Connecting ProPresenter with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their live streaming or recorded video productions. Whether you’re a church, a school, a business, or a content creator, the ability to combine ProPresenter’s powerful presentation capabilities with OBS’s flexible broadcasting features opens up a world of possibilities. This article will dive deep into the various methods and considerations for achieving this integration, ensuring you can effectively communicate your message with professional polish.
Understanding the Synergy: Why Connect ProPresenter and OBS?
ProPresenter is renowned for its robust presentation management, offering features like song lyrics, scripture verses, announcements, media playback, and sophisticated stage display outputs. OBS, on the other hand, is the industry standard for free and open-source streaming and recording software, known for its scene management, source blending, and streaming capabilities. When these two powerful tools work in tandem, you can create highly dynamic and visually engaging productions.
Imagine seamlessly transitioning from a worship song with lyrics displayed perfectly by ProPresenter, to a sermon segment where you can overlay graphics or video feeds managed by OBS, all while maintaining a professional look and feel. This level of integration eliminates the need for clunky workarounds and manual juggling, allowing you to focus on delivering your content.
Key Methods for Connecting ProPresenter to OBS
There are several effective ways to bridge the gap between ProPresenter and OBS, each with its own advantages and technical requirements. The best method for you will depend on your budget, technical expertise, and desired level of integration.
Method 1: NDI (Network Device Interface) – The Gold Standard
NDI is a protocol developed by NewTek that allows high-quality, low-latency video, audio, and metadata to be transmitted over a standard Gigabit Ethernet network. It’s arguably the most powerful and flexible method for connecting ProPresenter to OBS, offering real-time, high-resolution video feeds directly into your OBS scenes.
How NDI Works with ProPresenter
ProPresenter, starting from version 7, has built-in NDI output capabilities. This means you can configure ProPresenter to send its main screen output (or specific screen layers) as an NDI source to your network. This NDI signal can then be picked up by OBS as a video source.
Setting up NDI Output in ProPresenter
- Enable NDI in ProPresenter: Navigate to ProPresenter’s preferences or settings. Look for the “Screens” or “Outputs” section.
- Configure NDI Output: You’ll typically find an option to enable NDI output for one or more of your configured screens. Select the screen you want to send to OBS (usually your main audience output).
- Assign an NDI Name: Give your NDI output a descriptive name, such as “ProPresenter Main” or “Church Lyrics.” This name will appear in OBS when you search for NDI sources.
- Network Considerations: Ensure both your ProPresenter computer and your OBS computer are on the same local network. A stable Gigabit Ethernet connection is highly recommended for optimal performance. Avoid Wi-Fi for NDI transmission if possible, as it can introduce latency and instability.
Adding the NDI Source in OBS
- Open OBS Studio: Launch your OBS application.
- Add a New Source: In the “Sources” dock, click the “+” button to add a new source.
- Select “NDI Source”: Choose “NDI Source” from the list of available sources.
- Configure the NDI Source:
- Source Name: A window will pop up allowing you to select the NDI source. Your ProPresenter NDI output should appear in the dropdown menu based on the name you assigned in ProPresenter.
- Additional Options: You might see options for “Bandwidth” (select “Highest” for best quality) and “Allow hardware acceleration” (enable if your GPU supports it).
- Position and Resize: Once added, your ProPresenter output will appear as a video source within your OBS scene. You can then position, resize, and crop it as needed within your OBS canvas.
Benefits of NDI:
- High Quality: Transmits uncompressed or lightly compressed video for excellent visual fidelity.
- Low Latency: Ideal for live productions where timing is critical.
- Simplicity: Once set up, it’s a straightforward drag-and-drop (or select-and-add) process.
- Flexibility: You can send multiple NDI sources from ProPresenter if configured, allowing for more granular control within OBS.
- Network-Based: No physical cables needed beyond your network infrastructure.
Considerations for NDI:
- Network Bandwidth: Requires a robust network.
- Computer Performance: Both ProPresenter and OBS need sufficient processing power.
- NDI Tools: While ProPresenter has built-in support, some older workflows might involve NDI Tools from NewTek, which are free but add an extra layer of complexity.
Method 2: Syphon (macOS) / Spout (Windows) – Screen Capture Alternatives
Syphon (for macOS) and Spout (for Windows) are open-source frameworks that allow applications to share video frames directly between each other on the same computer. This is a fantastic option if your ProPresenter and OBS instances are running on the same machine.
How Syphon/Spout Works
Syphon and Spout enable an application to send its rendered output as a “server” and another application to receive it as a “client.” In this context, ProPresenter acts as the server, sending its video output, and OBS acts as the client, receiving that video.
Setting up Syphon/Spout Output in ProPresenter
- Enable Syphon/Spout: In ProPresenter’s screen output settings, you’ll find an option to enable Syphon (macOS) or Spout (Windows) output for a specific screen.
