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HELO Encoder Setup for RTMP Streaming

  • Updated

About HELO Encoders
HELO encoders are dedicated hardware encoders and recorders for live streaming and recording, made by AJA Video Systems (https://aja.com). The HELO system takes a camera’s video feed (from PTZ cameras or a switcher) and encodes it into a stream-ready format (RTMP, RTSP, HLS) for delivery to platforms like Foveo, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. It simultaneously records a high-quality backup file in formats (like MP4) to an SD card or USB drive. HELOs are designed for push-button operation, so users can easily start/stop streaming without deep technical knowledge.

Step-by-Step Guide

The setup only needs to be done once. Once complete, you’ll be able to stream directly from your ATEM Mini Pro video switcher to Foveo without using any additional streaming software. 
 

1. Get the RTMP details from Foveo

In Foveo, in the left menu, navigate to Streams > IP Cameras and click on the name of your Camera. 

You will see your IP Camera's RTMP URL and Stream Key. Copy that information so you can paste it into your encoder's RTMP settings. Your URL and key should not be kept private. 

Note: If no IP Camera has been created, click +Create and a new camera name to create a new IP Camera.

 

2. Open the HELO streaming settings

Connect your HELO encoder to your network.

To access the HELO web interface:

  1. Find the HELO encoder's IP address using AJA eMini-Setup or by asking your network administrator.
  2. Open a web browser.
  3. Enter the HELO encoder's IP address in the browser address bar.
  4. Sign in to the HELO web interface if prompted.

For the original HELO:

  1. Go to Streaming Profiles.
  2. Choose the profile you want to use.
  3. Click the gear icon to edit the profile.

For HELO Plus:

  1. Go to Stream 1/2 Output.
  2. Choose Stream 1, or choose Stream 2 if you are setting up a second simultaneous stream.

Enter the Foveo RTMP settings:

Stream Type: RTMP
RTMP Server URL: rtmp://v2api.foveo.app:1935/ip-camera
Stream Name / Key: Paste the Foveo Stream Key

Save or apply the settings.

3. Recommended HELO quality settings for Foveo

In the HELO encoding settings, verify your settings match those noted here:

Resolution: 1280x720
Frame rate: 30 fps
Video bitrate: 2500–3500 Kbps
Audio bitrate: 128 Kbps
Audio sample rate: 48 kHz
Keyframe interval: 2 seconds
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: AAC

For strong and stable internet connections, 1080p30 may also be used, but 720p30 is recommended for most funeral home streaming situations.

4. Start the stream

When ready:

  1. Confirm your camera and audio are connected to the HELO encoder.

  2. Click Start Stream in the HELO web interface or press the Stream button on the HELO front panel.

  3. Confirm that the HELO shows it is actively streaming.

  4. To check your stream in Foveo, open the  IP Cameras panel and click on the name of the IP Camera. You will see and hear your live camera feed with a short delay.

  5. Once confirmed, you can Start the broadcast, or Go Live for Guests, from the Foveo DIRECTOR Panel.

IP Cam sample.png

 

5. Quick troubleshooting checklist

If Foveo is not receiving the stream:

  • Restart the HELO stream after changing RTMP settings.
  • Make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the RTMP URL or stream key.

  • Confirm the RTMP Server URL is:

    rtmp://v2api.foveo.app:1935/ip-camera

  • Confirm the Stream Name / Key field contains the Foveo Stream Key.
  • Confirm the Stream Type is set to RTMP.
  • Make sure another encoder is not already using the same stream key.
  • Confirm outbound TCP port 1935 is open on the network.
  • Confirm your internet connection's upload speed is at least double your selected streaming bitrate.
  • If needed, try changing the HELO handshake mode from Auto to RTMP Simple.
  • If audio is missing, check that the correct audio input is selected in the HELO encoding settings.

 

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