A revolution in game streaming starts now
The time has finally come, AV1 streaming is now available with OBS Studio software.
The AV1 and HEVC native streaming is now available on YouTube. This functionality has been added to the 29.1 version of OBS Studio which utilizes YouTube RTMP protocol that accepts AV1/HEVC video streams. Unfortunately, this does not mean that the video will be served in the same codec to end users, but at least streaming will now be possible at higher quality at the same bandwidth.
The development team has just released the first BETA of OBS Studio 29.1 with a long list of new features and fixes. This version introduces the new AV1 encoding support but requires proper hardware, such as GeForce RTX 40, Intel Arc or AMD Radeon 7000 series.
OBS Studio AV1 streaming, Source: VideoCardz
It is worth noting that AV1 recording was already possible through OBS Studio, but the new feature extends codec support to streaming. This is mainly because most platforms did not support this codec until now, but it has now been added to Discord and YouTube.
If you want to learn more about AV1 encoding and how it impacts streaming quality, check this guide by EposVox. He explains the best settings for different resolutions and how to utilize the new OBS feature properly. Just bear in mind the video is sponsored by Intel Arc.
OBS Studio 29.1 Beta New Features
- Added a DLL blocking feature for Windows. This allows OBS to block problematic DLLs from attaching to OBS and causing freezing or crashes, for example 3rd party overlay hooks and outdated video capture devices. [notr1ch]
- This blocks old versions of popular VTubing software virtual cameras that are known to cause freezes when accessing video capture device properties. If you are affected, please update to the latest version of your VTubing software.
- Added Update Channels on macOS and updated Sparkle for smaller and faster updates going forward [derrod]
- Added settings to select the audio encoder for streaming and recording [tytan652]
- Added an option to preload media sources used in Stingers to memory, to avoid frame skips during transitions [Jim]
- Added compatibility notices in the Window and Game Capture sources for Windows [derrod]
- Added the ability to zoom browser docks with Ctrl – and + and the right click menu [WizardCM]
- Added a setting to record in fragmented MP4 and MOV formats [derrod]
- These offer greater compatibility than MKV while providing similar resilience against data loss due to crashes, running out of space, etc.
- Fragmented MP4 and MOV files can be remuxed to regular MP4/MOV in cases where the former may not be read correctly (e.g. in older editing software)
- The default recording format has been tentatively changed to fragmented MP4/MOV, please submit your feedback on Discord or the Forums if you run into any issues!
- Added support for surround sound for AJA capture cards [paulh-aja]
- Added ProRes 4444 (XQ) support for VideoToolbox encoder on macOS [jpark37]
- Added lossless audio recording options (FLAC/ALAC/PCM including 32-bit float) [derrod]
- Added indicator if an audio source is unmuted, but not assigned to any audio tracks [derrod]
- Added support for streaming AV1/HEVC over RTMP [YouTube/yuriy-chunak]
- Currently only supported by/enabled for YouTube
- HDR is not yet supported, this restriction may be lifted during the OBS 29.1 beta testing period
- Added support for multiple audio tracks in Simple output recording [pkv]
Source: GitHub
Update: Our reader “Benjamins” sent us this video confirming that the Radeon RX 7900 XTX GPU does indeed support OBS Studio AV1 hardware encoding:
