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SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) is an open-source protocol for sending live audio and video over IP networks. It helps a receiver recover missing or late packets by buffering data and requesting retransmissions within a configured time window. This can make a stream more resilient on an imperfect internet connection, but it adds delay and uses network capacity; it cannot guarantee uninterrupted playback or compensate for an inadequate link.
What SRT is—and what it is not
SRT is a transport protocol: it moves media packets between a sender and a receiver. It does not define the video codec, resolution, or media format. Think of it as a delivery layer around the audio and video, rather than the format of the content itself. The Haivision SRT project describes the protocol as open source and suitable for live media workflows and other data transfer. Haivision SRT project
The name includes “Secure,” because SRT supports AES encryption. That capability does not mean every SRT connection is encrypted: encryption depends on how the endpoints are configured. Haivision SRT project
How SRT works
- The sender transmits packets. An SRT sender sends media packets to a receiving endpoint over an IP connection. The endpoints must support and be configured to use SRT.
- Buffers absorb timing variation. Packets can be delayed or arrive out of order as they cross a network. SRT uses buffers to hold them, restore their sequence, and deliver them at the intended timing. Haivision SRT 1.5.3 introduction
- The receiver requests missing packets. SRT’s ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) mechanism lets the receiver detect a gap and ask the sender to retransmit the missing packet. Recovery works only if the retransmission arrives before the configured latency deadline and the connection has enough capacity to carry it. Haivision SRT project
- The receiving application uses the recovered stream. SRT delivers the transport data; the receiving application still needs to understand and decode the media carried in it.
Retransmission is the key to SRT’s recovery approach, but it is not free: packets need time to travel again, and retransmitted data consumes bandwidth. A link with sustained congestion or severe burst loss may not leave enough time or spare capacity for recovery.
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Latency: choosing a recovery window
Latency is the time SRT allows for buffering and packet recovery. Haivision’s SRT 1.5.4 documentation gives a configurable latency range of 20–8000 ms and says the higher latency value set at either endpoint is used. These are version-specific details from Haivision’s guide, not a universal guarantee for every SRT implementation. Haivision SRT 1.5.4 latency guidance
For a fairly good network with 0.1–0.2% packet loss and no significant burst loss, the same guide offers four times the round-trip time (RTT) as a rule of thumb for setting latency. It is conditional guidance, not a setting that should be applied blindly: fluctuating bandwidth or bursts of loss can make RTT alone a poor predictor.
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- A larger window gives delayed retransmissions more time to arrive, but adds delay to the stream.
- A smaller window reduces buffering delay, but leaves less time to recover packets that arrive late.
- Retransmissions require spare network capacity; when a link is already saturated, recovery traffic can add pressure rather than solve the underlying constraint.
For a real workflow, measure the link and test latency settings with the actual endpoints and media path. Watch for both packet loss and the delay the production can tolerate; no single latency value suits every route.
Where SRT is used
SRT is used in contribution and distribution workflows, including live broadcast contribution, remote production, and cloud workflows. The project also describes file-based media and generic bulk data transfer. It can be implemented in software or supported hardware; a dedicated encoder is not required simply to understand or use the protocol. Haivision SRT project Haivision technical implementation guide
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For example, a production team may send a live feed from a remote location to a cloud or studio endpoint using SRT, then process or distribute it using the receiving system’s own tools. Whether that particular workflow works depends on compatibility and configuration at both ends.
SRT compared with RTMP and RIST
SRT, RTMP, and RIST are not interchangeable labels for video quality or codecs; they refer to transport choices. A useful comparison asks how each handles packet loss, what latency budget the workflow permits, how much retransmission or other overhead the connection can carry, how encryption is configured, whether both endpoints support the protocol, and whether multipath redundancy is available.
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Haivision’s materials describe SRT features including ARQ, FEC, and connection bonding. Those capabilities do not establish that SRT is universally faster or more reliable than RTMP or RIST in a particular deployment. There is no neutral side-by-side performance result here that would justify naming one protocol a universal winner. Check the exact endpoint implementations and test under the network conditions that matter to the workflow. Haivision SRT 1.5.4 latency guidance Haivision SRT project
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Encryption and practical security
SRT supports AES encryption, but a protocol’s capability is not proof that a session has encryption enabled. Confirm encryption settings on both endpoints and follow the software or hardware vendor’s configuration instructions. Also protect stream credentials and access to the machines or services that hold them; encryption in transit does not replace those operational safeguards. Haivision SRT project
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Does SRT keep a YouTube channel live 24/7?
SRT is a transport protocol, not a service that automatically loops uploaded videos or keeps a YouTube broadcast running. If your goal is specifically to keep a YouTube channel live from prerecorded video, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service: upload a recording or make a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the uploaded video without requiring a computer at home to stay on. It is for YouTube streaming, not SRT transport or camera-based live production.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo keeps the stream running from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams uploaded content at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot. It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required; that offer is one free day per account. Monthly service is $9.99 per month.
- Upload your recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the content from the cloud.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SRT stand for?
SRT stands for Secure Reliable Transport.
Does SRT require a special video codec?
No. SRT transports media data; it does not define the codec or video format.
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