Emerging Technologies: Capture and Streaming
Mar 10, 2014 10:04 AM,
By Jessaca Gutierrez
Pesa Xstream
IP STREAMING APPLIANCE
PESA Xstream multi-path IP streaming appliance simultaneously encodes up to five independent video sources and eight audio sources concurrently from live or recorded video for multi-path H.264 IP distribution over six independent video streams with no sync or latency issues, according to the company. Housed in a compact 1RU form factor, it provides a cost-effective, comprehensive package for digital media capture, processing, distribution, and storage. Upgrades for Q1 2014 include onboard storage as well as a USB 2.0 communications interface.
“With its synchronized, high-quality video and audio and a low cost per stream, PESA Xstream has caught the attention of government agencies and a number of other vertical markets,” says John T. Wright, PESA senior vice president, sales and business development. “PESA Xstream is already part of VIQ Infinit, a digital media capture and management platform from VIQ Solutions for court systems, and we are working with developers who are tailoring the user experience for other specific applications.”
PESA Xstream captures H.264 IP camera streams, NTSC/PAL, or SDI video up to 1080p resolution, stored video content, and computer-based content such as PowerPoint slides or medical patient vital signs, then prepares high-bandwidth MPEG-4/H.264 broadcast streams for enterprise distribution and archive. When multiple sources are captured simultaneously, the streams remain associated and synchronized during the event.
With five individually addressable video outputs, as well as an integrated quad-view output, PESA Xstream allows operators to stream live content over IP while simultaneously transmitting live digital content to a quad-view display and/or full screen display. PESA Xstream can also synchronize discrete audio inputs to discrete video inputs, and offers adjustable audio delay. A web browser management and control interface provides complete remote capabilities, which can eliminate the need for onsite personnel to stream content to a production facility.
ENCODER AND SERVER
The DVEO Magnus Anytime HD-SDI is a multi-channel (10 1080p, 20 720p, or 40 SD channels) live H.264 encoder and live media distribution server/VOD (video on demand) server. It ingests and transcodes up to eight live HD-SDI inputs, and adds wrappers such as HLS, RTMP, or RTSP. The system outputs the live streams and simultaneously stores the streams as VOD files. It delivers live or stored streams to more than 500 simultaneous users.
Streaming media production professionals will use this system to feed HD-SDI from production trucks to production crew or to audiences via IP. It is an ideal distribution server for studios, stadiums, concert halls, cruise ships, etc., that rely on both live and resident content. It is also suitable for sending videos to iPads, iPhones, and other portable devices, and for building a CDN (content distribution network) or adding live content to a CDN.
DVEO Mamba DIG/IP
Also from DVEO, the Mamba DIG/IP is a portable SDI/HD-SDI live encoder/streamer with one or two HD-SDI inputs. It measures 12.12in. long and 8.25in. wide. The output is one HD and three SD H.264 streams with different profiles. In addition to an LCD touchscreen for monitoring and simple controls, the compact encoder also features remote management from anywhere via Internet. The Mamba DIG/IP is ideal for electronic newsgathering, corporate training, and streaming live video from events, concerts, and sporting events. An optional battery beltpack is available for video shoots in the field. Optional versions are available for a single HDMI input or four analog (composite) inputs, instead of SDI/HD-SDI inputs.
ENCODER
In November, Discover Video announced its new H.264 MCE (Multi Channel Encoder) for streaming HD or SD channels live. The MCE is ideal for organizations that need to reliably deliver multiple streams simultaneously with a low cost, high performance. The MCE is available in various configurations, which include six-channel SD, single-channel HD, two-channel HD, and four-channel HD. In addition to supporting multiple video inputs, the MCE can provide multi-bit-rate streaming for any channel, allowing an organization to customize streams for various devices, including mobile tablets and smartphones.
“This innovative multi-channel encoder is ideal for organizations such as community TV stations, schools, government agencies, or enterprises that need to deliver live TV channels internally and on the public Internet,” says Rich Mavrogeanes, CEO and president of Discover Video. “It is amazing how easy it is to use. Just plug it in, turn it on, and watch the high quality streams on any device.” The MCE can also record in two modes—full motion video or in snapshot mode—where it automatically creates periodic images of the live video. Recordings can be automatically uploaded to a Discover Video DEVOS system, a content delivery network, or to many third-party systems. The price starts at about $1,000 per channel.
DECODER
The Extron SMD 101 is a compact, high-performance H.264 decoder used with Extron SME 100 encoders to provide complete end-to-end AV streaming systems. The SMD 101 is used in H.264 enterprise-streaming applications to decode live streams from SME 100 encoders or play back network-accessible AV media files available from network shares. It is compatible with streaming resolutions and refresh rates up to 1080p/60. The output resolution is selectable from 640×480 to 1920×1200. The SMD 101 offers integration-friendly control features, such as IR remote, wired IR, RS-232, or Ethernet and an easy-to-navigate web interface providing simple, flexible control and management options. This compact, energy-efficient decoder is an ideal counterpart to the SME 100 encoder in overflow, monitoring, enterprise multi-channel streaming systems, high-resolution signage, and messaging applications.
