Streambox introduced a new encoder, which it said will support UltraHD at 60fps in real-time. The Streambox Rackmount 4k Encoder works with Streambox Cloud to transport live video over the internet, worldwide. It uses point-to-point or point-to-multipoint playout. All video streamed is archived for file-based playout on a Rackmount Decoder or Streambox Media Player, or can be downloaded and archived for production.
The ACT-L3 encoder is an adaptive bitrate unit; the encoding engine is a multi-core device, able to encode UltraHD at frame rates between 24fps and 60fps, or DCI-4k between 23.98fps and 29.97fps. Video can be compressed from 4Mbps up to 50Mbps in real-time. ACT-L3 4k Encoders and Decoders support LDMP networking, for multi-path transport over the public internet.
The encoder features 12G-SDI (single- and dual-link), which is compatible with both 3G- and 6G-SDI. HDMI and fibre optic links are also present. The unit can double as a decoder using the same interfaces.
All Streambox products are powered by the firm’s proprietary codec: Advanced Compression Technology – Level 3 (ACT-L3). Streambox ACT-L3 compression is said to allow for faster encoding with lower latency and is optimized for video transmission over any low-bandwidth IP connection. The company claims that its proprietary codec is capable of compressing higher motion, complex video at lower data rates using the new advanced motion search feature.
Streambox announced at NAB that previous-generation encoders and decoders would receive a free firmware update for UltraHD 50fps/60fps playout – and encoders/decoders for Apple OS X would receive an update for DCI-4k – but did not say when it would be available.
(Celebro Studios in London is said to be the first UltraHD studio in the world and is using Streambox.)
