--- title: What are the settings for a hardware encoder vs. a software encoder? description: It doesn't matter if you are using a hardware encoder or a software encoder. The settings are always the same. We recommend to use AAC as audio codec and H.264 as video codec. 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It doesn't matter if you are using a hardware encoder or a software encoder. The settings are always the same. We recommend to use AAC as audio codec and H.264 as video codec. This ensures your stream being available also on mobile devices and tablets. To connect with the Lightcast CDN, please click on the LIVE Channel in your Lightcast "Control Center" and click on "Broadcast". There you will find the dedicated "Stream URL" and the Server location URLs which both needs to be added to your Software Encoder. Each LIVE Channel has its dedicated "Stream URL". The Server location is always the same. Please choose the closest Server location to your streaming location. More detailed information and recommendations on settings can be found here: [www.lightcast.com/user/page/encoder-configuration](http://www.lightcast.com/user/page/encoder-configuration) [![company logo](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-2.png?height=120&name=Untitled-2.png)](https://mediacloud.lightcast.com) - [![facebook_social_link_icon_alt_text](https://static.hsstatic.net/TemplateAssets/static-1.329/img/hs_default_template_images/modules/Follow+Me+-+Email/facebook_circle_color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/lightcastinc) - [![twitter_social_link_icon_alt_text](https://static.hsstatic.net/TemplateAssets/static-1.329/img/hs_default_template_images/modules/Follow+Me+-+Email/twitter_circle_color.png)](https://twitter.com/lightcast_inc) - [![linkedin_social_link_icon_alt_text](https://static.hsstatic.net/TemplateAssets/static-1.329/img/hs_default_template_images/modules/Follow+Me+-+Email/linkedin_circle_color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightcast/) - [Open a Support Ticket](https://mediacloud.dev.lightcast.com/support-center/open-ticket) - - [Go to Customer Portal](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/tickets)