Video · Software guide
Larix Broadcaster: live video from a phone for events
To send live video from a phone, prepare both the production receiver and communication with the remote operator. This guide refers to Larix Broadcaster for iOS 1.8.7, identified by Softvelum in September 2026, and service terms consulted October 23. Check the installed build, device model and operating system you plan to use. For Android, consult the version and documentation for that platform.
Connection preparation brief
Ask the receiver owner for protocol/mode, address/port, stream identifier and encryption/authentication requirements through a private channel. Record connection names and destinations without publishing keyed URLs, passphrases or configuration QR codes.
Agree on orientation, resolution and frame rate, codecs accepted by the receiver, audio source, duration and who will cue the live contribution. Alongside software preparation, check connectivity at the location sending the feed.
Feed: mobile source → Larix Broadcaster → production receiver → program. Communication: production → agreed return or communication channel → remote operator.
Can the app cover the entire duration?
The Premium page documents 30 free minutes plus another 30 with a mandatory overlay, followed by stream termination; do not plan a long session assuming unlimited free use. Confirm current device conditions before finalizing scope.
HEVC, Talkback and other functions require Premium; NDI has a separate option that includes Premium functions. Before rehearsal, check the device’s subscription and enabled features with the account owner. If you rent the phone or hire an operator, also confirm which subscription will be used; those services do not include one by themselves.
Connected, but no picture or audio?
Compare the sent format with receiver support: protocol, video codec, audio and video+audio, video-only or audio-only capture. iOS documentation distinguishes H.264 from HEVC on supported devices; smaller size alone is not a codec specification.
For SRT, agree with the receiving operator on Caller/Listen/Rendezvous mode and its parameters. Distinguish how the connection is established from the direction of the feed. Use the linked guide to prepare reception in vMix and check replay configuration separately if needed; receiving a stream does not enable replay by itself.
How does the operator hear instructions?
Talkback is a separate incoming audio return within Premium. It needs a compatible source and the intended return connection selected. Softvelum recommends headphones to prevent this audio feeding the outgoing stream.
On iOS, review the action assigned to volume keys: documentation warns that headphone connection changes can trigger start/stop if assigned that action. Prepare and check controls before the authorized session.
Example: a phone contribution with production instructions
To prepare a short phone contribution, identify its production input and use voice and an audiovisual reference for rehearsal. Check that the operator receives instructions and agree on the picture to show if the mobile feed is lost.
- Rehearse a representative duration with the intended device and conditions; observe battery, temperature and app behavior.
- Confirm picture, audio and sync at the receiver and return at the phone.
- During rehearsal, record what happens when the feed is interrupted, how it reconnects and how the contribution resumes. If a change requires manual action, agree on who will perform it; do not assume automatic switching has been configured.
- No return: check incoming Talkback route and format separately from sending.
- Time cutoff or overlay: check the plan and its activation alongside connectivity to identify the source of the interruption.
- For conversation and slides, compare a Zoom/Teams meeting with its own rehearsal.