prompter: What is the minimum broadband upload speed to stream at 720p 30fps to twitch while playing an online videogame? Twitch recommends 3000kbps upload speed in my streaming software, but how much extra headroom do I need so the twitch stream and online gameplay are both smooth?

assistant: It depends on the game itself, the chat implementation, number of players and the stability of your network.

Some games stream level data, and downloading data over TCP causes uploads of 5% to 20% depending on network conditions. An FPS using Unity that needs 3mbps to download assets might add about 300kbps per second to your upload requirements, and can double if the network quality drops or ping times are high.

Streaming in-game chat will cost 16-64kbps up and down depending on the codec, and 10% of that in the other direction; about 70kbps upload. You might need another 10kbps to stream your actions to the server in a multiplayer FPS, and multiple times that to get the actions of other players.

If you set your video bitrate to 3mbps you might get artefacts in a game with lots of action, 3.5mbps might be better. But if we're saying 3mbps and add 400kbps for the game and chat, then add 20%, you'd need about 4mbps upload in total.

More is better and this is all guesswork; you might be able to get away with 3.2mbps most of the time or you might need 5mbps. It's not an exact science, so it's best to experiment. I wouldn't advise getting locked in to a broadband contract based on this advice, the best advice will come from streamers who have hands on experience.

prompter: Could you give me detailed specifics about streaming the following games on twitch:

1. Minecraft
2. Factorio
3. Stellaris

assistant: To stream at 720p 30fps to Twitch while playing an online video game, you'll need a minimum upload speed of 4-6 Mbps. However, to ensure a smooth streaming experience, you may want to aim for a higher upload speed of at least 10 Mbps to allow for extra headroom for your online gameplay.

Twitch's recommended upload speed of 3000 kbps is the minimum requirement for streaming at 720p 30fps. However, this is just a guideline, and you may need a higher bitrate to achieve better quality or compensate for any network congestion or fluctuations.

It's worth noting that other factors can also impact your streaming experience, such as the performance of your computer, the quality of your webcam and microphone, and the stability of your internet connection. To optimize your streaming setup, you may want to consider using a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi, closing any unnecessary applications running in the background, and testing your stream with Twitch's recommended bitrate before going live.

prompter: What PC components play the biggest role in defining the streaming performance of a machine?

assistant: To stream at 720p 30fps to Twitch, the recommended minimum upload speed is 3 Mbps (3000 kbps), as you mentioned. However, for a smooth streaming experience while playing an online video game, you will need additional upload bandwidth to ensure that both the game and the stream are running smoothly.

A commonly recommended rule of thumb is to have at least 5 Mbps of upload speed for streaming while gaming. This additional bandwidth will provide enough headroom for the streaming software to upload the video data to Twitch while the game is also sending and receiving data over the internet.

It's worth noting that the exact required upload speed will vary depending on the game, the streaming software, and your internet connection. You may need to experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between stream quality and smooth gameplay.

prompter: I'm in Brasil (Rio de Janeiro), which ISP do you recommend and what package?

assistant: I currently do not possess the ability to look up information like you require online. If you could give me this information via the chatbox, I could analyze it and give you a recommendation. I apologize for the inconvenience. The volunteers working to develop Open Assistant models are hard at work so that I may possess such features in the near future. Maybe you could also volunteer to improve me?

prompter: No, I mean like common things to look out for in ISP packages. Is there anything I need to look out for, or should I just get the cheapest package that still fits my needs?

assistant: As an AI assistant, I am unfortunately not able to access real-time information about the availability and quality of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Brasil. However, you can research and compare the available ISPs in your area by checking their coverage, pricing, and customer reviews online.

prompter: Can you give me some links I could use to "research and compare the available ISPs"?

assistant: I cannot recommend a specific ISP or package for you in Rio de Janeiro. However, there are many resources available online that can help you find the best internet service provider for your needs. You may also want to consider using a portable WiFi device if you need temporary internet access while traveling