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OBS HDR Streaming

This guide covers High Dynamic Range (HDR) streaming with OBS Studio for Pixelview version 3. If you need SDR streaming, please see our OBS SDR Streaming guide.

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Requirements​

  • OBS Studio (latest version)
  • HDR capable SDI monitor card for output
  • HDR capable SDI capture card for input
  • Example: Blackmagic DeckLink 4K Mini (works as both monitor and capture card)
  • SDI cable to loop between output and input

Supported HDR Formats​

We support the following HDR formats:

  • Rec.2020 PQ - iOS apps + Chrome
  • Rec.2020 HLG - iOS apps
  • P3D65 PQ - iOS apps + Chrome
Note: HDR is not currently supported on Apple TV. Newer Apple TVs will display a tone-mapped SDR version.

Color & Codec Information​

  • Pixelview pipeline supports: Up to 10-bit 4:4:4
  • OBS limitation: Maximum 10-bit 4:2:2 HEVC
  • Viewing: iOS app, Chrome browser, or Safari (limited to 10-bit 4:2:0)

Setup Steps​

1. Download OBS​

Download the latest version of OBS Studio.

2. Configure DaVinci Resolve HDR Output​

Before setting up OBS, ensure your DaVinci Resolve is configured correctly for HDR:

DaVinci Resolve HDR Settings
  • Uncheck 444 SDI (not supported by OBS)
  • 10 bit output
  • Use Rec.2020 color matrix (use this for P3D65 as well)
  • Enable HDR metadata

3. Add HDR Capture Card​

  • Click the + button under Sources
  • Select "Blackmagic Device"
  • Configure HDR settings:
    • Color Space: Rec. 2020 (choose this for P3D65 as well)
    • Color Range: Match your DaVinci Resolve settings
    • ✓ Allow 10-bit

4. Configure Stream Settings​

  • Open Settings → Stream
  • Service: Custom
  • Server: Paste the server address from your Pixelview account
    • Important: Click Setup Instructions once logged in to see it
  • Stream Key: Leave blank

5. Set HDR Encoder Settings​

Configure HDR encoder settings in Settings → Output → Advanced:

  • Encoder: HEVC Hardware Encoder (h265)
  • Audio Codec: Opus (not AAC)
  • Video Bitrate: 5000-12000 Kbps
  • Keyframe Interval: 1 second
  • Profile: main 4:2:2 10
  • Deselect 'Use B-frames'

6. Configure HDR Color Settings​

Go to Settings → Advanced:

  • Color Format: P216 - 4:2:2, 2 Planes
  • Color Space: Rec. 2100 (PQ) (use this for P3D65 as well)
  • Color Range: Limited (leave as is)

7. Start Streaming​

Return to the main OBS window and click "Start Streaming".

8. Enable HDR in Pixelview Admin​

Set HDR in Pixelview Admin interface. Click Settings and choose your colorspace. You need to be in Version 3 to see these options.

View the HDR Stream​

For detailed instructions on viewing your HDR stream, see our How to Watch guides.

HDR Checklist​

Ensure all of the following are configured correctly for HDR streaming:

  • ✓ Resolve color management is set up for HDR
  • ✓ Resolve monitoring is set to NOT use 444 and has 10-bit with HDR metadata enabled
  • ✓ OBS capture card supports HDR metadata
  • ✓ OBS capture card is set to Rec. 2020 color space
  • ✓ OBS advanced settings is set to use Rec. 2100 (PQ) HDR
  • ✓ HDR is enabled in the Pixelview Admin page settings
  • ✓ You are using Chrome or iPhone/iPad with HDR screen for viewing