Playing on Twitch with poor connection
Playing on Twitch with poor connection
Using cable instead of Wi-Fi, correct? No prior streaming experience, but 2 Mbit/s for both video and game is pushing limits. If you have mobile internet, I’d say your ping is decent. However, mobile internet isn’t suitable for anything beyond web browsing or media consumption.
Networking involves factors like your download speed, server distance, and upload capabilities. You likely have sufficient speed for gaming, but using local servers near you may be the best solution. Improving your connection could help, depending on the game. For Twitch, upgrading your internet is the only fix, or you might choose not to stream at all. You could technically increase your bitrate to 1200-1500kbps if needed. What’s the real problem you’re facing?
OBS records a keyframe every two seconds, about ten times bigger than a regular frame. By default, each frame is transmitted to the server as quickly as possible. This leads to lag spikes because the modem must store packets from the PC at 1,000 Mbps and then release them slowly at 2 Mbps. Under heavy load, latency depends on buffer size divided by transmission rate plus any extra delay. There are several options to lower it. Increasing speed helps, but only if the PC can handle it. Enabling TCP pacing stops buffering for a single app, while traffic shaping does so for all apps. Buying more bandwidth reduces lag, though it won’t fully remove it unless it matches or exceeds the PC’s speed. TCP pacing is free and prevents OBS from causing lag, but it doesn’t affect other network devices. Traffic shaping is the most reliable solution—set up QoS or SQM on your router. Your device might not support it; if so, you can update with open-source firmware or purchase one that does.
Thanks! It seems the TCP setting isn't visible in your OBS configuration.
Thanks a lot! Regarding the internet speed, stick with CBR unless you notice significant improvements. For the file format, keep it as is unless the other person mentioned VBR works better for you.
Twitch needs CBR to prevent lag for viewers. Enhanced Streaming with CBR | Twitch Blog