Magewell's New H.26x Multi-Protocol Live Stream Decoder

  Yesterday Magewell, the award-winning developer of innovative video interface and IP workflow solutions announced a versatile new conversion product that seamlessly brings together the worlds of IP-based streaming and baseband AV presentation equipment. The new Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI multi-protocol, SRT-compatible streaming media decoder will make a great demonstration for the Magewell exhibit during the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas. This Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI transforms H.264 and H.265 streams into an HDMI output with support for a wide range of protocols including SRT. While earlier Pro Convert models transform professional AV signals to and from NewTek’s NDI® AV-over-IP technology, the new Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI decodes a standard H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC) compressed video stream into a high-quality HDMI output for connection to baseband monitors, projectors and switchers. Supporting a wide range of streaming protocols for maximum source compatibility, the low-latency decoder is ideal for applications including multi-site video distribution between corporate, educational and church campuses; remote production; surveillance monitoring; digital signage and more. “While dedicated AV-over-IP technologies get a lot of attention and are ideal for many applications when used on robust networks, a lot of customers are already generating live H.264 or H.265 streams in distribution-friendly protocols and wish to incorporate them into their presentation and display workflows,” said James Liu, VP of Engineering at Magewell. “The Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI complements our NDI encoders and decoders, which are often used in conjunction with internal networks, by enabling users to leverage common streaming protocols internally or over the public internet.” The Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI is Magewell’s first product to support the SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) open-source protocol. Enabling secure, resilient, low-latency video delivery over unpredictable networks, SRT ensures high-quality streaming experiences even over the public internet. Magewell is a proud member of the SRT Alliance. Other supported protocols include RTSP, RTMP, UDP, RTP and HTTP streaming. The Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI decodes streams up to 2160x1200 at 60 frames per second for output over its HDMI 2.0 interface. Built-in, FPGA-based video processing enables the device to automatically up-convert HD or 2K source streams to 4K for viewing on Ultra HD displays. The plug-and-play decoder features DHCP-based network configuration and can detect the video and audio characteristics of the target display device via EDID metadata, automatically optimizing output parameters or providing the user with a range of compatible choices. The device can be powered via an external adapter or Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Users can specify source stream URLs and control the decoder’s advanced settings through a browser-based interface; wired or wireless keyboard or mouse; or using two on-device buttons that overlay an intuitive menu on the HDMI output. Eight channels of AAC or MP3 audio are supported in the input stream with user control of audio gain, sample rate, channel selection, and on-screen VU metering. Additional integration features include image flip for inverted projector installations; safe area controls; and aspect ratio conversion. The decoder can be paired with Magewell’s intuitive Ultra Stream encoders or third-party hardware or software encoders. Owners of Magewell’s Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI decoders can also add multi-protocol H.264 and H.265 decoding capabilities to their existing devices with a free firmware upgrade for even greater IP stream decoding versatility. The new firmware update is available immediately on the Magewell website, while the new Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI hardware is slated to ship in March.