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Installation

Server requirements

Updated 03 Oct 2026

Castreon runs on a dedicated or virtual Linux server. The package includes everything it needs (including FFmpeg), so nothing has to be installed beforehand except the operating system and, if you use a graphics card, its driver.

Operating system

  • 64-bit (x86_64) Linux with systemd.
  • Recommended: Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS or 24.04 LTS. Other modern distributions work too (for example Debian 12).
  • root access (or sudo) for the installation.
  • curl and python3 (present by default on Ubuntu and Debian).

CPU and memory

What you need depends on the number of channels and what you do with them:

  • Copy without transcoding — very low usage; a modest server handles dozens of channels.
  • CPU transcoding — the highest usage; the number of channels depends directly on the number of cores and on the resolution.
  • GPU transcoding — the CPU stays almost idle; the graphics card sets the limit.

The panel continuously shows CPU, memory and graphics card load, and warns you when the server reaches its limit. We recommend starting with a few channels and adding more gradually.

Graphics card (optional)

  • NVIDIA (NVENC) — with the official NVIDIA driver installed and working (nvidia-smi must show the card).
  • Intel Quick Sync / VA-API — an Intel CPU or card with integrated graphics and your distribution's VA-API drivers.

At startup, Castreon tests every available encoder by itself and only uses what actually works. Hardware encoders must also be included in your license.

DVB cards (optional)

For direct cable or terrestrial reception: DVB-C, DVB-T or DVB-T2 cards with working Linux drivers (for example TBS or Digital Devices). The cards must appear in /dev/dvb/. Castreon detects them automatically.

Network

  • TCP port 33400 open to the computer you manage from — the web panel runs on it.
  • The ports you deliver channels on (for example HLS through the panel port, or the SRT/RTMP/RIST ports you choose).
  • Internet access (HTTPS, port 443) from the server, for the periodic license check and for updates.

Next steps