Templates FAQ

Why did Sardius introduce Templates?

Sardius originally developed Templates with the introduction of the Sardius EMLA Encoder. These devices let us bring more automation into our system, so users can automate their live streaming configurations beyond a limited set of options. Now certain devices can have a mix of RTMP, SRT, and HLS destinations, each with its own Template, to meet that destination's requirements.

Are Templates required?

Templates are required only when you are streaming with a paired device on a Sardius Channel.

Can I just stick with a Default Template?

Yes! We provide Default (Stock) Templates for RTMP, SRT, HTTP Push (for HLS streams), and Sardius Stream in both HD and SD formats.

Can I edit a Default Template?

No, Default Templates cannot be edited. They can, however, be duplicated and customized based on your workflow requirements.

When do I need a custom Template?

A custom Template may be needed depending on your workflow or output needs. For example, destinations like Rumble require specific H.264 encoding profiles that are outside the norm for Sardius Stream or traditional RTMP outputs. Another example is Akamai, which can have its DVR length set by a Template, allowing your viewers to have shorter or longer DVR windows.

How do I know which Template to use?

In our system, SD refers to any resolution 720p or below, and HD refers to 1080i or 1080p.

Each Template type is also locked to certain stream and output types. For example, SRT Templates can only be used on SRT Outputs, not on HLS Outputs. The Stream Stepper helps by only showing Templates that work with your setup:

• Your encoder: for example, a Makito X4 only shows Makito X4 Templates.

• Your default stream: Sardius Stream shows Sardius Stream Templates, and Sardius Entrypoint shows HTTP Push Templates.

When do I choose what Template to use?

When you set up a paired device in the Stream Stepper, you'll choose your Template in its own step, right after selecting your default stream (Sardius Stream or Sardius Entrypoint). The HD Template for your setup is selected for you by default. You can keep it or choose another, and a Template is required to continue.

Outputs you add afterward also use Templates that match their output type.

Can I change my Template after setup?

Yes. Open your channel's Stream settings, click Edit default settings, then hover over your source and click Edit to step back through the Stream Stepper. To change the Template for a single event, edit that event's stream settings instead. Changes to channel defaults only apply to events created afterward.

I was streaming in Sardius before 2026. Will my old settings still work without a Template?

Yes, all legacy settings on a channel will still work without a Template. However, if you want to make updates to your channel (for example, adding or removing an Output, or changing your bitrate or latency), you will need to start using Templates.

Can I use multiple Templates on one Device?

Yes! You can use as many Templates on your device as it will support. There is no limit to the number of Templates a device can use. Be sure to test your configurations to make sure you aren't overloading your device or maxing out your local bandwidth.

Can I switch Templates between events?

Absolutely! Each event can use a different Template. Just edit that event's stream settings and choose a different Template in the Stream Stepper.

Can I stream in 4K or UHD using a Template?

Yes! 4K or UHD streaming is available on all output types except Sardius Stream. You will need to create a custom Template for your 4K / UHD stream.

Why do some of my channels have Templates and others don't?

When Sardius introduced the upgraded Stream Stepper, some channels were automatically upgraded to the new workflow and assigned a custom Template. If a channel was already configured with or close to our Default Template types, the matching Default Template was automatically assigned to your channel and/or events.

Will there be new Default Templates in the future?

Yes! Whenever we introduce a new Output type, we will introduce a matching Template type.

What is the difference between Muxed and Unmuxed Audio?

Muxed audio means the video and audio are joined together inside the same rendition/bitrate.

Unmuxed audio means the video and audio are split into separate renditions.

Certain encoders, like the Makito X and X4, keep video and audio entirely separate, so they can never be joined into the same rendition. Other encoders, like the Sardius EMLA Encoder, can keep video and audio joined (muxed) or split (unmuxed) depending on the Template's settings.

Why are settings like Frame Rate and GOP Size found in Global Template settings and not in the individual Video Rendition settings?

Certain Template types, such as HTTP Push, can have multiple video renditions. These renditions work best when settings like Frame Rate and GOP Size match across all renditions. We placed these settings in the Global settings so they apply to every rendition, avoiding common mistakes like one mismatched rendition throwing everything out of sync.

I'm not sure how to build a Template. How can I get help?

Contact Sardius Support, and we'll be happy to guide you through Template creation. You can also learn more in Creating and Customizing Templates.