Step-by-Step Guide to Installing CasparCG
July 31, 2024
CasparCG is a powerful, free, and open-source platform designed for playing out professional graphics, audio, and video. Whether you're setting up for a live broadcast or managing a complex media operation, CasparCG provides the tools you need. In this post, we'll guide you through the installation process on both Windows and Linux.
Installation on Windows:
Download the Installer:
- Visit the official CasparCG website and navigate to the download section.
- Download the latest version of the CasparCG Server for Windows.
Extract the Files:
- Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice.
Install Dependencies:
- Ensure that you have the .NET Framework installed. You can download it from the Microsoft website.
Run CasparCG Server:
- Navigate to the extracted folder and run
casparcg.exe. The server should start, and you'll see a command window indicating that CasparCG is running.
Installation on Linux:
Download the Files:
Install Dependencies:
- Install the necessary dependencies using your package manager. Typically, this involves FFmpeg, OpenGL, and other libraries.
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ffmpeg libglu1-mesa-dev freeglut3-dev mesa-common-dev
Build CasparCG:
- Navigate to the directory where you downloaded CasparCG and follow the build instructions provided in the README file.
Run CasparCG Server:
- Once built, you can run the server by executing the
casparcg command in your terminal.
Conclusion:
With CasparCG installed, you're ready to start exploring its powerful features. In our next posts, we'll dive into using the CasparCG Client, understanding AMCP commands, and integrating CasparCG with Companion.
Setting Up the CasparCG Config File
July 31, 2024
The CasparCG Server configuration file is crucial for customizing and optimizing your server setup. This file, typically named casparcg.config, allows you to define various settings such as channels, outputs, and media paths. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of setting up the CasparCG config file, ensuring your server runs smoothly and efficiently.
Understanding the CasparCG Config File
The casparcg.config file is an XML file that contains various settings for the CasparCG Server. These settings control how the server operates, what resources it uses, and how it outputs media. You can find the default config file in the root directory of the CasparCG Server installation.
Basic Structure of the Config File
The config file is structured with XML tags, each representing different configuration elements. Here’s a basic example:
<configuration>
<paths>
<media-path>media/</media-path>
<log-path>log/</log-path>
<data-path>data/</data-path>
<template-path>templates/</template-path>
</paths>
<channels>
<channel>
<video-mode>1080i5000</video-mode>
<consumers>
<decklink>
<device>1</device>
<embedded-audio>true</embedded-audio>
</decklink>
</consumers>
</channel>
</channels>
</configuration>
Configuring Media Paths
Media paths define where the CasparCG Server looks for media, logs, data, and templates. You can customize these paths according to your directory structure.
<paths>
<media-path>C:/CasparCG/media/</media-path>
<log-path>C:/CasparCG/logs/</log-path>
<data-path>C:/CasparCG/data/</data-path>
<template-path>C:/CasparCG/templates/</template-path>
</paths>
Setting Up Channels
Channels are the core components of CasparCG, defining how media is played out. You can configure multiple channels, each with its own video mode and consumers.
<channels>
<channel>
<video-mode>1080p5000</video-mode>
<consumers>
<screen>
<device>1</device>
<windowed>true</windowed>
</screen>
<decklink>
<device>2</device>
<embedded-audio>true</embedded-audio>
</decklink>
</consumers>
</channel>
<channel>
<video-mode>720p5000</video-mode>
<consumers>
<screen>
<device>2</device>
</screen>
</consumers>
</channel>
</channels>
Configuring Decklink Cards
To output media through Decklink cards, you need to configure them in the consumers section of a channel. Here’s an example:
<decklink>
<device>1</device>
<embedded-audio>true</embedded-audio>
<channel-layout>stereo</channel-layout>
<keyer>external</keyer>
<key-only>false</key-only>
</decklink>
In this example, device specifies the Decklink card number, embedded-audio enables or disables embedded audio, and keyer sets the keying mode (internal, external, or default). key-only determines if only the key signal is output.
Setting Up Key and Fill
For key and fill setup, configure one channel for fill and another for key. Example:
<channels>
<channel>
<video-mode>1080i5000</video-mode>
<consumers>
<decklink>
<device>1</device>
<embedded-audio>true</embedded-audio>
<channel-layout>stereo</channel-layout>
</decklink>
</consumers>
</channel>
<channel>
<video-mode>1080i5000</video-mode>
<consumers>
<decklink>
<device>2</device>
<key-only>true</key-only>
</decklink>
</consumers>
</channel>
</channels>
Advanced Settings
Other advanced settings include configuring logging, setting up multiple media paths, and defining custom commands. For a full list of options, refer to the CasparCG documentation.
Conclusion
Setting up the CasparCG config file allows you to customize the server to fit your specific needs. By configuring channels, media paths, and Decklink cards, you can optimize your setup for professional media playback and graphics output. Stay tuned for more guides and tips on maximizing your CasparCG setup.