OBS Settings

Why Use Open Broadcaster Software?

Not only is OBS free to use but it uses fewer resources than the typical commercial alternative. This results in a user allowing to utilize their computer more when streaming; for example, with XSplit or FFSplit it might be difficult to stream 1080p/30fps or 720p/30fps smoothly, but with OBS, it can do both without taking as much of a performance hit.

Capturing Star Traders: Frontiers

Star Traders: Frontiers may not work in "Window Capture" mode. We recommend that you use "Monitor Capture" or "Game Capture" for good results.
It is also highly advised to use a separate mic for best audio quality. Be sure to adjust the audio beforehand. Doing a few recording tests to ensure proper audio mix and volumes *before* you begin streaming.

Other OBS Notes

Do not use a chroma key unless you are using a green screen.

Setting Up OBS

If you have any questions and they are not answered on this page, check out the OBS Wiki and OBS Forum. Also, please feel free to ask folks directly in the official Trese Brothers Discord.

Download OBS.

Install/extract then run OBS. [1]

You will have to create scenes manually. 

To do this:

1. Right-click in the 'Scenes' box.
2. Select 'Add Scene'.
3. Name your scene.

Also in this box, you can add a hotkey to quickly switch between scenes. To do this:

1. Right-click the Scene you wish to give a hotkey.
2. Select 'Set Hotkey'.
3. Input the key(s) you wish to use.

Now add some sources to the scene. You can do this one of two ways:

1. Adding sources individually to each scene.
2. Adding sources as a global function.

If you are unsure whether either makes a difference, go through both options.

For individual:

1. Right-click on the 'Sources' box.
2. Select which kind of Source you wish to add. Software Capture Source is the OBS equivalent of Screen Region from XSplit, Bitmap is to add an image file (overlay) and Video. Capture Device is to add a webcam or third-party screen capturing device (e.g. Dxtory, Camtasia).
3. Name your source whatever you wish.
4. Again: Star Traders: Frontiers may not work in "Window Capture" mode. We recommend that you use "Monitor Capture" or "Game Capture" for good results

For global, click on global sources, then click add. Repeat steps as above.

Once you have added your sources, click on 'Edit Scene' to start adjusting each source (size/placement). A rectangular, red border should come up, where you can begin to adjust the source.

Rinse and repeat for every scene and every source you need to do.

For those that use overlays/webcams, you'll have to mess around with the source priority list. To do this, click on a source, then right-click, and depending on what sources you would want on top/below, you can move them up or move them down.

To see these scenes in effect, click 'Show Preview'. You can adjust scenes while the preview is both on or off.

Now take a look at the settings menu.

General: Settings that cover a lot of bases and do not fit elsewhere.

Encoding: For those unsure on what to set, refer to this and this for a rough idea on what bitrate you can stream at. For audio, you should consider using AAC/128, but it's personal preference.

Broadcast Settings: Unless you are only using OBS to locally record, the mode should be set to Live Stream. Streaming service is self-explanatory, but if you are not using Twitch/Own3d, you'll have to manually input the Channel Name/Stream Key/Server. For those on Twitch, your Stream Key can be found on Twitch. For the server setting, select the one that provides the best ping for you. Leave the rest of the settings alone unless you know what you are doing.

Video: Your base resolution should be the resolution of the main monitor you are streaming. If you wish to downscale your resolution for streaming (for example, down to 720p), you can select it with the drop-down. FPS is self-explanatory, in that it deals with your frames per second. Aero should be disabled if you are planning to stream with the software capture option.

Audio: Choose the settings that work best for you.

Advanced: Do not touch unless you know what you are doing. A guide regarding more advanced options may be included later.