Understanding Opencast

Opencast is a free, open-source video management system made for educational institutions. It allows users to schedule, record, edit, and distribute video and audio content. It offers tools for managing digital media, from lecture capture in universities to video management in organizations.

What does Opencast do?

Opencast caters to several critical needs in video management:

• Scheduled Recording: Enables institutions to automate the recording of lectures and events.
• Live Streaming: Enables the live broadcast of events or lectures, making content accessible in real time.
• Video Editing and Processing: Offers tools for editing, processing, and enhancing video content post-recording.
• Content Distribution: Facilitates the distribution of content through various channels, ensuring accessibility for the intended audience.

Who uses Opencast?

AV administrators and developers in higher education institutions primarily use Opencast. Its robust set of tools caters to the complex needs of universities and colleges that regularly produce and manage a large volume of video content. Additionally, its open-source and flexible design makes it appealing to organizations beyond academia looking for a video content management system.

Who might benefit from Opencast?

Any institution or organization looking to manage video content more efficiently could benefit from Opencast. It is particularly beneficial for educational institutions aiming to enhance their e-learning platforms with high-quality video content.

Common questions about Opencast

Is Opencast difficult to implement and use?

Opencast is designed with scalability and ease of use in mind. While the initial setup might require some technical expertise, especially to customize it to specific needs, its user interface is intuitive for day-to-day operations. The open-source community around Opencast also provides extensive documentation and support.

How is Opencast different from other video management solutions?

Opencast’s open-source nature is its most significant differentiator. This means it’s not only free to use but also highly customizable. Institutions can adapt it to their unique needs without the licensing and cost constraints associated with proprietary software. Moreover, it’s specifically designed for educational environments, making it a tailored solution for academic video management.

How often does Opencast get updated?

The platform operates on a schedule that rolls out two major updates every year, along with various smaller updates for bug fixes and maintenance in between. Typically, these major updates are launched once in June and once in December. A detailed schedule for these releases is often shared about six months in advance of each major update.

How does video capture work in Opencast?

Opencast employs a concept known as “capture agents” to record video content. These tools connect to cameras or desktops to record audio and video. They can be software or hardware. Once captured, the content is processed and managed through the Opencast platform.

Integrating recording hardware

While Opencast can work with a variety of recording hardware and software, finding the right fit is crucial for capturing high-quality video content and ensuring smooth operations. In this context, Pearl encoders by Epiphan emerge as a compelling choice for several reasons.

Pearl encoders offer unparalleled versatility with support for multiple video inputs (HDMI, SDI, USB, IP) and audio inputs (digital embedded, IP, USB, analog). This means they can adapt to various recording environments and setups, from lecture halls to seminar rooms. Additionally, their resilience to network failures – with features like recording schedules offline and uploading when a connection is restored – ensures that no content is lost due to technical issues.

From an administrative perspective, Pearl encoders simplify the video capture process. AV administrators can monitor the encoders from the Opencast Admin interface, overseeing recording schedules and device status remotely. Scheduled recording capabilities ensure lecture and event capture without manual intervention, directly aligning with Opencast’s automation ethos.

Pearl is a great option for institutions seeking a comprehensive AV solution. It offers a cloud-based control portal for managing fleets called Epiphan Edge. It also has an API for integrating with in-room control systems. With models ranging from 1 to 6 channels, supporting HD to 4K, Pearl encoders cater to institutions of all sizes and technical requirements.

Conclusion

Opencast stands out as a powerful, open-source video management platform, especially tailored for the needs of educational institutions and organizations looking to manage video content efficiently. Its compatibility with versatile and reliable recording hardware like Pearl encoders further enhances its appeal by ensuring high-quality video capture and management.

This mix provides a straightforward, effective way to create and share high-quality videos, making life easier for both educators and organizations. Together, they ensure a smooth video management process, supporting better learning and wider content distribution with less hassle.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are like virtual command centers for schools, bringing everything from coursework to communication under one digital roof. LMS platforms like Canvas or Blackboard offer all-in-one solutions for managing instructional content, assessments, and communication.

Teachers can upload all course materials (e.g., lecture notes, readings, assignments) onto the platform, creating a centralized hub for students to access anytime, anywhere.

Here’s a scenario: Suppose a student misses a class due to illness. Instead of falling behind, they log into the LMS and find the day’s lesson, assignments, and even a recording of the lecture if the teacher used the system’s recording feature. They can ask questions or submit their work directly through the platform, staying engaged with the class even when physically absent.

Moreover, an LMS fosters collaboration among students. It might have discussion boards where they can share ideas, ask each other questions, or work together on projects outside of class hours.

Plus, the system helps teachers track student progress, identify areas where students might be struggling, and personalize learning by tailoring assignments or resources to meet individual needs – all contributing to a more enriched and inclusive learning experience for every student.

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Content Management Systems (CMS) tools like Panopto and Kaltura play a pivotal role in organizing and distributing educational content effectively. These platforms serve as versatile repositories for a wide range of materials, including videos, presentations, and documents.

Picture a literature professor using Panopto to upload comprehensive video lectures enriched with slides. This content becomes instantly available to students, allowing them to revisit these lectures at their own pace, pause, rewind, and make personalized study notes. All of this facilitatates a more tailored learning experience.

CMS platforms also prove to be very valuable in the realm of collaborative projects. Consider an engineering class leveraging Kaltura or Panopto to record and share group discussions, experiments, or presentations. Students collaborate seamlessly, sharing these recordings among team members and instructors. This not only encourages teamwork but also provides a platform for valuable insights that aid in assessments and collective learning.

Moreover, many CMS integrate directly with LMS, streamlining the educational experience. Teachers can then easily embed video resources directly into platforms like Canvas. This setup brings all learning materials together in one easy-to-reach place. It helps students move through their courses smoothly and enjoy a complete learning experience that mixes organizing content and following a structured course.

