Hardware encoders are built specific to the task of video streaming and provide an additional level of quality unmatched by any software alternative. Source from video, audio, or image files as well as DVD, playlists, and websites, Stream, record, and output video to professional decks and monitors simultaneously, Video transitions and other effects built-in, Support for 3D acceleration reduces the need for a top-end CPU, PC and Mac desktop source (including audio) via computers on your network, vMix Call teleconference support for up to 8 remote guests, Titling support and four overlay channels, TriCaster 2 Elite: Encoding device for advanced, television-grade broadcasting, TriCaster 4k Mini: Portable desktop encoder, TriCaster TC410 Plus: Encoding tool for mid-sized productions, TriCaster TC1: Everything broadcasters need for end-to-end video production. The advantages they bring are often essential for professional-level productions, or if your goal is to create broadcast-quality videos or live streams that are sure to impress and engage. Hardware encoders provide a higher level of comfort to know exactly what you are getting and how it will perform. Perbandingannya : Perbandingan Cepat. But the disadvantage of using hardware encoding are two-fold. Comparing Hardware Vs. Software Encoders For Live . If youre streaming in HD (and theres no reason you shouldnt), this format creates loss-less compression giving your viewers high quality with low file sizes. For example, you can insert scoreboards, live replays, and even real-time scoreboards with Wirecast encoding software. The OBS Studio platform integrates seamlessly with most, Integrates with most professional streaming platforms, Perfect for new and experienced broadcasters, Relatively limited functions and capabilities, OBS Studio is totally free to use and download. Regular streams usually dont need to match the quality of a professional broadcast. Hardware encoder choices can be equally daunting, if not for the dollar signs alone as they typically start at a higher cost. is a streaming tool with encoding capabilities. We created this helpful graphic to better illustrate pros and cons of both options. An encoder takes your raw video footage and compresses it into a digital format thats acceptable for end platforms like Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. But this adds more components and cables, and each one is a potential point of failure. Encoding a live stream into H.264 format is a challenging operation, one originally performed in dedicated hardware. You may find some for as low as $100, but for the most part, they reach towards the thousands. There are two important protocols for broadcasting to keep in mind: HLS streaming protocol and RTMP (real-time messaging protocol). Almost assuredly the desktop will be better. Telestreams Wirecast is one of the best paid professional-grade software encoders on the market. With software it's 25-30ms in Middle-Earth:SoM and even 15ms in TF2. There are two different roads you can take when it comes to choosing what encoder works best for you. Stream on cutting edge. Which features and functions you need will be one of your deciding factors for which encoder to choose. To learn more about the software, you can check out its tech specs here. It is super easy to use, which makes it attractive to broadcasters who are new to the arena. It also complicates setup and teardown, and it means more things to keep track of and possibly lose during travel. never changes then you might want a hardware encoder. However, you've encountered one of the problems with hardware encoding: If the hardware sucks (or you're not telling the controls to use adequate bitrate) you'll end up with mediocre results. VidBlasterX is available inthree versions. BUT . Hardware encoders are generally designed for speed (so it can deal with things like live video input without being overwhelmed), and just take raw video streams as you feed them in. That means youre stuck using webcams and microphones that just arent suitable for professional contexts. It was built, originally, just as a . The encoder you use, whether hardware or software, has a big impact on the performance and quality of your stream. Hardware encoding solutions come in both smaller, portable boxes and larger permanent fixtures. Thats because theres a host of other processes and programs running alongside your streaming application, driving up your CPU usage and sporting agendas of their own. The right software encoder can handle multi-camera switching, title insertion, and playback on a disc-based file. For those looking to start streaming, deciding what gear to purchase can be rather daunting. If youre planning on using a professional live streaming platform, like Dacast, check to see which encoders are compatible with that service. Here are some of the most popular choices among streamers for software encoders, also known as live streaming software: So, should you use a software encoder or a hardware encoder? Heres how you would do it with OBS Studio: If you want to reach an even wider audience with your live streams using a software encoder like OBS, you might want to use a multistream tool such as Restream. An encoder is something thatconverts information from one format to another. This lets you: Yes, you do. The H.264 protocol can create whats called lossless compression. For audio-only streaming, there are two popular