> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.3q.video/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.3q.video/user-guide-new-ui/projects/livestreaming/signal-guidelines.md).

# Signal Guidelines

To ensure uninterrupted livestream delivery and optimal quality, the incoming signal must be delivered to the platform with sufficient quality and via a reliable connection. Please consider the following recommendations carefully.

### Compatible Encoders

In general, the 3Q streaming platform is compatible with all encoders that support the streaming protocols used by the platform. This includes most professional hardware and software encoders commonly used in live production workflows.

While many encoders are technically supported, we strongly recommend testing your chosen encoder thoroughly before using it in a production environment. Encoder behavior can vary depending on configuration, firmware, and network conditions, and proper testing helps ensure stable ingest and reliable stream quality.

#### Hardware

| Manufacturer | Supported Protocols |
| ------------ | ------------------- |
| Haivision    | RTMP, SRT           |
| Teradek      | RTMP, SRT           |
| AJA HELO     | RTMP                |

#### Software

| Product            | Supported Protocols |
| ------------------ | ------------------- |
| Wirecast           | RTMP                |
| OBS                | RTMP                |
| XSplit Broadcaster | RTMP, SRT           |
| FFmpeg             | RTMP, SRT           |
| vMix               | RTMP, SRT           |

***

### Recommended Resolutions, Bitrates, and Frame rates

<table><thead><tr><th width="119.90234375">Resolution</th><th>Frame Rate</th><th>Minimum Bitrate</th><th width="160.6484375">Recommended Bitrate</th><th>Maximum Bitrate</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1080p</strong></td><td>25–29.97 fps</td><td>3 Mbit/s</td><td>6 Mbit/s</td><td>10 Mbit/s</td></tr><tr><td><strong>1080p</strong></td><td>50–60 fps</td><td>6 Mbit/s</td><td>8 Mbit/s</td><td>12 Mbit/s</td></tr><tr><td><strong>720p</strong></td><td>25–29.97 fps</td><td>2.5 Mbit/s</td><td>4 Mbit/s</td><td>6 Mbit/s</td></tr><tr><td><strong>720p</strong></td><td>50–60 fps</td><td>4 Mbit/s</td><td>5 Mbit/s</td><td>8 Mbit/s</td></tr></tbody></table>

Note on Frame Rates

* **25–29.97 fps** is recommended for most standard broadcasts and presentations.
* **50–60 fps** is recommended for sports, motion-heavy content, or detailed screen captures.
* Higher frame rates require **significantly more upload bandwidth** and a stable connection.

#### Video Settings

{% hint style="info" %}
Using **CBR encoding** and correctly configured **keyframe intervals** is essential for a stable and reliable livestream.
{% endhint %}

| Setting            | Recommendation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Codec              | H.264, H.265, VP9                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| Resolution         | 1920x1080                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| Frame rate         | <p><strong>Supported frame rates</strong> are <strong>25</strong>, <strong>30 (29.97)</strong>, <strong>50</strong>, and <strong>60 (59.94)</strong> frames per second, using <strong>progressive scan</strong>.</p><p></p><p>For higher resolutions (<strong>2K and above</strong>), frame rates are currently limited to <strong>25–30 fps</strong>.</p> |
| Bitrate            | see, [Recommended Resolutions, Bitrates](#recommended-resolutions-bitrates-and-frame-rates).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| Bitrate Mode       | CBR                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| Keyframes          | Every 2 seconds, or 1 second for low latency                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| Level              | ≥ 4.1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| Profile            | Main or higher (High for 1080p)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| Scene Cut          | Disabled                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| Keyframe Alignment | Enabled (align on PTS)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

#### Audio Settings

| Setting     | Recommendation                        |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Codec       | AAC, VORBIS (for VP9), OPUS (for VP9) |
| Sample Rate | 44,1 or 48 kHz                        |
| Bitrate     | 192 kbit/s or higher                  |

### Network Requirements

* The internet connection used for the livestream must be **stable, uninterrupted, and dedicated** exclusively to the livestream. This should be clarified and prepared well in advance.
* A **technical contact person on site** is required. This person must be authorized and capable of configuring and testing the network according to the specified requirements.
* To deliver an **HD livestream in 1080p at 25 fps (approx. 6 Mbit/s)**, a **minimum upload bandwidth of 10 Mbit/s** is required.
* Always use **wired network connections (Ethernet)**. **Wi-Fi connections are strongly discouraged.**

***

### Firewall

The following ports must be accessible from the streaming location.

#### RTMP

* **Ports:** TCP 1935, 80 (443 using RTMPS)

#### SRT

* **Ports:**\
  An individual port is defined per livestream

***

### Internet Connection

The maximum upload bandwidth of your internet connection directly impacts the **stability, resolution, and bitrate** of the incoming signal.

You can test your upload bandwidth using the following services:

* <https://www.speedtest.net>
* <https://fast.com/>
* <https://www.wieistmeineip.de/speedtest/>

#### Bandwidth Recommendation

* Use **no more than two-thirds (≈ 66%)** of the upload bandwidth specified by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
* Ensure that **no other users or applications** are using the same connection during the livestream.
* If the connection is **not dedicated**, the full upload bandwidth may not be available consistently.


---

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