Lecture capture solutions

Software and hardware lecture capture solutions live stream and record classes for on-demand access. Recorded lectures provide a lot of flexibility for students: If a student ever misses a class, they can watch the recorded session later.

Moreover, lecture capture promotes innovative teaching methodologies. Professors can experiment with flipped classrooms, assigning recorded lectures as homework, and using in-class time for discussions and problem-solving sessions. This dynamic approach encourages active learning and engagement.

For a more seamless experience, lecture capture solutions can be integrated with other edtech tools like CMS. For instance, Epiphan Pearl Mini integrates directly with CMS like Panopto and Kaltura. This means that a recording made on the device is automatically delivered to the CMS or shared through a LMS, creating a holistic educational ecosystem.

Interactive learning platforms

Elevate engagement with platforms that foster interactive learning. Tools like Poll Everywhere or Mentimeter can transform lectures into dynamic discussions, enhancing comprehension and participation.

Using these tech tools, teachers can create more engaging classes. For example, in a high school science class, Poll Everywhere can turn a lecture on the periodic table into an interactive discussion. Students answer questions in real-time using their devices, sparking conversations and helping the teacher know what’s understood and what needs more focus.

Similarly, in a university economics lecture, Mentimeter can keep students involved with live polls and quizzes. This instant feedback makes the class more interactive and ensures everyone stays engaged, whether they’re in-person or joining remotely. These tools transform passive listening into active participation, making learning more enjoyable and effective.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools

Immerse students in a new dimension of learning with VR and AR tools. Applications like Google Arts and Culture or Zappar can turn abstract concepts into vivid, interactive experiences.

For example, in a biology class, Google Arts and Culture can take students on virtual field trips, exploring ecosystems and organisms. This immersive experience makes learning hands-on and memorable.

Similarly, in a history lesson, Zappar brings historical events to life with augmented reality. Students can use their devices to interact with 3D models of ancient artifacts or famous landmarks, making the past tangible and engaging.

These tools turn abstract ideas into interactive experiences, making learning more immersive and captivating for students, allowing them to explore subjects in ways that were once unimaginable.

Adaptive learning platforms

Adaptive learning platforms like Smart Sparrow and Knewton customize learning for each student. For instance, in a math class using Smart Sparrow, the platform can adjust exercises based on how well a student solves problems, providing tailored lessons to improve their weak areas.

Similarly, in a language course, Knewton adapts content to match each student’s proficiency level. This personalized approach ensures that every student gets challenges suited to their abilities, making learning more effective and engaging. These platforms revolutionize education by tailoring lessons to match individual learning styles and abilities.

Video conferencing solutions

Facilitate virtual classrooms and collaborative discussions with video conferencing tools. Zoom and Microsoft Teams are indispensable for connecting educators and students in real-time and making online learning possible

Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are essential for connecting teachers and students in real-time. For instance, in an online class, Zoom brings everyone together, allowing interactive discussions and live lessons, while Microsoft Teams facilitates collaboration on group projects, making distance learning feel more connected and interactive. These tools enable seamless communication and collaboration, bridging the gap between educators and students, regardless of their physical location.

Digital whiteboarding tools

Bring the traditional whiteboard into the digital realm with tools like Miro or Jamboard. Encourage creativity and collaboration, making complex concepts more digestible.

Digital whiteboarding tools like Miro and Jamboard digitize the classic whiteboard experience. For instance, in a design class, Miro allows students to brainstorm ideas collaboratively, creating mind maps or sketching designs together in real time, fostering creativity and teamwork.

Similarly, in a physics lesson, Jamboard can help break down complex concepts by allowing the teacher to illustrate formulas or diagrams virtually. Students can engage by adding their explanations or working through problems together, making abstract ideas more understandable and interactive.

These tools take traditional brainstorming and explanation methods to a digital platform, promoting collaboration and enhancing understanding of complex subjects in a more interactive and engaging way.

Gamification platforms

Gamification tools like Kahoot! and Classcraft make learning fun and competitive. For instance, in a history class, Kahoot! can turn quizzes into lively competitions, where students race to answer questions, boosting engagement and knowledge retention.

Similarly, in a language course, Classcraft gamifies learning by turning lessons into quests and challenges. Students earn points and rewards for completing tasks, motivating them to participate actively and making learning more enjoyable.

These platforms leverage game-like elements to make learning entertaining and interactive, encouraging students to actively engage with the material in a way that feels more like play than work.

Accessibility tools

Accessibility tools like Otter.ai and Be My Eyes promote inclusivity in education. For example, Otter.ai is a cloud-based platform that provides transcriptions for lectures, ensuring that students with hearing impairments can access the content easily.

Similarly, Be My Eyes assists visually impaired students by connecting them with volunteers who can help through live video calls, ensuring they have the support they need to navigate educational materials or their surroundings.

These tools break barriers by providing support to students with different needs, ensuring that education is accessible to everyone, regardless of disabilities or challenges they may face.

Interactive learning environments

Traditional lecture-style classrooms, where the instructor talks and the students listen, are slowly phasing out. Interactive learning environments are on the rise, featuring collaborative technologies like interactive whiteboards, touchscreen displays, and digital projectors. These tools empower instructors and students to interact with educational content actively, fostering dynamic and engaging learning experiences.

Real-world example: The University of North Carolina’s DELTA program provides diverse interactive learning environments. These include creative educational methods, such as virtual labs, collaborative tools, and immersive language learning apps, providing students with interesting and efficient learning options.

Why It Matters: Interactive learning environments promote student engagement, collaboration, and knowledge retention.

Blended and hybrid learning models

Blended and hybrid learning combine traditional in-person teaching with online components. This approach allows for greater flexibility in how students access and engage with course materials. For example, with recorded video lectures, students can choose when to watch them and learn at their own pace. Tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS), video conferencing, and asynchronous learning modules are essential for implementing these models effectively.

