ffserver

ffserver [global_options] -f configuration_file

-f configuration_file
    Specifies the path to the ffserver configuration file, which defines server settings, input feeds, and output streams.

-d
    Daemonize ffserver, causing it to run in the background as a service.

-h
    Displays a help message with available command-line options and usage information.

-v level
    Sets the logging verbosity level. Higher levels provide more detailed output (e.g., debug, info, warning, error, fatal).

ffserver was a component of the FFmpeg project, designed to function as a versatile multimedia streaming server. It enabled users to serve live and on-demand audio and video content over various network protocols, including HTTP and RTSP.

Its core strength lay in its ability to dynamically transcode streams on the fly, allowing content to be adapted to different client capabilities, network conditions, and desired output formats. Configuration was primarily managed through a dedicated file, typically ffserver.conf, where users defined input sources (such as local files, capture devices, or network streams) and specified multiple output streams with unique codecs, resolutions, bitrates, and protocols.

While it offered significant flexibility for custom streaming setups, ffserver is now largely considered deprecated. Its development has ceased, and much of its core functionality for push-based streaming has been absorbed by the main ffmpeg command-line tool itself, or users are directed towards more robust, modern, and actively maintained dedicated streaming server solutions.

ffserver is widely considered deprecated and is no longer actively developed or maintained by the FFmpeg project. Its functionalities have been superseded by more modern streaming server technologies or integrated directly into the main ffmpeg command-line tool for specific push streaming scenarios.

Users seeking robust, secure, and actively supported streaming solutions are strongly advised to explore alternatives such as Nginx with RTMP/HLS modules, VLC, or other specialized commercial/open-source streaming servers. Using ffserver for new projects is generally discouraged due to lack of support, potential security vulnerabilities, and limited features compared to contemporary solutions.

ffserver's primary mode of operation is dictated by a comprehensive configuration file, typically named ffserver.conf. This file is crucial for defining the server's behavior, including global settings (e.g., HTTP port, maximum client connections) and, most importantly, various and sections.

sections specify input sources (such as a webcam, audio capture device, local video file, or another network stream), while sections define output streams. For each output stream, users can configure specific codecs, bitrates, resolutions, and the network protocols (e.g., HTTP, RTSP) through which clients can access the content. This file-driven configuration provides immense control and flexibility but requires a thorough understanding of FFmpeg's multimedia parameters.

ffserver offered support for several streaming protocols, with HTTP and RTSP being the most prominent. HTTP streaming was commonly utilized for progressive downloads or simple live stream delivery, often accessible directly via web browsers.

RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), on the other hand, provided more advanced control functionalities for clients, allowing them to pause, seek, and manipulate playback for both live and on-demand streams. The choice of protocol typically depended on the client's capabilities, the desired level of stream control, and the specific use case requirements.

ffserver emerged as an integral part of the FFmpeg project, providing a native, powerful solution for multimedia streaming. It gained significant traction for its flexibility in handling diverse media formats and its capability for on-the-fly transcoding, making it a popular choice for setting up custom streaming architectures for a period.

However, as web streaming technologies evolved rapidly (e.g., HLS, DASH) and dedicated streaming server solutions became more sophisticated, ffserver's development lagged. The FFmpeg project ultimately decided to officially deprecate ffserver, advising users to leverage the core ffmpeg command for push-based streaming requirements or to opt for more specialized, feature-rich streaming servers for complex pull-based or large-scale deployments. Its last substantial updates occurred several years ago, positioning it as a legacy component within the FFmpeg ecosystem.

ffmpeg(1), ffplay(1), ffprobe(1), vlc(1), nginx(8)