{"id":19492,"date":"2024-01-26T13:48:25","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T10:48:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trueconf.com/blog\/?p=19492"},"modified":"2025-02-04T14:08:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T11:08:56","slug":"video-capturing-customization-and-streaming-using-obs-studio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trueconf.com/blog\/knowledge-base\/video-capturing-customization-and-streaming-using-obs-studio","title":{"rendered":"Video capturing, customization and streaming using OBS Studio"},"content":{"rendered":"

During a video conference, you often have to capture and mix your video layout with third-party content, e.g., crawls, other app windows and brand logos<\/a> if you want to brand your streaming session or recording. Check out the information below and learn how to do all of that using the OBS Studio software mixer.<\/p>\n

OBS Studio is a suite of video recording and streaming software that enables you to capture video and audio from various sources in real time, form scenes, decode, record and stream. You can download the mixer at the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How to add a capture source to OBS Studio<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Create a scene in OBS. Go to the Scenes<\/b> section and add a new one by clicking on the button \"\"<\/a> or use one of the default scenes. If you intend to arrange content in multiple ways for your stream, create a scene for each one.<\/li>\n
  2. Go to the Sources<\/b> section in the lower part of the window.<\/li>\n
  3. Click \"\"<\/a> to select the capture source.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The use cases below capture individual windows, the entire screen and an RTSP stream.<\/p>\n

    Capturing video<\/h2>\n

    Capturing video in multi-window mode<\/h3>\n

    Drag the user\u2019s video window outside your TrueConf app:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Select Window Capture<\/b> in OBS Studio. Change the source name (\u201cWindow Capture\u201d by default) in the pop-up window to make sure you can easily find the components when you further work with the scene. Click the OK<\/b> button to confirm. In the Window drop-down list, select the one you want to capture. In our case, it\u2019s [TrueConf_GL.exe]: Albert Moore<\/code> and click the OK<\/b> button.<\/p>\n

    In the OBS Studio workspace, you\u2019ll see your scene preview along with the captured video window.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Please note that the Albert Moore<\/code> window is captured in original resolution. To resize the captured window, you can do the following:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Increase the size of the Albert Moore<\/code> window that we moved outside the TrueConf app.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Go full screen to maximize the quality of your captured video. The point is that our server adapts to video layouts. This means that it won\u2019t provide high quality as long as the window remains minimized.<\/p>\n

      Please keep in mind that 720p is the highest video quality for each conference participant.<\/p>\n

      This method is the best option if the quality (resolution) of the captured video is important to you.<\/div>\n
        \n
      1. Click a window and pull its corner in the OBS workspace.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

        Once you\u2019ve adjusted the window size, click Start Recording<\/b> or Start Streaming<\/b> in the lower right corner.<\/p>\n

        You can drag and capture not only the video of a separate participant but also the entire conference layout and move it to OBS. To switch to multi-window mode<\/a>, click on the button and select the option Enable multi-window mode<\/b>.<\/p>\n

        Capturing a screen with a second monitor<\/h3>\n

        Display the user\u2019s video window on a second monitor and go full screen.<\/p>\n

        In OBS Studio, select<\/a> Display Capture<\/b>. In the pop-up window, rename the source (\u201cScreen Capture\u201d by default) and click the OK<\/b> button. In the Screen drop-down list, select the one you want to capture. In our case, it\u2019s Screen 2: 1920\u04451080 @ 1920,0<\/code>, and click the OK<\/b> button.<\/p>\n

        You\u2019ll see the resulting scene in the OBS Studio workspace. To start recording or streaming, you need to use the buttons in the Controls<\/b> section in the lower right corner.<\/p>\n

        Display of additional content when streaming<\/h3>\n

        With TrueConf client application for desktops, you can share content in multiple ways.<\/p>\n

        Please note that if you want the content to be accompanied by the audio from your operating system, make sure to check the box Stream system audio.<\/div>\n

