Video streaming hardware and software: which one is right for me?

By Jim Bask 0 Comment June 11, 2018  epiphan, live streaming, pearl mini, Pearl-2, production hardware

Below is just a snippet from a great streaming hardware guide put together by Epiphan video:

From Epiphan

Streaming Hardware

Streaming hardware implies a dedicated appliance designed specifically for live streaming video. In a hardware setup, the video and audio sources are connected directly to the appliance where they are processed and encoded locally. Inside, streaming hardware contains its own CPU, video processing components, and special software to perform the same tasks as streaming software does on a computer.

Features

Since streaming hardware is basically streaming software confined to a box, hardware encoders can do pretty much everything software can (see Software Features list above). For example, Epiphan’s Pearl-2 web GUI allows you to create different layouts, switch between them, add titles, and much more. On top of that, we can talk about the added factors of reliability, versatility, and ease of use.

Streaming hardware devices, such as Epiphan’s “all-in-one” Pearl-2 and Pearl Mini systems, come equipped with SDI, HDMI, and USB ports for capturing video. This means they don’t need any additional capture cards to function, making them more convenient in that sense.

Hardware form factor can be modified in order to create the best fit for each individual use case: rackmounts, desktop appliances, mobile encoders are all widely used.

Think of streaming hardware having a very narrow specialty. While software can run on a computer that can do many different things, streaming hardware was designed with one very specific goal in mind: to stream live video. All the components have been intentionally picked out and the software was customized and rigorously tested to ensure the best live streaming experience possible.

Pearl-2 encoder allows us to create all kinds of great layouts for our Live @ Epiphan show. Check out the full episode on our channel, it’s a great visual example of what high-end video streaming hardware is able to do….read more