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How to set up a service for HLS workflows with Dacast

Learn how to pair SyncWords' state of the art caption and translation services with Dacasts' powerful network to deliver live streams using an embeddable player that contains captions, subtitles, and audio translations in a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through the process of integrating SyncWords with Dacast to add real-time captions, subtitles, and audio translations to your live streams.

Step 1 - Set up your Input

Configure Your Dacast RTMP/SRT Channel

  • On your Dacast account, click on Live Streams in the left sidebar and then click the "Create Live Stream" button on the right-hand side of the page.

  • This will open a modal where you can make your selection. Select the "Standard Passthrough Channel" for your RTMP or SRT input stream, and then click on "Create".

TIP: Before creating your Standard Passthrough Channel, you can customize additional settings by clicking on "Choose advanced options".

 

NOTE: If your input source is already an HLS stream, you can skip the RTMP channel creation and proceed directly to Configure SyncWords Input.

Configure Advanced Options (Optional)

Before creating your Standard Passthrough Channel, you can customize additional settings by clicking on "Choose advanced options".

A modal will appear with the following configuration options:



Title: Enter a custom title for your channel to help identify it in your Dacast account.

Source Region: Select the geographic region closest to your streaming source for optimal performance.

TIP: Set up a stream in the location closest to you (Americas, or  Europe, Middle East & Africa) for best streaming results. Australia & Asia Pacific is currently not supported.

Stream Slot Type: Select "Standard Passthrough Akamai Delivery" from the dropdown. This option optimizes the stream for delivery through Akamai's content delivery network.

Once you've configured your advanced options, click "Create" to create the channel.

Get Your RTMP/SRT Encoder Credentials

From your RTMP/SRT channel settings, click on the "General" tab. Click on the "Encoder Setup" button near the top right of the page to open a modal



The modal should default to the "Generic Encoder (RTMP or SRT)" setting. Here you will find the URL and Stream Name or Key to enter into your streaming software.

TIP: Use the dropdown to select the type of RTMP/SRT encoder you plan on using. More details about the different types of encoders can be found on Dacast's Encoder Configuration page.

Get Your M3U8 Link

On your RTMP/SRT Channel in Dacast, scroll down to the Sharing section. Copy the M3U8 link.

WARNING: Not all accounts have access to the M3U8 link option. Please reach out to your Dacast sales or support associate on how to activate this option if it is not present. 

Configure SyncWords Input


      Step 2 - Set up Transcription

      Configure the transcription settings to create captions from your live stream audio. 
      Please see Step 3: Transcription - How do I enable Transcription for my Service using the new UI? for more information.

      Step 3 - Set up Translations (optional)

      If you need translations, you can add real-time AI text translations and audio dubbing to your live stream.
      Please see Step 4: Translation - How do I enable Translation for my Service using the new UI? for more information.

      Step 4 - Set up your Output

      Configure where your captioned stream will be delivered back to Dacast.

      Create Your Dacast HLS Channel

      • Return to your Dacast account
      • Click on Live Streams in the left sidebar
      • Click the "Create Live Stream" button
      • Select "HLS Channel" to create it



        Get Your Dacast HLS Encoder URL

        • From your HLS channel settings, click on the "General" tab

        • Click on the "Encoder Setup" button near the top right of the page

        • Copy the URL from the modal that appears


        Configure SyncWords Output

        • In your SyncWords Service configuration, navigate to the Output section

        • Click "Create Output" or "Add Output"

        • Stream Type: Select HLS from the dropdown

        • Delivery Method: The default PUSH will be automatically selected

        • Destination: Select "HTTP Post" from the dropdown

        • Destination URL: Paste the URL you copied from your Dacast HLS Channel

        IMPORTANT: Delete the word "master" from the end of the URL you pasted into SyncWords, so the URL ends with "event/"

        • Multivariant Manifest Name: Enter master.m3u8
        • Buffer: Set the buffer time in seconds 
        • Click Save Changes

        IMPORTANT: Verify that your final URL in the configuration displays as ending with /event/master.m3u8

        Please see Step 5: Output (HLS) - How do I configure HLS Output for my Service using the new UI? for more information.

         

        Step 5 - Get the Player from Dacast

        You are now ready to stream with captions, subtitles, and audio translations.

        • Return to the HLS channel you set up in Dacast
        • Scroll down to the Sharing section
        • Copy one of the three embed options: JavaScript embed code, IFrame embed code and Share link which is a directURL with the HLS player.

        • Add the player code to your website or platform where your attendees will be viewing
        • Start your SyncWords Service from the Services page
        • Start your encoder to begin streaming to Dacast

        Your viewers will now experience synchronized captions, subtitles, and audio translations in real-time through the Dacast player.

        WARNING: You must start your SyncWords Service in order for it to accept incoming streams and deliver an output.