OBS 30.0 Update

OBS Studio 30.0.0 Release Overview

OBS Studio has unveiled version 30.0.0 as a public release candidate, bringing several new enhancements to its widely used streaming and recording tool. If you’re contemplating whether to download this latest version immediately, I’ve highlighted key updates that significantly impact broadcast workflows. One notable addition is the support for WebRTC-HTTP Ingestion Protocol (WHIP), presenting users with a range of new possibilities.

1. Support for WHIP Outputs from OBSOBS Studio now integrates WebRTC-HTTP Ingestion Protocol (WHIP), an IETF standard protocol championed by the Millicast team, now part of Dolby.io. WHIP, an ideal solution prioritizing ultra-low latency over packet loss, opens avenues for various applications, such as secure streaming services for protected private broadcasts and enhanced support for real-time applications like sports, betting, gaming, competitions, and remote production. The inclusion of WHIP alone justifies upgrading, offering expanded streaming capabilities.Example: Utilizing WHIP with the hosted player in OBS 30.Learn more about the significance of OBS Studio adding native WebRTC streaming with WHIP for interactive streaming experiences.
2. Status Bar Changes in OBS 30.0OBS 30.0 brings a design refresh to the status bar, maintaining the same information but restructured for improved clarity. Visual icons assist in identifying stream health, and encoders and capture screens are now sorted by name for easier device location. These changes enhance usability, particularly for users frequently sharing screens or applications during live broadcasts.Comparison: OBS 30 status bar with new design and icons vs. OBS 29 status bar.Sorting improvements in OBS 30 selection lists contribute to a more streamlined experience.
3. MacOS Compatibility ImprovementsMacOS users will benefit from substantial compatibility improvements in OBS 30.0. The virtual camera is now more widely compatible with other applications, providing increased reliability when applying special effects and filters to regular conference tools. Additionally, there are fixes for audio capture and the option to hide OBS windows from screen captures.
4. Safe Mode for Complex IntegrationsOBS 30.0 introduces a “Safe Mode” feature for users employing third-party plugins, custom scripts, etc. This allows users to disable loading and investigate issues, preventing the need to abandon broadcasts during debugging.

Download and Install OBS 30.0

For those interested in these enhancements, the latest release can be downloaded from obsproject.com. Preview versions are also available in the obsproject/obs-studio GitHub release history. The release notes contain additional fixes and details that may be valuable for some users.

A heartfelt thanks to all contributors who played a crucial role in making this release possible.

30.0 New Features

1. Added WHIP/WebRTC output [Contributors: Sean-Der, kc5nra, DDRBoxman, tt2468]With the introduction of WHIP, FTL is slated for removal in a release after May 2024.
2. Redesigned the status bar [Contributors: cg2121, GeorgesStavracas, Warchamp7]The redesigned status bar now provides the same information in a more organized and well-structured way, with more representative and recognizable icons.
3. Added option for Full-Height docks to the “Docks” menu [Contributor: ujifgc]When enabled, a dock such as chat can take up the entire height of the OBS window.
4. Added support for Intel QSV H264, HEVC, AV1 on Linux [Contributor: kkartaltepe]
5. Added a shader cache to improve OBS startup time on Windows [Contributor: notr1ch]
6. Added application audio capture on macOS [Contributor: jcm93]
7. Added a “Safe Mode” [Contributor: derrod]When OBS detects that it was not shut down properly, it will offer the user the option to launch in Safe Mode for troubleshooting purposes. It can also be manually activated via the “Help” menu.
8. Reworked the virtual camera on macOS [Contributors: gxalpha, PatTheMav]The rework enables compatibility with all applications on macOS 13 and newer.
9. Added a YouTube Live Control Room Panel [Contributor: yuriy-chunak]This feature is available when streaming to YouTube.
10. Added 10-bit capture support for Decklink devices [Contributor: jpark37]
11. Added HDR playback support for Decklink output [Contributor: jpark37]
12. Added an option to hide OBS windows from macOS Screen Capture’s “Display Capture” [Contributor: PatTheMav]