AJA HELO Plus RTMP setup for multistreaming
The AJA HELO Plus can stream to an RTMP server, but it ships set to HLS, so the first step is switching the stream type. Point it at Upstream and Upstream sends the stream to up to 10 platforms.
The HELO Plus has two encoders and two stream outputs, which makes it easy to change the wrong one. The steps below keep Stream 1 on Encoder 1, so every setting you change lands on the stream Upstream receives.
- AJA HELO Plus
- Two encoders, one stream to Upstream
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- An AJA HELO Plus on your network
- The platforms you want to go live on
Step 1
Get your server URL and stream key from Upstream
In Upstream, press Create stream, choose Multistream from OBS (it works for any RTMP app or device) and add your platforms, up to 10. The stream opens in Live Studio with the RTMP input on. For a stream you already have, open Live Studio, Source and set Live Source to RTMP.
- RTMP Server URL
rtmp://ingest.upstream.so:1935/live- Stream Key
- Unique to each stream. Copy it from Upstream and keep it private.
Step 2
Set Stream 1 to RTMP
Open the HELO Plus web UI by typing the unit's IP address into a browser, and select Stream 1. Set Stream 1, 2 Enable to Enable and Stream 1, 2 Encoder to Encoder 1. Change Stream Type from HLS to RTMP.
Paste the RTMP Server URL into RTMP Server URL and the Stream Key into RTMP Stream Key/Name. Leave RTMP Handshake Mode on Auto.
Step 3
Start the stream, then go live
Start the stream in Upstream first, then start streaming from the HELO Plus. Live Studio switches from Not connected to Excellent, Good or Poor connection when the feed arrives, and Upstream sends it to every platform on the stream.
Pick the encoder template and frame rate
On Encoder 1, choose the 1080p Low template (5 Mbps) and press Apply. The 1080p Mid and High templates send 10 and 20 Mbps, more than Upstream needs, and the factory default is 720p High.
The HELO Plus sets the frame rate as a fraction of the input: Full, Half or Quarter. Full keeps a 30 fps input at 30. Half turns a 60 fps input into 30, which suits the free plan. On a paid plan with the Upstream stream set to 60 fps, keep a 60 fps input at Full. RTMP also carries Audio 1 only, so make sure your sound is on Audio 1.
Troubleshooting
It still streams HLS
Stream Type is set per output and starts as HLS. Check that Stream Type is RTMP on the output you enabled, not just that the encoder is set up.
Upstream gets a blank picture
Try another RTMP Handshake Mode. AJA lists Mode 1 to Mode 4 for blank video. Test them one at a time.
The stream has the wrong sound or none
RTMP uses Audio 1 only. Route the sound you want to Audio 1.
For connection problems that aren't specific to the HELO Plus, such as Not connected, a poor connection or a leaked key, see the full RTMP troubleshooting list.
FAQ
Which HELO Plus template should I use for Upstream?
1080p Low, at 5 Mbps, with the frame rate set so the stream ends up at 30 fps, or 60 on a paid plan. Higher templates send more data than Upstream keeps.
Does this cover the original AJA HELO?
No. These labels come from the HELO Plus manual. Check the original HELO's own manual before following them.
Checked against AJA HELO Plus manual and the Upstream app, October 2026.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 of 30+ supported platforms.