Real-world example: See how Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) leverages Epiphan Pearl Mini to enhance education through blended and hybrid learning models in this video case study. MTSU seamlessly integrates in-person and online components, providing students with the flexibility to interact with course materials and collaborate using innovative technology. This approach promotes active learning, academic success, and a holistic education.

Why It Matters: Blended and hybrid learning accommodate diverse student needs and enhance accessibility.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

AI and machine learning are reshaping education. These technologies can analyze student data to provide personalized learning experiences, predict student performance, and even automate administrative tasks. Adaptive learning platforms and AI-driven chatbots are just the beginning.

Real-world example: Stanford University ues AI for the “Stanford SAILORS” program. This initiative employs machine learning to support underserved high school students interested in AI and computer science. AI algorithms analyze how students work and learn, giving them personalized feedback and adjusting content to help them succeed in school.

Why It Matters: AI-powered solutions have the potential to enhance student performance, ease administrative tasks, and boost educational institutions’ overall efficiency.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies offer immersive learning experiences that transcend physical boundaries. Classroom Technologists can leverage AR and VR to create virtual field trips, immersive simulations, and interactive 3D models that enhance understanding and engagement.

Real-world example: In math, apps like Photomath guide students through problem-solving, while 3D models and visualization tools make complex concepts clearer. Apple like SkySafari and Night Sky enhance the learning experience by making astronomy engaging and interactive, allowing students to explore the cosmos with real-time celestial insights.

Why it matters: AR and VR foster experiential learning and provide students with unique, immersive educational experiences.

Internet of Things (IoT) integration

IoT devices are increasingly finding their way into educational settings. From smart classrooms with connected devices to wearable technology for tracking student engagement, IoT integration has the potential to change data collection and analysis in education.

Real-world example: The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) uses IoT-connected smart classrooms with IoT sensors to monitor temperature, lighting, and air quality. This ensures a comfortable and conducive environment for students. Additionally, the IoT-connected whiteboards and AV equipment streamline teaching, making it more interactive. By leveraging IoT technology, UCLA is enhancing learning conditions, promoting engagement, and ultimately improving the quality of education for its students.

Why it matters: IoT can provide valuable insights into student behavior, classroom usage, and resource allocation.

Accessibility and inclusivity

As technology advances, we cannot overstate the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in education. Classroom technologists should choose solutions that work for different learning styles and abilities, so all students can succeed.

Real-world example: Lecture transcription services, like ones offered by the University of Washington, play an important role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in higher ed. By transcribing lectures and providing captions for video content, the school ensures that students with hearing impairments and non-native speakers can fully access course materials.
This inclusive approach doesn’t just benefit specific groups. It enhances the learning experience for all students by making content more searchable and simplifying note-taking.

Why it matters: Inclusivity promotes equitable access to education and enhances the learning experience for all.

Gamification and microlearning

Gamification techniques and microlearning modules are gaining traction. These strategies break down complex content into bite-sized, engaging pieces, making learning more enjoyable and manageable for students.

Real-world example: Stanford bioengineers have developed an app that leverages gamification and microlearning techniques to enhance learning. They created a microscope system that lets students interact with live microbes, like a game. It helps students learn about microbes and science in a fun way, making hard ideas easier to remember.

Why it matters: Gamification and microlearning enhance student motivation and knowledge retention.

Data and learning analytics

Collecting and analyzing data about student performance and engagement is becoming increasingly important. Learning analytics tools can provide actionable insights that inform instructional decisions and improve educational outcomes.

Real-world example: At Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), teachers and administrators use Panopto’s analytics to understand how students engage with video content. This helps educators adjust their teaching and content to meet student needs. This data-driven method personalizes instruction and improves academic outcomes, showing the importance of data and learning analytics in higher education.

Why It Matters: Data analytics enable evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in education.

Digital security and data privacy

With the increased adoption of online learning and data-driven technologies, digital security and data privacy are paramount. Classroom Technologists must stay informed about the latest security threats and ensure robust protection measures are in place.

Real-world example: At the University of Texas at Austin, digital security and data privacy are crucial for improved learning. Professors and students rely on secure online platforms to access and share course materials, guaranteeing data privacy. They use secure cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for Education for seamless collaboration on academic projects while keeping data secure. This safeguards student information and creates a safe and efficient digital learning environment that aids student success and academic excellence.

Why It Matters: Digital security safeguards sensitive student and institutional data from breaches.

What is a One Button Studio?

A One Button Studio is a simplified video recording setup designed to be incredibly user-friendly. As the name suggests, it operates with just one button, making it accessible to educators and students alike, even those without any previous video production experience. The person walks in, presses one button, records their video, and walks out with the recording in hand.

A studio typically includes professional-grade equipment such as cameras, microphones, lighting, and a computer or hardware encoder, all seamlessly integrated into a single, user-friendly interface. The setup also makes collecting the recording simple, whether through automatic file upload to the cloud or a download to a USB drive.

The benefits of One Button Studios extend far beyond mere convenience. The seamless, user-friendly experience puts creative control directly into the hands of educators and students. And because anyone can just go in, press a button, and record content, this saves IT or support staff loads of time.

How One Button Studios are used

One Button Studios have found their way into educational institutions worldwide, enhancing the learning experience in numerous ways:

Flipped classroom and online learning

Faculty and staff use One Button Studios to pre-record lessons for the flipped classroom approach or create entire online courses.

Student presentations

One Button Studios empower students to create high-quality video presentations easily. They can practice class presentations and record speeches, lectures, interviews, or project demonstrations without worrying about the technical intricacies of video production.

Digital storytelling

One Button Studios enable students to explore their creativity by producing videos for storytelling, filmmaking, or documenting school events. This hands-on experience fosters digital literacy and media skills.

How to set up a One Button Studio

Setting up a One Button Studio might seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you think. Here’s a simplified guide to get you started:

Step 1: Choose a location

It’s best if the studio is located in a quiet space with enough room for your studio equipment and any props or decor you may need for your recordings.

