'Pull' Live Webcast
When Windows Media Services 'Pulls' the content from the encoder, the server connects to the encoder stream in progress and pulls the content. The primary advantage of 'Pulling'  the encoder is the auto re-connect feature. If you lose your connection to the server, the server will re-connect to your encoder automatically once your Internet connection resumes.

In order to stream in a 'pull' configuration you must have a static IP address. If your encoding computer is behind a router, your router must also be configured to port forward.

To start a live "Pull" stream with Windows Media Encoder:

Install the encoder with the default installation settings, click here to download

1.       Start the encoder and double click "Broadcast a Live Event"

2.       Select your source(s): audio and/or video.

If you have more than one sound card you can select it from the list. Make sure you select the sound device that your audio signal is connected to.

3.       Set your output to [Pull] on port [8080] (or another port if you like)

4.       Select your bit rate.

5.       The next window asks if you would like to archive a copy of the broadcast to your hard drive. Only select this option if you:

a. have plenty of hard drive space
b. have sufficient processing power
    (this option takes a significant toll on  your processing capability)
c. require an archived copy of what you are broadcasting

6.       Enter the "Display Information"

The enclosed stream information will show up in the Windows Media player window of your listeners computer screen.

Title: The name of your stream
Author: The name of your stream author
Copyright: Any relevant Copyright information you wish your users to see
Rating: The stream's rating
Description: Any additional information you wish to include

Click next when you have put in all the information

7.       Enter "Settings Review"

This window allows you to review your settings before you begin to broadcast live. 

8.       Start your encoder

Located on the top toolbar there should be a green button that says "Start Encoding".
When you are ready to start encoding, press this button and you are live.

Make sure the encoder says [Encoder Broadcasting] in the bottom left of the encoder screen. If you are behind a router, make sure your router is set to forward port 8080 to the machine on your local area network (LAN) that is running the encoder. This is required so that the encoder can handle requests on port 8080.

Go to http://www.netro.ca/Support/YourCurrentIpAddress/tabid/342/Default.aspx to confirm your IP address. This page will provide you with your actual "Internet IP Address"

Things to look for:

·          You should see your audio bars moving up and down. If they are not moving, click the mixer button below the audio bars and try selecting different channels on your soundcard.

·          You want to make sure your CPU load is below 50% (you can find this indicator in the bottom right)

·          You should also take note of your total bit rate.

·          You should see a set of 5 small green bars moving horizontally across the bottom of the encoder window.

Testing Your Live Stream

Open your Windows Media Player and click on [File] then [Open URL]. If you enter your IP address and port number here you should be able to connect directly to your encoder.

If you are unable to connect to your encoder, then the two most common issues are:

1.       you are behind a firewall and need to port forward your router.

          Solution:

             1. Visit: http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm

             2. Select your router's make and model

             3. Select the "HTTP" protocol

             4. Follow the instructions using your chosen port number instead of the default 80

2.       you are trying to distribute your content at a bit rate your modem up-stream capability cannot handle effectively.

           Solution:

              1. Visit:  http://www.broadbandreports.com/speedtest?more=1

             2. Select a new bitrate that is less than half of your average upload speed.

Moving Forward

You can learn more about Bitrates here.

OR

You can move forward here.