Getting FreeShow Slides into OBS For Video Livestream: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone, today I want to walk you through the process of getting your FreeShow presentation into OBS using NDI. This setup will allow you to seamlessly stream your service or event, whether it's for in-house display or online broadcasting. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Download and Install the NDI Plugin for OBS

First things first, we need to install the NDI plugin for OBS. Open your browser and search for “NDI for OBS.” Click on the Open Broadcast Software link, and you’ll find the Distro AV Network program. Download the correct version for your operating system—Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Once downloaded, install the plugin and move any unnecessary files to the trash. Then, open OBS and check that the NDI source option is available under the “Sources” section. This means the plugin is installed correctly.

Step 2: Configure Free Show for NDI Output

Now, let’s head over to Free Show. Click on the Settings in the upper right corner and navigate to Outputs. Here, you’ll see the output options you may have already created like Primary Output or Livestream Output—make sure that Enable NDI is turned on. This ensures that FreeShow sends the video signal via NDI instead of just an output to a physical screen.

If you have multiple screens, you can choose the one you want to share in OBS.

Step 3: Setting Up OBS for FreeShow NDI

With NDI enabled in Free Show, we can now move to OBS. Start by creating a new scene and naming it something recognizable that relates to your service. Next click the + button under “Sources” and select NDI Source. Name it something like “NDI FreeShow” and choose Free Show as the source.

Keep the settings as they are, hit OK, and you’ll see your Free Show video appear in OBS. If the resolution doesn’t match, simply right-click on your NDI source, go to Transform, and select Fit to Screen to adjust it properly.

Step 4: Adding a Live Camera Feed to OBS

If you want to integrate a camera feed, you’ll need a capture card. I’m using a budget-friendly $20 capture card that connects my GH5 camera to my computer. In OBS, go to Sources, click the + button, and select Video Capture Device. Name it according to your camera (e.g., “GH5 Camera”), select the capture card input, and hit OK.

To ensure your camera feed appears correctly, place it below the Free Show source in the OBS layers. If you’re using full-screen slides, you might want to create lower thirds for scriptures and lyrics instead of covering the entire screen.

Step 5: Setting Up Lower Thirds for Scriptures and Lyrics

To add lower thirds, go back to Free Show and adjust your Stream Output settings. You can create a new Style specifically for streaming, disabling the background so only the text appears over the live video feed. Also make sure your** Output** settings for that output are set to Transparent.

Once set, go back to OBS, add another NDI source (e.g., “NDI Stream”), and select the correct Free Show output. Adjust it to fit the screen as needed. This setup ensures that the live camera feed remains visible while displaying scriptures and lyrics as overlays.

Step 6: Optimizing Performance and Finalizing Setup

Running OBS, Free Show, and a capture card can be demanding on your computer. Make sure you have a powerful system with a built-in fan to handle the workload. If you’re running everything from one computer like I am, monitor your system’s performance to avoid overheating.

With everything set up, you can now seamlessly switch between your camera feed and FreeShow slides, ensuring a professional and engaging live stream for your audience.

Final Thoughts

This setup is a great way to improve your live stream quality using Free Show and OBS. Whether you’re broadcasting a church service or a live event, integrating NDI allows for a smooth, professional, wireless production. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment—I’d love to help!

Thanks for reading, and happy streaming!

—GarryTitle