Step 2: Source equipment

You’ll need:

• High-definition camera (with an HDMI or SDI out)
• Professional microphone (shotgun or lavalier)
• A green screen
• Studio lighting
• Epiphan Pearl Mini video production system

Optional: Consider equipping your studio with a busylight to let others know when the studio is in use.

Step 3: Install and configure

Set up the studio equipment (read our “5 steps to creating the ultimate lecture recording studio” article to learn how).

To set up the One-Button part, connect your camera and audio to the Pearl Mini. From there, configure Single Touch recording on the device. You can also configure whether the video gets uploaded to the cloud or downloaded to a flash drive. When the configuration is complete, your users will be able to start and stop the recording by pressing a single button on the Pearl Mini’s touch screen.

Step 4: Create a user guide

To ensure smooth operation, create a user guide for your One Button Studio with simple steps to follow. Include instructions on how to power the equipment, start recording, and access recorded files.

Step 5: Test test test

Bring in students and teachers and test out the setup on them. Take note of friction points and eliminate them. Make sure your setup is easy for everyone to use and produces consistent, high-quality results.

What is NDI video?

Network Device Interface, or NDI®, lets you transmit and receive broadcast-quality, low latency over existing LANs using cost-effective CAT5/6 cables and the quality is virtually lossless.

NDI allows the flexibility to choose from a wider variety of video input sources. Across the same network, you can access multiple cameras, software on computers, mobile devices, and more on the network using a single LAN port. No expensive multiple-port HDMI switches or SDI routers are needed.

The number of NDI sources you can add to your network is practically limitless. To access NDI devices across subnets, you can manually enter the IP address of devices on those other subnets using NDI Access Manager.

With NDI, taking your video production to a different location is a lot simpler without a whole mess of HDMI and SDI cables to manage. All your video sources are readily accessible from anywhere over the network. CAT5/6 cables are also a lot cheaper than traditional SDI or HDMI cables.

NDI and network bandwidth

High Bandwidth NDI, as the name suggests, uses a lot of local bandwidth to share audio and video. This is because the protocol transmits high-quality, low latency, uncompressed video streams that are virtually lossless. Every pixel captured by the camera’s sensors is sent without any reduction – resulting in a lot of data.

Transmitting uncompressed video, especially at higher resolutions, requires at the very least a Gigabit network, though the ideal transfer speeds ultimately depend on the number of concurrent High Bandwidth NDI streams.

A single 1920×1080@30 fps NDI stream needs approximately 100 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth.

The bandwidth required will change, however, depending on the resolution, framerate, and how much motion is being captured by the camera. For example, a 1920×1080@60 fps NDI stream requires 150 Mbps. Meanwhile, a 4K@30 fps NDI stream is roughly 250 Mbps.

It’s recommended to leave approximately 25 percent of headroom so that the signal remains smooth just in case any unexpected network traffic pops up during production.

So, if you have three PTZ cameras sending their video to an Epiphan Pearl-2 at 1920×1080@30 fps, that’ll cost you approximately 300 Mbps of bandwidth. If the Pearl-2 is also outputting the NDI stream in 4K, that puts your bandwidth at 550 Mbps. Reserving 250 Mbps for the suggested headroom, three sources and one output already totals 800 Mbps, just enough for the Gigabit network to handle the transfer

High Bandwidth NDI vs. NDI|HX

There are two variations of NDI to work with: High Bandwidth NDI and NDI|HX.

Both are great options for transmitting video and embedded audio signals across a local network, the main difference between them being compression and latency.

High Bandwidth NDI is uncompressed and requires a lot of bandwidth to transmit. NDI|HX is the high-efficiency alternative, functioning almost exactly the same way but requiring significantly less bandwidth thanks to the advanced compression  – making it an ideal choice for any environment where bandwidth is limited. The high efficiency of NDI|HX will add some latency compared to the High Bandwidth version, but at most, it’s only a frame or two. Audio is uncompressed in both High Bandwidth NDI and NDI|HX.

Here’s how much dedicated bandwidth is recommended for NDI and NDI|HX:

• A single 1920×1080@30 fps High Bandwidth NDI stream needs at least 100 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth
• A single 1920×1080@30 fps NDI|HX stream needs 8 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth

It’s worth noting that these figures are estimates and the actual bandwidth required will vary based on resolution, framerate, and motion.

NDI|HX allows creators to take advantage of almost identical, exceptional quality without worrying so much about bandwidth availability. Of course, the bandwidth available should always be something to consider, but NDI|HX was designed to work over low-bandwidth networks.

Available NDI tools

More and more software applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, NewBlueFX, EasyWorship and others offer native NDI support.

To help spur adoption, there are free NDI plugins for popular applications like VLC and Adobe Creative Cloud. For all the rest, NDI offers simple-to-install free tools. For example, NDI Screen Capture lets you turn a computer into multiple NDI inputs that any other NDI device on the network can access. You can define live video sources like the computer’s webcam, the full-screen display, different windows or combination of windows. Even different software applications running on that computer can be converted into an NDI input.

A couple more options include the NewTek NDI Connect and the NDI|HX Camera app (available for a nominal fee). NewTek Connect makes any camera or device connected to a computer’s capture card (or the local webcam) available to other NDI systems on the LAN. And NDI|HX Camera converts the output from iOS devices and Android phones into NDI video inputs. If you want to take your content further and out onto the WAN, consider using SIENNA Cloud for NDI.

The many free tools and flexible options that are available are definitely helping to drive adoption.

NDI adoption

Adoption of NDI is spreading since its introduction to the public early in 2016. Designing NDI into your AV system is getting easier as more hardware and software options become available. There are also more NDI enabled cameras to choose from companies like PTZOptics, or Panasonic, as well as full-featured video production systems like the Epiphan Pearl-2 that support NDI and NDI|HX. Additionally, Pearl Mini can support up to two NDI|HX inputs, making it a perfect choice to build a small studio.