        \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Sharing the desktop<\/a> or a separate application window (e.g., a browser window) in one\u2019s own video window. This method is quite easy; however, it has a certain disadvantage: other conference participants will not see you when you will be sharing content.
          \n          \"\"<\/a>
          \nTo do it, click the Screen sharing<\/b> button           \"\"<\/a> which is next to the button for muting\/unmuting speakers.<\/li>\n
        2. Display of content in a separate video window. This method is similar to the previous one. The difference is that when content sharing is started, you need to click the gear icon \"\"<\/a> in the widget and select the option Show my video and content in separate windows<\/b>. When content is shared in a separate window, frame rate is reduced (1 frame per 2 seconds) which is needed for better video quality because this method is more suitable for displaying static content.
          \n          \"\"<\/a>
          \nIf you intend to show content in a separate window, it may be helpful to configure the layout in advance and add the Content<\/b> window to this layout.
          \nTo do it, go to the Conferences<\/b> \u2192 Scheduled conferences<\/b> section in your TrueConf client application. Set the layout as it is described in the           documentation<\/a> when creating a meeting.<\/li>\n
        3. If it is not necessary to display dynamic content, but rather a set of static slides, you may use the Slideshow<\/a><\/b> option. In this case, the slides will be displayed in a separate window, Besides, you will be able to use the widget for managing the slideshow.<\/li>\n
        4. Besides, you can start a separate stream of a video<\/a> or audio<\/a> file without capturing the entire desktop or an application window. Please note that if video is being streamed, it will be displayed only in your video window, instead of the feed from your camera.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Display of selected speakers<\/h3>\n

          When holding a conference, it is not always necessary to display the video of all speakers; sometimes, one can display only a group of speakers selected in advance. For example, there may be the main moderators who will talk to other speakers.<\/p>\n

          It is also possible that certain speakers cannot share their video due to some reason. You can select the group of participants who will be allowed to share their video. In this case, audio will be received without any restrictions from all participants on the podium. For this purpose go to the real-time meeting management section<\/a>, and add only selected participants to the layout. Only the selected participants will be seen, but audio will be received from all speakers (e.g., from every participant in \u201call-on-screen\u201d mode or from the speakers on the podium in a moderated role-based conference). Check the documentation<\/a> for more details on how the layout for other participants can be changed.<\/p>\n

          Virtual backgrounds and background blurring<\/h3>\n

          The background captured by the camera is also an important part of the presentation. You may sometimes be in a room that is not suitable for a video meeting or you may want to brand your video background. TrueConf application provides two options for configuring the background:<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Background blurring.
            \nTo activate this feature, go to the Settings<\/b> \u2192 Audio and video<\/b> \u2192 Video section<\/b>.
            \n            \"\"<\/a>Make sure that the correct camera is selected, and go to the Virtual background<\/a><\/strong> subsection. The No effects<\/strong> option \"\"<\/a> is selected by default. Right next to this option, you can find the Background blurring<\/b> \"\"<\/a> icon which you need to click.
            \n            \"\"<\/a><\/li>\n
          2. Background replacement.
            \nTo use this feature select any of the default images in the Virtual background<\/b> subsection which is in the Settings<\/b> \u2192 Audio and Video<\/b> \u2192 Video section<\/b>. You can also upload a custom image by clicking on the Add background<\/b> option and selecting a file on your computer.
            \n            \"\"<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Adding branding elements to the stream<\/h2>\n

            In many cases, the style and appearance of the stream is equally important to its content. This is why it is critical to consider visual design of a stream. e.g., choose a video background or a static image.<\/p>\n

            You can also add your company’s logo design as a watermark to protect the copyright. The PNG format is the best option for a logo (the transparent background should be used). When all the visual components are ready, you can start adding them to the stream.<\/p>\n

