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Connect an SRT or WHIP encoder

Create a stream that receives SRT or WebRTC (WHIP) and copy its address into your encoder or streaming software.

Before you start

  • Your encoder or streaming software can publish over SRT or over WHIP.
  • SRT suits remote feeds and unstable networks; WHIP gives the lowest delay when your software already supports WebRTC publishing.

Steps

  1. 1
    Open the dashboard, click STREAMS in the tab row and click Create Stream.
  2. 2
    Type the Stream Title and, under Protocol, pick SRT or WHIP. The list starts on CAMERA, so change it here.
  3. 3
    Click Create Stream. The new card appears in the list; click the gear icon on it to open the stream page.
  4. 4
    In the right column, open the Connection panel. Under Primary stream you see the Primary URL. While it shows Generating..., wait a moment.
  5. 5
    SRT: copy the Primary URL — the full SRT address with the stream ID inside — and paste it into the server or URL field of your encoder. If the software also asks for a stream key, leave that field empty.
  6. 6
    SRT on a hardware encoder with separate fields: click the gear on the Primary stream block to open SRT parameters. Copy Host, Port and SRT Stream ID from there; Latency and encryption are shown as they are set for the stream.
  7. 7
    WHIP: copy the Primary URL and paste it into the WHIP server field of your software. The address already carries your stream key in its path; the WHIP key row below shows the same key on its own.
  8. 8
    Start sending from the encoder. Start Stream becomes available once DCAST receives your signal — until then its tooltip says it is waiting for the publisher.
  9. 9
    Click Start Stream to put the broadcast on air for viewers.

Expected result

The Preview tab shows your picture, Start Stream is available, and after you press it the watch page plays your broadcast.

Common problems

Start Stream stays inactive.

DCAST is not receiving your signal yet. Compare the address in the encoder with the Primary URL character by character and make sure the encoder is actually sending.

My software has no SRT or WHIP option.

Create the stream with RTMP instead — almost every encoder can send it. The protocol is chosen when the stream is created.

Copy says there is nothing to copy yet.

The address is still being prepared. Wait until Generating... is replaced by the address and copy again.

Someone else may know my address.

The SRT and WHIP addresses contain your stream key, so treat them like a password. Use the reset button next to the key to issue a new one, then update your encoder.

Connect an SRT or WHIP encoder | DCAST Docs