Magewell 531600000 Ultra Encode SDI Plus – 3G-SDI Streaming Encoder and Recorder

What is the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI Plus streaming encoder?

The Magewell Ultra Encode SDI Plus is a compact 3G-SDI streaming encoder and recorder that turns one SDI camera or production feed into live streams, network video and recorded files without a computer. It encodes H.264, H.265, NDI HX2 and NDI HX3 and streams to up to six destinations at once over RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, HLS, RIST, WHIP and more. It is built for broadcast-style SDI workflows in commercial AV: camera feeds in council chambers, auditoriums and houses of worship that need to reach a webcast, a recording archive and the IP network at the same time.

How does the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI Plus work?

The encoder accepts SD, HD and 3G-SDI (Level A and B) up to 2048×1080 60p with 10- or 12-bit color, and passes the signal to the next device on the BNC loop-through so it can sit inline in an existing SDI chain. Audio comes from up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio or from the 3.5 mm line input; up to eight channels can be mapped into as many as eight AAC streams or a two-channel Opus stream. A main stream and an optional sub stream are encoded together, so one session can send full-quality video to a streaming platform while a lighter version goes to a second destination. The main stream can be scaled up to 4K30 for platforms that expect a UHD feed.

The Ultra Encode SDI Plus carries native CEA-608 and 608-over-708 closed captions from the SDI signal into the encoded stream, which matters for public meetings and accessibility requirements. Live streaming supports native YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, WOWZA and Zixi destinations, plus RTMP/RTMPS, SRT caller and listener with AES encryption, RTSP, HLS, MPEG-TS over UDP/RTP, TVU ISSP, RIST and WHIP. Recording runs in parallel to 128 GB of internal storage, USB or NAS in MP4, MOV or TS, with automatic upload to FTP, Google Drive, OneDrive, Panopto or Dropbox, and schedules can run streams and recordings unattended.

The unit powers from 802.3af PoE or its 5 V supply, connects by Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and accepts a USB 4G/5G modem as a backup path. It is configured in a browser, managed fleet-wide through Magewell Control Hub or Zixi ZEN Master, works with Stream Deck, and exposes an API so a room control system can start and stop streaming from a touch panel.

What are the key features of the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI Plus?

• 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 existing SDI chain.
• Closed-caption passthrough — Carries native CEA-608 and 608-over-708 captions into the stream for accessible public meetings.
• Six simultaneous destinations — Streams to up to six platforms or servers at once over RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, HLS, RIST, WHIP and other protocols.
• Built-in recording — Records to 128 GB internal storage, USB or NAS with automatic cloud and FTP upload.
• 16-channel SDI audio — Maps up to eight embedded or line-in channels into multiple AAC streams or an Opus stream.
• Dual-stream encoding — Produces a main and a sub stream so one camera can feed high- and low-bitrate destinations together.
• PoE powered — Runs from an 802.3af PoE switch port, removing a local power supply from the install.
• Control-system ready — Provides an API, Stream Deck support and Control Hub management for automated, remote operation.

Where is the Magewell Ultra Encode SDI Plus typically used?

• Government space
• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Broadcast studio
• Training room
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ultra Encode SDI Plus pass closed captions?
Yes. It carries native CEA-608 and 608-over-708 captions from the SDI signal into the encoded stream.

Can it stream to several platforms at once?
Yes. It streams to up to six destinations simultaneously, such as a public YouTube channel, a backup RTMPS server and an SRT feed to a broadcast partner.

Does it work with Q-SYS, Crestron or other control systems?
Yes. Magewell provides an API for third-party control, so a control processor can start and stop streams and recordings from the room touch panel. See the full Magewell line, including the Pro Convert HDMI TX for full-bandwidth NDI.

Can it record while streaming?
Yes. Recording to internal storage, USB or NAS runs alongside live streaming, with automatic upload to Google Drive, OneDrive, Panopto, Dropbox or FTP.

Does it need a power outlet at the camera position?
No. It runs on 802.3af PoE from a network switch; a 5 V adapter is included if PoE isn't available.

How is the unit installed and supported?
Creation Networks designs, installs and commissions meeting broadcast and streaming systems around the Ultra Encode, and supports them after handover. Call 888.230.3661 x 200 to plan a system.