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Stream Troubleshooting

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Lauren J Weber edited this page Feb 14, 2024 · 6 revisions

A guide to identifying and resolving issues encountered while streaming.

Contents

  1. Metallic Buzzing Distorting Stream Audio
  2. Insufficient Uplink Bitrate to Maintain the Stream
  3. PIP Hymn setup actions do not execute
  4. No Audio Coming into OBS
  5. Uploaded Slides not Appearing in OneDrive

Metallic Buzzing Distorting Stream Audio

Issue

The livestream audio suffers from a pulsed metallic buzzing. This artifact is introduced on the streaming computer, so the soundboard operator won't hear it on the monitor headphones, but viewers at home may report it in the chat. It can be confirmed by taking a device (e.g. your smartphone), plugging in a headset, and tuning into the ongoing stream on YouTube. The artifact is discernable in this example.

Solution

This issue is rare, but when it occurs, the streaming computer must be rebooted. If possible, address the issue at a suitable time, e.g. during a hymn:

  1. Acknowledge reports of the issue by posting in the live chat. Inform the remote worshippers that the stream will be interrupted briefly while the issue is addressed. DO NOT end the live event.

  2. In OBS, stop streaming, stop recording. Disconnect Integrated Presenter from switcher. Close Integrated Presenter, OBS, and Chrome. Reboot the PC. N.B. If given the choice between Restart and Restart and Install Updates, select Restart.

  3. As soon as the PC has rebooted, log in, launch Chrome/YouTube Studio, OBS, and Integrated Presenter. Connect to switcher, open the slide deck, and find the slide matching the current point in the worship service or Bible study, whichever is ongoing at the time. The 't' key will take any automation actions (camera shots, graphics) associated with that slide.

  4. Once the program output is as you expect it to be, start recording and start streaming in OBS. Watch the status indicator in YouTube Studio. Within 30 seconds, it should have buffered enough data to resume distributing the stream, and the status light should return to green/excellent.

  5. Post in live chat: apologize for the interruption and state that the audio should be fixed and the stream resumed. Look for confirmation from viewers that all is well. If you have a device (e.g. smartphone) + headset handy, tune into the stream and listen to confirm the audio is clean.

    Note: Rarely, one reboot doesn't solve the audio problem and a second reboot is required.

  6. After service, make a note in the operator's log book as to when the issue happened. When collecting the recordings, get both segments. Put a note (e.g. txt file) in the livestream recordings and livestream audio recordings folders indicating the recordings are segmented between two files. The post-processing operator can combine the segments later in an editor.

Insufficient Uplink Bitrate to Maintain the Stream

Issue

Due to congestion somewhere between the computer and YouTube (e.g. Wi-Fi network, within an ISP), OBS cannot send the ~10Mb/s required to maintain the 1080p stream.

Solution

TODO: Document how to reduce the bitrate in OBS, e.g. drop to 720p or 540p.

PIP Hymn setup actions do not execute

Issue

PIP Hymn setup actions are skipped and do not execute:

image

Solution

PIP Hymn setup actions require Integrated Presenter Condition 2, which is disabled by default:

image

Enable Condition 2 so that the actions will execute.

No Audio Coming into OBS

Issue

OBS shows no audio signal - the VU meters show no audio is present.

Solution 1

In OBS, in "Sources", click on "Dante 1/2". On the "Device" line, it may show something like "device not configured". Click on "Properties", and select "DVS Receive 1-2 (Dante Virtual Soundcard)". Check there sound is now coming from the SQ6. Check that "DVS Receive 1-2 (Dante Virtual Soundcard)" is displayed on the Device line.

Solution 2

In the Windows search bar, search for "Dante". From the search results, open "Dante Virtual Soundcard". Click the Stop button at the bottom. The button will change to read Start. Click Start.

Uploaded Slides not Appearing in OneDrive

Issue

You've uploaded your slides to the dated folder on livestream-slides. When you arrive Sunday, the streaming computer shows that OneDrive folder is empty. Also, trying to copy older files from livestream-slides or livestream-serviceprep to C: results in Error 0x8007016a : Cloud File provider Is Not Working.

Solution:

The cause is not yet known, but the computer can get signed out of OneDrive, meaning the local folder is not syncing with the cloud. To resolve this:

  1. Find the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar. It may have a line or red 'X' through it indicating it's disabled.
  2. Right click the icon and when prompted, sign in using the provided credentials.
  3. OneDrive will begin syncing immediately, and your slides should be available within a minute or two.
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