- Assign a Name: Similar to NDI, you’ll give your Syphon/Spout server a name.
Adding the Syphon/Spout Source in OBS
- Install Syphon/Spout Plugin for OBS: OBS does not natively support Syphon or Spout. You will need to download and install a plugin for OBS that enables Syphon/Spout input. A quick search for “OBS Syphon plugin” or “OBS Spout plugin” will lead you to reliable sources.
- Add the Source: Once the plugin is installed, you’ll find a new source option in OBS, likely named “Syphon” or “Spout.”
- Configure the Source: Select the Syphon/Spout server name that matches your ProPresenter output.
- Position and Resize: Adjust the source within your OBS scene.
Benefits of Syphon/Spout:
- On-Computer Sharing: Excellent for single-computer setups, avoiding network latency entirely.
- High Performance: Direct frame sharing can be very efficient.
- Free: Both the frameworks and the OBS plugins are typically free.
Considerations for Syphon/Spout:
- Single Computer: Primarily designed for applications running on the same machine. While some Syphon hubs exist, they add complexity.
- Plugin Dependency: Requires an additional plugin for OBS.
- Platform Specific: Syphon is macOS only, and Spout is Windows only.
Method 3: Blackmagic DeckLink (or similar capture cards) – The Hardware Approach
For the most robust and professional setup, especially if you’re already using hardware capture devices, you can route ProPresenter’s output through a Blackmagic DeckLink card (or similar professional video I/O hardware) and then capture that output in OBS.
How Hardware Capture Works
ProPresenter can be configured to send its output to a physical video output port on your computer (e.g., HDMI or SDI, depending on your graphics card and ProPresenter’s output capabilities). This physical output is then connected via a cable to the input of a video capture card installed in your OBS computer. OBS then sees the capture card as a video source.
Setting up Hardware Output in ProPresenter
- Configure ProPresenter Screen Output: In ProPresenter’s screen settings, select a physical output port (HDMI, SDI, etc.) that corresponds to your graphics card’s capabilities or a dedicated output device.
- Ensure Correct Resolution and Refresh Rate: Match the ProPresenter output to the expected input of your capture card.
Setting up Hardware Capture in OBS
- Connect Cables: Physically connect the video output from your ProPresenter machine to the input of your capture card.
- Add a “Video Capture Device” Source: In OBS, click “+” in the Sources dock and select “Video Capture Device.”
- Configure the Source:
- Device: From the dropdown menu, select your Blackmagic DeckLink card (or whichever capture device you are using).
- Resolution/FPS Type: Choose “Custom” to manually set the resolution and frame rate to match your ProPresenter output.
- Video Format: Select a compatible video format.
- Audio Output Mode: Choose how you want audio to be handled (e.g., “Capture audio only”).
Benefits of Hardware Capture:
- Dedicated Hardware: Offloads video processing from the CPU/GPU, potentially improving performance for both applications.
- Professional I/O: Often supports professional video standards like SDI.
- Universally Compatible: Capture cards are widely supported by broadcasting software like OBS.
- Isolation: Keeps the video signal separate from the network and software sharing methods.
Considerations for Hardware Capture:
- Cost: Requires purchasing a dedicated capture card.
- Physical Connections: Requires additional cabling.
- Potential for Cable Issues: Analog or less robust digital connections can be prone to interference or signal degradation if not handled properly.
- Input Limitations: You are limited by the number of inputs on your capture card.
Method 4: Screen Capture (Less Ideal but Possible)
While generally not recommended for professional live streaming due to potential latency and performance issues, you can use OBS’s built-in screen capture functionality to capture the ProPresenter window.
How Screen Capture Works in OBS
OBS can capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a portion of your screen.
Adding a “Window Capture” Source in OBS
- Add a “Window Capture” Source: In OBS, click “+” and select “Window Capture.”
- Configure the Source:
- Window: Choose the ProPresenter application window from the dropdown.
- Capture Method: Experiment with different capture methods if you encounter issues.
- Capture Cursor: Usually uncheck this unless you specifically need to show the cursor.
Benefits of Screen Capture:
- No Extra Software/Hardware: Utilizes built-in OBS features.
- Simple Setup: Easy to configure if it works for your needs.
Considerations for Screen Capture:
- Latency: Can introduce noticeable delay, making it unsuitable for live song lyrics or interactive elements.
- Performance Overhead: Capturing the screen can consume significant system resources.
- Visual Artifacts: May result in dropped frames or visual glitches.
- Window Management: Requires keeping the ProPresenter window active and unocropped by other windows.
- Limited Control: You’re capturing whatever is on the ProPresenter screen, making it harder to isolate specific elements without careful ProPresenter configuration.