If you already have existing cameras and AV equipment, NDI is still within your reach. You don’t have to make a huge commitment to switch over all your gear. NDI converters are readily available. These converters connect existing NDI unaware HDMI or SDI video sources to the network – and convert NDI into HDMI signals for your average monitor or video projector. NDI converters range in price and features. For example, the BirdDog Mini offers 1080p60 NDI encoding, 1080p60 NDI decoding, tally, and power over the Ethernet.

Practical NDI applications

Here are some practical ways you can start using NDI.

NDI for live events

Using NDI can offer several advantages when capturing live events such as lectures, conferences, or performances.

NDI eliminates the need for cabling, which can be challenging to set up and manage. By connecting cameras and other devices to an all-in-one production system like the Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini, everything you need to stream or record the live event is acquired in less time and in a much more organized fashion.

If the live event uses presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, this can easily be added to the LAN using the free NDI Screen Capture or NDI Screen Capture HX. With this app, the presentation computer becomes another NDI input for your video production system to ingest. It can be added to Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini like any other NDI or NDI|HX source, recorded, streamed, and switched between as needed for the production.

Certain venues won’t have the network bandwidth required for an effective NDI production. It is possible to work around this, however. With NDI Bridge, you can securely connect two entirely different NDI networks from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for remote production workflows or transmitting signals to other locations.

Adding remote guests to broadcasts with NDI

Adding a remote guest to a live production was once a tricky proposition. However, with the addition of NDI-out to all major video conferencing apps such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype, it’s possible to bring the remote guest’s audio and video to your production tool or system of choice.

When enabling NDI-out on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype, the feeds can be ingested by Pearl-2, allowing you to switch, record, and stream video with these remote sources as well as any physical input available. Create interesting layouts with NDI inputs using the built-in custom layout editor and add text, custom backgrounds, and transparent images.

NDI and NDI|HX FAQ

Is NDI free?

Yes! NDI is free to use. Costs only come from acquiring the hardware or software licenses. But the ability to access NDI is free.

Should I use a hardware or software encoder with NDI?

While software encoders have advantages, the reliability and performance of hardware encoders make a huge difference when working with NDI.

Software encoding needs computers with state-of-the-art GPUs and ample memory to operate efficiently in an NDI workflow. If the computer doesn’t meet these high standards, it may crash or freeze while trying to process the uncompressed video. Software encoding also has been known to add latency to the NDI feeds.

Hardware NDI encoders, like the Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini, were designed explicitly to encode video, obtaining high-quality video and audio with no additional latency or competing programs.

How do I find my NDI sources?

There are a few ways to find your NDI sources. It depends on the devices being used.

If you’re using an NDI camera, start by logging in to the camera’s interface and making sure NDI is enabled. Once enabled, you can check the stream using NDI Studio Monitor.

The NDI discovery server, available in the NDI Software Developer Kit, can help you find your NDI sources as well. The NDI discovery server automatically discovers NDI sources on the network and provides a list of available sources that can be accessed by authorized users without having to manually search for their exact network location. To make sure each user has the appropriate access to NDI devices on the network, the NDI Access Manager app allows network administrators to set permissions and control access.

How do I connect my NDI sources?

If you’re connecting an NDI source to a Pearl, access the device’s admin panel.

In the Inputs menu, click Add input. The Add input page will open with all available NDI resources listed.

If it’s there, you can press Add and your NDI source will be connected to Pearl. If you don’t see it, enter either the “Group name” if it’s been assigned a group or the IP address of the NDI device in the “Extra source IP addresses” field to discover and receive the signal.

How does NDI transport audio?

Although NDI is commonly associated with video sharing, it can transport both video and audio over networks.

NDI can transport up to 16 channels of uncompressed, high-quality, low latency, 48 kHz, 24-bit audio data in the same stream as video in three ways: embedded audio, analog audio, or digital audio.

The most common way of transporting audio via NDI is by using embedded audio. With embedded audio, the audio data is carried within the video signal, making it easier to keep the audio and video in sync and allowing multiple audio channels to be carried within a single NDI stream.

To transport analog audio via NDI, it must be connected to a physical, NDI-enabled device like a mixing console that converts the analog audio to digital.

Transporting digital audio via NDI can be accomplished with the Audio Direct tool. This set of Virtual Studio Tools (VST) audio plugins allows virtually any audio software to select, receive, and generate multichannel audio.

Wrap up

NDI opens up new opportunities to make your live video production workflow easier and more flexible. You can save money on cables and infrastructure by using the existing Ethernet network and gain easy access to a lot more video sources at broadcast quality. There are free plugins and tools to help you start incorporating NDI into your current AV system right away.

If you’re considering a new AV system and want to start taking advantage of the benefits of NDI, an all-in-one video production system like Pearl-2 makes a lot of sense. Pearl-2 accepts multicast and unicast NDI sources, as well as high-efficiency NDI|HX. Pearl Mini also accepts NDI|HX, allowing to work with any NDI|HX source in low-bandwidth settings.

With Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini, you can bring in video and audio from a multitude of different NDI and NDI|HX sources, such as:

• Remote NDI-enabled PTZ cameras
• Any NDI-unaware HDMI/SDI source using a converter or the free NDI Virtual Input software
• Webcams connected to remote computers using the free NDI Connect application
• Output from iOS and Android mobile devices using the NDI Camera app
• Direct input from NDI-compatible software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, EasyWorship, etc)

NDI output from Pearl-2 is recognized as a webcam and is compatible with other NDI applications and devices that support webcams as an input, like Skype and many more.

Intuitive interface and design

Hardware encoders are a critical component of a successful Katlura lecture capture setup, but their effectiveness hinges on adoption. To assist with adoption, it’s worth choosing a device with an intuitive interface and design.

Features such as a large touch screen with straightforward controls to start and stop the lecture, or a built-in confidence monitor showing the professor how their lessons look, help facilitate adoption. A user-friendly device frees educators from worrying about new technology. On the other hand, a mysterious black box may intimidate professors with no knowledge of video production.