choices: MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding). The most popular encoding format today is RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol). Thats because hardware encoders are tailor-made for streaming and recording. We break down . It depends on what youre streaming. Its a very real possibility when using a software encoder. This tool has been around since 1998 and was used privately until 2004 when Telestream publicly launched the software. Modern hardware encoders provide very good quality video with minimal performance impact. Software vs Hardware Encoders. Different events call for specific encoder requirements. You can also access Tricaster documentationhere. They get data from the capture cards, and they send it via the internet. Its a question with big implications for your workflows, your budget, your prospects of success. In other words, theres not a lot of room to adjust video quality with hardware encoders. It supports mixing between multiple sources and is accessible for new broadcasters. The Wirecast Pro enhanced program adds several other specialized features, including: These advanced features of Wirecast Pro make it a better choice than the basic Wirecast program for most live-streamed events. Live Streaming Software Encoders: Software encoders are specially designed programs that work on computing devices like desktop computer or laptop etc. They provide an accessible entry point, letting people with limited budgets and resources start live streaming. The main difference between each version is the number of modules each supports. : OBS Studio is free and allows you to familiarize yourself with the live streaming process. Which is right for your college or university for lecture capture and other video applications: hardware encoding or software encoding? All you need to get started is a webcam, microphone, streaming device and internet connection. In comparison to AVC, HEVC offers from 25% to 50% better data compression at the same level of video quality, or substantially improved video quality at the . Key features include: OBS Studio is totally free to use and download. In the case of an open-source software solution like OBS, that comes at no cost. Niagara has many products, and it would be best to pleasecontact Niagaradirectly for pricing on their products and solutions as their pricing is not transparent. Software and hardware encoders for live video streams differ in the features that they provide. Since encoding technology is changing all the time, we have aggregated the latest and most up-to-date information as of October 2021. If you dont need portability, however, there are fixed encoders that you can set up and keep in your recording space. Each set of features will vary depending on the hardware encoder you pick from Matrox, but here's what you can expect: Real-time hardware encoding for live streaming, The TriCaster encoders are best suited for professional broadcasters due to their high price points and, These tools are built for both encoding and, Wide variety of encoding tools to choose from, When it comes to hardware encoders, Teradek VidiU is one of the most popular options. . Some are built with portable chassis for exceptional remote location streaming experiences. Additionally, the Broadcast edition also supports UDP streaming, latest version of the Windows-specific software, is 24.0.0.71 and includes an upgrade to a free 60 day trial of vMix PRO for download. Hardware encod* is mentioned 6 times. This open-source, The information above is based on the latest, Advanced features for advanced broadcasters, Consistent system updates to keep the software running effectively. Hardware encoders are more flexible out of the box. An encoder converts all that audio-visual data to a standard format. According to our test on converting a 4K (3840x2160) 30 fps video from H.264 to HEVC without resizing image, X265 encoder transcodes videos at 2.9-5.5, a snail's pace compared to NVENC's speed of 25-33. 777 Hornby St, Suite 600, Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z1S4, @ 2022 Castr Live Streaming, Inc. All rights reserved. Grating rotary encoder number encoder. Hardware encoders are dedicated processing devices that use a specialized algorithm to encode video and data for streaming purposes. Additional Wirecast upgrades are available, including: Wirecast comes in a version for Windows and for macOS. As with any streaming event, you need to examine your requirements in order to work out the best camera setup. Here are a few key questions to ask yourself when considering whether a software or hardware encoder will work best for your live streaming needs. The dreaded message that interrupts your production could just as well be an OS update or an anti-virus pop-up. If you operate out of a studio i.e. To sum up: software encoders are only suitable for low-pressure productions. Jadi untuk Hardware encoding umumnya via QSV / NVENC / VCE. Most hardware encoders sport multiple video inputs that let you directly connect mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and other high-end equipment. In some sense, hardware encoders are very similar to their software counterparts because, by the time youve put them into a setup, thats what theyll both be algorithms and hardware.But thats the end of their similarities. Or hardware, which is a standalone unit with an exclusive focus of encoding. They can