Gear Guide: Streaming Encoders

A look at the key specifications and features in several streaming encoders currently available to churches.

by

Magazine

Streaming encoders aren’t the most visible part of a church’s video system—but they’re the point where everything either works or falls apart. After the cameras and switcher have done their job, the encoder takes that signal and transforms it into something the internet can reliably deliver in real time.

It’s easy to overlook—until the stream drops, buffers, or doesn’t match what you saw in the room. At its core, encoding is about compression and consistency, shaping video into a format that holds up across varying bandwidth and devices. Get it right, and the experience translates beyond the room with clarity. Get it wrong, and nothing downstream can fix it.

What follows is a look at several streaming encoders currently available to churches, with key specifications and features to consider.

I N   T H E   S P O T L I G H T

MAGEWELL | Model: Ultra Encode AIO 

Ideal for worship video use cases ranging from live streaming and multi-site distribution to IP-based production workflows

Magewell’s Ultra Encode AIO live media encoder combines outstanding flexibility with the high reliability and assured performance of dedicated hardware.

Ultra Encode AIO can encode one live input source from its HDMI or SDI inputs, or mix video from the HDMI and SDI inputs (picture-in-picture or side-by-side) into a combined output. It outputs up to 4Kp30 in a wide range of formats and protocols including H.264, H.265, NDI HX3, RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, HLS, Zixi, RIST and more. Video can be streamed in multiple protocols to up to six destinations simultaneously. Presets for YouTube and Facebook as well as seamless integration with platforms such as Wowza Video and Zixi simplify operation. The device’s touchscreen LCD screen provides status monitoring and video previews.

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS: Ultra Encode AIO can be configured and controlled through an intuitive, browser-based web interface, with centralized remote management and control of the encoder and other Magewell devices available through Magewell’s optional Control Hub software.

  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: 4K (4096x2160) at 30 fps, 32Mbps
  • Video Inputs: HDMI 1.4a; 6G-SDI 
  • Audio Input: Embedded audio through HDMI/3GSDI; 3.5mm analog line in
  • Video Outputs: HDMI 1.4a; 6G-SDI (loop through)
  • Video Codec: H.264, H.265
  • Streaming Outputs: RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, HLS, RTSP, TS over UDP/RTP, TVU ISSP, Zixi, RIST plus NDI HX2, NDI HX3  
  • magewell.com

OF NOTE: Additional Ultra Encode models are available for houses of worship needing only a single input standard (HDMI or SDI) and who don’t require Ultra Encode AIO’s advanced capabilities.

I N   T H E   S P O T L I G H T

MIRI | Model: V410 

Miri’s V410 live 4K encoder/decoder is easy enough for less-technical users and volunteers but offers deep enough controls to delight experienced producers and media engineers

When choosing an encoder for streaming and AV-over-IP, an easy and efficient user experience is just as important as formats and specifications. Designed for exceptional usability, Miri’s V410 live 4K encoder/decoder is easy enough for less-technical users and volunteers but offers deep enough controls to delight experienced producers and media engineers.

The V410 combines exceptionally intuitive user interfaces with rich functionality and flexible format support. It can encode one 4K Ultra HD output at 60FPS or two simultaneous HD or QHD (2560x1440) channels. In addition to encoding from HDMI, 3G-SDI or USB input interfaces, it can also transcode from NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX2 or NDI HX3 to streaming formats and protocols.

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS: The V410 encodes to NDI HX3 as well as H.264/H.265 in protocols including SRT, RTMP, HLS and more. Network connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 plus dual Ethernet, or pair with Miri’s X510 bonding router for resilient internet.

  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) at 60 fps, 40Mbps
  • Video Inputs: HDMI 2.0; 3G-SDI; USB Webcam; NDI HX2/HX3; NDI High Bandwidth
  • Audio Input: Embedded audio through HDMI/3G-SDI/USB; 3.5mm analog line in
  • Video Outputs: HDMI 2.0; 3G-SDI; USB Webcam; NDI HX2/HX3; NDI High Bandwidth
  • Video Codec: H.264, H.265
  • Audio Codec: AAC 
  • Streaming Outputs: RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, HLS, RTSP, TS over UDP plus NDI HX2, NDI HX3
  • miritech.com

OF NOTE: In addition to its encoding capabilities, the V410 can instead be user-configured as a decoder to convert AV-over-IP or streaming sources for output over HDMI, 3G-SDI or USB.

BOXCAST |  Model: Spark HEVC Encoder 

Advanced live streaming made simple

  • Type: HEVC Encoder
  • Video Inputs: HDMI 2.0a, SD/ HD/3G/6G/12G-SDI
  • Audio Input: Balanced Stereo In, 2x 1/4” TRS, +4dBu, Unbalanced Stereo In, 3.5mm TRS, -10dBV
  • Video Codec: H.264, high profile level 4.2 (AVC); H.265, main pofile (HEVC)
  • Audio Codec: AAC-LC
  • Networking: HD video up to 1080p at 60 fps; Simultaneous streaming to
  • Facebook, YouTube, and website embeds, along with RTMP, SRT, and dedicated Roku/Apple TV apps.
  • Streaming Outputs: Supports up to (1) 2160p30 (4K) channel or (2) 1080p60 channels simultaneously; Capable of streaming 4K UHD to websites and YouTube via Resi Enterprise 4K plan
  • Power: 3.5mm Stereo Unbalanced Line
  • boxcast.com

