Extron SME 211 Streaming Media Encoder

The SME 211 is a high performance H.264 streaming media encoder for streaming audio and video signals over IP networks. It accepts an HDMI signal with embedded audio and an analog audio signal. Extron high performance scaling and flexible signal processing facilitate superior display of content from different sources. The SME 211 supports unicast and multicast streaming protocols, including RTMP for streaming directly to major Content Delivery Networks – CDNs, or social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Presets allow a quick recall of system configurations. The SME 211 can stream at two different resolutions and bit rates concurrently, supporting up to six simultaneous streams with push and pull streaming. Built in audio mixing and DSP features enable enhanced audio processing without requiring external mixing and DSP equipment.

Extensive Streaming Capabilities

The SME 211 offers extensive streaming capabilities with two simultaneous, independent streams, each with individual control of streaming protocol, bit rate, and stream resolutions ranging from 512x288 to 1080p. The dual encode functionality supports streaming at high resolution to an SMD-series decoder in an overflow room while simultaneously streaming at a lower resolution for remote viewing applications, such as FaceBook Live. Bit rates can range from 200 Kbps to 10 Mbps for video and 80 Kbps to 384 Kbps for audio. A range of streaming transport protocols and session management methods are supported. These capabilities provide flexibility to stream from the SME 211 to a variety of devices in different system configurations and network conditions.

• Stream to popular third-party content delivery networks including YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, Wowza, etc.
• Integrate with content management systems such as Kaltura, Panopto, and Opencast.
• Stream into enterprise-grade virtual platforms: Zoom Events and Zoom Session webinars, and MSTeams Town hall events. The RTMP stream from the SME 211 will be captured as a high quality source and available as a live panelist or participant for the webinar or live event.

Signal Processing Simplifies Setup and Operation

Like many other Extron AV products, the SME 211 offers comprehensive digital and analog signal processing features that make it easy to connect with various presentation sources. EDID Minder® automatically manages EDID communications to ensure sources power up properly and a reliable output signal is provided. Comprehensive picture, aspect ratio, size, and position controls provide quality images.

Encryption

For customers requiring additional security for streaming content, the SME now offers the ability to both encrypt streams securely for decoding by the SMD as well as enforcement of HDCP.  This added layer of security ensures that content is encrypted and can only be decoded by the SMD. Requirements for encryption are common in government, medical and commercial applications.  In addition, the enforcement of HDCP encrypted content supports applications like IPTV for education, commercial, and other industries.

Flexible System Control Options

Many different control capabilities are available on the SME 211. The front panel buttons and LED indicators provide a simple interface to manage, monitor, and control the stream for a wide variety of applications. The unique MASK function triggers a transition from HDMI input to a pre-defined still image, effectively concealing what happens during breaks or set-up without stopping the live stream. The SME 211 also features an RS‑232 port and an Ethernet port to interface with remote devices and control systems.

A USB port on the rear and on the front of the unit are available for connection to a keyboard and mouse, to serve as the interface for the embedded web browser. The browser can be viewed from the HDMI output connection and serves as a convenient method to access network setup and control.

