Method developed to hijack PS5 RTMP streams for custom broadcasting

PS5 Streaming Limitations

The PlayStation 5 offers a built-in "Broadcast" feature for streaming, but it is limited to a few supported services like YouTube and Twitch. Users seeking to stream to other platforms or with more customized setups often face restrictions. For instance, the console does not support direct screen sharing to Discord, and its wireless stack is locked to Sony's own peripherals.

Alternative Streaming Methods

Traditional solutions for broader streaming capabilities include using a capture card, which connects to the PS5's HDMI output and feeds into a computer running broadcasting software like OBS. However, capture cards can be expensive. Remote Play offers another option, allowing the PS5 to connect to a device like a MacBook for screen sharing, but it can introduce input lag and limits configuration options, requiring a change in physical setup.

RTMP Stream Hijacking

The PS5 uses Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) for its native streaming to YouTube and Twitch. A new method proposes to intercept this RTMP stream by manipulating DNS resolution. Instead of the PS5 connecting to Twitch's servers, a custom local device can be made to act as the recipient of the RTMP stream.

Technical Challenges

Initial attempts to spoof `ingest.twitch.tv` directly were unsuccessful because this hostname is a discovery endpoint, not the RTMP server itself. The PS5 makes an HTTPS call to this endpoint to determine which regional ingest server to use. Furthermore, Twitch's actual ingest uses RTMPS (RTMP over TLS), and the PS5 validates the certificate against trusted certificate authorities, adding a layer of security that complicates direct redirection.