AJA |  Model: Bridge Live 12G-4

High Density SDI/IP Streaming Solution

  • Type: SDI/IP video encoder, decoder, and transcoder
  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: Up to 4x UHD 4K60 channels; up to 800Mbps for UltraHD JPEG XS/JPEG 2000 workflows depending on codec and transport mode. Or if you want it shorter Up to 4x UHD 4K60 channels simultaneously
  • Video Inputs: 4x bidirectional 12G-SDI ports supporting UltraHD/2K/HD/SD, 12G-SDI/6G-SDI/3G-SDI/1.5G-SDI Audio Input: 16-channel embedded SDI audio, 16-bit and 24-bit, 48 kHz Video Outputs: 4x bidirectional 12G-SDI outputs
  • Video Codec: H.264 (AVC/MPEG-4), H.265 (HEVC), H.262 (MPEG-2), NDI, optional JPEG 2000 (VSF TR-01), optional JPEG XS (VSF TR-07)
  • Audio Codec: AAC-LC, AAC-HE v1/v2, AC3, Dolby-E passthrough, MPEG-2 Audio, NDI audio, uncompressed PCM multi-channel
  • Streaming Outputs: SRT, RTMP, RTMPS, RTP, UDP, HLS, MPEG-TS, VSF TR-01, VSF TR-07
  • Power: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz (dual redundant power supplies); 190W typical, 245W maximum
  • aja.com

BLACKMAGIC |  Model: Streaming Encoder

Streaming processor with H.264 for streaming in HD via SRT or RTMP protocols to services such as YouTube

  • Type: Streaming Encoder HD
  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: 12G-SDI Input, 1080p/60
  • Output Video Inputs: Ultra HD/HD Audio Input: SDI Video Outputs: SDI loop outputs, HDMI/SDI monitor outputs
  • Video Codec: RTMP H.264/SRT H.264 and H.265
  • Audio Codec: AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) for streaming via RTMP or SRT
  • Streaming Outputs: RTMP and SRT H.264 and H.265
  • blackmagicdesign.com

EXTRON |  Model: SMP 401

Multi-Channel 4K Recording and Streaming Media Processor

  • Type: Multi-Channel 4K Recording and Streaming Media Processor Video Formats: MP4 (recording)
  • Video Inputs: (3) HDMI, (1) 12G-SDI, (2) RTP/RTSP Audio Inputs: (1) stereo balanced or unbalanced and (2) mono mic/line level (with available phantom power)
  • Video outputs: (1) HDMI, (2) LAN digital video over ethernet
  • Video codec: H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC
  • Audio codec: AAC-LC MPEG-4
  • Streaming outputs: RTP, RTSP, RTMP
  • Power: 120 - 240VAC, 50-60 Hz, 27.5 watts typical
  • extron.com

RESI |  Model: E4310

Flagship 4K60 ingest, AV1, highest-demand broadcast

  • Type: Flagship Dual-Channel AV1 Encoder
  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: 4K UHD (2160p) resolution at 60 frames per second (fps)
  • Video Inputs: (2) 12G-SDI, up to 2160p60 Audio Input: up to 16 ch of 24-bit 48kHz embedded audio
  • Video Codec: AV1 (multisite only), HEVC / H.265 (multisite only), H.264
  • Audio Codec: AAC-LC with 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 ch of audio
  • Streaming Outputs: AV1 and HEVC (H.265). 4K streaming to web, YouTube, and multi-site destinations, with automatic downscaling for platforms that do not support 4K.
  • resi.io

TERADEK |  Model: Prism Flex

Ultra-low latency, 4K HDR streaming in a low-SWaP form factor that fits seamlessly into any video workflow

  • Type: 4K HDR Streaming for Live Production
  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: Max Resolution: 4K DCI p60 (\(4096 \times 2160\)) or 4K UHD p60; Max Bitrate: Up to 85 Mbps.
  • Video Inputs: HDMI 2.0 input; 2G-SDI input (with loopthrough)
  • Audio Input: 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs, alongside a 3.5mm TRRS analog input that accepts mic or line-level signals
  • Video Outputs: 12G-SDI input/loop-through and an HDMI 2.0 output
  • Video Codec: H.264, H.265
  • Audio Codec: AAC (LC); Recent firmware updates (v2.22+) have introduced beta support for MPEG 1-LAYER II and AC3.
  • Streaming Outputs: SRT, RTMP(S), MPEG-TS, and RTSP, and integrates with Core Cloud for bonding and remote management.
  • teradek.com

MATROX |  Model: Monarch Edge E4

4K/Multi-HD 8-bit encoder for webcasting

  • Type: Streaming Encoder
  • Max Encoding Resolution & Bitrate: 3840 x 2160 @ 60 fps (4K UHD); 120Mbps
  • Video Inputs: 1x BNC (12G-SDI) and 3x BNC (3G-SDI) female connectors
  • Audio Input: Up to 16 channels of embedded audio are supported per SDI input (12G or 3G-SDI).
  • Video Codec: H.264/MPEG-4 part 10 (AVC) Audio Codec: AAC-HE, AAC-LC, and PCM S302M
  • Streaming Outputs: Streaming outputs include RTMP, SRT, RTSP, and MPEG-2 TS for reliable REMI (Remote Integration) workflows
  • video.matrox.com
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