VDO Streamer getting started

Audience

Use this page if you operate the machine that sends picture and sound into a VDO Session.

Outcome

You will have VDO Streamer installed, connected to a room, and ready to publish from Blackmagic, NDI, screen capture, local file playback, or test signal.

Prerequisites

• Access to a VDO workspace.
• A Colour or Editorial room.
• The room key from the room share settings.
• A Mac running the supported Streamer build from Downloads.
• Any required capture software for your source, such as Blackmagic Desktop Video for DeckLink capture.

Install VDO Streamer

1. Sign in to VDO.
2. Open Downloads.
3. Select Streamer.
4. Download the current signed build.
5. Move VDO Streamer to Applications.
6. Launch the app and approve any requested macOS permissions.

Connect to a room

1. Open the room in VDO.
2. Open Share settings.
3. Copy the room key.
4. In VDO Streamer, choose account room sign-in or manual room key entry.
5. Paste the room key.
6. Select the room profile that matches the room.

Use Editorial for collaborative browser review. Use Colour when the session is meant for higher bitrate colour review.

For Colour rooms, treat the link between Streamer and Player like a direct site-to-site media link. The primary media path is peer-to-peer when available, so stable routing, enough bandwidth in both directions, and low packet loss matter more than the room region.

Choose a source

VDO Streamer supports the common production source types:

• Blackmagic for SDI or HDMI capture through DeckLink and UltraStudio hardware.
• NDI for a network source, including output from the VDO NDI Output OFX plugin.
• Screen Capture for a Mac display or application workflow.
• File for local media playback tests or review.
• Test Signal when validating a room before a client session.

Before going live

Check these items before inviting viewers:

• The correct room is selected.
• Audio meters move when your source has audio.
• The picture format matches the session expectation.
• The room type is correct.
• Your network has enough upstream bandwidth for the chosen workflow.

Expected result

The room shows an active stream. Browser viewers can join an Editorial room through the share link. Native players can connect with the room key and stream code when the workflow needs the VDO Player app.

Common failures

Streamer opens but no source appears. Check macOS privacy permissions and any source-specific driver, then restart VDO Streamer.

Room key is rejected. Copy the room key again from current room share settings. Do not reuse an old key from chat or email.

Viewers see the wrong room. Confirm the room name and type in VDO Streamer before publishing.

Colour session looks too compressed. Confirm the room is a Colour room and that the network can handle the target bitrate.