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OBS Studio 31.1 Official Release Introduces Major Innovations
Following a robust beta testing period, OBS Studio 31.1 is now officially available, bringing a suite of powerful improvements for streamers, creators, and digital professionals. This latest release, following December’s OBS Studio 31.0 update, delivers much-anticipated enhancements—particularly for Linux users and those producing high-quality, multi-platform video content.
Breakthrough for Linux: Native Multitrack Video Output and PipeWire Sync
One of the standout features in OBS Studio 31.1 is full support for multitrack video output on Linux. Previously exclusive to other operating systems, this functionality now arrives on Linux complete with optimized networking and native stream delay capabilities. The integration of explicit sync for PipeWire drastically reduces latency during screen capture, resulting in smoother, faster video workflows for Linux-based broadcasting setups. These advancements position Linux as a stronger contender for professional and enthusiast streaming operations.
Broad Platform Enhancements: Windows on Arm, macOS, and BSD Updates
OBS Studio 31.1 expands its reach across diverse systems with experimental support for Windows on Arm devices, giving early adopters of ARM-based Windows machines new creative possibilities. Mac users benefit from a new Spatial AQ option for VideoToolbox encoders on the latest macOS 15 and above, while BSD and other non-Linux platforms gain V4L2 virtual camera support, broadening compatibility across the open-source ecosystem.
Performance, Usability, and Visual Improvements
The new release introduces GPU-accelerated color space, format, and range conversion, resulting in improved efficiency and better streaming quality. For video encoding, there’s added AV1 B-frame support for AMD’s AMF encoder and QVBR rate control for VA-API encoder under Linux, providing creators with more control over their broadcast quality and bitrate management.
On the usability front, OBS Studio 31.1 brings intuitive preview zoom controls and options for customizing the application’s font size and UI density, allowing users to tailor their workspace to their preferences. The visual refresh continues with a more unified look for the Sources list and dock toolbars.
Solving Issues For Gamers and Professional Streamers
With this version, gamers get relief from long-standing issues thanks to an overhaul of the game capture hook—enabling smooth streaming of security-heavy titles like Valorant that deploy Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat. Performance boosts also extend to draw efficiency in previews, and the upgraded "Missing Files" dialog now offers comprehensive directory searches, streamlining project management.
Stability and Platform-Specific Fixes
OBS Studio 31.1 addresses a variety of crash scenarios—from tackling recording failures due to race conditions to stability improvements during video cropping and multitrack streaming. Further, there are targeted improvements: Windows receives a fix for browser source audio distortion, Linux users benefit from resolved hotkey issues, and FLV timestamp inconsistencies with B-frames are now corrected.
Availability
OBS Studio 31.1 is ready for download on all major platforms, including Linux (Ubuntu), macOS (covering both Apple Silicon and Intel), and Windows (x64 and Arm64). For full release notes and integrity check information, users should consult the official documentation. This update further cements OBS Studio’s reputation as the go-to open-source solution for video streaming and content creation, delivering new industry-leading features and enhancements across every platform.
Source: neowin
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