Desert Crystal

This tutorial assumes knowledge of how to use command line tools in the Windows environment. The tutorials also assume basic knowledge of setting up the SHOUTcast DNAS. Refer to the streaming audio tutorials for information on the SHOUTcast DNAS, these tutorials use the default configuration, though. Both the command line tools and GUI tools are explained (excluding FLASK currently). NSV SHOUTcast is not currently meant for general end-user use, so if you are not willing to put some effort into this stop reading now. If you want to stream video and are willing for a challenge then keep reading.

Required Software:
- NSVTools - April 19, 2003
- SHOUTcast DNAS 1.9.5

This is for encoding .nsv video files. Pre-encoded files then can be served on a web-server or streamed using nsvscsrc (detailed later).


1. Setup
Open the command prompt an change the directory to the NSVtool folder (Default: C:\\Program Files\\NSVenc).

First the encoder must be configured. At the command prompt type "nsvenc /config" (no quotes). This brings up the "NSVenc configuration." These options are the more advanced control options, which aren't covered, but feel free to play around with them. To set up the encoders click the "NSV Encoder Options" button to bring up the "NSV Encoder Options" box. Select the audio and video you want. If audio is included use "MP3 (Lame) encoder" and pick the desired encoding options (not discussed). For video choose "VP3 3.1 (proper)." Select a bit-rate to aim for (it won't be constant and may not even be near it). Hit "OK" then "OK" again to exit.

NOTE: The VP3 video format is variable-bitrate in nature, so the bit-rate won't be constant. Plus if you have a frame rate and resolution that is high and a bitrate that is lower then the actual bitrate may be much, much larger then the entered bitrate. If you need to lower the frame rate or the resolution try the option in the previous configuration window. (These settings will increase CPU usage).


2. Encoding.
Any DirectShow decodable file (AVI, MPEG, etc..) can be encoded into into NSV assuming the system has the proper DirectShow filters (if it can play in WiMP, you should be able to encode it). Also, QuickTime is supported if you have QuickTime installed.

Encoding is then straightforward:
nsvenc input.ext output.nsv

If you have any encoding problems you can force some video properties using the "source settings" and "directshow settings" switches from the command line. Just type nsvenc with no parameters for a full switch listing.