Blackmagic Design Streaming Encoder HD

Blackmagic Design Streaming Encoder HD

The Blackmagic Design Streaming Encoder HD is a compact, self-contained hardware encoder designed for professional-grade live streaming in 1080p. It is a direct successor to the Web Presenter HD, featuring updated internal processing for improved stability and the addition of H.265 (HEVC) encoding alongside traditional H.264.

Core Encoding Features

The device serves as a dedicated hardware engine that handles all video compression, ensuring that your stream remains stable even if a connected computer or software becomes unresponsive.

• H.264 & H.265 Support: Features built-in hardware encoding for H.264 (for maximum platform compatibility) and H.265 (for high-quality HD streaming at significantly lower bitrates).

• 1080p Streaming: Supports all HD video standards up to 1080p60. It includes a built-in downconverter, allowing you to input an Ultra HD source via 12G-SDI and automatically scale it to HD for the stream.

• Dual Protocol Support: Uses RTMP/S for direct streaming to social platforms like YouTube and Facebook, and SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) for high-quality, point-to-point links between studios.

Redundant Connectivity and Failover

Reliability is the primary focus of the Streaming Encoder HD, offering multiple paths to keep the broadcast online.

• Ethernet: Features a primary 10/100/1000 BASE-T port for standard network connections.

• USB-C Phone Tethering: Includes both front and rear USB-C ports for tethering 5G or 4G mobile phones. The encoder can automatically failover to mobile data if the primary Ethernet connection is lost.

• USB-C Webcam Out: When connected to a computer, the encoder appears as a standard 720p or 1080p webcam, making broadcast-quality SDI sources available for use in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and OBS.

Technical Monitoring Output

The device includes a comprehensive graphics-based monitoring output that can be sent to both SDI and HDMI displays.

• Real-Time Data: Displays video view, audio meters with accurate ballistics, and trend graphs for codec bitrates and cache levels.

• Status Summary: Provides a clear overview of the current streaming settings, network health, and technical SDI metadata.

• Front Panel LCD: A 2.2-inch color screen on the unit itself allows for "confidence monitoring" and quick menu navigation without an external display.

Hardware Specifications

• Video Input: 1 x 12G-SDI (supports HD and Ultra HD up to 2160p60).

• Loop Output: 1 x 3G-SDI (optimized for HD workflows).

• Monitor Outputs: 1 x 3G-SDI and 1 x HDMI.

• Power: Internal 100-240V AC power (IEC) and 12V DC 4-pin XLR for battery or redundant power.

Operational Insight

The Streaming Encoder HD is the ideal solution for broadcasters who do not yet require 4K delivery but want the security of a hardware-based H.265 engine. Because it handles the "Standards Conversion" internally, you can feed it any 12G-SDI source from a modern 4K switcher or camera and it will perfectly manage the downscaling and encoding for a clean, professional HD broadcast.