LIVE STREAMING ENCODER
What is encoding?
Live streaming involves the process of encoding to convert uncompressed video into data that can be transmitted over networks or the Internet.
What is hardware encoding?
Hardware encoders receive a video signal (usually HDMI or SDI), encode that video signal into a network-compatible stream, and then upload/send that stream to a destination like a streaming platform (also known as a CDN).
Why hardware instead of computer plus software?
Uncompressed video consumes an enormous amount of data and bandwidth. Processing and encoding this data in real-time requires quite a bit of power to work well. Hardware encoders take the guesswork out. They are engineered to handle processing and encoding efficiently, consistently, and reliably.
Important note on using encoders for recording
Many hardware encoders offer onboard recording, usually on memory cards and/or USB drives.
However...
Hardware streaming encoders are almost always bad recorders.
The file formats used for streaming do not match the file formats used for recording on drives and it is common to encounter errors and corrupted files with encoders.
Therefore, we recommend only recording with these devices for backup purposes and doing your main recording on a separate hardware video studio recorder.
Ray Encoder - Living as One
Our TOP recommendation
With the patentedResilient Streaming ProtocolLiving As One sets new standards in terms of streaming quality and reliability.
Subscription plan options include social networks (Distribution an YouTube or Facebook), web streaming with an embeddable player (Church Online)_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b -136bad5cf58d_ and variable bitrates, as well as the ability to physically connect multiple locations.
While the Ray encoder is only tied to the Living As One platform and is a minimum requirement, if you want an encoder and platform that just works, that's a good thing.
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Input: 3G-SDI
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Input Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
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Output formats: H.264 or H.265/HEVC with Resilient Streaming Protocol
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Supported Destinations: Living As One (embeded player), Facebook, and YouTube
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Multiple Destinations: Yes, to any destination supported in the subscription
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Recording: Yes (SD card or USB drive)
Our favorite feature: Das Resilient Streaming Protocol
Teradek VidiU Go HDMI
Best general HDMI option
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Entry: HDMI
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Input Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
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Output formats:H.264 or H.265/HEVC up to 1920 x 1080 at_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf52d_60 fps (Maximum)1Mbps
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Supported Goals: RTMP, RTSP, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, and more..
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Multiple goals: Requires Teradek Core or another third-party re-streaming service
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Recording:Yes (32GB or less SD card or USB drive)
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Our favorite feature: H.265/HEVC support
Teradek VidiU Go SDI/HDMI
Best general SDI option
Same features as the HDMI version above, but with an additional 3G-SDI input.
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Entry: 3G-SDI/HDMI
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Input Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
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Output formats:H.264 or H.265/HEVC up to 1920 x 1080 at_cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf52d_60 fps (Maximum)1Mbps
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Supported Goals: RTMP, RTSP, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, and more..
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Multiple goals: Requires Teradek Core or another third-party re-streaming service
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Recording:Yes (32GB or less SD card or USB drive)
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Our favorite feature: H.265/HEVC support
AJA HELO
Reliable industry standard
A reliable and proven option that has been around for a number of years. She's still a good choice.
The integrated scheduler and control API provide this flexibility for your workflow.
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Entry: 3G-SDI or HDMI
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Input Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
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Output formats:H.264 up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps (Maximum 20 Mbps)
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Supported Goals: RTMP, RTSP, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, and more..
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Multiple goals: Requires a third-party re-streaming service
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Recording: Ja (SD card, USB drive, oder SMB oder NFS)
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Our favorite feature: Built-in scheduler