Client Streaming Operation (Video Only)

I. Client Usage Instructions

This document provides functional usage instructions for the Polyv 4.x streaming client.

The Polyv client enables streaming and is broadly compatible with a variety of live streaming scenarios. In terms of viewing formats, it offers multiple options such as pure video, three-screen layout, and landscape/portrait orientation. In terms of application scenarios, it supports marketing and promotion, large-scale conferences, professional training, online classrooms, and more.

In addition, it also features powerful capabilities, allowing flexible layout of the live stream画面 and supporting multi-scene switching; it supports adding rich materials such as multimedia, images, and documents; it is compatible with external capture cards, and is also equipped with advanced features such as AI keying, AI beauty enhancement, and 17-person video co-streaming, meeting the contextual needs of different users.

II. Preparation Before Starting

1. Recommended hardware/environment

Computer Hardware Configuration:

Optional hardware:

• Shooting: external camera, DSLR + capture card;
• Audio recording: lavalier microphone, headset microphone, professional microphone;
• Audio output: headphones, external speakers;
• On-site: green, red, and blue backdrops;
• Network: Ethernet cable, 4G network aggregator

2. Live streaming client download

• Win (64-bit) client download link: https://soft.polyv.net/rc/PolyvLiveSetup64.exe
• Win (32-bit) client download link: https://soft.polyv.net/rc/PolyvLiveSetup.exe
• Mac client download link: https://soft.polyv.net/rc/PolyvLiveSetup.dmg
• Notes on using the client on Mac

3. Registration and Login

After registering for and logging in to your Polyv account, enter the Polyv management console.

4. Create a channel

After entering the admin console, click "Start Now" for Cloud Live Streaming -> Create Live, enter the live room channel name, select Pure Video as the live streaming template, and click Save and Create Live at the bottom to successfully create a live room channel with the Pure Video template.

5. Enter the client

Method 1: Manually open the client, click the "Go Live" button in the upper right corner of the channel backend to view information such as the channel number and password, and manually copy the information into the client to log in.

Method 2: In the channel backend, click the "Go Live" button in the upper right corner, select "Client Go Live", and in the pop-up webpage, click "Launch New Version 4.0 Client". This method can automatically launch the client and enter the corresponding channel (the client should be closed first, otherwise it cannot be launched).

Note:

• When logged in as a teacher with a channel account, you can start/end a live stream;
• When logging in to a sub-channel with a maximum co-streaming limit of 0 (co-streaming is not used), you can log in to the client together with the backend cloud director console;
• When logging in to a sub-channel with a maximum co-streaming limit of at least 1 person, you cannot log in to the client.

III. Main Interface Overview

The 4.x client supports two streaming templates: video-only and three-panel (document + video). The main differences are as follows:

Introduction to the client interface features of the video-only template

IV. Mode Switching

Clients have at most clear choices for different usage methods.

Note: The live streaming + co-streaming mode will only appear after selecting co-streaming XX when creating a live streaming room.

Five, How to Perform Device Debugging

Click the [Device Debugging] button at the top of the client to open a pop-up dialog box.

Microphone

• During normal operation, when you speak into the microphone, a horizontal level meter will be displayed. If it is not displayed, switch devices or check the system settings.
• Adjusting the microphone volume can change the volume heard by viewers.
• When there is a lot of external noise, you can increase the intensity, but it may make the sound sharper and the volume lower. Please adjust it appropriately.
• When the input sound is low, you can increase the microphone boost, but it may cause clipping. Please adjust it appropriately.

Spokesperson

• Speaker test: Click to play audio. If you hear sound locally, the speaker is working properly; otherwise, switch devices or adjust system settings;
• Live streaming only mode (with 0 co-streaming mics): Adjusting the speaker volume affects the computer system sound heard by viewers. If lowered, system sounds such as music heard by viewers will become quieter;
• Live streaming + co-streaming mode: Adjusting the speaker volume affects the local external playback volume and does not affect the sound heard by end users. If you want end users to hear the computer system sound, you need to enable the [Capture System Sound] feature in settings.

6. How to Use the Documentation

• After a PPT is uploaded, it will undergo transcoding. A small number of PPTs may have some content compatibility issues after transcoding. Please refer to the suggestions for uploading PPTs.
• Under the pure video template, the document does not support transcoding of animated PPTs.
• Documents can be uploaded first in the admin backend. If the client needs to upload them again, they can be applied directly.

