Why is it Better to Have a Hardware Encoder for Streaming?

Streaming live video content has become an integral part of many industries, including broadcast, corporate communication, education, and entertainment. When deciding on the best solution for streaming, the choice between using a hardware encoder or software-based streaming tools is often debated. This article dives into why a hardware encoder is a superior choice for streaming, especially in demanding environments, and examines some notable hardware encoders, such as Magewell Ultra Encode, Epiphan Pearl, Datavideo NVS-40, and AJA Helo Plus.

Hardware Encoder vs. Software Encoder

To understand why hardware encoders are often a better choice, it's important to first understand the fundamental differences between hardware and software encoders.

• Software Encoders: These encoders rely on a computer's CPU to process and encode video signals for streaming. Software encoders, such as OBS Studio and vMix, are highly flexible, allowing users to configure and modify various parameters to suit specific needs. They are typically hosted on PCs, which means that they require considerable processing power, memory, and other resources. However, software encoders also introduce risks of system instability, as they are dependent on the capabilities of the computer hardware, and often share resources with other applications that may interfere with the encoding process. For many users, especially those in professional settings, the unpredictability of software encoders can be a critical limitation.

• Hardware Encoders: In contrast, hardware encoders are dedicated devices built specifically for encoding and streaming video. They come equipped with custom chips designed to handle video encoding tasks efficiently. They offload all encoding tasks away from the computer, thus eliminating concerns related to CPU overload, software crashes, and system stability. Hardware encoders are purpose-built, which ensures consistency and performance reliability across diverse streaming environments. The dedicated hardware makes them extremely efficient, and they are optimized to handle video streams with minimal delay, making them particularly suitable for high-stakes live productions.

Advantages of Using Hardware Encoders

1. Reliability

Hardware encoders are designed solely for the purpose of video encoding, providing consistent performance. Unlike software encoders, they do not depend on the processing power of a general-purpose computer, which may be running multiple other tasks that could cause resource contention or software crashes. Hardware encoders are built to provide stability, ensuring the stream remains live without interruptions. The reliability of a dedicated device means fewer points of failure and greater confidence during live events.

2. Dedicated Processing

Video encoding is resource-intensive and requires significant processing power. In a software-based system, the encoding task is often shared with other processes running on the computer. This means the CPU, GPU, and memory have to be shared, which can lead to system slowdowns. Hardware encoders, on the other hand, use dedicated processors to handle video encoding. This leads to faster, more reliable, and higher-quality video streams. With dedicated processors, hardware encoders are optimized to handle high-resolution video at high frame rates, which is crucial for professional production quality.

3. Portability

Hardware encoders are compact, portable devices. This makes them an ideal solution for live streaming applications in field production or remote events where portability is critical. Since the encoder is dedicated solely to streaming, it is easier to deploy and requires less setup compared to a complete PC-based software setup. Portability also means that these encoders are well-suited for quick deployments, such as mobile live streaming units for news gathering, outdoor events, and sports coverage. Their robust build and reliable performance allow them to withstand challenging conditions during remote shoots.

4. Lower Latency

Hardware encoders generally have lower latency compared to software encoders. The dedicated hardware can encode video faster and more efficiently, reducing the time it takes for the video to reach viewers. This lower latency is essential in applications such as live sports broadcasts, remote interviews, or any scenario where minimal delay is crucial. For interactive broadcasts, such as Q&A sessions or live commentary, low latency is a key factor in ensuring seamless communication between presenters and audiences.

5. Reduced Network Load

Many hardware encoders offer advanced streaming protocols such as SRT (Secure Reliable Transport), RTMP, and HLS, which allow for optimized bandwidth usage and enhanced reliability in unstable network conditions. They offer built-in connectivity options that ensure consistent streaming without bottlenecks, unlike software solutions that are often susceptible to network issues. The support for adaptive streaming protocols also means that hardware encoders can dynamically adjust video quality based on network conditions, providing a better experience for viewers and reducing the chances of stream interruptions.

6. Ease of Use

Hardware encoders are designed to simplify the user experience. They often have user-friendly interfaces, preset encoding profiles, and convenient control options such as web-based remote control, touchscreen displays, or mobile apps. This reduces the need for in-depth technical knowledge and makes them suitable for various applications, even for non-technical users. Many hardware encoders also include features like automatic input detection, one-touch streaming, and customizable presets, which make setting up and managing a stream straightforward, even for those new to live production.

Examples of Hardware Encoders

To understand the benefits of hardware encoders in more detail, let’s explore four popular hardware encoders: Magewell Ultra Encode, Epiphan Pearl, Datavideo NVS-40, and AJA Helo Plus.

