> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.visualradioassist.live/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Media Server Ingest Sources

> Before you can work with recordings in Clips, Visual Radio Assist needs to know where your video files are stored. Ingest Sources define the connection between your local storage and the VRA Cloud platform.

## What Is an Ingest Source?

An Ingest Source is a configured storage location that VRA monitors for new recordings. When a live show ends, the recording appears automatically in your Clips library.

Your Media Server Client handles the connection between VRA Cloud and your local files. It reads the video data from your configured storage and streams it to your browser on demand.

## Supported Source Types

Visual Radio Assist supports the following storage types:

| Type                         | Description                                                   |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Local Directory**          | A folder on the same machine running your Media Server Client |
| **Network Directory**        | A shared folder on your local network (NAS, mapped drive)     |
| **FTP**                      | Standard FTP server connection                                |
| **SFTP**                     | Encrypted FTP connection for secure transfers                 |
| **S3**                       | Amazon S3 bucket or S3-compatible storage                     |
| **HyperDeck**                | Blackmagic HyperDeck recording device                         |
| **vMix Recording Directory** | Recordings captured directly by vMix                          |

## Setting Up an Ingest Source

1. Navigate to your **Station Settings** and open the **Ingest Sources** section
2. Click **Add Ingest Source**
3. Enter a **Name** to identify this source (e.g., "Studio A NAS", "vMix Recordings")
4. Select the **Source Type** that matches your storage setup
5. Provide the **Path** or **Media Connection** to the directory containing your recordings
6. If required, select the **Media Server Client** that has access to this storage location
7. Configure **Connection Info** for remote sources (FTP credentials, S3 access keys, etc.)
8. Save your configuration

Once saved, VRA will start monitoring the configured path for recordings. New files are detected automatically and appear in your Recordings library.

**Auto Cleanup**

Each Ingest Source can be configured to automatically remove old recordings after a set number of days. This keeps your storage manageable without manual intervention.

1. Toggle **Auto Cleanup** on for your Ingest Source
2. Set the **retention period** in days
3. Recordings older than the specified period will be removed automatically

## Media Connections

Media Connections let you connect external recording devices and production software to VRA. Once connected, VRA can monitor device status in real-time and link these connections to your Ingest Sources for automated recording workflows.

<Card title="Media Connections" icon="link" href="/clips/media-server-ingest-sources/media-connections">
  Connect HyperDeck, OBS, vMix, and remote storage devices to VRA.
</Card>

<Tip>
  Your Media Server Client must be running and connected to VRA Cloud for recordings to appear. If recordings are not showing up, verify the client is active and has access to the configured path.
</Tip>