|
|
| "I keep getting the 'stream is offline' video even though it is listed on the Live Cams page." |
|
 |
If the stream you are trying to watch flicks to the 'offline' video immediately: |
 |
|
|
| |
 |
The reason you are having this problem is because the broadcaster has used up their concurrent allowances on Camstreams. The minimum amount of server resources a broadcaster will be allocated is 500kbps and 15 viewers, whichever comes first.
To try and explain it more fully, instead of allocating so much 'data transfer' for each broadcaster and then having to restrict their access if they go over it, we allocate a slice of 'streaming time', measured in maximum bandwidth and viewer numbers. This is measured continuously, with every new viewer that connects to their stream. Broadcasters are set up with a default stream bitrate setting of 64kbps. This means they can reach 7 viewers, if their bandwidth limit is 500kbps. (500 divided by 64 = 7.8125). In this case, the bandwidth limit has been reached first - however, if the broadcaster decided to run a 30kbps stream, they would only be able to reach 15 viewers (even though 500 divided by 30 = 16.6) because of the viewer cap.
The combination of the bandwidth and viewer allocations allows for the broadcaster to be flexible with the bit rates they deliver and the target audience they are trying to reach. It also helps us plan and maintain a level of service we are happy with, where there will be minimal risk of a sudden spike on resources which could degrade the services' performance for other users.
Should you never be able to get on the stream, because it is always apparently 'maxed out', try contacting the broadcaster (if you can) to ask them to request a bandwidth / viewer boost, which we will consider on a case-by-case basis. However, if the broadcaster has failed to set their encoder up properly and are streaming at a high bitrate that allows for very few viewers, we suggest you talk to them about lowering their bitrate so they can accommodate you. It's surprising how good streams can look, even at extremely low rates like 30kbps!
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
If the stream says 'Waiting' for a long time, then switches to the 'offline' video: |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
You will encounter this problem if the broadcaster is running their encoder but haven't pressed the 'Start Encoding' button yet. This can also happen if the encoder has encountered an error while crunching the stream, because the encoder will still be allowing a connection to be made. You will just have to wait and see if the broadcaster corrects the issue!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