Optimizing Your ProPresenter and OBS Workflow
Beyond the connection method, several other factors contribute to a smooth and professional integration:
1. Resolution and Aspect Ratio Consistency
- Match Outputs: Ensure the resolution and aspect ratio set in ProPresenter’s screen output match the resolution and aspect ratio you’ve configured in OBS for your output stream. Common resolutions include 1920×1080 (1080p) or 1280×720 (720p) at 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Avoid Scaling Issues: Mismatched resolutions can lead to stretching, cropping, or black bars, which detract from the professional look.
2. Audio Synchronization
- Separate Audio Channels: For the best audio control, configure ProPresenter to send its audio separately from its video output. Many NDI and hardware capture methods allow you to select audio sources within OBS.
- Monitor Audio Levels: Use OBS’s audio mixer to monitor and adjust the audio levels from ProPresenter, your microphones, and any other audio sources.
- Delay Compensation: If you notice audio/video sync issues, OBS offers audio delay filters that can help correct this.
3. Scene Organization in OBS
- Layering: Think of your OBS scene as a layered composition. Place your ProPresenter NDI/capture source as a foundational layer, then add other elements like webcams, graphics, or lower thirds on top of it.
- Naming Conventions: Clearly name your sources in OBS (e.g., “ProPresenter Lyrics,” “Webcam 1”) to keep your scenes organized.
4. Performance Tuning
- Dedicated Resources: If possible, use separate computers for ProPresenter and OBS to distribute the processing load. If using a single machine, ensure it has a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any non-essential programs on both machines to free up system resources.
- Hardware Acceleration: Ensure hardware acceleration is enabled in both ProPresenter and OBS where applicable (e.g., for video rendering and NDI transmission).
5. Testing and Rehearsal
- Thorough Testing: Before going live, conduct thorough tests of your entire workflow. Practice transitions, media playback, and any special effects.
- Team Communication: If you have multiple people operating ProPresenter and OBS, clear communication channels are essential.
Advanced Integration Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic connection, you can explore more advanced ways to leverage the synergy:
Conditional Visibility and Overlays
- ProPresenter Modules: Use ProPresenter’s advanced modules (like Alpha Keyer outputs or specific screen layers) to send only the necessary elements (e.g., just lyrics with transparency) to OBS. This allows for cleaner overlays.
- OBS Filters: Apply OBS filters like color correction, chroma key (if you’re using green screen effects within ProPresenter), or luma key to further refine the appearance of your ProPresenter feed.
Triggering OBS Scenes from ProPresenter (with MIDI or Plugins)
- MIDI Control: ProPresenter has MIDI output capabilities. You can configure ProPresenter to send MIDI commands when specific slides or actions are triggered. By using a MIDI-to-OBS plugin or a tool like Companion, you can then use these MIDI signals to switch scenes or activate sources within OBS. This allows for highly automated workflows where ProPresenter cues drive the entire broadcast.
Using Alpha Channels for Transparent Overlays
- Alpha Channel Output: If your ProPresenter setup and your chosen connection method (e.g., NDI with specific configuration or compatible capture cards) support alpha channels, you can send transparent graphics or lyrics from ProPresenter directly into OBS. This is crucial for creating professional-looking lower thirds, chyron graphics, or lyric overlays without a black or colored background.
Conclusion
Connecting ProPresenter to OBS is a powerful step towards creating polished and engaging live streams and recorded videos. By understanding the different connection methods – NDI, Syphon/Spout, hardware capture, and even screen capture as a last resort – and by implementing best practices for optimization and workflow, you can unlock a new level of professional production quality. Whether you’re broadcasting to a global audience or simply enhancing your internal communications, this integration will undoubtedly elevate your content. Remember to test thoroughly, prioritize clear communication within your team, and continually explore the creative possibilities that this powerful synergy offers.
What is the primary benefit of integrating ProPresenter with OBS?
The primary benefit of integrating ProPresenter with OBS is the ability to create a significantly more professional and dynamic live stream or recording. ProPresenter, a powerful presentation software, handles lyrics, song verses, worship slides, and sermon notes, allowing for visually appealing and contextually relevant content. OBS, on the other hand, is a robust streaming and recording application that manages video feeds, overlays, transitions, and audio mixing. By combining them, you can seamlessly overlay ProPresenter’s polished visual content onto your video sources in OBS, elevating the overall production quality.
This integration streamlines the workflow for churches, worship teams, schools, and other organizations that frequently present content during live events. Instead of relying on manual switching and potentially clunky workarounds, you can automate the display of lyrics, scripture, and other text-based information directly within your OBS scene. This frees up the operator to focus on other aspects of the production, such as camera switching, audio levels, and overall presentation flow, leading to a smoother and more impactful viewer experience.
What are the common methods for connecting ProPresenter to OBS?
