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iPad Console: Using the Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator

You can monitor broadcast quality in real time as you're streaming video.

Good network connectivity is essential for quality video streaming. With the SlingStudio Console Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator, you can monitor live broadcast network quality in real time as you're streaming your program.

With SlingStudio Console for iPad, you can do this in either of two ways:

  • Access the full-sized Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator at any time;
  • Review the Internet Connectivity thumbnail image that's within the SlingStudio Console Dashboard.

Using the full-sized Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator

To review the SlingStudio Console Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator:

  1. Set up a live streaming project and begin streaming.
    Note that the Program window shows broadcast information along its bottom edge.
  2. Within this broadcast information strip, tap QUALITY.
    The LIVE BROADCASTING QUALITY INDICATOR opens.

Using the Internet Connectivity thumbnail in the Dashboard

The SlingStudio Console Dashboard also displays handy Internet connectivity information:

  1. Set up a live streaming project, and begin streaming.
  2. Tap the Dashboard icon along the left edge of the Console main window.
    The Dashboard opens.
  3. At the bottom of the Dashboard, you see the INTERNET CONNECTIVITY thumbnail image displaying real-time bit rate data, just as the Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator does.
  4. You can also view additional helpful data here:
    1. Next to Upload Speed, tap View to review the most recent upload speed test for the network to which your SlingStudio unit is currently connected for Internet access.
    2. Next to Stream Quality, tap View to see the full-size Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator.

What does the Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator show?

The Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator displays:

  • The broadcast bit rate setting that you've chosen—this is the same as the Program Bit Rate that you've specified in Project Settings;
  • A live display of the bit rate that the network is currently providing—this is the stream upload bit rate, or the network bandwidth that's available to upload your live stream via your Internet connection.

You can use color codes to determine network quality at a glance:

GOOD: When your Internet connection's network bandwidth is good, then the stream upload bit rate should be the same as the program bit rate that you specified for your project. The Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator shows your stream is in the GOOD, or green zone.

MARGINAL: When your Internet connection's network bandwidth starts fluctuating, it is a warning that your current Internet connection might not be able to maintain a stream upload bit rate that is as high as your chosen Program Bit Rate. This is indicated by your stream being in the MARGINAL, or orange zone.

POOR: If your Internet connection's network bandwidth gets even poorer, then the Indicator goes into the POOR, or red zone.

Solutions for MARGINAL or POOR network quality:

  • If possible: Before you begin streaming, try to connect to a network that offers a sustained, high-quality Internet connection with good bandwidth.
  • Reduce the Program Bit Rate that you've chosen until the Indicator is back in the GREEN zone.
    Shortcut: Do this using by tapping the Change Program bit rate link.
  • Switch the Internet connection to a network that offers better sustained bandwidth.
    IMPORTANT: Switching networks interrupts live streaming.

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