Extron VN-Matrix 250
Extron VN-Matrix 250 series of encoders and decoders provide realtime transmission of high-resolution HDCP-compliant HDMI, DVI, or RGB video across standard IP networks. The VN-Matrix 250 series accepts HDMI and RGB signals at resolutions up to 1920×1200 and 2048×1080, and streams video and audio over an IP network, preserving the native source resolution of digital or analog video sources. It offers a wide range of features to support diverse streaming application requirements including USB keyboard and mouse data transport, bidirectional RS-232 control, return audio streaming, multiple network ports, and support for both HDMI-embedded and analog stereo audio. The VN-Matrix 250 products are ideal for use in realtime streaming, recording, and playback applications. VN-Matrix 250 Series encoders and decoders use the PURE3 codec, which provides a combination of bit-rate efficiency, low latency, visually lossless image quality, and a high immunity to network errors. VN-Matrix 250 systems excel in applications with demanding quality requirements such as command and control, training and simulation, or distance collaboration applications in government, aerospace, energy, or medical environments.
STREAMING AND RECORDING APPLIANCE
Matrox Video’s Monarch HD is designed for professional video producers who need to simultaneously stream a live event and record a mastering-quality version for post-event editing. It provides these two independent modes in an integrated unit. From any HDMI input source such as a camera or switcher, Matrox Monarch HD generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocol. While encoding the video at bit rates suitable for live streaming, Matrox Monarch HD simultaneously records a high-quality MP4 or MOV file to an SD card, a USB drive, or a network-mapped drive. Matrox Monarch HD is remotely controlled using any computer or mobile device with a web browser. It also offers simple, one-touch stream and record pushbuttons; low power consumption; a locking power connector; and a quiet, fanless design.
“In a single integrated unit, Monarch HD separates the task of recording from streaming to ensure that the user’s content delivery network (CDN) delivers quality video to a live Internet audience while the user himself independently controls the quality of his archive,” explains Daniel Maloney, technical marketing manager, Matrox Video. “Matrox Monarch HD injects the highest quality video into every bit regardless of input source or target bit rate. Combining the power of the built-in H.264 encoder with Matrox’s high-quality deinterlacing and scaling engines guarantees stunning results.”
Haivision InStream Mobile
STREAMING PLAYER
Haivision’s InStream Mobile brings iPad, iPhone, and Android viewers a video player for live, high-definition video streaming. Supporting end-to-end latency of less than 500 milliseconds for 1080p60 video when coupled with Haivision’s Makito X HD H.264 encoder, InStream Mobile is ideal for the most demanding enterprise applications that require live collaboration, support mission critical decisions, or rely on an in-context viewing experience. In contrast, typical mobile streaming solutions are subject to a 10- to 60-second delay.
Based on industry standards, supporting both Transport Stream multicast and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), InStream Mobile gives users access to local performance streams as well as those available on the Internet. Local multicast transport streams do not need to be transcoded, resized, or converted to HLS, allowing InStream Mobile to be instantly deployed within current enterprise workflows. InStream Mobile also supports a central channel guide file so the channel list for all users can quickly be established and changed, further easing deployment and media control.
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K
CAPTURE AND PLAYBACK DEVICE
Blackmagic Design’s UltraStudio 4K is a rackmount capture and playback device based on Thunderbolt 2 technology developed by Intel. Featuring a machined aluminum front panel with an integrated color LCD as well as fast-to-use video and audio input buttons. The rear panel includes 6G-SDI, HDMI 4K, analog component/s-video/composite, as well as balanced analog and AES/EBU digital audio connections, allowing customers to connect to all decks, cameras, monitors, and more. With Thunderbolt 2’s 20Gbps speed, it has even more bandwidth to work with higher-quality video and frame rates. Customers will be able to capture and playback Ultra HD 4K YUV video at 60 frames per second and Ultra HD 4K RGB video at 30 frames per second via the advanced 6G-SDI video connections. The Thunderbolt loop thru allows connection of up to six devices, so customers can connect fast disk arrays for massive amounts of video storage with a single Thunderbolt connection to their computer.
UltraStudio 4K handles most television formats, featuring 6G-SDI connections that instantly switch between SD, HD, Ultra HD, and 4K. UltraStudio 4K can be use in a 3D workflow as it features both interleaved/side by side and dual-stream capture and playback. Interleaved 3D allows the left and right eye to be interleaved as fields into a single video connection and file, so customers can edit using current editing software.
Digital Rapids StreamZ Live 4000EX
ENCODER
Digital Rapids’ new StreamZ Live 4000EX encoder is made for advanced live and linear multiscreen applications. According to the company, StreamZ Live 4000EX builds on the quality, multi-format flexibility, and reliability of the StreamZ Live family with enhanced fault-tolerant redundancy, increased performance, and expanded control capabilities for premium live and linear multiscreen encoding applications from over-the-top (OTT) services and IPTV head-ends to high-profile live event streaming. The StreamZ Live 4000EX offers adaptive streaming format support to reach audiences across the broadest range of devices and platforms. Streams can be output in multiple formats simultaneously with encodes shareable across differing encapsulations. Independent management of each output provides additional control. Output profiles can be started, stopped, added, and removed separately without interrupting other concurrent outputs. Designed to be flexible and future-proof, the StreamZ Live 4000EX is built on the the Kayak technology platform and can be upgraded to support new features, formats, and technologies. Meanwhile, the hardware platform bolsters fault tolerance with multiple network interfaces and redundant inputs, outputs, and power supplies. Multiple StreamZ Live encoders can be combined with the scalable Digital Rapids Broadcast Manager management software for multi-channel automation, scheduling, monitoring, and failover.