1. Add a document. Click [Add Material] -> [Cloud Document] in the function menu bar on the left, or in the resource function menu on the right, go to [Scene] - "All" - Material [+] - [Cloud Document]. Either way, the Add Document dialog box will pop up. You can upload local document courseware to the server. After switching computers, log in to the same channel, and you can directly use the document courseware that has already been uploaded without uploading it again.
2. After the courseware document is uploaded successfully, click Apply to display the document and its properties in the live stream preview area. Click [Switch Document] to open the pop-up window and change it;
   • Supports dragging the horizontal scroll bar to quickly turn pages, one document page at a time;
   • Only one document material is supported in each scene. After adding a document for the first time, it will automatically full-screen the vehicle to the image preview window.
3. Switch whiteboard
   • After adding a document, you can click the [Whiteboard] button next to the document name;
   • The system has 50 whiteboards available by default;
4. Brush annotation
   • After adding document material, select the document and click the [Brush] button to expand the brush tool, allowing you to draw lines and annotate on the document;
   • The annotation content will be recorded on each page of the document or whiteboard and recorded and streamed in real time;
   • After using the brush annotation function, the document material cannot be dragged or repositioned in the preview area. After collapsing the brush function, the document material can be dragged again.

7. How to Share Your Screen

Ways for the client to provide horizontal screen sharing

• [Add Creative] — [Desktop Window]

• [Add Material] — [Software Window]

• [Screen Sharing]

  Screen sharing control bar

8. How to Insert Multimedia

Add multimedia

• You can find the navigation in the left-side functions: [Add Material] — [Media Source] to add, or in the resource function bar on the right, [Scene] -> "All" -> "Material" [+ ] -> [Media Source] (material addition is only supported in pure video templates). After clicking, a system dialog box will pop up to guide you in selecting the multimedia file to add;
• Adding multimedia will automatically make the preview window full-screen. After the multimedia is added successfully, the multimedia property operation function area will appear.
• To replace multimedia, when a multimedia video has already been added, click [Switch Multimedia] to replace the multimedia video that needs to be charged.
• Multimedia loop, the methods include single loop, sequential playback, loop playback, and no loop (default).
• When playing multimedia locally, the sound will not be played externally to the streamer who is streaming, and there will be an echo. If you need the streamer to hear the multimedia sound locally, you can click the [Local Mute] button to turn off local mute. Make sure that after local mute is turned off, there will be no echo on the viewer side.
• It is recommended that the bitrate of the inserted multimedia file not exceed 10 Mbps, the resolution not exceed 1920 x 1080, and the frame rate not exceed 30 fps. Before starting the stream, please use a video compression tool to process it before adding it, to prevent live stream abnormalities caused by low computer performance.

9. How to Co-stream with Viewers

When creating a live streaming room, remember to enable and select "College Student Co-streaming" to support co-streaming.

How to enable and disable co-streaming

• Start co-streaming: After the live stream begins, click the [Co-stream] button in the left function bar to open the co-streaming dialog. Click [Start Co-streaming]; the button turns red and displays [End Co-streaming].
• Viewer request: The co-streaming request feature appears on the viewer side. After a user applies, the [Join Mic] button is displayed in the member management area on the right.
• Co-streaming operation: Click the [Join Mic] button to start a voice and video call with the viewer.
• Co-streaming duration: Closing the co-streaming pop-up window will not interrupt co-streaming. All calls end only when [End Co-streaming] is clicked.

Change the way of co-streaming.

• The mic connection method is fixed: After starting the mic connection, the mic connection method cannot be changed and defaults to video mic connection;
• Changing the mic connection method: To switch to audio mic connection, you must first end the current mic connection;
• Applicable scenarios for audio mic connection: Suitable for situations where members are bare-faced or the network condition is poor

Change video layout

• Local screen projection layout: To allow offline viewers to see equally sized co-streaming video feeds, switch the video layout to tiled layout;
• Does not affect the main layout: This operation does not affect the video layout for main viewers;
• Modify the online layout: If you need to adjust the video layout for online viewers, go to [Settings] - [Other Settings] - [Mixed-stream Layout] to modify it.