• Magewell Ultra Encode: The Magewell Ultra Encode is a versatile and compact encoder, supporting a wide variety of video inputs, including HDMI and SDI. This encoder provides efficient H.264 and H.265 encoding, allowing for high-quality video at lower bitrates, which saves on bandwidth while delivering excellent visual results. The Ultra Encode supports protocols like RTMP, SRT, HLS, and others, providing flexibility in deployment for both local and cloud-based streaming applications. The versatility of Magewell Ultra Encode makes it a popular choice for live events, remote productions, and studio environments where efficiency and ease of use are critical.

• Epiphan Pearl: The Epiphan Pearl family of encoders is known for its robust feature set and scalability. These all-in-one live production devices offer multiple HDMI, SDI, and USB inputs, as well as built-in touchscreens for intuitive control. Epiphan Pearl encoders excel in environments that require a mix of different video sources, such as live events and educational institutions. The Pearl Mini and Pearl-2 offer advanced features like multi-streaming and integrated recording, making them suitable for multi-camera productions where reliability and video quality are paramount. The versatility of the Pearl series allows users to mix, switch, and stream content with ease, all from a single, easy-to-use device.

• Datavideo NVS-40: The Datavideo NVS-40 is a multi-channel streaming encoder that supports encoding and recording of up to four video channels simultaneously. This device is ideal for applications that require multiple streams, such as houses of worship, conferences, or live events with multiple camera angles. The NVS-40's capacity for simultaneous multi-channel encoding and recording adds a layer of redundancy and flexibility that would be difficult to achieve using software-based solutions. The device also features a comprehensive set of control options, including a web-based interface and physical controls, making it a reliable choice for complex production environments where managing multiple feeds is essential.

• AJA Helo Plus: The AJA Helo Plus is a dual-channel H.264 streaming and recording device that is designed to streamline the streaming workflow. This hardware encoder can handle simultaneous streaming to multiple destinations and provide high-quality local recording. The Helo Plus supports RTMP and SRT protocols, and features a user-friendly web interface for easy setup and operation. This encoder is particularly well-suited for production environments that require high reliability, consistent performance, and dual streaming capabilities. The AJA Helo Plus also includes an integrated scheduler, allowing users to automate streaming and recording tasks for recurring events.

Scenarios for Hardware Encoder Usage

Live Events and Conferences

Hardware encoders are perfect for live event production, where stability and consistent streaming quality are essential. The ability of devices like Epiphan Pearl and Datavideo NVS-40 to handle multiple video inputs and provide simultaneous streams makes them ideal for covering conferences, seminars, and multi-camera events. The combination of reliability, ease of use, and high-quality output makes hardware encoders indispensable tools for ensuring that audiences have a seamless viewing experience, whether in-person or remotely.

Field Production

For field production, hardware encoders like Magewell Ultra Encode and AJA Helo Plus provide portability and ease of use. These encoders are compact, robust, and suitable for use in various environments, making them a reliable choice for on-the-go video production. Whether it’s live news coverage, outdoor sports events, or remote interviews, hardware encoders offer the durability and performance needed to handle challenging field conditions. Their ability to connect to mobile networks and provide stable streaming also makes them ideal for unpredictable locations.

Broadcast and Corporate Communication

Corporate webinars and broadcasting environments demand high reliability and consistent quality. Hardware encoders' low latency, combined with high-quality video output, make them suitable for mission-critical broadcasts. The AJA Helo Plus's ability to handle dual-stream encoding, for instance, ensures redundancy in corporate live streams. Hardware encoders are also used extensively in broadcast environments to create smooth, uninterrupted streams that can be transmitted over various platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, or custom CDNs, ensuring the message reaches the target audience effectively.

Educational Institutions

Educational institutions increasingly rely on live streaming to deliver lectures, virtual classrooms, and training sessions to remote students. Hardware encoders, like those offered by Epiphan Pearl and Magewell, provide a reliable means of delivering high-quality video lectures without requiring deep technical expertise from instructors or staff. The integration of multiple inputs also allows teachers to seamlessly switch between camera feeds, slide presentations, and other visual aids, enhancing the learning experience for students.

Hardware encoders offer many advantages over software-based solutions when it comes to live streaming. Their dedicated processing power, reliability, ease of use, and low latency make them the preferred choice for professional video production, broadcasting, and other critical applications. While software encoders offer flexibility, hardware encoders such as Magewell Ultra Encode, Epiphan Pearl, Datavideo NVS-40, and AJA Helo Plus provide a level of performance and reliability that is unmatched, ensuring smooth, consistent, and high-quality streaming every time.

In scenarios where stability, performance, and efficiency are critical, hardware encoders stand out as the superior solution, simplifying the streaming process and delivering reliable results across various applications. Whether it's a multi-camera live event, field production, or corporate communication, investing in a hardware encoder is an investment in stability, quality, and peace of mind. The benefits of lower latency, dedicated processing, and ease of use make hardware encoders an invaluable tool for anyone involved in live streaming, ensuring that audiences receive the best possible viewing experience without interruptions or compromises.