison are based on the latest version of 27.1.3, released on October 4th, 2021. It is available for download here for macOS 10.13 or newer, Windows 8, 8.1, and 10, as well as Ubuntu 18.04 operating systems. For the Linux version, FFmpeg is required. for free download.

This professional video streaming and broadcasting software are available for both macOS and Windows operating systems.

Basic Functionality:

OBS Studio offers many great features for new broadcasters who are just getting the hang of live streaming. The software has a set of OBS-specific settings and system requirements to ensure the most optimal live broadcasting experience.

Advanced features of this streaming encoder software include:

• Real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
• Intuitive audio mixer
• Modular “Dock” UI

Key Features:

• HLS Live streaming and recording functionality
• Audio and video mixing, filters, and transitions
• Support for hotkeys
• Chroma key / green screen support
• Scenes allow you to prepare overlays in advance for rapid switching
• Support for a wide range of video, audio, and image sources, as well as screenshots
• Expandable via plugins to add NDI functionality, remote control via WebSockets, advanced scene switching, and more
• One notable negative is that OBS Studio does not offer multi-bitrate streaming
• Detailed wiki and highly active user forum for support/help. Many YouTube tutorials are available as well.

Pros: 

• Free to use
• Works with most OVPs
• Works with Windows 8, 8.1, and 10; macOS 10.12+; as well as Linux
• Is open-source for ongoing development and crowdsourced improvements
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Lack of detailed guidance and support
• Very basic compatibility with macOS
• Very taxing on CPU and memory

Pricing:

OBS Studio is free to use for everyone and has a working integration with Dacast. Dacast has developed a customized version of this video encoder software. See for yourself in this tutorial video.

Best Use Case:

OBS Studio is best used as an encoding software along with a professional live streaming platform.

2. Wirecast

Wirecast is an accessible, capable encoding software from the company Telestream. It’s available on Windows PCs and Mac. Wirecast includes regular updates and a wide range of features, from instant replay to integrated video conferencing. Wirecast is available in two versions: Studio and Pro, which includes additional functionality.

Basic Functionality:

Wirecast supports live video compositing via a “layers” architecture similar to many graphics programs. The encoder facilitates live switching, picture-in-picture composition, titles, audio delay, and many other fine-tuning compositional elements.

Wirecast’s video encoder software makes it easy to incorporate pre-recorded video content into your broadcast. It also supports the encoding of HD and SD sources for streams broadcast simultaneously to multiple servers and platforms.

The Wirecast Pro enhanced program adds several other specialized features, including:

• Replay
• Live scoreboards
• Virtual 3D
• Use of IP cameras and web streams
• 8-track audio output

These advanced features of Wirecast Pro make it a better choice than the basic Wirecast program for most live-streamed events. With all those features, Wirecast’s biggest downside may be the price. To start, you can download a free trial version of the basic software.

Key Features:

• Input sources from cameras, mics, webcams, IP cameras, capture cards, and desktops
• Ideal for sports: instant replay, scoreboards, clocks, and timers
• The free wireless camera app allows you to use any iOS device as a video source
• NDI support
• Graphics and titling tool
• Audio mixer and up to 8 audio tracks
• Built-in video conference tool
• Stream to more than one destination simultaneously
• Support for MIDI hardware controllers
• Stream and record simultaneously, with re-stream and live captions options
• Multiple bitrate streaming
• Integrates with Facebook Live and Twitter for sharing comments on-screen
• Includes instant replay, scoreboard, and timers for sports
• Free wireless camera app turns iOS devices into mobile live video sources
• Stream to multiple destinations simultaneously
• Integrated video chat via “Wirecast Rendezvous”
• Local program output

The latest version of Wirecast is 14.3.4. It is the newest full version and was released on November 22nd, 2021. It features several enhancements and fixes, regarding bugs and other technical mishaps with the previous version, and includes FBLive polling, re-written WebStream plugin, and Virtual Camera improvements. To know more about it, you can check out its tech specs here.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, user-friendly platform
• Compatible with most popular operating systems
• Fully loaded with valuable features

Cons:

• High price point
• Many features locked in the “Studio” version
• Consumes a lot of computer memory

Pricing:

The software comes in two versions:

1. Wirecast Studio for enhanced live production & streaming: pricing is $599 with a free trial
2. Wirecast Pro for advanced live production and streaming: pricing is $799 which also comes with a free trial

Bottom line:

OBS Studio is free, open-source streaming software, and Wirecast is a paid tool.

HLS Ingest on Dacast

Although Dacast does not offer an encoding software of its own, OBS Studio has a custom version of the software designed for Dacast users that work seamlessly with our live streaming platform.

This HLS encoder is unique among streaming platforms on the market today because it is free, whereas most other software encoders are paid tools. Additionally, the open-source nature of OBS Studio gives it a wide range of functionality.

Another major advantage of the OBS Studio HLS encoder is that it brings low latency live streaming to mid-range hardware. Many software encoders available today require high-end workstation-grade hardware.

This HLS encoder is lightweight and can run on consumer-grade laptops or desktops. Only an i5 or better processor and 8 GB of RAM are required. This makes it much easier to set up professional-grade live streaming while keeping your budget reasonable.

Yet another benefit is how easy this software is to use. Most stream software solutions require extensive configuration, but we’ve automated most of the common settings for the Dacast version of OBS Studio. 

This means that you can start a stream by simply connecting a video source, pasting your Dacast stream URL, selecting a quality preset, and clicking “Go Live.” Even less experienced broadcasters can go live in just a few moments.

Want to access all of our features and see how our streaming software solution can help you reach your streaming needs?

Encoder Settings on Dacast

Before we wrap things up, let’s quickly review some of the required encoder settings for streaming with Dacast. 

These settings are required for live streaming on our platform, regardless of your selected resolution and bitrate.

Resolution & Bitrate Settings

The following configurations will help you achieve your intended video quality. You can choose from the ultra-low definition, low definition, standard definition, high definition, and full high definition. 

Please ensure that your encoder is set up with these exact settings to help prevent streaming issues.

Conclusion

Live streaming technology is evolving on a regular basis, and as a broadcaster, you want to stay ahead of that cutting edge so that you can produce the best streams possible.

As HLS becomes more common for stream ingest, software and hardware choices are likely to diversify. However, for now, there simply aren’t many streaming solutions on the market that support this process.

If you’re looking for a solution for live video streaming that supports HLS low latency streaming AND which remains affordable and easy-to-use, Dacast may be the right streaming solution for you.

You can try out our online video platform and test all of our professional broadcasting tools risk-free for 14 days. No hefty sign-up fees or credit cards are required.

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Do you have further questions or comments about these stream software applications? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below. For regular live streaming tips and exclusive offers, you can join the Dacast LinkedIn group.