What is the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI streaming encoder?
The Magewell Ultra Encode SDI is a standalone 3G-SDI streaming encoder that turns one SDI camera or production feed into live streams and NDI HX2 video without a computer. It encodes up to 2048×1080 60p in H.264 or H.265 and streams over RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, HLS, NDI HX2 and MPEG-TS, with native CEA-608 closed captions carried through. It is a cost-effective way to stream SDI cameras from council chambers, courtrooms, auditoriums and houses of worship to a public platform or an internal server.
How does the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI work?
The encoder accepts SD, HD and 3G-SDI (Level A and B) up to 2K60 with 10- or 12-bit color and passes the signal to the next device on the BNC loop-through, so it can sit inline between a camera and a switcher or recorder. Audio comes from up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio or the 3.5 mm line input and is encoded as two-channel AAC, with a line output for monitoring. A main stream and an optional sub stream are encoded together, so one camera can feed a full-quality 1080p platform and a lighter internal stream at the same time.
Closed captions embedded in the SDI signal as CEA-608 or 608-over-708 are carried into the encoded stream, which supports accessibility requirements for public meetings. Streaming supports native YouTube, Facebook and Twitch destinations plus RTMP/RTMPS, SRT caller and listener, RTSP, HLS, NDI HX2, TS over UDP/RTP and TVU ISSP, with up to six RTMP/RTMPS or SRT sessions at once. Up to eight overlays per stream add text, logos or a clock. The unit connects by Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi, accepts a USB 4G/5G modem, is configured in a browser, registers with Magewell Control Hub, and exposes an API so a room control system can start and stop streaming.
Compared with the Ultra Encode SDI Plus, this model does not record internally, uses NDI HX2 rather than HX3, has one AAC audio stream and is powered by its 5 V supply rather than PoE. Choose it where the job is streaming a single HD SDI source.
| Ultra Encode SDI | Ultra Encode SDI Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Max encode | 2K60 | 4K30 |
| NDI | HX2 | HX2 and HX3 |
| Recording | No | 128 GB, USB, NAS |
| PoE | No | Yes |
| Captions | CEA-608 / 708 | CEA-608 / 708 |
What are the key features of the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI?
- 3G-SDI input with loop-through — Accepts SD/HD/3G-SDI up to 2K60 and passes it on so the encoder fits inline in an SDI chain.
- Closed-caption passthrough — Carries native CEA-608 and 608-over-708 captions into the stream.
- Multi-protocol streaming — Streams over RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, HLS, NDI HX2 and MPEG-TS.
- Multi-platform output — Runs up to six RTMP/RTMPS or SRT sessions at once.
- 16-channel SDI audio — Selects embedded or line-in audio for a two-channel AAC stream with line-out monitoring.
- Dual-stream encoding — Produces a main and a sub stream for high- and low-bitrate destinations.
- Control-system ready — Provides an API and Control Hub management for remote, automated operation.
Where is the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI typically used?
- Government space
- Auditorium
- House of worship
- Broadcast studio
- Training room
Technical Specifications
| Video input | SD/HD/3G-SDI (ST 259, 292, 425); up to 2048×1080 60p; 10/12-bit |
| Audio input | SDI embedded 16-ch 24-bit/192 kHz; 3.5 mm line in 2-ch |
| Video encoding | H.264, H.265 (HEVC), NDI HX2; main stream up to 2K60 + sub stream |
| Captions | Native CEA-608 and 608 over 708 |
| Bitrate | Up to 16 Mbps |
| Audio encoding | 2-ch AAC, 16–256 kbps |
| Streaming protocols | RTSP, RTMP/RTMPS, SRT, NDI HX2, HLS, TS over UDP/RTP, TVU ISSP |
| Sessions | Up to 6 RTMP/RTMPS, SRT or TS sessions |
| Ports | BNC SDI in, BNC loop-through, 3.5 mm line in, 3.5 mm line out, USB Type-A |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi 802.11ac; USB 4G/5G modem |
| Management | Web UI, API, Magewell Control Hub |
| Power | DC 5 V/3 A; about 7.2 W max |
| Size | 106.6 × 106.2 × 25 mm |
| Operating temp | 0 to 40 °C |
| Included | 5 V adapter, USB cable, Wi-Fi antenna, T-bracket |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ultra Encode SDI pass closed captions?
Yes. It carries native CEA-608 and 608-over-708 captions from the SDI signal into the stream.
Can it record?
No. It streams only. For built-in recording, PoE and NDI HX3, choose the Ultra Encode SDI Plus.
Can it stream to several platforms at once?
Yes. It runs up to six RTMP/RTMPS or SRT sessions simultaneously.
Does it work with a room control system?
Yes. Magewell provides an API, so a Q-SYS, Crestron or other control processor can start and stop streaming. See the full Magewell line, including the Pro Convert HDMI TX for full-bandwidth NDI.
Can it sit between a camera and our switcher?
Yes. The BNC loop-through passes the SDI signal on unchanged while the unit encodes.
How is it installed and supported?
Creation Networks designs, installs and supports meeting broadcast and streaming systems built around Magewell encoders. Call 888.230.3661 x 200 to plan a system.
At Creation Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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