Article Overview

Streambox® Avenir Now Shipping

Mobile Encoder Enables High-Quality, Low-Bandwidth HD/SD Video Transport Over Bonded 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, Satellite, BGAN, and Internet

The Streambox® Avenir, the newest member of Streambox's industry-leading family of mobile video transport and streaming solutions, is now shipping with an expanded feature set to enable high-quality, low-latency, and low-bandwidth IP transport of HD or SD video for broadcast or streaming to the Web and mobile devices. Designed for field newsgathering, sports broadcasting, streaming, and other mobile live and file-based video applications, the battery-operated Avenir enables field reporters to send live or file-based video content over bonded 3G and 4G wireless networks as well as the Internet.

"Thanks to the power of Streambox's award-winning ACT-L3 codec, the Avenir gives non-technical users sophisticated streaming, video transport, and video file acquisition capabilities in a portable and extremely easy to use form factor with many advanced smart features that automate networking with video parameters. Thus, the system brings new immediacy to breaking news and events coverage by enabling a single person or a small crew to report from areas that can't be accessed by traditional SNG/DNG systems," said Bob Hildeman, chairman and CEO of Streambox. "Beyond mobile newsgathering, these same features make the Avenir ideal for any type of field video acquisition application, such as live streaming, enterprise television, law enforcement, or military mobile command centers."

In a mobile device that can be carried as a side pack, the Avenir takes all of the features of Streambox's ACT-L3™ product line for SD and adds the ability to transport full-resolution HD for both live and file-based video. The system's lightweight and rugged chassis can be deployed in minutes, with an intuitive touch-screen interface that lets users connect quickly and easily via their choice of network connections — ranging from dual Ethernet to Wi-Fi platforms including bonded 3G/4G mobile broadband devices (via browser-capable smartphones) and low-bandwidth portable satellite devices such as BGAN. Reporters can capture and encode high-quality HD content in 1080i or 720p format at data rates up to 20 Mbps, and SD content in NTSC or PAL from 64 Kbps to 8 Mbps. Up to eight 3G/4G cellular air cards can be bonded for wireless IP access, providing increased bandwidth and enhanced video quality for HD streaming. The video parameters and networking automation built into Avenir uses Automated Bandwidth Negotiation (ABN) and Dynamic Bandwidth Negotiation (DBN) for ease of use and operations so reporters can send live video quickly while maintaining a high-quality video transmission while on the move with changing 3G/4G networking conditions. The Avenir's file-based capabilities allow automated quick uploads of large video files using bonded networks.

Through full integration with the Streambox Store and Forward Server and the Streambox Live™ service for centralized management of field-generated video, the Avenir provides two built-in paths for transmitting HD/SD video from the field. The direct connection allows Avenir to send live video to a Streambox decoder or Streambox Media Player and transmit file-based video to a Store and Forward Server in the broadcast studio or datacenter. Alternatively, the Avenir can upload both live and file-based video to the Streambox Live cloud-based service for real-time routing, archiving, and many-to-many video sharing. With a range of power options including AC and DC connectors as well as a Li-Poly battery system, the Avenir also features a wireless user interface for browser-capable PDAs such as the iPhone®, iPod touch®, and BlackBerry® devices, which enables users to control the encoder from a separate location.

Additionally, the Avenir includes field editing features designed to shorten and streamline workflows for both live and file-based acquisition. In the field, mobile news crews can remove unnecessary video from prerecorded content, thereby reducing file uploading time for prerecorded content. Editing functions include play/pause, trim to selection, file deletion, and file uploading.

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About Streambox®, Inc.

Streambox® focuses on IP-based, end-to-end newsgathering and contribution services. It delivers SD and HD software and hardware for video compression, transmission, management, and playout. The Streambox Live™ service supplements the Streambox platform with free encoding software and server-based services for scalable newsgathering and contribution.
Streambox solutions are based on the industry-leading ACT-L3™ codec, which provides unrivaled performance, reliability, and quality over low-data-rate IP networks for fast transmission and playout of video streams in HD and SD. The company's platform enables broadcasters, government agencies, enterprises, and other users to enhance content ownership, simplify operations, and increase operational efficiencies.

Streambox

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