Unveiling the Mystery: Integrating Your Heart Rate with OBS Using Heartix and Pulsoid

Are you ready to take your streaming game to the next level? Adding real-time personal metrics, like heart rate data, can make your broadcasts more engaging. Viewers love seeing your heart rate fluctuate, especially during intense gaming sessions or exciting moments. This guide will walk you through integrating your heart rate with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) using Heartix and the Pulsoid app. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Heart Rate Integration

Integrating heart rate data into your OBS broadcasts can give viewers a glimpse into your physical state. Think about it: when you're in a heated gaming battle or going for a tough workout, your heart rate spikes. Sharing that data can enhance viewer engagement. When viewers connect emotionally, they stick around longer.

To start this process, you'll need a heart rate monitor, such as Heartix, and the Pulsoid app. Once properly set up, you can display your heart rate in real-time during your streams, creating an immersive experience for your audience.

Getting Started with Heartix and Pulsoid

Before you begin the integration, make sure you have the following:

• Heartix Heart Rate Monitor: A Bluetooth heart rate monitor that provides reliable data. This device gives precise readings, broadcasting heart rate in beats per minute (BPM).

• Pulsoid Mobile App: This app is available for both Android and iOS and is crucial for transmitting your heart rate data and later showing it in OBS.

• Streaming software: Pulsoid provides a heart rate widget URL that can be used as a Browser Source in any streaming software that supports this type of element. I will use OBS Studio in this tutorial, but TikTok Live Studio, StreamElements, Meld, and Streamlabs Mobile will have a similar approach.
  

Once you gather these tools, you're ready to start.

Configuring the Pulsoid App

1. Create a Pulsoid Account

   Sign up for an account on the Pulsoid website.

2. Install the Pulsoid Mobile App

   Download the Pulsoid app from the App Store or Google Play. This app is essential for connecting to your heart rate monitor and sending data to your Pulsoid account.

3. Connect Your Heart Rate Monitor

   Follow the instructions in the next section and in the app to properly connect your device and start tracking your heart rate in the Pulsoid app.

4. Add a Heart Rate Widget to OBS

   Once your heart rate monitor is successfully connected in the Pulsoid mobile app, your data will be available in the Pulsoid Dashboard and widget for OBS.

   
   

Setting Up Your Heartix Device

1. Wear Your Heartix Device

   Make sure to properly position the chest belt around your body. It needs to be worn correctly to start broadcasting heart rate data.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Enable Bluetooth (But Don't Pair in Phone Settings)

   Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, but do not manually pair the device in your phone’s Bluetooth settings. The Heartix device should be visible but not connected directly through your phone's settings.

3. Open the Pulsoid Mobile App and Connect

   Launch the Pulsoid mobile app and scan for HR devices. The app will scan for available devices - select your Heartix device from the list to connect directly within the app.

   
   

Adding a Heart Rate Widget to OBS (or other streaming software)

Pulsoid provides a heart rate widget URL that can be used as a Browser Source in any streaming software that supports this feature. While this guide focuses on OBS Studio, the same steps apply to TikTok Live Studio, StreamElements, Meld, and Streamlabs Mobile.

1. Open OBS Studio

   
   

2. Add a New Source:

   In the “Sources” section, click the '+' button and select ‘Browser’ from the options menu.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

3. Configuring the Browser Source:

   A new window will open prompting you to enter the URL provided by Pulsoid.

   
   

   

   Get a heart rate widget URL from Pulsoid website

   
   

   

   Add a heart rate widget URL in OBS as a Browser Source

   
   
   
   

4. Adjusting Browser Source Settings:

   Ensure your heart rate display fits seamlessly into your streaming layout. Adjust the width and height so it is clearly visible for your viewers.

   
   

Customizing Your Heart Rate Display

1. Styling Options:

   The Pulsoid library includes various options for customizing your heart rate display. Choose fonts, colors, and sizes that align with your stream’s branding for a professional appearance.

   
   

2. Adding Visual Effects:

   Consider utilizing animations or color changes to emphasize your heart rate during critical moments. For instance, making the BPM red or shaking during high heart rate will draw viewers' attention and enhance visual appeal.

   
   
   
   

Going Live

Once everything is integrated and tested, it’s time to go live! You can share your journey instantly, promoting greater viewer engagement. Particularly during exciting segments of your stream, discuss how your heart rate affects your gameplay or workouts for dynamic interaction.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

If you can't find Heartix in the Pulsoid app:

• Check Bluetooth – Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.

• Grant Permissions – Make sure the Pulsoid app has all necessary permissions (Bluetooth, location, etc.).

• Avoid Manual Pairing – The Heartix device should be visible but not paired in your phone’s Bluetooth settings. If it’s connected to another app, disconnect it and try again in Pulsoid.

If your Heartix disconnects during your stream:

• Check the battery – Low battery can cause dropouts.

• Moisten the belt – Apply a few drops of water to the chest belt to improve conductivity.

• Adjust the belt – Ensure it's snug and positioned correctly on your chest.

  
  

  

  
  

Data Broadcasting Issues

If your BPM updates correctly in the Pulsoid app but not on your widget:

• Go to the Pulsoid Dashboard and verify that your account is receiving data from the app.

• If the dashboard shows no data, reconnect your heart rate monitor in the Pulsoid mobile app.

Display Issues

If your BPM is visible in the Pulsoid app and Dashboard but not in OBS:

• Test with a Demo Widget to check if the issue is with your selected widget.

• Open the widget URL directly in a web browser - if it doesn’t display, refresh the Pulsoid Dashboard and try again.

• Ensure your OBS Browser Source URL is correct and refresh cache of the source in properties.

Other Pulsoid-Related Issues

If you need further help, reach out to the Pulsoid support team at support@pulsoid.net - they’re happy to assist! 😊

Final Thoughts

Integrating your heart rate into OBS using Heartix and Pulsoid is simple and can significantly elevate your streaming experience. By following these steps, you create an engaging environment that encourages interaction and excitement.

This connection with your audience is priceless. So, plug in your Heartix device, start the Pulsoid app, and let your viewers feel the intensity of each thrilling moment during your stream!

Remember, it’s not just about the tech; it’s about the genuine conversations you foster with your viewers. Happy streaming!