be either hardware encoding or software encoding solutions. So to review, software has a lower bar of entry, but a much higher bar of excellence. vMix is a feature-rich encoding software designed for Windows users. Each version supports a different number of inputs. The key difference is that a hardware encoder is a piece of physical equipment you'll need to hook up, while a software encoder is a program that runs on a computer. Wirecast has two encoding plans, and the software comes in two versions: Wirecast Studio for enhanced live production & streaming: pricing is $599. How much power and system resources would get hogged if I used software encoding? Detailed wiki and highly active user forum for support/help. This is a bit expensive for encoding . The function we will focus most on is the encoding capability. Software encoders are typically preferable for streaming on the go since they only require your laptop and are easy to set up. High-end software encoders can be expensive, too. The OBS Studio platform integrates seamlessly with most online video platforms. Hardware encoders set the bar pretty high over software-based setups. A software encoder requires a computer on site. . Looks like you've been waiting a while. vMix isn't a dedicated encoder streaming software, but it allows for a wide range of inputs, making this a good live streaming encoder if you want to input various sources. Once the network connection is reestablished (or a backup connection is provided), all video data recorded during the outage will be transmitted. TBH, the image quality is negligible IMHO, but it can be seen. Since they have a variety of products and solutions, they offer a wide range of specific tools and features. An encoder is pretty much a must-have for most live streaming setups. Heres what you need to know. Support for unlimited sources, including cameras, mics, IP cams, capture cards, and NDI, Integrates with Facebook Live and Twitter for sharing comments on-screen, Includes instant replay, scoreboard, and timers for sports, Free wireless camera app turns iOS devices into mobile live video sources, Stream to multiple destinations simultaneously, Integrated video chat via Wirecast Rendezvous, Firewire HDV camera input support (Studio users, NewBlueFX Titler Live (for creation of animated graphics and titles): $245 Standard version, $445 Advance version, $945 Ultimate version, Virtualsetworks (pre-made virtual sets for green screen use): $329, Modular user interface; everything is customizable, Includes macro and scripting functionality to automate or hot-key actions, Live streaming and recording up to 4K resolution, Compatible with social media platforms as well as most OVPs, including Dacast with a direct integration. Profile: High, Level 3.1, Preset veryfast or medium. Software encoders rely on the computers processing power, usually requiring a beefy processor and GPU in order to process multiple inputs, compress into multiple bitrates, etc. Dacast offers both a live streaming solution and advanced VOD hosting, so you can broadcast the content that works best for you on a white-label video player. For the Linux version,FFmpegis required. Hardware Encoders comes with a small box. However, the HD, 4K, and Pro versions of vMix each support up to 1000 total inputs, including cameras or NDI devices. If you dont want to shell out a bunch of cash for a hardware encoder and you dont want to download any programs to take up space on your computer, there is another option: cloud-based live streaming solutions. This Transmission Control Protocol-based technology was originally developed by the predecessor of Adobe to work with the Adobe Flash player. Whichever encoder you picked hardware or software you can useCastr.ioto grow your audience and build your streaming business. The key traits that make software encoders so popular are: Its not all gravy with software encoders, though, because of their: Software encoders have their flaws. Closed captioning and ads, to name only a couple, are key features to consider. To match the performance of a hardware encoder out of the box, you could easily spend as much or more in upgrades and add-ons to your software streaming rig (like HDMI to USB adapters). Now you know what an encoder is and why you might choose hardware over a software live stream encoder (or vice versa). HEVC, on the other is more advanced (better quality for same bitrate, or lower bitrate for equivalent quality) but its software encoding (x265) is much, much slower than x264. I tried adding property "enable-lossless=true" to nvv4l2h265enc, but that doesn't make a difference. So work hard to develop good content ideas, but always remember to do a technical check before going live. There are two types of encoders you can use to live stream: The encoder is the translator and the communicator in your streaming setup, which is why its so important. If it has a 20xx card, the built-in encoder will handle the heavy task of encoding. That can pose some problems, notably the encoding software using up your computers resources. You call up the manufacturer of Component A, and they say the problem is actually Component B. There are several perks to using a software encoder. As you can see, using the hardware encoding was considerably faster than using Handbrake's built-in software encoder. VidBlasterX Homeis a basic product. A hardware encoder is a standalone appliance that's purpose-built