By considering end-users’ perspectives and how they may react to the device, they are more likely to adopt the Kaltura lecture capture appliance. Regardless of the underlying technical complexity of how the device sends and receives data to Kaltura, faculty-first features are a must-have when comparing lecture capture devices.

Comprehensive Kaltura integration

In addition to a user-friendly design, choosing a device with a comprehensive Kaltura integration is essential.

Thankfully, Kaltura has a large community of developers and partners, making it easy to find hardware encoders with seamless integration capabilities. Some key features to look for in a Kaltura-integrated lecture capture encoder include:

• Schedule synchronization and automation
• Ad hoc event support
• Customization options for content

Automation allows for automatic sync with calendar events, to push scheduled recordings or live streams to the appropriate accounts, folders, and groups. So whether you want to upload a week, a month, or an entire semester of events, the devices will know when to start and stop as well as send the content to the right place without any intervention from professors.

Ad hoc event support allows for quick and easy live or VOD capture without needing to edit the Kaltura calendar. Log in directly on the touch screen, hit the record button, and professors can record or stream content directly to their accounts.

Depending on the subject, students may benefit from a greater emphasis on slides or whiteboard content. Being able to combine video and audio sources in custom layouts through live switching or recording ISOs can enhance students’ learning experience.

No walled gardens

Along with a comprehensive Kaltura integration, it’s also important to consider compatibility with other technology and tools already in use on campus.

For instance, to maximize efficiency when recording lectures, it’s important to choose a Kaltura lecture capture device that integrates with automation solutions such as Crestron or Q-SYS. Professors already familiar with the control panels to activate cameras, microphones, and projectors can also start the hardware encoder connected with a single touch.

Additionally, if an institution is hosting a special guest speaker, sharing the stream or recording on public platforms like YouTube or Facebook would be advantageous. An encoder that can stream to multiple destinations, including Kaltura, can help facilitate a cross-platform audience.

Devices with an open ecosystem allow for a fully customizable experience. Having the flexibility to control how these devices are deployed in your unique circumstances enhances the experience for all stakeholders.

Centralized, remote device management

Kaltura lecture captures take place all over campus, from small classrooms to large lecture halls and labs, making it a challenge to monitor and manage. To ease the workload of managing multiple devices, centralized, remote management features are incredibly useful. Some key features to consider include:

Complete remote content control

You should be able to configure settings, start and stop streams and records, and verify video and audio feeds remotely. This allows you to monitor and make adjustments to ensure a high-quality end product, regardless of location.

24/7 device monitoring

Monitoring critical diagnostic information such as device status, temperature, storage available, system load, and more can help you ensure each Kaltura lecture capture appliance is functioning properly, preventing any negative impact on students who depend on the content.

Customized alerts

Setting up alerts to quickly identify and resolve any problems is crucial. You should be able to receive the information you need immediately, whether it’s a signal failure or system load issues. Ideally, the system should log any error, including those it self-resolves, so you can take measures to prevent future occurrences.

Access to all the information you need to ensure devices are performing optimally, no matter the time or place, is essential when dealing with multiple Kaltura lecture capture encoders tasked with delivering important educational content to students.

Versatile signal compatibility

The key to any successful video production is versatility, especially in lecture capture where equipment varies from room to room. Depending on the department or course, lecture capture may require PTZ cameras, USB document cameras, and lab imaging equipment. To ensure every aspect of the lecture is captured, it is essential to have every option to connect the relevant equipment.

This is not limited to video either. Lecture capture hardware that’s able to accept audio from XLR, RCA, USB, and embedded sources is equally critical. Rooms across campus may have different audio systems, with some having professional, fully-equipped mixing consoles while others only have a USB microphone. A lecture capture device that accommodates all audio sources ensures the recordings are giving the students the best chance to succeed.

In addition to physical audio and video inputs, AV over IP options can offer additional workflow flexibility. Network Device Interface (NDI) and Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) can eliminate the need for physical cabling by transmitting video and embedded audio over local and public networks, respectively. By supporting AV over IP solutions and various physical audio and video inputs, the ideal lecture capture device’s versatility means it can be used in by any department, in any room, regardless of size, experience level, or technology available.

Epiphan Pearl: The ideal Kaltura lecture capture appliance

The award-winning Epiphan Pearl family of production systems is renowned for their versatility and reliability. These devices are fully integrated with Kaltura, making them an excellent choice to support lecture capture.

Faculty members can effortlessly record and stream scheduled and ad hoc events with automatic file uploading. At the same time, staff can monitor the health of the devices from anywhere with Epiphan Cloud. This unique combination of ease of use and power has made Pearl systems one of the most trusted lecture capture solutions for educational institutions globally.

The main difference between HDMI and SDI

Both HDMI and SDI cables transmit audio and video signals from a source to a display. The key difference between them is that SDI is a connection type more commonly used in professional video gear. In contrast, HDMI connectors are more frequently found on electronics aimed at consumers and prosumers.

SDI connectors feature a locking mechanism, making the more secure way to connect your equipment. In addition, SDI can carry signals over longer distances than HDMI.

Given this brief breakdown, it may seem that SDI is the clear choice. But that’s not always the case. To understand why, we need to take a closer look at each connector type.

What is HDMI?

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI connectors are the standard for modern computer monitors, TVs, DVD players, and home video devices. It’s also a common connector type for signal input and output in consumer and prosumer cameras.

HDMI signals transmit digitally in an uncompressed format. The result is superior picture quality and sound. HDMI cables on the market today accommodate video resolutions of up to 8K.

What is SDI?

SDI stands for Serial Digital Interface and is a transmission protocol for sending uncompressed digital video signals using a 75 Ohm coaxial cable. They are commonly used in the professional video production industry. SDI cables have a locking connector at either end (called BNC connectors). These mechanisms prevent accidental disconnections from connected devices.