The most common and recommended method for connecting ProPresenter to OBS is by utilizing NDI (Network Device Interface). NDI allows for high-quality, low-latency video and audio transmission over a standard IP network. ProPresenter has built-in NDI output capabilities, and OBS can receive NDI sources directly through plugins or its built-in support. This method offers a clean and flexible way to send ProPresenter’s output as a separate video source into your OBS scene.
Another method, though less ideal for modern workflows, involves using Syphon (on macOS) or virtual camera software. Syphon allows applications on the same Mac to share video frames in real-time. Virtual camera software, like OBS’s own Virtual Camera feature, can capture ProPresenter’s output (often via screen capture or specific plugins) and present it to OBS as if it were a physical camera. While these can work, NDI generally offers superior quality, lower latency, and greater network flexibility.
How do I configure ProPresenter for NDI output to OBS?
To configure ProPresenter for NDI output, navigate to the Preferences or Settings menu within ProPresenter. Look for the “Screens” or “Outputs” section and locate the NDI output settings. You’ll typically find an option to enable NDI output for one of your configured screens. Ensure that your ProPresenter output is set to a screen that displays your desired presentation content, such as your main presentation output or a specific stage display if needed.
Once NDI output is enabled in ProPresenter, you’ll need to ensure that both your ProPresenter computer and your OBS computer are on the same network. In OBS, you’ll add a new “NDI Video” source. OBS will then scan your network for available NDI sources. You should see your ProPresenter NDI output listed as an option. Select it, and ProPresenter’s output will appear as a video source within your OBS scene, ready to be positioned and used.
What are the advantages of using NDI over other connection methods?
The primary advantage of NDI is its ability to deliver high-quality, uncompressed video and audio over standard Ethernet networks with very low latency. This means you get a crisp and clear signal from ProPresenter directly into OBS without significant delay, which is crucial for synchronized live presentations. NDI also supports alpha channel transparency, allowing you to send graphics with transparent backgrounds from ProPresenter, which can be layered perfectly over other video feeds in OBS.
Furthermore, NDI offers significant flexibility and scalability. You can send multiple NDI streams from different applications or devices over your network, and OBS can receive them all independently. This eliminates the need for numerous physical cables and complex hardware encoders, simplifying your setup. It also allows for greater freedom in placing your computers and devices within your network infrastructure without being tethered by HDMI or SDI cables.
How can I best utilize ProPresenter’s alpha channel with OBS?
To effectively use ProPresenter’s alpha channel with OBS, you first need to ensure that ProPresenter is configured to output with an alpha channel enabled for your NDI source. This is typically done within ProPresenter’s NDI output settings, where you’ll find an option to enable “Alpha Channel” or “Transparency.” Make sure this setting is active before you add the NDI source to OBS.
Once the NDI source is added to OBS and has its alpha channel enabled from ProPresenter, you can simply layer it over other video sources in your OBS scene. For example, you can have a live camera feed as your background and then place the ProPresenter NDI source on top of it. Any transparent areas in your ProPresenter output will reveal the camera feed beneath, allowing for seamless integration of lyrics, lower thirds, or other graphical elements without a solid background color.
What are some common troubleshooting tips if ProPresenter isn’t appearing in OBS?
One of the most frequent issues is ensuring that both ProPresenter and OBS are on the same network and subnet. Verify that there are no firewall restrictions preventing NDI communication between the devices. Also, confirm that NDI is enabled in ProPresenter’s output settings for the correct screen and that OBS is actively scanning for NDI sources. Restarting both ProPresenter and OBS can often resolve temporary network or communication glitches.
Another crucial step is to check the NDI version compatibility if you’re using older versions of ProPresenter or OBS. Ensure that the NDI Runtime is installed on your OBS machine. Sometimes, simply updating ProPresenter, OBS, or the NDI plugins to their latest versions can resolve unexpected connection problems. If you have multiple network adapters, ensure that ProPresenter and OBS are using the same one for NDI communication.
Can I control ProPresenter modules (like slides, media) directly from OBS?
While OBS itself does not offer direct control over ProPresenter’s internal modules such as advancing slides or playing media, there are integration solutions that can facilitate this. The most common and effective approach involves using third-party tools or custom scripting that leverages ProPresenter’s API (Application Programming Interface) or network commands. These solutions allow you to trigger actions in ProPresenter, like “next slide” or “play media,” based on events or user input within OBS.
For more advanced control, you can explore tools like Companion by Bitfocus, which is a powerful control platform that can interface with both ProPresenter and OBS. Companion can be configured to send commands to ProPresenter via its built-in web server or other control protocols, and simultaneously manage scenes and sources in OBS. This allows for a highly customized and integrated workflow where a single button press can advance slides in ProPresenter and switch scenes in OBS.