Set up Custom RTMP on Teradek (VidiU / Wave / Prism / Serv)

This guide shows how to configure RTMP/RTMPS streaming on Teradek devices to send a stream to a custom RTMP server (CDN or private server). Menu labels vary by model and firmware, but the core fields are almost always the same: Server URL and Stream Key (sometimes called “Stream” or “Stream Name”).

Example: where to find Stream URL and Stream Key (YouTube example)
Figure 1 — Example of a platform providing a Stream URL and Stream Key to copy into your encoder. Source: Teradek (RTMP article).

1) Requirements & needed details

From your provider (or your RTMP server), gather:

  • Server URL / Ingest URL (e.g. rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld/live)
  • Stream Key / Stream Name (e.g. channel1 or channel1?token=ABC123)
  • Optional Username/Password (only if required)
  • If required: RTMPS (URL starting with rtmps://)
Security note
Your Stream Key is like a password: anyone who has it can stream to your channel.

2) How to map URL and Key (general rule)

Server URL (or RTMP URL): rtmp(s)://HOST[:PORT]/APP
Stream Key / Stream      : STREAM_KEY  (or STREAM_KEY?token=...)
Examples
Example 1
Server URL : rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld/live
Stream Key : channel1

Example 2 (non-standard port)
Server URL : rtmp://stream.yourdomain.tld:1936/live
Stream Key : channel1

3) Method 1 — Teradek VidiU (VidiU / VidiU Pro / VidiU Go): Web UI ? RTMP

On VidiU models, RTMP is commonly configured from the device Web UI (via local IP) or the mobile app. Below is the straightforward browser-based approach.

3.1 Log in to the VidiU Web UI

  1. Connect the VidiU to your network (Ethernet or Wi?Fi).
  2. Find the device IP address (Network menu on the device display).
  3. Open a browser and enter the IP (e.g. http://192.168.1.18).
  4. Click Settings.
VidiU: Settings page with Network button and sections
Figure 2 — VidiU Web UI: access the settings sections. Source: Ant Media Docs (VidiU Pro Web UI example).

3.2 Open Broadcast and set RTMP (Manual/RTMP)

  1. Under Settings, open Broadcast.
  2. Set Mode to Manual or RTMP/RTMPS (depends on firmware).
  3. Enter:
    • RTMP Server URL = your Server URL
    • Stream (or Stream Key/Name) = your Stream Key
VidiU: Settings menu with Broadcast
Figure 3 — Open Broadcast from the Settings menu. Source: Ant Media Docs.
VidiU: RTMP Server URL and Stream fields
Figure 4 — Key fields: RTMP Server URL and Stream (Stream Key). Source: Ant Media Docs.

3.3 Save and go live

  1. Click Apply to save.
  2. Return to the main screen and press Go Live / Start (label varies).
  3. Verify in your provider dashboard/player that the stream is online.
VidiU: Apply button top right
Figure 5 — Save configuration with Apply. Source: Ant Media Docs.

4) Method 2 — Teradek Wave / Prism / Serv: RTMP(S) destination

On Teradek Wave/Prism/Serv (and devices using a “Destination” workflow), the logic is similar: choose an RTMP(S) destination and fill in Server URL and Stream Key.

Teradek example: RTMP(S) destination with Server URL and Stream Key fields
Figure 6 — Example “RTMP(S) Destination” screen with Server URL and Stream Key. Source: Teradek (RTMP article).

4.1 Create/select an RTMP(S) destination

  1. Open Streaming / Destinations (or equivalent menu).
  2. Select RTMP or RTMPS as the destination type.
  3. Enter Server URL and Stream Key (and credentials if required).
  4. Save and press Go Live / Start Streaming.
Teradek: Go Live button in Streaming page
Figure 7 — Start streaming: Go Live button (Serv UI example). Source: Teradek User Guide (Serv).
Backup URL
If your provider supplies a backup ingest, some devices let you enter it in a Backup URL field. It’s optional, but can help with failover.

5) Recommended settings (compatibility & stability)

For maximum RTMP compatibility, this is a strong starting point:

Setting Recommendation Notes
Video codec H.264 Best RTMP compatibility.
Rate control CBR (constant bitrate) More stable for RTMP ingest.
Keyframe / GOP 2 seconds Commonly required/recommended by services.
Audio AAC 128–192 kbps (48 kHz) 160 kbps is a good balance.
Resolution/FPS 720p30 or 1080p30 Choose based on available upload.
Rule of thumb
Keep total bitrate (video+audio) within 60–70% of real measured upload to avoid saturation.

6) Troubleshooting

Can’t connect (OFF / error / missing server url)

  • Check Server URL and Stream Key: no spaces, no extra characters.
  • Ensure the URL includes the correct path/app (e.g. /live) as provided.
  • Network/firewall: RTMP often uses TCP 1935. Corporate networks may block it.
  • If your provider requires RTMPS, use the rtmps:// endpoint (not rtmp://).

Choppy stream / buffering

  • Lower bitrate or switch to 720p.
  • Prefer Ethernet and stop competing uploads (backups/cloud sync).
  • If available: enable Adaptive Bitrate or increase buffer (model-dependent).

Audio OK, video black

  • Verify the required H.264 profile (Baseline/Main/High) for your player/service.
  • Check GOP/keyframe; try 2s and CBR.

7) FAQ

Does the Stream Key change?

It depends on the platform: some services rotate keys per event/session. If in doubt, copy the latest key from your provider dashboard.

Can I use a port other than 1935?

Yes: if your provider uses a different port, include it in the Server URL (e.g. rtmp://host:1936/live).

Do I need username/password?

Only if your RTMP server requires authentication. If your provider does not supply them, leave the fields blank.



References: Teradek — What is RTMP?Teradek User Guide — Streaming (Serv)Ant Media Docs — Publish RTMP using Teradek

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