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Create and distribute a wide range of recorded and live content via open source software

Create and distribute a wide range of recorded and live content via open source software

Vote: (1 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Open Broadcaster Sotware

Version: 28.0.3

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(1 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Open Broadcaster Sotware

28.0.3

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Completely free to use.
  • Has an active and robust online community.
  • Easily integrates with a variety of live streaming programs, like Twitch or Facebook. Indeed, the program is actually sponsored by both of these platforms. You can also use other programs, such as YouTube.
  • The open-source nature of the code ensures that any technically-inclined users can spend time improving and making their own modifications to the programming.
  • The opportunities to customize and edit are numerous. Users can do quite a bit with the program - provided they know what they are doing.
  • Works well on any device, regardless of its processing power.

Cons

  • Open-source software does come with disadvantages. There is no one person or company ultimate "responsible" for technical glitches or giving help, meaning that getting answers to more difficult problems can be tough.
  • While the program is fantastic for advanced users, it can be very difficult to manage for newcomers. It requires a real investment of time to truly understand all of the system's options.

Open Broadcaster Software is software that can be used for video recording and live streaming. It is open-source, meaning that it's coding and upgrades are done by community members. The project is sponsored by Twitch and Facebook, allowing the program to be absolutely free for users.

Open Broadcaster Software is a great program, but it is absolutely more geared towards people who have more familiarity with streaming programs. It comes with a huge degree of editing and customizing options. However, people who are just interested in the most basic streaming services may find that this program offers more options than they truly need.

Unfortunately, it's not a simple program. Users and reviewers have noted that it takes time to truly get a handle on all of its advanced features and feel comfortable with everything that this platform has to offer. However, if you are willing to invest the time and energy into understanding it, you won't be disappointed.

On the plus side, reviewers also noted that the program could work on any system - even those that do not have the processing power as more advanced systems.

The program's website also maintains a blog that has a wide array of tips and tricks available for new users when it comes to live streaming. Unfortunately, at the moment, the blog hasn't been updated since late March 2020. That's a shame, as older entries have a wide array of information that is very useful to newer streamers.

Fortunately, the website for the program does have an actively updated forum that allows users to engage with others, ask questions, get tips, and learn more. This robust community is a hallmark of open source software and is a real benefit for new users.

There are multiple versions of the program available, including ones for Windows, Mac & Linux.

Pros

  • Completely free to use.
  • Has an active and robust online community.
  • Easily integrates with a variety of live streaming programs, like Twitch or Facebook. Indeed, the program is actually sponsored by both of these platforms. You can also use other programs, such as YouTube.
  • The open-source nature of the code ensures that any technically-inclined users can spend time improving and making their own modifications to the programming.
  • The opportunities to customize and edit are numerous. Users can do quite a bit with the program - provided they know what they are doing.
  • Works well on any device, regardless of its processing power.

Cons

  • Open-source software does come with disadvantages. There is no one person or company ultimate "responsible" for technical glitches or giving help, meaning that getting answers to more difficult problems can be tough.
  • While the program is fantastic for advanced users, it can be very difficult to manage for newcomers. It requires a real investment of time to truly understand all of the system's options.