Tips for low-latency OBS streaming for educational dashboards?

[john2805]

Hi everyone,

I'm exploring ways to set up a low-latency live stream for an educational dashboard—something similar in function (though not scale) to what students use on platforms like the DeVry Student Portal. Students need to access live updates (like grades and announcements) in near real-time, and I'm considering using OBS to capture and stream this dynamically generated content.

Here are a few areas I’d love your input on:

1. Best OBS settings for ultra-low latency? I've read about strategies like enabling “ZeroLatency” tuning in x264, not using VBR, minimizing buffer, etc. Any configuration examples that have worked well?
2. Streaming protocol advice: Would it be better to use RTMP (via NGINX + rtmp module), WebRTC, or HLS for this kind of near-real-time content distribution?
3. Balancing update frequency and load: For components that update often (like live grades or alerts), how do you efficiently stream partial frame updates without needing to re-encode or resend the entire dashboard?
4. Client-side playback: Any tips on player-side tricks—like FFplay flags, using fractional frame rates, or buffering tactics—to keep latency under 300ms?

If you've tried something similar or have experience using OBS in educational or dashboard contexts, your insights would be incredibly valuable!

Thanks a ton in advance!