The TelVue TeleCast 2 encoder can stream to up to 3 destinations at the same time. You can configure more than 3 destinations to manage, but only 3 may be actively streaming simultaneously.
Streaming to Facebook involves sending a single RTMPS stream to Facebook at the highest encode profile configured on your TeleCast 2’s Encoder page. Facebook creates an adaptive bitrate (ABR) stream from the incoming source. Note that Facebook deprecated the use of the RTMP as of May 1, 2019 in favor of the more secure RTMPS protocol. You’ll need TeleCast 2 software version 2.0.4 or later for RTMPS support required for Facebook Live.
Facebook Setup
To create a live stream on Facebook:
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/live/create.
- Click Create Live Stream.
- Choose where you want to post your live broadcast (on your personal page or a page you manage).
- Check the Enable persistent stream key checkbox if you want your stream key to be permanent. If this isn’t selected, you won’t be able to use this stream key again after the stream ends.
- Make note of the Server URL and Stream Key fields. You will need these values when you set up your TeleCast 2.
- Write a description, Title and tags.
Stream Key and Persistent Stream Key
Don’t share your Stream Key or Persistent Stream Key. Anyone who has access to your stream key information can stream video to your post. You won’t be able to use a non-persistent stream key again after your live stream ends. A persistent stream key, which is created by selecting Enable persistent stream key when creating a live stream, is permanent and can be used again after a live stream ends. A persistent stream key is easier to manage with your TeleCast 2, as once it is configured in the Destinations, you do not need to keep editing it. Keep in mind that you can only broadcast one live video at a time with your persistent stream key.
TeleCast 2 Setup
To add the Facebook stream destination on your TeleCast 2:
- Log in to the TeleCast 2.
- Click on the Destinations tab.
- Click New.
- Set the Name to a name of your choosing.
- Set Service to Facebook.
- Paste in the Server URL from Step 5 in Facebook Setup above into the URL field on the TeleCast 2, ensuring to not paste the rtmps:// protocol prefix, as the TeleCast 2 already has that prefix in place.
- Paste in the Stream Key from Step 5 in Facebook Setup above into the Stream field on the TeleCast 2.
- Enable Autostart if you want the TeleCast 2 to automatically start sending to Facebook whenever it boots up. NOTE: Facebook Live is not typically 24×7, so normally you would leave Autostart unchecked.
- Click Save.
- Go to the Dashboard to conveniently start and stop sending to your Facebook Live event by clicking the start/stop buttons for your newly created Facebook Live destination.
Going Live on Facebook
Once you have your TeleCast 2 streaming to Facebook, on the Facebook Live page on Facebook, click Go Live or Schedule.
Clicking “Go Live” immediately begins the live video post. Once live, you will see the red Live indicator appear on the video player.
Why You Should Schedule Your Live Event
Scheduling a live video makes it easier to build anticipation and buzz with your audience before your broadcast begins, so you can start strong with an audience already assembled. When you schedule a live video, an announcement post will be published to News Feed letting your fans on Facebook know that the broadcast is coming. People who see the post can opt in to receive a one-time reminder notification that will alert them shortly before your broadcast begins. Your fans can then join a pre-broadcast lobby directly before the live video starts, where they can connect and interact with other viewers.
You can schedule a live broadcast up to one week in advance, and people can join your lobby three minutes before your broadcast begins. Once you’ve scheduled a live video, you will be able to share a link to the broadcast or embed it in other places, such as websites or blogs.
Once your live video broadcast is finished, the video will appear in your Video Library.