10. How to manage members

• Live streaming only mode: members can be muted or kicked out;
• Live streaming + co-streaming mode: for members, you can disable speaking, kick out, switch microphone or camera devices (for users already co-streaming), remove from mic, cancel/restore host permission, cancel/restore drawing permission, set as the first screen, and mute all;
• Special members: instructors, teaching assistants, administrators, and guests are all special roles with special badges and cannot be muted or kicked out;
• Regular audience members can be managed by instructors, teaching assistants, administrators, and audience managers;
• Search members: enter a keyword from a member's nickname and click the search button to match a list of members whose nicknames contain the keyword, allowing the host to further manage them.
• Obtain the audience sub-channel number and password: under the document + video channel, in the admin backend -> role permissions, you can add audience members and obtain the audience sub-channel number and password;

• Speaking permission: In live streaming + co-streaming mode, within a channel, the lecturer always has speaking permission, and listeners can be granted speaking permission by the lecturer. After obtaining speaking permission, they can operate documents, synchronize page turns with others, use the pen tool, share their screen, play multimedia, and initiate interactive features. After being granted speaking permission, pen permission is automatically obtained. The lecturer can grant speaking permission to at most one person;
• Pen permission: In live streaming + co-streaming mode, within a channel, pen permission can be granted separately to guests who have already joined the mic. That user can then annotate on the current document or whiteboard, but cannot turn pages. The teacher can grant pen permission to multiple people, and the maximum number cannot exceed the number of people on the mic;
• Set as first screen: In live streaming + co-streaming mode, when a user on the mic is set as the first screen, their position is highlighted in the client and viewer screens for focused attention;
• Member operation permission function table: In live streaming + co-streaming mode, see below.

• Pure video templates do not support syncing document whiteboard page turns to others, nor do they support multiple people simultaneously drawing on a single document.

11. Scenes and Assets (video only)

• Scenarios
  • Multiple scenarios can be added to a single live stream. Each scenario represents a screen content, and you can switch between multiple scenarios during the live stream;
  • If the official live stream has not started yet, you can let the audience watch a warm-up video scenario. After the official live stream starts, switch the scenario to the activity at the filming site;
  • Multiple materials can be added to each scenario
• Materials
  • The basic elements that make up the content of the live stream screen, including camera, screen sharing, multimedia, documents, images, text, etc. Multiple materials can be added to the same scenario to combine the required screen. For example, in a teaching scenario, the teacher's document and camera need to be displayed at the same time;
  • When a material is in a draggable and editable state, its border is red. When a material is selected but cannot be dragged or edited, its border is blue

12. How to Switch Between Multiple Scenes (Video Only)

The multi-scenario switching feature solves the need to present multiple types of visual content to viewers during a single live stream. For example, before the formal live stream begins, only a warm-up video needs to be played; after the live stream starts, document content needs to be displayed; during the live stream, an exciting lottery screen is needed; and as the live stream is about to end, a QR code for post-event registration and following is needed. To meet the requirements of this event, you can create 4 scenarios, prepare the visual materials and layouts for each in advance, and during the live stream you only need to pay attention to the switching order.

• Add a scene
  • In the resource function area on the right, go to [Scenes] -> "All" [+], and you can add a scene under the current scene;
  • A newly added scene has no materials added by default
• Switch scenes
  • Click the name of the target scene to switch to it;
  • When you switch to a scene, what you see in the preview window on the screen is the live content the audience sees;
  • In this way, "Scene Name" allows you to edit the scene name

13. How to Use Image and Text Assets (Pure Video Only)

• Add Image
  • In the functional resource area on the right, add an image asset via [Scene] -> "All" -> "Assets" [+] -> [Image];
  • The added image will automatically adapt to full screen in the canvas preview window, supporting common image formats such as bmp, jpg, png, and gif;
  • After the image is added successfully, you can adjust the image opacity in the properties area;
  • Preview delay; hold down the Alt key and drag to achieve shape;
  • Pause; hold down the Shift key and drag to freely stretch the image
• Add Text
  • In the functional resource area on the right, add text via [Scene] -> "All" -> "Assets" [+] -> [Text];
  • After it is added successfully, a red selection box will appear in the upper-left corner of the canvas preview window;
  • Edit the text content and properties in the properties area, including font, font size, color, direction, and whether there is a scroll bar

14. How to edit the content layout of the screen preview window (video only)

In a live stream, the content in the preview window is exactly what is being streamed. Therefore, editing the size and position of various materials in the preview window and adjusting the layout of the content directly affects the viewing experience for the audience.

• Adjust the material layout order.
  • If the live stream画面 consists of a PPT with a camera overlay, ensure there are two materials: the PPT layer and the camera layer, and the camera layer must be above the PPT; otherwise, it will be obscured.
  • Adjustment method: In the [Scene] - "All" - "Materials" section on the right, select the material you need to adjust and drag it up or down to change the layer order.