SDI standards

Much like HDMI cables, SDI cables have different standards that support different bitrates. The most common standards you’ll come across are HD-SDI (which supports 720p and 1080i), 3G-SDI (1080p60), 6G-SDI (4K), and 24G-SDI (8K).

Whenever you’re shopping for an SDI cable, be sure whatever one you choose is rated for your transmission needs.

Looking a deeper dive on the different SDI standards? Check out this introduction to SDI article from Optcore.

HDMI vs. SDI: How to choose the right type for you

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer here. Depending on your situation, there may be plenty of reasons to choose one over the other.

Beyond determining whether your device is compatible with HDMI, SDI, or both, ask yourself these questions to guide your decision:

How long is your connection?

If you have to run cables over long distances (over 50 feet for 1080p resolution, and over 25 feet for 4K). SDI is going to be the better option. HDMI video quality can begin to degrade at lengths as short as 50 feet. If running a longer HDMI connection is your only option, you’ll need a repeater or an Ethernet converter.

How physically secure do you need the connection to be?

The BNC connectors on SDI cables lock in place at the port. Compare this to HDMI connectors, which generally lack a locking mechanism and thus can be yanked out of the port quite easily. This can cause big issues if your camera is mobile.

SDI cables are preferred for professional productions, where a loose cable can mean catastrophic failure. However, while a locked SDI cable is unlikely to disconnect, this introduces a new hazard: the potential to topple expensive production equipment if that equipment isn’t properly secured. Secure all your cables with gaffer tape to avoid this

If you’re just looking to connect a stationary TV or monitor to another stationary video device close by, HDMI is your best bet.

Do you need HDCP?

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is is a form of digital copy protection developed to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections. It’s designed to stop HDCP-encrypted content from being played on unauthorized devices or devices which have been modified to copy HDCP content. If HDCP support is essential to you, you should use HDMI. SDI does not support it.

Do you need to split the signal?

If you need to split your video signal to send it to multiple destinations (e.g., a single camera outputting to three TVs or monitors), consider SDI. While HDMI splitters are available, the HDMI output wasn’t designed to be split. Doing so can bring down your image quality.

What is cloud-based video production?

Cloud-based video production platforms allow you to store, manage, edit, render, and produce on-demand and live video content in the cloud. Another aspect of cloud-based production is the ability to control, access, and manage remote AV equipment.

Production and broadcasting companies used to rely on local video production facilities, such as production control rooms and editing studios. Every camera, computer, mixer, switcher, hard drive, and production personnel had to be in one place. Cloud-based production offers an alternative, decentralizing these resources and reducing reliance on on-premises video production hardware.

Benefits of cloud-based video production

Here are five key benefits your business can gain by leveraging cloud production workflows.

1. Unlock anytime, anywhere collaboration and contribution

With cloud-based video production tools, team members located anywhere in the world can bring their expertise to your latest video project. All they need is a steady Internet connection. Remote contributors can also send assets to the cloud, making them available for further production.

This offers tremendous flexibility. For example, a video editor and a director can work on the same video while being miles apart. With a cloud tool like Frame.io, the director can leave comments in the timeline for the editor to act on.

These capabilities also offer big value in live event production. With a cloud-based video workflow and remotely controllable gear, a producer can mix and switch an event – even multiple events – from a central location. For example, Epiphan Edge can grant you access to a distributed fleet of Pearl hardware encoders to record, mix, switch, and stream video and audio signals from anywhere.

2. Accelerate your video production pipeline

Traditional video production pipelines often flow linearly: an editor’s work can only start once they get footage stored on physical drives. With cloud, team members can work in parallel.

For example, with a cloud tool like Epiphan Unify, you can upload footage to the cloud for team members to access as soon as it’s available. Your content marketing team can begin cutting down longer content into highlight reels and posting them on social media platforms.

Non-linear production can also free up team members to take on more opportunities. This can be a game-changer for production companies, helping ramp up their operations.

JEEMAN Productions is a great example of the potential of a cloud-powered pipeline. This small production team was able to meet growing demand for its services by switching to cloud production.

3. Save on expenses

Cloud-based production is cost-effective. It can reduce or even eliminate the need for a centralized office location. Your team can work together remotely given the right tools, accessing assets and collaborating in the cloud from anywhere.

It can also downsize your travel expenses. Rather than paying for flights and accommodations for your entire crew, you can send only those who need to be at the venue to set up and manage your gear.

Another big plus is the low upfront investment. Many cloud-based production solutions offer pay-as-you-go pricing models. These are classified as operational rather than capital expenditures. This can be beneficial for your company’s accounting.

4. Get the processing power you need

Are your company’s video production needs outstripping your capacity? Cloud power could be just what you need to balance the scales.

Need 4K streaming and recording but don’t have the local processing power or bandwidth? Looking for dynamic overlays and smooth on-screen graphics for your live production? Need to add live automatic transcription? Cloud tools like Epiphan Unify bring processing power directly to your productions, helping transcend local production limitations.

5. Boost production resilience

Storing and processing video in the cloud improves resilience against data loss since there’s redundancy built in.

Video in the cloud is stored on several backup servers, and all team members can access it. Compare this to footage stored on a single SD card, on a single computer, in the hands of a single person. Sending your video directly to the cloud also eliminates the chance of losing your data in transit – a pain video producers know too well.

Live streaming through the cloud is safer, too. Cloud-based live production environments provide access to the controls to multiple operators, which means a remote operator can take over production if necessary. The success of the live production no longer relies on the operator’s local bandwidth.

What is a hardware encoder?

When it comes to streaming video across the web, uncompressed video and audio files are too large and bulky to send in real time. The solution is to compress these files first.

A hardware encoder is a dedicated appliance that captures, compresses (encodes), and delivers audio and video data to a destination. Specifically, a live streaming hardware encoder is a device that can stream video over local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), or across the Internet.

Online streaming destinations include streaming platforms like YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live, and Facebook Live as well as live streaming services like Vimeo, Akamai, and Wowza.

