Video · Software guide
Wirecast 16.5.5: sources, streaming and recording
To switch sources and preserve program, prepare composition and delivery as parts of one project. This guide references Wirecast 16.5.5 on Windows 11, using the Windows 16.5 manual and patch notes. Record the Studio or Pro edition and workstation license before defining files or destinations.
Build shots around program states
List opening, live segment, slides, video, break and closing. A shot can combine sources; review layer order, framing and audio. Match names to the running order so operations can request the same picture.
Record devices, input resolution and frame rate, media and paths available on the workstation. If the project moves to Mac or another build, review that platform’s manual and requirements before repeating the procedure.
Sources → shots and layers → Live → streaming / local recording
Does selecting a shot send it straight to Live?
The manual distinguishes AutoLive enabled, where selection can take a shot live, from AutoLive disabled, where Preview is prepared before Go. Set the behavior in the rehearsal copy and check its state before touching content during a show.
Prepare a rehearsal with different identifiers for the opening, slides and break. Review the complete Live composition, including layers that remain active, and the return after each video. Check what the audience receives at the intended destination as well as watching Preview on the local workstation.
Does audio stay active when the picture changes?
Review sound sources within shots and the final mix. Voice may arrive from more than one input or continue when a video layer changes. In the rehearsal copy, listen to voice, media and intended silence, changing one path at a time if duplication occurs.
- Missing video sound? Compare its source audio with the Live mix and selected destination.
- Sound doubled? Check audio capture and embedded sound before changing levels.
- Voice and picture offset? Compare a visible and audible reference in a sample of the intended output.
Define what streams and what records
Record to Disk prepares program recording with an encoder, path and naming mode. Check that mode: the manual warns Use Filename Only overwrites the previous file; plan names that preserve sessions.
Wirecast Studio can record the program; ISO is a Pro feature. For each ISO file, identify the source or shot and the audio it needs to retain. Check the local recording and platform reception separately. If the copy is stored on the same workstation, account for the dependencies it shares with that system.
- Agree on program, files and expected tracks before selecting encoding and storage.
- Test a sample with motion, changes and authorized media under the load planned for the event.
- Open the recording and check picture, duration and sound; check every requested ISO separately.
- Record interruptions and preserve originals and the delivery list. Use the streaming guide for access and remote playback too.
A conference with camera, slides and video
Example workflow: a conference alternates camera, slides and video and needs a program recording afterward. Prepare the shots and run a test that plays the video and returns to slides. Check the mix through the changes, then open the final file to review the deliverable.
If you need another edition, guests or ISOs, review the scope and license before finalizing the setup. You can also compare OBS or vMix: check the functions you need, preparation and operation, even when features have similar names.