            To do it, you will need to take these steps:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Go to the Sources<\/b> section in OBS and click on the button \"\"<\/a>.<\/li>\n
            2. Depending on the type of background you want to use (static or dynamic), select either Image<\/b> or Media Source<\/b> respectively.<\/li>\n
            3. Select the path to the file on your computer.<\/li>\n
            4. When the selected background is added to the scene, adjust its size.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              The logo can be uploaded in the same way; once it is done, drag it to the selected part of the screen.<\/p>\n

              To avoid potential problems, one should consider the order in which the sources are located. For example, if you put the logo in the Sources<\/b> column. below the background, the logo will be \u201cbehind\u201d the background, in other words, it will not be seen.<\/p>\n

              The most convenient order of sources is as follows; Logo \u2192 Main Shared Content \u2192 Background. Similarly, by using multiple layers, you can create any scene for streaming, for example, a speaker can be displayed on the left while on the right side, there can be the chat with questions or a slideshow.<\/p>\n

              \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

              If you want to replace the background in the video window layout (gray is selected by default), go to the Settings<\/b> menu of TrueConf application and select the Appearance<\/a><\/b> option. Here, you can find multiple default backgrounds or upload a custom background. This may be helpful if video windows do not take up the entire screen. In such a case, you can change the default background or choose something more engaging depending on the effect you want to achieve.<\/p>\n

              \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

              Noise suppression<\/h2>\n

              Audio quality is an important part of any conference. since it determines how well speakers can get their points across. To improve audio quality, one should use such a feature as noise suppression that is needed for removing all external noises that may be heard during a stream. Certainly, it is possible to make use of third-party mixers or configure noise suppression in OBS. However, there is a more convenient way: you can enable this feature directly in TrueConf. Noise suppression in TrueConf is based on AI (machine learning) algorithms which make it possible to remove all types of noises: construction noises, dog barking, sound of key presses, and so forth.<\/p>\n

              To do it, go to the Settings<\/b> \u2192 Audio and video<\/b> \u2192 Audio section<\/b>. Here, you can select, test, and configure the devices for audio input and output so that they could meet your requirements. Below, you can find multiple options, including Noise suppression<\/b>. Besides, noise suppression can be activated at any time during a conference by clicking on the button \"\"<\/a> which is next to the microphone icon. Check the documentation<\/a> for more details on how noise suppression can be activated.<\/p>\n

              However, noise suppression works only inside TrueConf client applications; for example, it will not affect the stream via OBS. In case it is necessary to use noise suppression during a stream, you need to enable this feature within OBS.<\/p>\n

              To do it, take these steps:<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. \n
                  \n
                1. Go to the current scene or create a new one.<\/li>\n
                2. Select\/add a new Audio Input Capture<\/b> source.<\/li>\n
                3. Right click on this source and select Filters<\/b> in the context menu.<\/li>\n
                4. Click the button \"\"<\/a> in the pop-up window and select Noise Suppression<\/b>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Add a name for this filter and select one of the recommended modes depending on the power of your device.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    If it is necessary to configure noise suppression in a more flexible way use the Noise gate filter and select the parameters that will fit your particular case.
                    \n                    \"\"<\/a>
                    \nAdd a filter in the way described above. Then, configure it in the Filters menu.<\/div>\n

                    Capturing an RTSP stream from the server while the streaming session is running<\/h2>\n
                    Please note that an RTSP stream in OBS Studio will be time-lagged (several seconds) if you use this method.<\/div>\n

                    You can add an RTSP stream to the scene as a source, for example, it is possible to add the stream of another TrueConf conference to your event. For this purpose, you will need access to the TrueConf Server<\/strong> control panel (check the documentation<\/a> for more details about this solution). Otherwise, the administrator of your server will first need to configure streaming for this conference.<\/p>\n

                    To add an RTSP stream to OBS Studio, take the following steps:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Set up RTSP Pull in Group Conferences<\/strong> \u2192 Streaming<\/strong>. Read our documentation<\/a> to learn more.<\/li>\n
                    2. In the conference settings (Advanced<\/strong> \u2192 Streaming<\/strong>), check the Enable Streaming<\/strong> box and select a preset with your configuration name:
                      \n                      \"\"<\/a><\/li>\n
                    3. Go back to the conference list and select your event. On the Information<\/strong> tab (the Integration<\/strong> item), click Available options<\/strong> (1) and copy the stream link (2).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