Examples of live streaming encoders include Epiphan’s Pearl Nano, Pearl Mini, and Pearl-2. In addition, many hardware encoders feature other capabilities, like live video switching and local video recording.

Hardware encoders vs. live streaming software

Live streaming software is an application running on general-purpose, off-the-shelf computers (such as a laptop or a desktop machine). A few examples of streaming software include vMix, Wirecast, and OBS. Much like a hardware encoder, live streaming software compresses and streams video to a destination.

The main difference is that hardware encoders dedicate all processing power to capturing, encoding, and streaming. In contrast, computer-run streaming software has to share resources with other processes on the machine. Hardware encoders are designed from the ground up specifically for encoding and streaming, which makes them a more reliable streaming solution compared to their software counterparts. This is why professional broadcasters rely on hardware encoders in mission-critical situations.

Encoding settings: Key terms to understand

Encoding settings have a direct impact on stream quality. Generally speaking, the higher the settings (within specific value ranges),the higher the video quality.

Streaming platforms often offer a list of recommended encoding settings for live streaming. It’s a good idea to use them as a guide. Here is an overview of the key encoding parameters users have control over.

Codecs

A codec is the compression method for making media files smaller. Different codecs provide different types of compression to fit specific use cases. Not all video codecs are fit for live streaming.

A few examples of widely used video codecs for streaming are Motion-JPEG (MJPEG), H.264/AVC, and H.265/HEVC. H.264/AVC is arguably the most commonly used codec today. H.265/HEVC is the next generation of codecs after H.264/AVC. It promises identical quality to H.264 at about half the bitrate, decreasing upload bandwidth requirements.

Note that audio gets encoded separately from the video. The most commonly used audio codec is called AAC.

Encoding resolution

Encoding resolution is the video frame size, expressed in pixels as width x height. Two common resolutions are 1280 x 720 (i.e., 720p) and 1920 x 1080 (i.e., 1080p). Higher streaming resolutions such as 4K are less popular because they require significant processing power, upload bandwidth, and 4K resolution support on the viewer’s side.

Because everyone’s setup is a little different, it’s good practice to give viewers a choice of resolutions when viewing your content. If the CDN you’re using includes transcoding (many do), there’s no extra work to be done on your end. Simply send the highest quality stream and the CDN will present the viewer with a range of resolutions.

Frame rate

Frame rate is the number of images encoded per second, in frames per second (fps). Standard frame rates include 24, 25, 30, and 60 fps, with 30 fps being the most widely used setting for online streaming.

Bitrate

Bitrate describes how much data is transmitted per unit of time. Bitrate is commonly measured in kilobits per second (Kbps) and less frequently in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher the bitrate, the higher the video quality – but also the larger the file size.

Finding the right bitrate setting is about balance. A low bitrate setting will cause the live stream to look jittery and low quality. On the other hand, setting the bitrate too high may cause video buffering for viewers because the file size becomes too large.

The bitrate setting will depend on the chosen codec, resolution, and frame rate. For example, the video bitrate range for a 1080p at 30 fps stream is between 3,000–6,000 Kbps, whereas the bitrate range for 4K 60 fps streaming is between 20,000–51,000 Kbps.

In addition to adequately chosen bitrate, another crucial factor for high-quality online video delivery is sufficient local upload bandwidth. No matter how high the bitrate or how powerful the hardware encoder, low bandwidth can become the bottleneck for streaming quality.

Above is a screenshot of the encoding settings tab in Pearl Web UI

Streaming protocols: What they are and how they work

A streaming protocol is a method by which multimedia is delivered to the streaming destination. It’s a set of rules that decides how to cut up the encoded video into smaller chunks and deliver it to the destination, on time and in the correct order. Different hardware encoders support specific sets of streaming protocols. In addition, some streaming protocols will only work with particular codecs, whereas other protocols are codec-agostic.

Different video streaming protocols can deliver video online with varying degrees of delay. For example, some protocols can instantly transfer data from the hardware encoder to the destination, whereas others take more time. This is known as streaming latency.

For one-way transmissions, some latency is no big deal. For events with interactivity, however, high streaming latency is unacceptable. Thus, latency requirement is one of the factors that inform the choice of streaming protocol.

One of the most commonly used streaming protocols is the Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) and its secure variant (RTMPS). RTMP(S) is a robust and universally supported protocol. However, it only works with the H.264 codec and has some latency (3–30 seconds).

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is another common protocol supported by nearly every browser, operating system, and even Smart TVs. HLS only works with H.264 and H.265 codecs.

A direct HLS competitor is MPEG-DASH. Unlike HLS, MPEG-DASH is a codec-agnostic protocol. When it comes to streaming latency, both HLS and MPEG-DASH are on the higher end of the scale (30–45 seconds).

Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) is an open-source, codec-agnostic streaming protocol. It enables robust, low-latency streaming even over suboptimal networks. Its ability to deliver high-quality content in near real-time over the Internet gives broadcasters a viable alternative to expensive satellite technology. SRT is not as widely supported as RTMP, for example, but it is gaining popularity and support in the realm of hardware encoding.

Advice on choosing a hardware encoder

Hardware encoder models are priced based on the number and type of input connectors, supported streaming and encoding technologies, and, most importantly, processing power. Every additional input source and encoding channel adds extra load on the encoder’s CPU. Higher-end hardware encoders, like Pearl-2, can capture multiple audio and video sources, encode multiple channels at a high resolution, and stream to multiple destinations simultaneously. More basic models may only capture one or two sources and stream one program to one destination.

We recommend choosing a hardware encoder based on your encoding and streaming requirements. For example, if you are looking to capture just one input from a production mixer and stream it to a single online destination – consider a single-channel encoder like Pearl Nano. On the other hand, if you are looking to capture multiple HDMI, SDI, and perhaps NDI sources and stream multiple encoded channels to multiple destinations – consider a workhorse hardware encoder like Pearl-2.

Originally published on June 2, 2019, this post was updated on Nov 1, 2021, with more relevant information.