for live streaming and video recording. Set it up once and you never have to worry about anything again. So unless youre a professional broadcaster, a software encoder should keep you happy and streaming successfully for a while. There is software, a cheaper option that relies on your current computer to operate. Niagara Video is an encoding brand through and through. You cannot live stream to most platforms without an encoder. In most cases, wed recommend software encoders for one simple reason. Its essential for converting the video feed from your camera into streamable data. Youve run into the inevitable question of hardware vs. software encoding: whether you should use a software application or a dedicated appliance for video encoding. TriCaster is high-ticket encoding hardware designed for advanced streamers. your setup (background, lighting, angles, etc.) They have been at the forefront of encoding, and are often considered trailblazers in the industry. Wirecast Pro for advanced live production and streaming: pricing is $799. Whatever you choose, use Restream to push your broadcast to multiple platforms at once so you can double or even triple your audience. These are dedicated devices that turn video into streamable content. Hardware encoders: Dedicated pieces of hardware that run encoding algorithms. very reliable theyre dedicated devices and youre less likely to run into troubles with them, Low power usage, costs than a software encoder in the long run, Not cheap most hardware encoders start at around $600 and go into the thousands of dollars, typically do not include multiple inputs or switching capabilities. There is software, a cheaper option that relies on your current computer to operate. The higher price-point and lower latency that comes with hardware video encoders set them apart from their software counterparts. The two differ in fundamental ways, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Its the most popular software encoder right now and for good reason. While probably 95% of the content we live stream is streamed out via hardware encoders, there are some use case where software encoders make sense. The standard streaming protocol for internet sources is H.264. And if youre in the market for a hardware encoder for your live video streaming, weve got you covered. Niagaras encoders currently include several model lines, each of which is available in a variety of configurations. This is the only case in which we mostly recommend hardware encoders. Sometimes they connect straight to the camera and always to the internet. Usually, there will be some sort of an interface so you can choose between options and, for example, pick the encoding codec or the destination of the stream. This open-source live streaming software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. The latest version of vMix is 24.0.0.72 and includes an upgrade to a free 60 day trial of vMix PRO for download. While at Dacast, he helped the marketing team research and produce video streaming content for our readers. Some of theirtop productsinclude: The different Teradek encoder lines support HDMI and SDI video inputs and a wide variety of consumer and professional-grade hardware. No contracts. Take a sneak peek and see what you can do with Castr. If you want to use multiple cameras (or other video inputs) youll need to attach video switching/mixing equipment or software to the encoder, fixed video quality, not as many customization options, might be pre-programmed with older codecs which are very difficult (or impossible) to update, need extra software to mix video, overlay graphics and audio. So my choice is to use the Software encoder for streaming, and Hardware encoder for recording. Wirecast has recently had many feature updates, several enhancements, and fixes, including FBLive polling, re-written WebStream plugin, and Virtual Camera improvements. This is especially true when it comes to handling multiple high-end sources or when youre sending content to multiple streaming platforms (e.g., YouTube, Facebook Live, and LinkedIn Live all at once). VidBlasterX is available for Windows PCs only. One isnt necessarily better than another; both hardware and software encoders have pros and cons. Always choose the gear that meets your needs. The. Still, developers often had to limit the output quality from the codec to enable real-time operation. Knowing how you want your final video project to look when it is done, can play an important part in choosing the right encoder. While vMix 24 is for Windows only, the software can be installed on a Mac via Boot Camp if the machine has a Windows partition. Additionally, Dacast offers acustomized version of OBS Studiothat easily connects to save our users time. It has options for all broadcasters from beginners to advanced. A hardware encoder will generally run more smoothly than a computer built with general-purpose parts. As the name suggests, the unit accepts HDMI input at 1080p maximum. OBS offers encoding software for game recording and live streaming. Every cog in the machine of your streaming setup is vital, so much so that it would almost be unfair to single out one component as the most important. An encoder is basically an algorithm and the hardware needed to run it. Unlike many other hardware encoders on the market, their products are light and sleek. Many YouTube tutorials are available as well. Wirecasts video encoder