                      Go to OBS Studio and add<\/a> Media Source<\/b>. In the pop-up window, rename the source (\u201cMedia Source\u201d by default) and click the OK<\/b> button. Uncheck the Local File<\/b> box, paste the copied RTSP stream link into the Input<\/b> field and click the OK<\/b> button.<\/p>\n

                      Once the event has kicked off, a video layout will be displayed in the OBS Studio workspace. If you want to crop some parts of the video window, move the borders of the captured video in the workspace while holding down the Alt<\/b> key. The video area border will change its color to green:<\/p>\n

                      \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

                      After adjusting the window size and border, click the Start Recording<\/b> or Start Streaming<\/b> button.<\/p>\n

                      Capturing video from TrueConf Room<\/h2>\n
                      To make sure this option works, you need to have a second screen connected.<\/div>\n
                        \n
                      1. Create or join a conference as a moderator using TrueConf Room, conference room application.<\/li>\n
                      2. In the conference control panel (the Change Layout<\/strong> section), move the required window to the second screen. Read more in our documentation<\/a>.<\/li>\n
                      3. Capture the screen as described here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Adding additional audio stream<\/h2>\n

                        You may need to add an extra audio stream to the resulting scene, for example, quiet background music during a pause between talks or when it is needed to capture video in multi-window mode.<\/p>\n

                        Please note that all audio sources in OBS Studio are captured automatically. However, if necessary, you can change the default behavior or select audio sources separately.<\/div>\n

                        Select the required Scene and go to the Audio mixer<\/b> section. You will see that by default the application captures the audio from the desktop (the Desktop<\/b> option) and the audio from the available microphone (the Audio input<\/b> option). Each of these audio sources can be disabled by clicking on the button \"\"<\/a>.<\/p>\n

                        After you disable all unnecessary capture sources, go to the Sources<\/b> column. Create a new source by clicking on the Add<\/b> button<\/a>. You will need to select one of the recommended audio capture options in the context menu: Audio Input capture<\/b>, Audio Output Capture<\/b>, Media Source<\/b>, or Application Audio Capture<\/b>.<\/p>\n

                        Capturing audio is no different from capturing video. You need to add the source<\/a> Media Source<\/b>. Rename the added source if necessary and click the OK<\/b> button. In the next window (the Local File<\/b> field), select the required audio file and press OK.<\/p>\n

                        Setting up streaming sessions<\/h2>\n

                        We\u2019ll be showing you a stream setup case for YouTube.<\/p>\n

                        If you need to stream a conference with standard layout settings to external services, read the relevant section of our knowledge base<\/a>.<\/div>\n

                        In the OBS Studio window, go to File<\/b> \u2192 Settings<\/b> \u2192 Stream<\/b>. In the Service<\/b> drop-down list, select YouTube – RTMPS<\/b>, while in the Server<\/b> item, select Primary YouTube ingest server<\/b>. Next, you have two options to set up your stream.<\/p>\n

                        Option 1: Using an account<\/h3>\n

                        In the stream settings window, click the Connect Account<\/b> button. In your default browser, the Google account login page will open. Select your account from the list or log in with your credentials (1). On that page, allow the OBS app to access your account by clicking the Continue<\/b> button (2).<\/p>\n

                        \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

                        After that, return to OBS Studio and make sure the name of your YouTube channel is displayed in the Connected Account<\/b> line.<\/p>\n

                        Click the Apply<\/b> and OK<\/b> buttons in sequence. You\u2019ll see the YouTube Chat window; if you aren\u2019t planning to use the chat, you can close it.<\/p>\n

                        In the OBS Studio window, click the Manage Broadcast<\/b> button and adjust the required parameters:<\/p>\n