Auto-start lets you configure a channel's preview and live stream to begin automatically at a set offset from the Event's scheduled start time. This guide walks you through configuring auto-start when you create or edit an Event.
In this article:
Configure auto-start
- Create or edit an Event. Auto-start settings are available in both flows.
- Under auto-start, select the offset for Preview: the amount of time before the Event's scheduled start time when the preview should begin.
- Select the offset for Go-Live: the amount of time before the Event's scheduled start time when the live stream should begin.
Auto-start options when creating an Event
Auto-start options when editing Event details
The system applies both offsets to the Event's scheduled start time, calculated as "scheduled start time minus offset." At the calculated preview time, the system starts the streaming server. At the calculated go-live time, the channel goes on air.
Considerations
Auto-start applies to both the preview and live streams, and pairs well with cameras and encoders that are operated remotely or set to start automatically.
For example, for an Event scheduled to start at 2 PM with a 30-minute preview offset, the preview is ready to receive data from the encoder at 1:30 PM. With a 5-minute go-live offset, the live stream begins on the channel page at 1:55 PM: the player shows the contribution feed, and the Event status changes to On Air.
When the preview auto-start time arrives, the system starts the streaming server, and the player shows "Waiting for stream data" until your encoder connects. Once connected, the preview player in the Control Room displays the contribution feed.
Send your stream to the streaming server soon after the preview begins. The streaming server can become unstable if it does not receive data within 20 minutes, which affects the reliability of your stream.
When the go-live auto-start time arrives, the channel status changes to On Air and the player displays the contribution feed. If there's no contribution feed, the player displays "Please stand by. The live stream will start shortly."