Below are some frequently asked questions about Zype Live 3, including updates to encoder authentication and new auto-management capabilities.
Username and Password for RTMP Authentication on Live 3
Why are username and password no longer supported?
Username and password–based RTMP authentication is no longer supported in Live 3. We have transitioned to a more modern authentication model using Stream Keys, which function similarly to API keys for encoders.
Stream Keys provide:
Improved security and credential management
Easier key rotation
Simpler encoder configuration
Reduced risk compared to username/password credentials
This Stream Key–based model is the standard authentication workflow for Live 3 going forward.
How does Stream Key authentication work?
Each encoder is assigned a Stream Key. The encoder connects to the Live 3 ingest endpoint using:
The RTMP URL
The Stream Key
The Stream Key acts as the authentication credential for the connection.
Optionally, Stream Key authentication may be combined with IP allowlisting for additional security (note: IP allowlisting is not applicable in all deployment scenarios).
What happens for existing Live 1 customers?
To support migration from Live 1:
All migrated encoders are currently configured with the Stream Key
This ensures a seamless transition during migration.
After migration is complete, you will be able to:
Set your own custom Stream Keys
Auto-generate new Stream Keys
Rotate Stream Keys as needed
All of these actions are available directly within the encoder settings in Zype CMS.
Can I rotate or change a Stream Key at any time?
Stream Keys can be updated or rotated within the encoder settings.
For security and stream stability:
Stream Keys can only be changed when the encoder is stopped/offline.
Changing a Stream Key while an encoder is active is not supported.
Once updated, you must reconfigure your encoder with the new Stream Key before restarting the stream.
Auto-Manage Encoders for Scheduled Live Events
What is Auto-Manage Encoders?
Live 3 introduces a new capability that allows encoders to automatically start and stop in relation to scheduled live events.
When enabled:
The encoder will automatically start 5 minutes before the scheduled event time.
The encoder will automatically stop 5 minutes after the event ends.
This feature did not exist in Live 1 and is new to Live 3.
Why would I use Auto-Manage Encoders?
Auto-managing encoders provides several benefits:
Reduces idle Live Encoder Hours
Ensures encoders are running before an event begins
Minimizes manual operational steps
Reduces the risk of forgetting to stop an encoder
This is particularly useful for customers running scheduled live events rather than 24/7 linear channels.
How do I enable Auto-Manage Encoders?
Auto-Manage Encoders can be enabled when:
Creating a scheduled live event in the Live 3 UI
Creating a scheduled live event via the Live 3 API
The setting is configured per scheduled event.
If enabled, the platform will handle encoder lifecycle management automatically based on the event’s scheduled start and end times.
Does this affect 24/7 live channels?
No.
Auto-Manage Encoders is designed for scheduled events. If you are running a continuous 24/7 channel, you typically would not enable this setting.
What happens if I manually start or stop the encoder?
Manual control remains available.
If Auto-Manage is enabled and you manually intervene:
The system will still attempt to follow the event schedule.
Manual changes may be overridden at the next scheduled lifecycle action.
For predictable behavior, it is recommended to either:
Fully rely on Auto-Manage for scheduled events, or
Disable Auto-Manage on the Live Event and manage encoder lifecycle manually.