One Management Platform for all
Magewell Streaming & IP Devices

Magewell, a renowned company providing high-performance video I/O and IP workflow solutions, is set to launch its second-generation centralized device management software, Control Hub. This software platform has been developed to enhance the management and control of various Magewell streaming and IP conversion hardware, making it an essential tool for professionals in these industries. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the features, benefits, and capabilities of Control Hub, as well as its compatibility with various Magewell products.

1. An Overview of Control Hub

The Control Hub is designed to provide centralized configuration and control of multiple Magewell streaming and IP conversion solutions, including live media encoders, NDI® encoders and decoders, IP audio converters, and capture and mixing devices. With its intuitive, browser-based interface, administrators, IT staff, and systems integrators can easily manage multiple devices across disparate locations.

1.1 Deployment and Compatibility

Control Hub can be flexibly deployed on-premises or in the cloud, offering users the convenience and adaptability to choose the most suitable deployment method according to their needs. While Linux® is the recommended operating system for Control Hub installations, the software is also compatible with Windows® and MacOS®. Turnkey, Linux-based Control Hub servers will be offered in select regions.

1.2 Multiple Tiers and Upgrades

Based on the number of devices and streaming channels to be managed, multiple tiers of the Control Hub software will be available. Existing customers who purchased Magewell Cloud MC 50 or Magewell Cloud MC 150 licenses can redeem a code for a free upgrade to the appropriate Control Hub version when it is released.

2. Key Features of Control Hub

2.1 Enhanced Device Management Interface

One of the main highlights of Control Hub is its revamped user interface, which simplifies and streamlines the management of multiple live stream encoders and decoders. The redesigned dashboard provides expanded information in a more intuitive layout, making it easier for users to see the status of their devices and deployments at a glance.

2.2 Expanded Stream Conversion Capabilities

Control Hub expands on the stream conversion capabilities of the earlier Magewell Cloud software with support for more protocols and a more flexible stream routing architecture. Users can define presets for stream input sources and output targets, then create ‘channels’ that map each input to one or more output protocols and destinations. Control Hub converts between RTMP, SRT (in caller or listener mode), RTSP, and transport streams (delivered over UDP or RTP).

2.3 SRT Relay Integration

SRT Relay, previously a separate function in Magewell Cloud, is now just a specific Control Hub channel mapping configuration that routes SRT inputs to SRT outputs. This simplifies SRT streaming workflows by letting SRT encoders and decoders connect via Control Hub rather than directly to each other, minimizing firewall headaches and eliminating the need for public, static IP addresses at every endpoint.

2.4 Remote Video Preview

With Control Hub, users can preview video from remote Ultra Stream, Ultra Encode, and USB Fusion units directly in the Control Hub interface without needing to open the individual device’s interface panel. This feature adds to the convenience and efficiency of remote live stream management.

3. Compatibility with Magewell Hardware Products

Control Hub is designed to support various Magewell hardware products, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility. Some of these products include:

3.1 Ultra Stream and Ultra Encode Live Media Encoders

Ultra Stream and Ultra Encode are powerful live media encoders that provide reliable and high-quality live stream encoding solutions. With Control Hub, users can remotely configure device parameters, monitor device status, and trigger operational functions, such as starting or stopping encoding, for these encoders.

3.2 Pro Convert NDI Encoders and Decoders

Pro Convert NDI encoders and decoders enable users to transmit and receive video streams over IP networks using the NDI protocol. Control Hub facilitates the management and control of these devices, ensuring smooth and efficient NDI streaming workflows.

3.3 Pro Convert Audio DX IP Audio Converter

The Pro Convert Audio DX IP audio converter allows users to convert audio signals between various formats, including analog, AES3, and SMPTE ST 2110. With the help of Control Hub, users can centrally manage and control this IP audio converter.

3.4 USB Fusion Capture and Mixing Device

USB Fusion is a versatile capture and mixing device that combines the functionality of a video capture card, an audio mixer, and a video switcher. Control Hub enables users to manage and control this device, making it easier to create professional live stream productions.

4. What Can You Do with the Magewell Control Hub?

With its wide range of features and compatibility with various Magewell hardware products, Control Hub offers numerous possibilities for live stream management. Some of the key functions that can be performed using Control Hub include:

4.1 Centralized Device Configuration and Control

Control Hub allows users to remotely configure device parameters, monitor device status, and trigger operational functions for multiple encoders, decoders, and other supported hardware.

4.2 Stream Conversion and Routing

With its expanded stream conversion capabilities, Control Hub enables users to convert and route live stream inputs to various output protocols and destinations, ensuring seamless and flexible streaming workflows.

4.3 SRT Relay Management

By integrating SRT Relay functionality into Control Hub, users can simplify their SRT streaming workflows and minimize firewall issues and the need for public, static IP addresses at every endpoint.

4.4 Batch Firmware Upgrades

Control Hub allows users to perform batch firmware upgrades across multiple units of the same model, ensuring that all devices are up-to-date and functioning optimally.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Magewell Control Hub is a game-changing software platform that revolutionizes the way professionals manage and control their live stream workflows. By offering centralized device management, expanded stream conversion capabilities, and seamless integration with various Magewell hardware products, Control Hub provides users with a powerful and efficient tool to enhance their live stream productions. As the market adoption and scale of remote production and IP-based AV distribution workflows continue to grow rapidly, Control Hub is poised to become an indispensable solution for professionals in the live stream industry.

6. About Magewell

Magewell is a leading developer of innovative, high-performance video I/O and IP workflow solutions that seamlessly bridge signals, software, streams, and screens. The simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of Magewell’s capture, conversion, and streaming products and SoM boards make them the preferred choice of integrators, end-users, and OEM customers for bringing high-quality AV signals into and out of IP networks and popular software. Magewell solutions power applications including live streaming, event production, video conferencing, multi-site video distribution, remote learning, medical imaging, and more.

7. About Forefront Imaging

Forefront Imaging is an authorized distributor of Magewell products, providing comprehensive sales and support services to customers across various industries. With a team of experienced professionals, Forefront Imaging offers expert advice and guidance on selecting the right Magewell products and solutions for live stream and AV over IP applications.

For further details, please contact us or visit our website https://forefrontimaging.com