Live Streaming Workflow -- FAQs

Modified on Thu, 11 Jun at 4:43 PM

Live Streaming Workflow Updates – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Questions
Stream URL & Stream Key Questions
Encoder & Streaming Questions
Batch Scheduling
Event Provisioning & Timing
Event Statuses
END Button Questions
External Media Source Questions
Support
Related Articles

General Questions

1. Why was the streaming workflow changed?

The streaming workflow was updated to improve reliability and eliminate stream conflicts caused by multiple events sharing the same pub point.

Benefits include:

Unique Stream URL and Stream Key for every event
Elimination of shared pub point conflicts
Easier sharing of stream credentials
Improved support for overlapping events
Simplified event management

2. Are pub points still used for standard RTMP streaming?

No.

Standard RTMP live events no longer use shared pub points. Each event automatically receives its own Stream URL and Stream Key.

3. Can I reuse a Stream URL or Stream Key from a previous event?

No.

Each live event generates unique streaming credentials that cannot be reused.

Stream URL & Stream Key Questions

4. Where do I find my Stream URL and Stream Key?

Within the Live Events section, each RTMP event includes:

Copy Stream URL
Copy Stream Key

These can be copied directly into your encoder.

5. The Copy Stream URL or Copy Stream Key button isn't working. What should I do?

The Copy Stream URL and Copy Stream Key buttons should be available immediately after the event is created.

If either button is not responding or appears unavailable, simply refresh the page and try again.

If the issue persists after refreshing, contact SIDEARM Support for assistance.

6. Can I export Stream URLs and Stream Keys for multiple events?

Yes.

Use the Export Table feature within Live Events.

The exported CSV includes:

Event Title
Sport
Stream URL
Stream Key
Event Start Time
Event End Time

This is useful when distributing credentials to production teams or broadcasters.

7. What information is included in the Export Table?

The export contains:

Event Title
Sport
HLS URL
RTMP Stream URL
RTMP Stream Key
Event Start Time
Event End Time

Encoder & Streaming Questions

8. Which encoders are supported?

Any RTMP-compatible encoder, including:

OBS
Wirecast
vMix
TriCaster
LiveU
Hardware Encoders
Production Trucks

9. Do I still need to configure a pub point?

No.

Simply enter the generated Stream URL and Stream Key into your encoder settings.

10. What happens if I enter the wrong Stream Key?

Your encoder connection will fail and the stream will not be delivered to the event.

Always verify credentials before going live.

11. What if I am streaming multiple games in one day?

Each event receives unique credentials.

Be sure to update your encoder configuration before each event.

Batch Scheduling

12. What is Batch Scheduling?

Batch Scheduling allows multiple live events to be created simultaneously from the Schedules section of the CMS.

13. Why should I use Batch Scheduling?

Batch Scheduling can:

Save setup time
Create multiple events at once
Generate all Stream URLs and Stream Keys in a single process
Simplify credential distribution

14. Where can I find instructions for Batch Scheduling?

Please see the dedicated Batch Scheduling article:

https://support.sidearmsports.com/a/solutions/articles/4000229789

15. How do I know if Batch Scheduling completed successfully?

After selecting Batch Add Events:

A progress bar appears at the bottom of the screen
The progress bar advances as events are created
The page automatically refreshes once complete
A red AA icon appears beside each scheduled game with a broadcast assigned

Use the Export Table feature to generate a CSV containing all event credentials.

This file can easily be shared with:

Production teams
Broadcasters
Freelancers
Campus video staff

Event Provisioning & Timing

17. Why can't I create an event that starts immediately?

Live events require approximately six minutes of provisioning time before encoder connections become available.

18. What is provisioning?

Provisioning is the process of preparing the streaming infrastructure for a newly created event.

During provisioning, encoder connections may not be available.

19. How far in advance should I create events?

Minimum: 6 minutes before connecting your encoder.

Recommended: 30 minutes or more before game time.

20. What happens if I try to connect before provisioning is complete?

The encoder connection may fail.

The CMS will also prevent Event Start Times that fall within the provisioning window.

21. Why should I schedule my event earlier than game time?

This allows time for:

Encoder testing
Audio verification
Video verification
Graphics setup
Pregame coverage
Troubleshooting

22. When does my stream become visible to viewers?

Once the Event Start Time has been reached and the encoder successfully connects, the stream may become visible on the frontend.

Testing performed after the Event Start Time should be treated as live content.

Event Statuses

23. What do the different event statuses mean?

The Live Events section displays a status for each event to indicate where it is in the streaming lifecycle.

Scheduled

The event has been created and is awaiting its scheduled start time.

Preparing

The stream is currently being provisioned.

During this phase:

Stream resources are being allocated
Encoder connections may not yet be available
Connection attempts may fail until provisioning is complete

Ready

The stream has completed provisioning and is ready to accept an encoder connection.

Once an event reaches the Ready state, you may connect your encoder using the assigned Stream URL and Stream Key.

Idle

An event may enter an Idle state if no encoder connection is established within approximately one hour after the event reaches a Ready state.

When an event enters the Idle state, it will no longer accept encoder connections until it has been returned to a Ready state.

If you encounter an Idle event, please contact the SIDEARM Streaming Team for assistance.

SIDEARM Streaming Support

streaming@sidearmsports.com

315-424-3000 Ext. 1

END Button Questions

24. What does the END button do?

The END button immediately ends the public viewing experience for an event.

25. Can the END action be undone?

No.

The END action is permanent and cannot be reversed.

26. What happens after I click END?

Fans immediately lose access to the stream
Incoming content is no longer associated with the event
Additional content will not be archived
The event cannot be restarted
A new live event must be created to continue broadcasting

27. Does END stop my encoder?

No.

Your encoder may continue sending audio/video, but that content will no longer be associated with the event.

You must stop or disconnect your encoder separately.

28. What happens if I accidentally click END?

A new live event must be created.

A new Stream URL and Stream Key will be generated.

29. Should I use END to remove a future event?

No.

Use Cancel Event instead.

END should only be used after an event has concluded.

External Media Source Questions

30. What is an External Media Source?

An External Media Source allows SIDEARM to ingest an existing third-party audio feed.

Common examples include:

Radio station streams
Learfield feeds
Network-provided audio streams

31. What URL formats are supported?

External Media Source URLs must:

Begin with https://
Typically end in .mp3
Or end in .m3u8

32. Can I connect OBS, Wirecast, or vMix to an External Media Source event?

No.

External Media Source events:

Do not use RTMP
Do not accept encoder connections
Require passthrough pub points

33. When should I use External Media Source?

Only when using an existing third-party audio feed.

For standard video streaming:

Set External Media Source to No
Use the generated Stream URL and Stream Key

Support

34. Who should I contact if I need assistance?

General SIDEARM Support

? support@sidearmsports.com

? 315-424-3000 Ext. 1

Streaming-Related Support

? streaming@sidearmsports.com