4K H.264 H.265 SRT RTMP streaming encoder - Blackmagic Design BLM-BDLKWEB/D/SED4K

Blackmagic Design Streaming Encoder 4K is a processor for streaming HD and Ultra HD video using H.264 and H.265 compression through SRT and RTMP protocols. It enables live broadcasting to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, X and Blackmagic Cloud. Its 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet connection provides direct Internet streaming; compatibility with 5G and 4G mobile networks allows a smartphone data connection to be used if the Internet connection drops, with the option to prioritise the Ethernet connection or the phone connection.

The device includes a hardware encoder, a 12G-SDI reference input with automatic video standards conversion and a USB-C webcam output for use with video conferencing and streaming software. Its HDMI monitoring output displays the video feed in real time and supports 16 channels of embedded audio over SDI and 2 channels over HDMI.

Streaming Encoder 4K can be used with Blackmagic Streaming Decoder 4K to create Internet broadcast links. The decoder receives the H.264 or H.265 feed from the encoder and converts it to SDI and HDMI video, allowing video signals to be sent point to point between remote locations. The front panel includes 6 buttons, a dial and a 2.2" colour LCD display for monitoring video, audio and streaming status.

Software compatibility includes Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Restream.IO, Vimeo, BoxCast, Castr, AfreecaTV, Bilibili, DouYu, Weibo, Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, QuickTime Player, FaceTime, OBS Studio, Open Broadcaster, VLC, Wirecast Play and Wowza Streaming Engine. Remote camera control, colour corrector, Tally and Talkback are also supported, together with redundancy functions for uninterrupted transmissions.

Connections and signals. There are 1 SDI video input, 1 SDI loop output, 1 SDI monitor output and 1 HDMI monitor output. Supported SDI rates are 1.5G, 3G, 6G and 12G. SDI inputs provide 16 channels of embedded audio; the SDI loop output carries 16 channels of embedded audio and the HDMI monitor output carries 2 channels of embedded audio. The webcam output is 1 USB-C up to 2160p 60. Ethernet supports 10/100/1000 BASE-T for live streaming, configuration and software updates.

HD video input standards are 720p 50, 720p 59.94, 720p 60, 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60, 1080p 23.98, 1080p 24, 1080p 25, 1080p 29.97, 1080p 30, 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94, 1080p 60, 1080P sF23.98, 1080P sF24, 1080P sF25, 1080P sF29.97 and 1080P sF30. 2K standards are 2Kp 23.98 DCI, 2Kp 24 DCI, 2Kp 25 DCI, 2Kp 29.97 DCI, 2Kp 30 DCI, 2Kp 50 DCI, 2Kp 59.94 DCI, 2Kp 60 DCI, 2KPsF 23.98 DCI, 2KPsF 24 DCI, 2KPsF 25 DCI, 2KPsF 29.97 DCI and 2KPsF 30 DCI.

Ultra HD input standards are 2160p 23.98, 2160p 24, 2160p 25, 2160p 29.97, 2160p 30, 2160p 50, 2160p 59.94 and 2160p 60. 4K standards are 4Kp 23.98 DCI, 4Kp 24 DCI, 4Kp 25 DCI, 4Kp 29.97 DCI, 4Kp 30 DCI, 4Kp 50 DCI, 4Kp 59.94 DCI and 4Kp 60 DCI. SDI compliance includes SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 274M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 372M, SMPTE 424M and SMPTE 425M level A and B. Video input colour space is Rec. 709 and Rec. 2020; 3G SDI automatically detects SMPTE level A or B on the SDI input.

SDI and HDMI monitor outputs support 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94 and 1080p 60. Video streaming standards are 720p 25, 720p 30, 720p 50, 720p 60, 1080p 23.98, 1080p 24, 1080p 25, 1080p 29.97, 1080p 30, 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94, 1080p 60, 2160p 23.98, 2160p 24, 2160p 25, 2160p 29.97, 2160p 30, 2160p 50, 2160p 59.94 and 2160p 60. Direct streaming supports RTMP with H.264 and SRT with H.264 and H.265. CEA-608 and CEA-708 closed captions can be embedded in RTMP streams; source Time Code is supported over RTMP and SRT streams.

Control and monitoring. The built-in panel includes 6 buttons, a spin knob control and a 2.2" colour display. The device can be controlled from the front panel, through USB-C or via Ethernet. External control includes remote camera control, colour corrector, Tally and Talkback. A REST API provides HTTP control when used with REST client applications. The built-in 2.2" LCD monitors video, audio and status. Linux and Chrome OS are supported.

Areas of use. Streaming Encoder 4K is intended for live streaming conferences, concerts and shows and for any situation requiring live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and X. It can be used for remote production between different locations together with the decoder, for video conferencing with Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams and OBS Studio, and for mobile streaming through 5G/4G mobile networks.

Power, format and environment. The internal power supply is 1 x 100–240 V AC. There is 1 4-pin XLR 12 V DC input for an external power supply or battery use. Power usage is 25 W. The unit occupies one-third rack unit width and 1 rack unit height. Operating temperature is 0 to 40 °C, storage temperature is -20 to 45 °C, and relative humidity is 0% to 90% non-condensing. Dimensions are 14 x 4.4 x 17.55 cm and weight is 755 g.