software makes it easy to incorporate pre-recorded video content into your broadcast. The encoder is most well known for its real-time mixing and multi-camera switcher. In the other corner, Hardware encoders rely on specific physical hardware components to exist in a system to use them to . Software encoders can come with a lot of functions useful for producing high-quality content. Telestreams Wirecast is another video streaming software with encoding features. The Studio version supports HD and full-screen television-quality production, as well as community support. When you want to stream from your laptop or desktop computer, you need another solution for encoding. They also include many features built in like the ability to switch between multiple video sources, add overlaid text and graphics, and more. vMix comes in 5 versions, starting at the free Basic version and ending with the Pro version. You run into a glitch with some computer software, so you pick up the phone and dial the vendors customer support line. Digicast DMB-8800A Premium. They are specialized specifically for hardware encoding, which gives them an advantage over software encoders. Software software applications running on a computer. While for hardware encoding GPU power is used for compression algorithms. High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265 and MPEG-H Part 2, is a video compression standard designed as part of the MPEG-H project as a successor to the widely used Advanced Video Coding (AVC, H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 10). An encoder takes a video signal from your camera, switcher, or other video infrastructure and converts it into a form suitable for online streaming platforms. An encoder is the most critical piece of equipment in your video path that will determine the ultimate quality and resiliency of your stream, so picking the right option is essential. Btw, I have I7 4770 K CPU and GPU GTX 660 This blog will give you that understanding so you can confidently decide between hardware encoding and software encoding for any project. It supports up to 7 modules. And again, youll likely want your logo in the corner, which is easier with a software encoder. Where exactly do hardware encoders have an edge? These pre-recorded ads are then inserted manually during the live feed. The Studio edition supports up to 25 modules, and the Broadcast edition supports 50 modules. Yuheng Optics Co., Ltd.(Changchun) . OBS Studio offers a variety of video broadcasting tools, but were focusing on the encoding capabilities. For encoding, you have two choices: Software encoders: Encoding computer programs you run on a personal computer. United States. China Software Encoder Vs Hardware Encoder manufacturers, supply Software Encoder Vs Hardware Encoder with high quality. Jun 2003. property of Restream, Inc. Restream Studio: everything you need to know. : Since these events take place in either a gym or a field, less equipment is ideal. VidBlasters wide range of plans gives it multiple best use cases, but its encoding software is powerful and can be integrated with most professional streaming solutions. This isnt an event reserved for an AV pros nightmares. Much like a hardware encoder, live streaming software compresses and streams video to a destination. If youre oscillating between software and hardware encoders for live video streams, these suggestions might make your decision a bit easier. Its important to understand the difference between software and hardware, Your video encoder takes the necessary format and converts it into codecs through a compression/decompression process. When you stream to a social media profile within the social networks app like using the Facebook app to go live on your Facebook profile the app takes care of the encoding for you. Would I even have to worry about this if I encoded everything into DiVX, not MPEG? Take it out of the equation and video streaming platforms would have a hard time understanding and reproducing the data youre sending them. Because it is also relying on the computers operating system, along with multitasking with other applications on the computer, stability can be unpredictable, leading to interruptions or quality loss. OBS Studio is one of the most popular options, particularly if you are looking for a free software encoder. The most important thing is that you find an encoder that works for you and is within your budget. We will happily walk you through what makes the most sense based on your budget and current gear. Beginners and First-timers Go with software. First, the resulting file size is larger and the video quality is impacted. Perfect for lecture capture, online learning programs, and other video applications, Reliable video production systems you can stake your reputation on, High-quality streaming and recording of sermons, ceremonies, and other events, Versatile production systems for meetings, company town halls, training, and more, Flexible video encoders to reach and engage constituents wherever they are, Innovative video production technology for modern legal institutions, Practical tips and expert advice for Pro AV, Twice-monthly live show covering all things AV, Success stories and testimonials from Epiphan customers, AV articles, guides, industry news, and tech recommendations, Biannual publication for AV pros and enthusiasts, Setups, tips, and tricks for AV applications, January 12, 2022