Magewell Ultra Encode — Frequently Asked Questions

No. Every Ultra Encode is a standalone hardware encoder. Connect your video source and the network, set up the encoding and the destinations once in the Web UI from a browser, and the unit encodes and streams on its own. There is no streaming PC to buy, no software to install and no drivers to maintain, which also means fewer things to go wrong on the day.

The Ultra Encode AIO streams to up to six destinations at the same time, so one encoder can feed several platforms at once, for example YouTube and Facebook over RTMP alongside an SRT contribution feed. Some protocols have their own limits within that total: NDI HX2 is limited to two sessions, and NDI HX3 to one session at a time. The Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus also send to up to six destinations. On the Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI the limit is six RTMP or RTMPS sessions, six SRT sessions or six MPEG-TS sessions, and two NDI HX2 sessions.

All models support RTMP and RTMPS, RTSP, SRT (Caller and Listener), HLS, MPEG-TS over UDP or RTP, NDI HX2 and TVU ISSP. The AIO and the two Plus models add NDI HX3, RIST and Zixi. YouTube, Facebook and Twitch are reached over RTMP or RTMPS, and the Ultra Encode SDI Plus has presets for them built in, which saves entering server details by hand. Beyond those, any service or server that accepts RTMP, RTMPS or SRT can be used, including your own media server or a content delivery network.

The Ultra Encode AIO has an HDMI input (HDMI 1.4, up to 4096×2160 at 60 fps) and an SDI input on BNC (SD, HD, 3G and 6G-SDI, up to 4096×2160 at 30 fps) in one unit, each with a loop-through output. Audio arrives embedded in the HDMI or SDI signal, or through the 3.5 mm line input, and there is a 3.5 mm line output. The analogue audio connections are 3.5 mm line level, not XLR. You can encode the HDMI input, the SDI input, or both mixed together as picture-in-picture or side-by-side. The result is one encoded programme, so for two independent programmes use two encoders. The Ultra Encode HDMI and HDMI Plus have an HDMI input only; the Ultra Encode SDI and SDI Plus have an SDI input only.

The Ultra Encode AIO encodes a main stream up to 4096×2160 (4K) at 30 fps, with a sub stream up to 1080p. A 4K source at 60 fps on the HDMI input is accepted and encoded at up to 30 fps. Video is encoded as H.264 or H.265 (HEVC). The maximum bitrate is 62 Mbps for NDI HX3 and 32 Mbps for the other protocols. The Ultra Encode HDMI Plus also encodes 4K at up to 30 fps. The Ultra Encode HDMI and SDI encode up to 2048×1080 at 60 fps, although the Ultra Encode HDMI accepts a 4K input, so a 4K camera can feed an HD stream. The Ultra Encode SDI Plus takes SDI sources up to 2048×1080 at 60 fps.

That depends on the model. The Ultra Encode AIO records to an SD card, a USB drive or network attached storage (NAS) while it streams, in MP4 or MOV format, with loop recording. You supply the SD card or drive. The Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and SDI Plus record to 128 GB of internal storage, a USB drive or a NAS. A recording made in the encoder is kept whatever the internet connection does, which makes it a useful backup. The Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI are built for live streaming and have no recording function.

Yes, on some models. The Ultra Encode SDI Plus can schedule its streams, so the encoder can start and stop at set times without anyone pressing a button. This suits regular events such as weekly services, timetabled lectures or fixtures. The Ultra Encode AIO and Ultra Encode HDMI Plus have a scheduler for their recordings. The Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI are started and stopped from the Web UI, from Control Hub or through a control system.

Yes. The Ultra Encode HDMI, SDI and AIO can each place up to eight overlays on a stream. An overlay can be text, a picture or a clock. That is enough for a logo, a title or caption and the time of day without a separate graphics computer. Overlays are set up in the Web UI. For moving graphics, lower thirds that change during the event or switching between several cameras, feed the encoder from a vision mixer or production software instead.

Both are standalone encoders that work without a computer. The Ultra Stream HDMI and Ultra Stream SDI are built for simplicity: set up from a phone app, start and stop on the unit, two streaming sessions at once over RTMP, RTMPS or RTSP, HD encoding up to 1080p60 and recording to 32 GB of internal storage. The Ultra Encode family is for more demanding networks and workflows. It adds SRT, HLS, MPEG-TS, NDI HX2 and TVU ISSP, up to six destinations and overlays, and the AIO and Plus models add NDI HX3, RIST, Zixi and recording, with 4K encoding on the AIO and HDMI Plus. Choose Ultra Stream for a simple stream to one or two platforms. Choose Ultra Encode if you need SRT, NDI, more destinations or 4K.

Yes. Every Ultra Encode model outputs NDI HX2, the compressed form of NDI that suits ordinary Gigabit networks. The Ultra Encode AIO, HDMI Plus and SDI Plus also output NDI HX3, limited to one NDI HX3 session at a time. Ultra Encode models do not output full NDI (NDI High Bandwidth). If your production needs that, choose a Pro Convert NDI encoder such as the Pro Convert HDMI Plus or Pro Convert SDI Plus.

Through a Web UI, opened in a browser on a PC or a smartphone on the same network. Nothing needs installing. Every model has Gigabit Ethernet and built-in Wi-Fi, so you can reach it over either. The Ultra Encode AIO also has a 1.9-inch LCD on the front that shows system status and the input signal, so you can check it is receiving a picture as you walk past. APIs are provided for third-party control systems.

Yes. Magewell Control Hub is software that manages Ultra Encode units alongside Ultra Stream, Pro Convert and Modator devices from one browser window. It covers status monitoring, remote configuration, starting and stopping encoding, and batch firmware upgrades, which saves logging in to each encoder in turn. Control Hub licences are perpetual, and the Basic edition manages up to 20 devices.