Question / Help Best settings and users

[baseage]

I was wondering if there is a way that you can put in your internet upload speed and computer specs to determine what the best obs settings to put in. For example, with your upload speed of 10mbps and running an i7 computer, the recommended settings are xxx

In adddition to this, as I have just started streaming, what settings would be ideal so that the people watching your stream get the best experience. I understand that although you may be able to run at a high spec, if your users can’t receive it, then this will also cause issues, so a balance between the two is important

Thanks in advance.

 

[koala]

For settings, use Tools->Auto Configuration Wizard.

How your stream is received by your users depends on these users, and these users depend on the content of your stream. If you stream a just released fast paced shooter, your audience will be younger, probably with good hardware and internet connection, and they will have larger players (computer monitor, TV). If you stream cooking, your audience will probably kind of older, not so good hardware, not so good internet connection (even mobile only) and smaller players, down to smartphones.

Rule of thumb: with most free streaming services, your users receive exactly what you stream. Same resolution, same fps, same bitrate.
For example, if you stream 1920x1080 at 60 fps with bitrate 8000, even your smartphone users on a mobile connection will receive this with their tiny displays, although it's possible they get a better stream with 1280x720 with half bitrate, because their mobile connection isn't able to sustain bitrate 8000 but 4000.
Many users have good download bitrate but bad wlan in their homes, not enough to sustain their internet download. It's a self made issue of course, but these users will have problems to see a high bitrate stream.

In the end, you have to see what works out for you best. Start with lower specs, for example 1280x720 at 30 fps with bitrate 3000-3500. Make it so this configuration runs good and your viewers don't complain about lost frames or buffering. If this runs well, and you want to try higher resolutions, 60 fps or higher bitrates, try this and see what your users comment. Adjust accordingly. Watch a recorded vod of your stream from the streaming website afterwards with different players and devices and see how it looks like.