Features

• Stream video at up to 1080p/60 — Encode full HD video at up to 60 frames per second for fluid video performance.
• Bit rates up to 25 Mbps — Video quality with bit rates up to 25 Mbps per stream.
• Enhanced encoding control — H.264 B-frame support and fine-tuning of performance through framing configuration.
• Process live, high resolution HDMI video and audio — Combine high quality video and audio streams for an enhanced viewing experience.
• Stream at two resolutions and bit rates simultaneously with independent stream control — Stream at high resolutions for overflow applications and lower resolutions for distribution and confidence viewing to two different decoding destinations.
• Simultaneous multicast and unicast streaming — The SME 211 supports multiple stream modes allowing simultaneous push and pull streaming in unicast or multicast for each encode.
• RTMP streaming protocol support for popular third-party hosting services — RTMP push streaming with stream name or key, and user authentication support for services like YouTube Live, Wowza Streaming Cloud, Facebook Live, Vimeo Live, IBM Cloud Video, and more.
• RTMPS support for Facebook Live — Stream encrypted data to Facebook Live, preventing third parties from intercepting the live stream.
• New RTMP streaming to Zoom and MSTeams — Supports RTMP push stream into enterprise-grade virtual events platforms such as Microsoft Town hall events, Zoom Session webinars and Zoom Events webinars.
• Audio mixing and DSP functionality — Produce a quality audio experience without requiring the use of external mixing and DSP equipment.
• Integrate with SMD Streaming Media Decoders — Connecting SME encoders to SMD decoders enables high performance streaming to standard HDTV displays, for a wide range of lightweight digital signage and IPTV applications.
• Integration with Toolbelt — Integration with Toolbelt 2.7.0 allows management of information, firmware, and users in one place.
• 802.1X Authentication — Support for 802.1X authentication has been included with Firmware v3.0.
• Encryption — Enable encryption to protect sensitive content or stream HDCP content over RTP. Using TS/RTP, it is possible to generate encrypted streams for decryption via the SMD 101 or SMD 202.
• New Secure Streaming — Admin level users can create and enable SME specific keys and import them into SMDs to limit the ability for SMDs to receive secure streams.
• New Added SIS commands — Commands to enable streaming functions and encrypted streaming have been added. Please reference the User Guide.
• Stream at resolutions from 512x288 to 1080p — High resolutions deliver superior quality images for overflow applications and lower resolutions are more efficient for streaming distribution and confidence viewing applications.
• Connect High Definition sources up to 1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p — The SME 211 supports a wide range of source resolutions, from standard definition up to the high resolutions commonly used for computer video and HDTV.
• Support for HDMI with embedded and analog audio — Facilitate the mixing of embedded AV audio with analog stereo audio for compatibility with AV presentation systems.
• HDMI preview output with audio — Display a preview of the presentation with mixed, HDMI-embedded stereo audio.
• High quality scaling with aspect ratio control, size, and position — Configurable aspect ratio control allows selection of FILL, FOLLOW, or FIT modes as well as zoom and position settings.
• RS‑232 and Ethernet control — Interface with AV control systems via serial or Ethernet. Using Extron's SIS™ - Simple Instruction Set command protocol allows for quick and easy control.
• Embedded Web interface — Access an intuitive Web interface for user-friendly configuration, setup, and system operation.
• Mask function for smooth transition to still image — Trigger a transition from HDMI input to a pre-defined still image, effectively concealing what happens during breaks or set up without stopping the live stream.
• Easy to operate front panel controls — Control basic streaming functions and monitor video and audio signal status. Four convenient buttons allow streaming to be started, paused, stopped, and masked.
• Live preview window — Access an intuitive HTML5 web interface with an embedded video window for confidence viewing of the live stream, eliminating the need for browsing plug-ins or local decoding hardware.
• Audio Delay processing — Audio processing is zero timed with the HDMI video, but adjustment is available to accommodate upstream processes or alternative audio and video source signal paths causing lip sync errors.
• Standards-based H.264 / MPEG‑4 AVC video compression — Support for Baseline, Main, or High Profiles at Levels 4.x, or 3.x enabling optimization of video encoding for use with various types of applications and decoders.
• Presets for quick recall of system configurations — Store and recall specific encoder and streaming configuration settings. Specific presets for CDN's and live streaming platforms simplify connection to social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook Live, and Ustream.
• Push streaming transport protocols — Native RTP, MPEG-2 Transport Streams - TS, or RTMP may be applied in unicast or multicast streaming applications.
• Pull streaming transport protocols — RTP/RTSP, RTSP interleaved, and HTTP tunneled streaming transport protocols may be configured, based on the application, various network conditions or to aid in firewall navigation.
• Video encoding quality adjustments — In addition to resolution, video bit rate, and frame rate, fine tuning adjustments for constant or variable bit rate control, GOP length, and audio bit rate are available to fine tune encoding quality to fit any application.
• On screen display information — View device information and status of the encoder to aid in troubleshooting and fault-finding activities.
• AAC audio encoding — Standards-based audio compression is used to provide compatibility with many devices. The bit rate can be adapted to different application requirements.
• Automatically manage EDID communication between connected devices with EDID Minder® — Automatically manage EDID communications between devices with EDID Minder, ensuring use of optimal signal formats.
• Picture controls for brightness, contrast, position, and size — Sixteen user memory presets per input are available to store image settings.
• HDCP encryption and signal presence confirmation — Verify HDCP status for the video input signal in real time. This allows for easy signal and HDCP verification through RS‑232 or Ethernet, providing valuable feedback to a system operator or helpdesk support staff.
• Internal test patterns for setup — The SME 211 offers test patterns as well as on-screen display - OSD data overlay including timestamp, number of connected users, CPU usage, network status, disk free file space, audio level, and system information to aid in calibration and setup.
• Front panel lockout — Enable the front panel to be locked out from operation. All functions are available through Ethernet, USB, and RS‑232 control.
• LockIt® HDMI cable lacing brackets included
• Rack-mountable 1U, half rack width metal enclosure
• Internal Extron Everlast™ power supply — Provides worldwide power compatibility, with high-demonstrated reliability and low power consumption for reduced operating cost
• Extron Everlast Power Supply is covered by a 7‑year parts and labor warranty
• Ethernet to RS-232 pass-through control — Integration friendly Ethernet to RS-232 pass-through for device control.
• TAA Compliant version available — Please inform your local Extron representative if your order requires compliance with TAA regulations.