Direct Broadcast Module – Peer-to-Peer Screen Sharing
The Direct Broadcast module is a peer-to-peer screen sharing feature that allows teachers to broadcast their screens directly to student devices without using the cloud. It operates over the local network and requires the use of a broadcast server, which must first be installed on the teacher’s machine. Both teacher and student devices must be on the same network for this to function correctly.
Related Packages and Compatibility:
Windows: 10, 11 (64-bit Required)
Currently not supported on ChromeOS, macOS, or other non-Windows operating systems
This feature is currently in BETA and not included in any standard packages. Access is available by request and is limited while the application is under active development.
How to use:
1. Log into your Senso Portal
2. Locate the Direct Broadcast module across the toolbar
3. Choose Run Broadcast Server
If the Broadcast Server is not yet installed, click the download button next to “Run Broadcast Server” and install the .MSI file. You must have administrative privileges to complete the installation. If you are unable to download the MSI from the portal, you can download it here
4. The Broadcast Server will launch and automatically start the broadcast service
5. Select the device(s) you wish to broadcast to and click Run
7. Once you’ve finished broadcasting, click “Stop Broadcast” on the Broadcast Server to end the session
Note: Ensure the Broadcast Server is running and a broadcast has been started.
If no broadcast is detected, you will see the message: “No broadcast details found, please make sure you are running the direct broadcast server.”
In this case, launch the Broadcast Server and click Start Broadcast.
Broadcast Server Options
By default, broadcasts run at Medium speed with 60% quality, which offers the best balance between performance and bandwidth. The screen will be full screen on the student device, and text remains clear and legible. Students can close the broadcast unless this is disabled in settings.
Broadcast options can be changed on the fly:
• Speed
• Quality
• Broadcast screen selection
• Full screen or windowed mode
• Whether the user can close the broadcast
Note: If you disable the ability to close the broadcast, the student's mouse and keyboard will be frozen during the session.
Why can’t students connect to my broadcast?
Students and teachers must be on the same physical network, as Senso Direct Broadcast relies on peer-to-peer connections. A quick way to check this is by pinging the teacher’s machine from a student device. If the ping is successful, the connection should work.
Ensure the Senso Direct Broadcast application is allowed through the firewall and running. Local firewall exceptions are created during installation, but these can be overridden by domain-level policies.
Usually, the server application is located at:
C:\Program Files\Renato Software\Senso Direct Broadcast\SensoDirectBroadcastServer.exe
The server uses a fixed port: 60001. Make sure this port is open and not being used by another application.
FAQs
Can I show another student's screen during a broadcast?
Not directly, but there is a workaround:
Change the broadcast settings to “Show broadcast in a window” and set the size to 100%. In the portal, take full screen remote control of the student and minimize their broadcast window. Their screen will now be visible to the rest of the class.