Model guides
Becoming a star: Advanced level
4 Improve broadcast in HD
So, what if we already broadcast using OBS and we want to take it to the next level?
First we have to consider what factors can change the quality:
- The quality and stability of our internet connection.
- The type of computer we use.
- The quality of our broadcasting equipment: camera and microphone, among others.
With this in mind, we can review the different configurations that can be applied while broadcasting:
- Basic Settings [SD]
- Medium Settings [SD+]
- Advanced Settings [HD]
- Ultimate Settings [Full HD]
Basic Settings [SD]
We can use this setting if we don’t have the possibility to upgrade our equipment, ensuring a smooth broadcast without interruptions.
What do we need?
- A computer and camera
- Minimum 10 Mbps internet
Settings in OBS
- Output
- Audio
- Video
Output
- Output mode: Advanced
- Audio Track: 1
- Encoder: Software (x264)
- Frequency Control: CBR
- Video Bitrate: 900 Kbps
- Key frame interval: 1
- CPU usage profile: Ultrafast
- Profile: Baseline
- Tuning: Zerolatency
Audio
- Sample rate: 44.1 KHz
Video
- Baseline resolution (Canvas): 720×480 or 1280×720
- Output resolution (Scaling): 720×480 or 1280×720
- Scaling Filter: Bilinear
- Common FPS values: 20
Medium Settings [SD+]
We can use this setting if we don’t have all the necessary equipment yet, but can improve the camera quality and internet connection.
What do we need?
- A modern computer and HD camera
- Minimum 30 Mbps internet
Settings in OBS
- Output
- Audio
- Video
Output
- Output mode: Advanced
- Audio Track: 1
- Encoder: Software (x264)
- Frequency Control: CBR
- Video Bitrate: 1500 Kbps
- Key frame interval: 1
- CPU usage profile: Ultrafast
- Profile: Baseline
- Tuning: Zerolatency
Audio
- Sample rate: 44.1 KHz
Video
- Baseline resolution (Canvas): 854×480 or 1280×720
- Output resolution (Scaling): 854×480 or 1280×720
- Scaling Filter: Bicubic (Fine scaling, 16 samples)
- Common FPS values: 24 NTSC
Advanced Settings [HD]
We can use this setting if we have already acquired good equipment for our broadcasts but want to maintain a balance between quality and performance.
What do we need?
- A powerful computer and HD camera
- Minimum 100 Mbps Fiber Optic internet connected via Ethernet cable (no WiFi)
Settings in OBS
- Output
- Audio
- Video
Output
- Output mode: Advanced
- Audio Track: 1
- Encoder: Software (x264)
- Frequency Control: CBR
- Video Bitrate: 2500 Kbps
- Key frame interval: 1
- CPU usage profile: Medium
- Profile: Baseline
- Tuning: Zerolatency
Audio
- Sample rate: 44.1 KHz
Video
- Baseline resolution (Canvas): 1920×1080
- Output resolution (Scaling): 1920×1080
- Scaling Filter: Bicubic (Fine scaling, 16 samples)
- Common FPS values: 30
Ultimate Settings [Full HD]
We can use this setting if we have already acquired good equipment for our broadcasts and we want to increase the quality even more.
What do we need?
- A very powerful computer and HD camera
- Minimum 100 Mbps Fiber Optic internet connected via Ethernet cable (no WiFi)
- Good lighting setup to get the most out of the camera
Settings in OBS
- Output
- Audio
- Video
Output
- Output mode: Advanced
- Audio Track: 1
- Encoder: Software (x264)
- Frequency Control: CBR
- Video Bitrate: 3500 Kbps
- Key frame interval: 1
- CPU usage profile: Medium
- Profile: Baseline
- Tuning: Zerolatency
Audio
- Sample rate: 44.1 KHz
Video
- Baseline resolution (Canvas): 1920×1080
- Output resolution (Scaling): 1920×1080
- Scaling Filter: Bicubic (Fine scaling, 16 samples)
- Common FPS values: 30
Now that we know more about each option, we can select the most suitable one for our equipment – no doubt, we’re gonna improve the quality of our shows!