Tascam VSR-264 – Stand-Alone Full HD Video Encoder/Decoder for Live Streaming

Product Overview

The TASCAM VSR-264 is a standalone Full HD hardware video encoder/decoder designed for commercial AV installations, houses of worship, conference rooms, and live event productions requiring stable long-duration streaming to web platforms. It encodes H.264 video at up to 1920×1080 with bit rates up to 30 Mbps over standard 100Mbps or 1Gbps networks, streams to up to three RTMP destinations simultaneously, and records to SD card as a local backup. A RESTful API enables integration with Crestron, AMX, Extron, and other control systems for automated operation in permanent installations. The VSR-264 is the Full HD counterpart to the VSR-265; for 4K UHD requirements, see the VSR-265.

Product Description

The VSR-264 eliminates the instability risks of PC-based software encoding — thermal throttling, OS crashes, and driver conflicts — by encoding in dedicated hardware for long unattended streaming sessions. H.264 long GOP encoding at up to 30 Mbps delivers broadcast-quality Full HD video over standard venue networks without requiring dedicated high-bandwidth infrastructure. Three simultaneous RTMP streams enable distribution to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, and custom RTMP endpoints at the same time; total simultaneous stream count reaches eight across all output types. RTMP, RTSP, and HLS protocols are all supported. Unicast and multicast streaming enable internal LAN distribution for IPTV and digital signage systems. Audio I/O includes balanced Euroblock analog connectors and unbalanced 3.5mm stereo jacks, as well as HDMI-embedded digital audio for embedding and de-embedding audio in and out of the video signal — useful for routing de-embedded program audio to ceiling speakers in commercial spaces. SD card recording runs simultaneously with streaming as a local backup. A real-world deployment: the VSR-264 was used for live streaming of a New Year Festival Concert in 2021, demonstrating its reliability for high-profile one-time events. The VSR-264 is available at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• Full HD Hardware Encoding/Decoding — H.264 encoding up to 1920×1080 at up to 30 Mbps for broadcast-quality streaming over standard networks.
• 3 Simultaneous RTMP Streams — Streams to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, and other RTMP endpoints simultaneously, up to 8 total simultaneous streams.
• Local SD Card Backup Recording — Records simultaneously to SD card as a backup independent of network stream status.
• RESTful API for Control System Integration — Enables Crestron, AMX, Extron, and other control system automation.
• RTMP, RTSP, and HLS Protocol Support — Compatible with all major streaming platforms and protocols.
• Balanced and Unbalanced Audio I/O — Euroblock balanced and 3.5mm unbalanced audio connections with HDMI audio embed/de-embed.
• Unicast and Multicast Streaming — Internal LAN distribution for IPTV, digital signage, and multi-room AV.
• 100Mbps / 1Gbps Network Compatible — Operates on standard venue network infrastructure without dedicated high-bandwidth connections.

Typical Applications

• House of worship live streaming to web platforms
• Conference room and all-hands room live broadcast
• Auditorium and performing arts center streaming
• Government and legislative chamber webcast
• Broadcast studio remote encoding
• Multi-purpose room live event production

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the VSR-264 stream to multiple platforms simultaneously?

Yes. The VSR-264 supports up to three simultaneous RTMP streams for multi-platform distribution to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, and any RTMP-compatible endpoint.

What is the advantage of a hardware encoder over PC-based streaming software?

Hardware encoders like the VSR-264 run dedicated encoding circuits without OS overhead, eliminating risks of thermal throttling, driver conflicts, and application crashes during long unattended streaming sessions.

Does the VSR-264 support control system integration?

Yes. A RESTful API enables integration with Crestron, AMX, Extron, and other commercial AV control platforms for automated start/stop and stream management.

Does the VSR-264 record locally while streaming?

Yes. The VSR-264 records to SD card simultaneously with streaming for a local backup in both TS and MP4 formats.

What warranty applies to the VSR-264?

TASCAM products purchased through authorized dealers including Creation Networks carry TASCAM's standard limited warranty. Contact Creation Networks for support.