• Adjust the position of an asset in the canvas preview
  • Select the asset you want to adjust. A red border will appear around the asset, indicating that it can be edited and dragged. Drag it directly in the canvas preview to the target position.
  • If there are too many assets to select easily, you can first select the target asset in the add asset area of the resource menu, and then drag and adjust it in the canvas preview area.
• Adjust the visibility of an asset in the canvas preview
  • Select the asset you want to adjust, then in the asset addition area of the resource function menu bar, click the eye hide icon to hide the asset.
  • Click the eye icon again to unhide it and restore the asset's display on the screen.

15. Introduction to Chat, Asking Questions, and Q&A

Chat, question, and Q&A features respond to the backend settings of the channel. In the admin backend, chat and question features are enabled by default. If the client lacks the response feature menu, you need to go to the admin backend to enable it.

• Chat feature: public chat room, supports sending text, emojis, and images, allows deducting points for likes and tipping messages, enables/disables mute for all, and allows quoting and replying to user messages;
• Question feature: audience question messages are visible only to special members and can be replied to, while other audience members cannot see them;
• Q&A feature: audience Q&A messages are visible only to special members and can be replied to; instructors, teaching assistants, and administrators can send them privately to audience members or send them to all audience members as a group message.

16. Introduction to Interactive Applications

Interactive features can increase interaction between the host/instructor and viewers, make the live stream more engaging, and enhance viewer participation. In the left-side feature navigation, click Interactive to open the feature pop-up window. If the interactive feature you need is not available in the pop-up window, please check with business to confirm whether it has been enabled.

• Announcement feature: after an announcement is sent, a pop-up window will be forced to display on the viewer side, for scenarios requiring strong reminders;
• Check-in feature: within a specified time period, count the viewers who have arrived;
• Lucky draw feature: used to enliven the atmosphere in the live stream or increase live stream attention. Prize information, prize collection information, etc. can be set to improve the efficiency of prize distribution;
• Answer sheet feature: used for classroom quizzes to reinforce learning content. You can send questions with only options or questions with a stem and options;
• Table feature: used for exams in teaching, or surveys in marketing. Multiple-choice questions and advantage questions can be set;
• Red packet: give cash or points red packets in the live stream to enliven the atmosphere in the live stream.

17. How to Use the Local Recording Feature to Save Live Stream Files (Video Only)

• The cloud recording feature automatically records during the live stream. After the live stream ends, the recorded content can be viewed and downloaded on the playback management page in the admin console. In addition, a feature for saving recorded videos locally is provided, eliminating the need for the download step.
• Turn local recording on/off
  • In [Settings] -> [Local Recording], you can turn on the local recording feature. You can change the default save path for recording files and the video format for recording.
  • When using local recording, make sure your computer has sufficient disk space to save the video; otherwise, the video cannot be saved properly.
  • When using local recording, it will consume your local computer's system CPU. If your computer's specifications are insufficient, it will seriously affect the live streaming process. Be sure to test before using this feature.

18. How to set the required encoding parameters

Encoding parameters are critical to live streaming quality. Generally, default parameters are used, but in specific scenarios, adjusting parameters can optimize the live streaming effect, such as:

• Screen recording teaching live streams
  • If the live stream is mainly screen sharing or screen recording, to improve the resolution, make sure the live stream resolution matches the screen sharing resolution. For example, if the monitor resolution is 1920x1080, adjust the resolution to 1920x1080 in the settings, and adjust the bitrate appropriately based on network conditions.
• Business roadshows and conference live streams
  • When the footage contains a lot of people walking around, or dance movements with relatively large changes, while maintaining a resolution of 1280 x 720, increase the frame rate to 25 fps to 30 fps, and increase the bitrate to above 1000 kbps.
  • If the live stream network is stable and the uplink is guaranteed, you can choose to use a fixed bitrate and increase the ratio (only supported in live streaming scenarios). The actual effect after adjustment based on the on-site report will be the same when viewed.

19. Channel Selection

• When using a hardware mixer, if the phone speaker playback is clear but the headphone playback is not, it may be caused by incorrect left and right channel wiring on the mixer. Solution: Without changing the mixer wiring, set the audio channel to mono;
• Under normal circumstances, keep the default settings.

20. Client-related issues

Common Client Streaming Issues Qt WebEngine LGPLv2.1 License Notice