Create a multicast file
If you want to stream data simultaneously to a specific group of recipients on a network, as opposed to creating a broadcast, which generally is distributed throughout the entire network, you will need to create a multicast file. The multicast file contains information that the playback device needs in order to decode a stream. A Live Broadcasting Project includes the tools to create that file.
For a multicast file to work properly, you must generate a stream format file. Before you generate a stream format file, though, you must do the following:
Set all the audio and video options that you plan to use to encode your live broadcast.
Follow the procedure for pushing your content to a publishing point in the Set Publishing Point options topic. You can create a multicast file only if you are pushing your content to a publishing point.
To create a multicast file
On the Tools menu, click Generate Stream Format File.
Type a name for the file and click Save. This will create the file that is necessary to properly use your multicast. When you publish to a multicast server, you will be prompted for this file.
Note
If you change any of your audio or video options after creating this file, you will have to create another one. If you do not, the server will not validate your stream file.
See also
Tasks
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