Skip to main content

Hardware Encoders

Hardware encoders provide a compact and portable streaming solution and can be especially useful on film sets. Using a hardware encoder means that you can stream to your room without a computer.

tip

Our hardware encoder step-by-step setup guide can be found here

Hardware encoders have an HDMI and / or SDI port. A source, like an SDI camera feed, is plugged into the encoder and a connection to the internet is established using ethernet, wifi, or mobile data - depending on the encoder's features. The encoder is usually configured using a mobile or web app where the encoder's video and audio settings are adjusted, stream keys are entered, and streaming is started.

General Requirements​

Most hardware encoders will work with Louper, provided they support the following:

  • RTMP or SRT streaming protocols
  • H264 / x264 video
  • AAC or Opus audio
  • Ability to set B-frames to 0
  • Ability to set Keyframe Interval of 2 seconds or less
  • Ability to set custom RTMP or SRT urls
note

To work with Louper, the stream you send must be encoded with zero B-frames and a Keyframe Interval of 2 seconds or less.

Tested Encoders​

  • Magewell Ultra Encode AIO
  • Magewell Ultra Encode SDI
  • Magewell Ultra Encode SDI
  • Teradek Vidiu Go

Untested Encoders​

If you have used one of the below devices with Louper, please let us know.

  • Teradek:
    • Vidiu X
    • Cube series
    • Bond
    • Prism
  • Videon:
    • Edgecaster
    • VeraStreamer 4k
    • VeraStreamer SDI
  • LiveU Solo
  • Magewell Ultra Stream
  • Kiloview E2

Incompatible Encoders​

  • AJA Helo (as of March 2022, AJA is aware of the issue and is working on a fix)
  • Blackmagic:
    • Web Presenter HD - RTMP output mode. It does however work when used as a USB capture device.
    • Atem Mini Pro - RTMP output mode. It does however work when used as a USB capture device.

Blackmagic Encoders​

We’ve received mixed reports when using Blackmagic Streaming Encoders (for example, the Blackmagic Design Streaming Encoder 4K / HD). Configuration can be challenging, as streaming endpoints are managed via XML files, and stream stability may be inconsistent in real-world use. While some setups work as expected, others have reported disconnects, difficulty maintaining stable streams, and limited error visibility during troubleshooting. We recommend using Magewell encoders instead.