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Abacast Streaming Encoder Issues

C

ChiefOperator

I'm wondering whether any of you who use Abacast streaming are having the same problems that plague one of my stations.

First, I installed Breakaway on the same computer as the Abacast encoder software. The output of breakaway is routed to the input of the encoder software. After a period of streaming, the Abacast encoder will display that the audio buffer is failing. The buffer will lower and then the sample rate will drop from 44.1k to 43.1k.

Abacast tech support states the problem is that the encoder software must take it's input directly from the soundcard, not from the virtual input of Breakaway. Okay, so I removed Breakaway and now I'm still getting a warning that the buffer sync is failing. Now, Abacast is telling me that my problem is the soundcard.

I can replace the computer (or soundcard) to see whether the problem is resolved. I am, however, skeptical that Breakaway can't be used or that indeed the problem is my soundcard. I've dealt with tech support before on other issues and my feeling is that the company usually states "it's your problem" without looking into issues on their end.

Is anyone else having these problems?

Thanks!
 
No, it's simply the onboard card. I'm using it because the computer is a USFF and I would need to add an USB interface. I could do so, of course, but it's going to cost the station some money since I'll need to drive about 60 miles to do the job.

My other hesitation, as I mentioned before, is that Abacast seems to immediately place the blame without actually investigating the issue. I've called them on a few things that didn't make sense and they backed down. Not surprising, that the immediate response was "it's gotta be your card."
 
You have good right to be 'weary' of their support. It isn't very good.

It does seem to be a sound card issue. I would start with uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it.
 
I would question if a new sound card is really going to make a difference. I would "get in writting" that Abacast will re-emburse you for the costs of that sound card/time if that does NOT fix the issue. (Find out what card they recomend for their software).

... The reason I am suspicious that its not your sound card is the Virtual card (Breakaway) and your physical sound card are two different devices to the software and if both are having the same issue... Leads me to think a issue with their software and not your hardware...
 
ChiefOperator said:
It's SoundMax I believe. Chris, are you using Abacast?
Click to expand...

I have in the past... Actually hosting my own stuff right now. We own an ISP in my town, so I just went my own route and control it from end to end.

When I did deal with them, I was not particularly impressed.

It is either:

1. Driver.
2. Problem with integrated sound.

I would really try to uninstall the driver AND their stuff and then put the driver back on and have them remote in and put their crap back on it.

I took a pre-Abacast image of all of my encoders, because I did not feel a lot of confidence about them when I talked with their tech people.
 
Some other considerations...

How much RAM is in the system?

How much hard drive space is available?

When was the last time you ran chkdsk /r on the drive?

When was the last time you defragged?

What other programs are running? Particularly anti-virus. Several well-known AV programs have become incredible resource hogs. MS Security Essentials is really quite good, free, and usually not a resource hog.
 
One of my sites is on Abacast. The corporate chief built the computer and avoided the on-board sound. I don't remember what he used for the sound card but it has a 1/4 " TRS breakout box. No issues.
 
We use Breakaway and the Abacast encoder. But, we use a simple Soundblaster Live...I know....I know...but it just works. And I can buy them by the dozen.
 
Sgeirk-

Are you using Breakaway's virtual pipeline to route the output of Breakaway to the input of the Abacast encoder? Abacast told me that this configuration would cause issues because the Abacast encoder can't use a virtual input (needs direct input from soundcard). I was skeptical of their advice.

Thanks
 
Chief...

They recommend Delta's (or did to me), primarily because of the 4 inputs for ad insertion.

With that said, I ran output 1&2 to input 3&4. The station audio fed input 1&2. Then, they used the software mix from the Delta 44 to the encoder, so I can't say I buy that, as it is a 'virtual' out.

Breakaway's virtual out to me would be no different to their card, because it presents itself as a standard out.

Personally, I just think you are dealing with a batch of idiots.

I agree with the SBLive comment. I bought a ton of the old model that BE supported for Audiovault way back in the day, so the PD's could have a production screen in their offices. Cost me 20 bucks for a lot of 4.
 
Although not pro in/out, I've found the Sound Blaster stuff to actually be some of the most forgiving, compatible sound cards ever built. Creative Labs has their stuff together when it comes to their hardware and drivers. I just wished they built a pro model.
 
chriscollins said:
Chief...

They recommend Delta's (or did to me), primarily because of the 4 inputs for ad insertion.

With that said, I ran output 1&2 to input 3&4. The station audio fed input 1&2. Then, they used the software mix from the Delta 44 to the encoder, so I can't say I buy that, as it is a 'virtual' out.

Breakaway's virtual out to me would be no different to their card, because it presents itself as a standard out.

Personally, I just think you are dealing with a batch of idiots.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That's my overall impression as well. When I first set this up, we had various issues on their end, although each time the answer was, "It must be this, but it could be that." But each time that I questioned the advice, their answer was, "Oh yah, I guess it was our problem." Frustrating to say the least. I guess the answer is that I'm going to have to return to the station and play around with it some.

Thanks everyone for the help.
 
For what it is worth, it all worked without fail on the Delta. I know that probably isn't an option for you with the ultra small form factor. The delta has a bracket to make it half height. If you can fit that, it might be worth the 120 bucks on newegg to make the trouble go away forever.
 
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