Month: December 2023

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Magewell Expands Ultra Encode Family

Magewell Expands Ultra Encode Family of Advanced Live Media Encoders for Live Streaming, Remote Production and AV over IP

November 16, 2023 — Nanjing, China: Magewell has introduced two new models in its growing Ultra Encode family of advanced live media encoders. Ideal for applications ranging from live streaming and remote contribution to IP-based production and distribution, the compact Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus combine exceptional encoding and delivery flexibility with simultaneous multi-protocol streaming, file-based recording, NDI® HX3 support, 4K encoding at 30 frames per second, Power over Ethernet support, and advanced features for live production.

Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus are available immediately through Magewell’s global network of authorized resellers and will be amongst the company’s featured demonstrations in stand 5E710 at ISE 2024, taking place January 30 to February 2, 2024 in Barcelona.

“While our core Ultra Encode models and flagship Ultra Encode AIO continue to be immensely popular, some customers want the higher bitrates, expanded formats, recording capabilities and multi-protocol simultaneous streaming of Ultra Encode AIO but in a more compact, camera-mountable form factor,” said James Liu, VP of Engineering at Magewell. “The new Ultra Encode Plus models fit perfectly into the middle of the product line, meeting these needs and making the Ultra Encode family ideal for even more use cases.”

The Ultra Encode HDMI Plus can encode at resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 30 frames per second from its HDMI interface, while the Ultra Encode SDI Plus encodes up to 4K at 30fps from the device’s 6G-SDI input. Both models support multiple video encoding formats and technologies – including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), NDI HX2 and NDI HX3 – and a wide array of streaming protocols including RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, RTP, HLS, and TVU’s ISSP technology.

Video can be encoded at bitrates up to 32Mbps (62Mbps for NDI HX3), while up to eight channels of audio can be encoded in AAC format. Two concurrent encoding profiles with distinct combinations of resolution, frame rate, and bitrate can be specified. Configurable presets enable easy streaming to YouTube® Live (via RTMP or HLS), Facebook® Live, Twitch® , the Wowza Video platform (via RTMP or SRT) or custom targets. Ultra Encode Plus models can stream to up to six different target destinations simultaneously, including the ability to stream concurrently in multiple protocols. Inputs can also be recorded as files the device’s internal storage, an external USB-connected drive, or networked storage.

Ultra Encode Plus’s compact, camera-mountable metal chassis measures 4.2 inches square (106.6mm by 106.2mm) with a height of one inch (25mm). Integrated tally lights indicate program or preview usage of NDI® HX outputs in live production environments. The devices offer loop-through connections as well as line-level analog audio input and output, and can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) or the included power adapter. The encoders feature both built-in Wi-Fi network connectivity and an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port.

Like all Ultra Encode models, Ultra Encode Plus devices can be configured, monitored, and controlled through an intuitive, browser-based web interface. Centralized remote management and control of multiple units is available through the Control Hub software. In addition to manual control, scheduled streaming and recording are also available through the web UI, while HTTP-based APIs are available for systems integrators and third-party developers to incorporate Ultra Encode Plus into their solutions.

For more information, please visit www.magewell.com.

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Magewell Launches Director Mini

Magewell Launches Director Mini Portable, All-in-One Live Production and Streaming System

September 6, 2023 — Nanjing, China: For over a dozen years, Magewell has been renowned for its reliable and innovative video interface, streaming and IP workflow products. Today the company is expanding its portfolio with the launch of its first self-contained, full-featured production solution, Director Mini. Combining multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one compact device, Director Mini enables a single operator to easily create visually compelling productions for live event coverage, remote production feeds and more.

Director Mini will make its global exhibition debut in the Magewell stand (7.A44) at IBC 2023 in Amsterdam from September 15 to 18, and will begin shipping this month.

Director Mini offers a unique combination of input source flexibility and feature richness in an exceptionally versatile form factor. Users can switch between two HDMI inputs and two USB AV inputs as well as three simultaneous live IP sources including SRT streams, RTMP streams or up to two NDI® HX sources. File-based media assets including video, audio and images can also be combined freely with live sources. Embedded audio is supported on the HDMI and USB inputs alongside a 3.5mm analog audio input.

Director Mini’s intuitive user interface is accessed through its integrated 5.44” AMOLED touchscreen. Users can define multiple scenes that combine live HDMI, USB and audio inputs with network streams, media sources and graphics, then switch or transition between these scenes on the fly. Chroma keying enables the use of virtual backgrounds, while telestration enables real-time on-screen drawing and combines with built-in scoreboard functionality to support sports productions. PTZ camera control is also available through the touchscreen, simplifying single-operator productions.

Director Mini’s touchscreen interface is complemented by the Director Utility app for iOS® and Android® devices, which provides remote configuration, audio controls, input switching, scoreboard control and more. The Director Utility can also turn the smartphone’s camera into a streaming source as a mobile input to the Director Mini hardware, further enhancing the multi-camera production possibilities of the system. Up to three mobile devices can be used simultaneously as sources to Director Mini.

Director Mini’s touchscreen interface is complemented by the Director Utility app for iOS® and Android® devices, which provides remote configuration, audio controls, input switching, scoreboard control and more. The Director Utility can also turn the smartphone’s camera into a streaming source as a mobile input to the Director Mini hardware, further enhancing the multi-camera production possibilities of the system. Up to three mobile devices can be used simultaneously as sources to Director Mini.

Director Mini can encode video up to 1080p at 60 frames per second and bitrates up to 30Mbps, with a flexible array of output possibilities. Productions can be streamed using the RTMP protocol to popular platforms such as YouTube™ Live, Facebook™ Live or custom destinations. Live comments can be displayed while streaming to YouTube, Facebook or Twitch. The ability to output an SRT stream makes Director Mini an excellent tool for contributing high-quality feeds to an off-site location for remote production. Alternatively, the device can create one NDI® HX output to serve as a source for additional IP-based production tools. Its USB-C port can be configured to display the program output, user interface or a loop-through of either HDMI input on a connected USB-C display. Last but not least, content can be recorded to an SD card, USB flash drive or the device’s internal storage.

The compact Director Mini hardware features a 1/4″-20 thread for use with standard camera-mounting accessories and can be operated in horizontal or vertical orientation. The device can be powered with the included power adapter but also supports two NP-F hot-swappable external batteries (not included), enabling uninterrupted power for long productions.

“Director Mini is designed to make small and mid-sized multi-input productions extraordinarily easy for a single operator,” said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell. “With support for HDMI and USB AV sources as well as NDI® HX, SRT and RTMP streams, it also gives users incredible flexibility in the number and types of inputs they can incorporate into their productions. We look forward to seeing our customers’ creativity unleashed with Director Mini.”

For more information, please visit https://www.magewell.com/director-mini