Optimizing OBS Recordings for Clear 1080p60

Optimizing OBS Recordings for Clear 1080p60

Many users encounter blurry OBS recordings, particularly when attempting to record at 1080p60. This issue can arise due to improper configuration settings, but with the right tweaks, you can achieve the clear and crisp recordings you desire. Read on for a detailed guide on how to adjust your settings for the best possible results.

Understanding the Issue

If you're experiencing blurry recordings while trying to record at 1080p60 with a 1080p monitor, it's important to evaluate various settings and configurations to ensure optimal quality. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and improve your recording quality:

1. Configure Output Settings

Resolution: Ensure that your Base Canvas Resolution and Output Scaled Resolution are both set to 1921080. This ensures that your recording is in the proper resolution for your monitor. Frames Per Second (FPS): Set your Common FPS Values to 60. This synchronizes your capture with the target frame rate of 60 FPS.

2. Adjust Bitrate Settings

Video Bitrate: Increase the bitrate in your Output settings. A starting point for 1080p60 is a bitrate of 6000 kbps, but you can go higher up to 10000 kbps for better quality. Higher bitrates mean better video quality but also larger file sizes. Keyframe Interval: Set this to 2 seconds. This helps in maintaining quality across your video segments.

3. Choose an Appropriate Recording Format

Use a format like MKV or MP4. MKV is often preferred for its ability to recover from crashes and maintain video integrity.

4. Optimize Encoder Settings

If you are using software encoding (x264), consider switching to hardware encoding (NVENC) if your GPU supports it. Hardware encoding can provide better performance and quality.

Adjust the preset settings for NVENC. Choose a preset that balances quality and speed. Common options include Very Fast, Fast, Good, and Slow, with Slow offering the best quality.

5. Apply Video Filters

In the Video settings, you can apply filters. Try using a Bilinear or Bicubic filter for scaling. These filters help in reducing the blurriness of your video.

6. Verify Monitor and Display Settings

Ensure that your monitor is set to its native resolution of 1080p and that there are no display scaling settings that might affect the output. This ensures that the video is rendered in its native resolution without any scaling issues.

7. Check Game/Source Settings

If you are capturing a game or application, check the in-game settings to ensure that it is also running at 1080p. This ensures consistency in resolution between your game and the capture settings.

Summary

You typically do not need to downscale if everything is set correctly. However, ensuring your settings align with the desired output resolution and quality can significantly improve the clarity of your recordings. After making these adjustments, test your recordings again to see if the quality improves.

Where to Find Help and Discussion

There are several forums dedicated to OBS where you can find a wealth of information, tips, and support. Some popular ones include:

OBS Discord Server: A community-driven, active server where users can share tips and ask for help. OBS-C-multi Subreddit: A subreddit for discussions and support related to OBS.

Additional Tips

Consider the performance of your system. If your system is slow, it might not be capable of handling the high-resolution and frame rate demands. Upgrading your hardware, such as your GPU, RAM, or processor, could help improve the quality of your recordings.

If you previously recorded at 1080i and found it does not work, it could be due to the different resolutions and the way OBS processes the recording. Ensure you have the appropriate settings for 1080p60.

By following these steps and tips, you can significantly enhance the quality of your OBS recordings and achieve the clear, high-definition results you desire.