Overview
The Video tab within the Advanced Settings of each source in Hive provides precise configuration controls over how your camera outputs its signal into the Hive environment. Whether your source is connected via USB, HDMI, SDI, or IP, this tab allows you to manage the format, resolution, frame rate, encoder profile, and streaming behavior, ensuring your signal is optimized for your production needs.
This article explores the three major sections of the Video tab:
Output Configuration
NDI Sub-Tab
RTSP Sub-Tab
These tools give you the ability to route high-performance signals from your source into Hive with flexibility across bandwidth profiles and IP networks.
Step-by-Step: Navigating to the Video Tab
Launch Hive and select the appropriate studio.
In the Source Tray, locate your video source and click the cogwheel icon (⚙️) in the lower-right corner of its tile.
In the Advanced Settings window, click the “Video” tab at the top of the interface.
1. Output Configuration
The Output section determines how your camera or encoder feeds video into Hive.
Video Output Types and Frame Rates
Each output method supports different frame rate ceilings:
Output Type | Max Supported FPS |
USB | 60 FPS |
HDMI | 60 FPS |
SDI | 60 FPS |
IP (RTSP) | 30 FPS (typical) |
Note: Some cameras or encoders may lock output rates based on physical port configurations or internal firmware constraints. Hive will show only what’s available based on the selected driver.
Refresh Rate
This refers to the frequency at which your camera’s image is refreshed, typically expressed in Hertz (Hz). Available refresh rate options depend on your camera’s internal capabilities and may correspond with regional standards (e.g., 60Hz in North America, 50Hz in PAL regions).
Encoder Profile
Encoder profiles determine the compression level and stream complexity. Options typically include:
Low – Simplified, lightweight compression for constrained networks
Main – Balanced quality and bandwidth
High – High-efficiency, sharp visuals, moderate bandwidth
Ultra – Best visual quality, highest bandwidth usage
Choosing the right profile depends on your available upload bandwidth and your visual quality requirements. For cloud-based production, “Main” or “High” is often optimal.
2. NDI Sub-Tab – Network Device Interface Output
If your camera or encoder supports NDI, the NDI sub-tab allows you to manage how it behaves on your IP network within Hive.
NDI Format
This determines the quality and bandwidth profile of your NDI stream. Available format presets typically include:
Ultra – Maximum bitrate and image fidelity
High – Excellent balance of clarity and performance
Medium – Suitable for most multi-source workflows
Low – Lower data rate for congested or limited networks
Choose a format that matches your network’s capacity and the visual demands of your production.
NDI Discovery Server (Toggle)
Enable this if your network uses a centralized NDI Discovery Server for managing NDI routing across multiple subnets or segments.
When to use: If you’re in a corporate or campus environment with segmented IP ranges or remote NDI routing.
NDI Multicast Server (Toggle)
Enable this to use multicast streaming, which allows multiple devices to receive the same stream without duplicating bandwidth use per device.
When to use: When broadcasting to multiple destinations from the same camera on a local network.
Important: Your network hardware (switches and routers) must support multicast protocols for this feature to work reliably.
3. RTSP Sub-Tab – Real-Time Streaming Protocol Settings
The RTSP sub-tab allows you to configure RTSP output settings from your source into Hive, including secure access and encoding format.
RTSP Authorization
Enable this toggle to require a username and password for devices attempting to access the RTSP stream. This is particularly important for:
Environments where stream privacy or integrity is critical
Integrations involving third-party playback or monitoring tools
Credentials are typically provided by your camera manufacturer. You can find these in:
The physical documentation inside the box your device came in
The web interface for your camera
Or by reaching out to the manufacturer directly
Encoding Type
Choose the desired compression format for your RTSP stream:
H.264 (AVC) – Widely supported, efficient compression
H.265 (HEVC) – Better compression efficiency, requires more CPU/GPU
MJPEG – Uncompressed, low-latency, high-bandwidth usage
Use H.264 for compatibility, H.265 for advanced workflows, and MJPEG only when minimal latency is absolutely necessary and bandwidth is not a constraint.
FAQs
1. Why can't I see all output ports or frame rates listed?
The options available in the Output tab depend on your camera model and selected driver. Some ports may be disabled or locked by firmware.
2. What’s the difference between Refresh Rate and FPS?
FPS refers to how many frames per second your camera sends, while Refresh Rate relates to how often the image is updated internally. Both affect motion smoothness.
3. Should I enable NDI Discovery Server and Multicast?
Only enable these features if your network is configured to support them.
4. Where do I find my RTSP username and password?
Check the product manual or the web interface of your camera. Default credentials may also be listed on a label or card included in the packaging.
5. Can I change encoding types on the fly?
Yes, but doing so may briefly interrupt the stream. Be sure to test changes before a live session or production.
6. How do I test if my RTSP stream is protected?
Try connecting to it from a third-party player (like VLC). Hive will prompt for credentials if the RTSP stream is protected.
Use Cases
1. Tuning NDI Stream Quality for a Multicam Shoot
In a multicam setup using NDI, select “Medium” or “High” in the NDI format settings to balance quality across your network.
2. Creating an Encrypted RTSP Feed for a Control Room
Enable RTSP Authorization and use H.265 encoding for efficient, secure delivery to a remote switcher or viewer.
3. Optimizing USB Output to Match Streaming Encoder FPS
Select 60 FPS from the Output tab for USB to maintain a high refresh rate for live broadcast smoothness.
4. Reducing Bandwidth Use in a Campus Environment
Use the NDI Multicast Server feature to serve the same camera feed to multiple workstations without redundant traffic.
5. Aligning Encoder Profile with Remote Collaboration Needs
For remote cloud workflows, “Main” or “High” profiles strike the best balance of clarity and performance.
The Video tab in Advanced Settings gives you control over how your camera communicates with Hive, from output settings to protocol-level streaming configuration. By understanding how to configure Output, NDI, and RTSP parameters, you can tailor each video source to your technical requirements and production goals. Whether you're streaming over the cloud, integrating into local switchers, or balancing bandwidth on a constrained network, these tools ensure your signals are stable, secure, and visually clear.