Live streaming continues to increase in popularity. It serves as an easy way to connect with a broad audience globally. However, many people don’t know where to start regarding live streaming. They want a quality production at an affordable price.
While it is possible to live stream with only a phone and an internet connection, the quality is often poor. Viewers may tune in initially, but they won’t stick around. Men and women should look into an encoder when purchasing hardware used for live streams.
What is a Hardware Encoder?
Encoders compress raw analog and digital video so it can be broadcast. Video camera footage cannot be live streamed; it must be encoded before it can be shared. Users must choose between hardware and software encoders.
Hardware encoders compress audio and video data to stream or record it. Unlike their software counterparts, hardware encoders do only this. They come with specialized chips and processors that optimize the data to ensure high-quality performance. The encoder might be a standalone unit or incorporated into a camera or another device. Software encoders are programs a user installs to capture and compress audio and video before delivering it.
Which to Buy?
Many purchase a software encoder when they start live streaming, which is cheaper than hardware encoders. However, the cost of a software encoder tends to be higher in the long run, as the user must continuously invest in hardware and maintenance. The program consumes resources, which can impact the performance of other apps or tasks. Hardware encoders don’t use resources, so they are the better option when the device does multiple things simultaneously.
Hardware encoders offer better quality because they have dedicated processing power. The encoder’s quality plays a significant role in the quality of the production. Today, some software encoders can offer similar quality when used with a robust device, but the price for these encoders can be high.
Software encoders can be configured and customized easily. The user may update and add features as needed. Hardware encoders, in contrast, often need firmware updates before the owner can access new features. New hardware might be required to access these features.
Encoding Terms
When purchasing an encoder, the buyer must be familiar with specific terms. Bitrate is the amount of data transmitted each second during the live stream. Higher bitrates typically lead to higher-quality audio and video. Bandwidth and bitrate must be balanced for a smooth live stream.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed horizontally and vertically on the screen. Higher resolutions rely on high bitrates and a powerful encoder, but they offer more clarity and detail. The number of frames displayed each second in the live stream is known as the frame rate. High frame rates provide seamles motion and a realistic experience for the viewer, but they use more resources.
Live streamers need to reduce their bandwidth usage and store the Iive stream in the least space possible. Compression allows them to achieve both goals. Live stream hosts should look for efficient compression algorithms to maximize resources without sacrificing quality.
Additional factors, including the streaming protocol, need to be considered. Options include real-time messaging protocol and secure, reliable transport. Learn more about hardware encoders and how they can provide an outstanding streaming experience when combined with the right tools.
A quality live stream is an effective tool for reaching a broad audience. However, the audience will only want to see the entire live stream if it is of good quality. Consider investing in a hardware encoder to achieve the desired quality level.
