StreamZHD format-agile media encoding servers expand the powerful and flexible features of StreamZ into the high definition domain, offering multi-format, high-performance HD/SD video ingest, encoding, transcoding and streaming with outstanding output quality for a broad range of professional applications.

High definition video anywhere, any time, any format
Broadcast, post production, archive, digital dailies, video on demand (VOD), IPTV, Blu-ray and many other professional applications all depend upon the visual quality offered by HD acquisition, production and distribution. Meanwhile, distribution to multiple platforms – from HDTV to the Web and mobile devices – has become essential to maximizing opportunities in today’s competitive media landscape. Digital Rapids StreamZHD media encoding systems are the industry's most versatile HD content creation and repurposing tools, letting you capture, encode, transcode, stream and deliver your content in multiple formats ranging from uncompressed HD video to high-quality streaming media, all from a single, intuitive interface.

Combining the performance and quality advantages of hardware based preprocessing with the flexibility of software codecs and powerful, robust software features, StreamZHD encoders are ideal for creating and transforming HD content for network-based distribution and file-based production workflows. From real-time HD encoding and HD streaming from live sources or decks to transcoding from existing media files, StreamZHD seamlessly brings together IP-based networks, file-based workflows and high definition video, boosting your productivity, efficiency and output quality.

Multiple formats, one easy workflow
StreamZHD encoders are format agile, on both input and output. StreamZHD can capture HD (1080i, 1080p, and 720-p) or SD video in its native format, or format convert it iduring ingest from HD to SD, SD to HD, or between HD resolutions. Real-time down-conversion of dual-link and 3G-SDI inputs allows easy repurposing without the workflow inconvenience and expense of external format converters. StreamZHD also provides a future-proof upgrade path to emerging applications powered by 3G-SDI.

Source video can be encoded to multiple formats, resolutions and bit rates simultaneously in real time – ideal for optimally reaching multiple audiences and when creating content for adaptive bit rate delivery. For complex combinations of output formats exceeding real-time performance, Batch Encoding mode can capture to an uncompressed media file in real time and automatically transcode it to multiple formats without user intervention. StreamZHD offers the industry’s highest quality for live and on-demand adaptive streaming technologies including Adobe® Flash Dynamic Streaming, Apple iPhone and iPad HTTP Live Streaming, and Microsoft® IIS Smooth Streaming.

StreamZHD supports standard and optional compression and container formats including AVC/H.264 (including Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, Transport Streams and Elementary Streams), VC-1 (Windows Media), MPEG-2, XDCAM HD, Avid DNxHD, DVCPro, AVC-Intra (Panasonic P2), JPEG2000, Dolby Digital and Digital Plus, QuickTime®, MXF, GXF, LXF, Omneon and many more, with a flexible architecture ensuring easy expandability to support future formats. Stereoscopic 3D content can be encoded in H.264 with the optional Digital Rapids Studio AVC Encoder for frame-compatible (side-by-side or top-bottom) 3D delivery. Dozens of file formats, including additional formats such as QuickTime-wrapped Apple ProRes, can be used as sources for transcoding.

Hign-quality, high definition hardware...
Audience expectations of video quality on platforms from IPTV to the Web continue to increase. To meet or exceed these expectations, looks really can be everything, and simply being HD isn’t enough – high definition isn’t necessarily high quality. StreamZHD encoding systems are renowned for their exceptional output quality, powered by the advanced video preprocessing capabilities of our purpose-built Flux hardware cards. Hardware-preprocessing features (such as motion adaptive de-interlacing with pixel-level analysis) groom the input signal to be more compression-friendly, resulting in superior visual quality and the most efficient use of bandwidth in the compressed output. Preprocessing in hardware also leaves greater CPU power available to encode more multi-format outputs simultaneously. Robust handling of irregularities or disruptions in incoming source signals ensures superior reliability. An incoming SDI signal on StreamZHD can even be switched between HD and SD sources without interrupting in-progress encoding and streaming. Meanwhile, hardware-based graphic overlay and video proc amp controls let you brand and refine your video.

...tightly integrated with sophisticated software
StreamZHD includes the powerful and flexible Stream FE software, providing you with a simple, consistent interface with a streamlined workflow from ingest through delivery. The Stream FE software lets you adjust compression settings and hardware pre-processing options as precisely as desired, from production-tested presets to robust manual controls. Video and audio processing plug-ins such as graphic overlay, adaptive inverse telecine, color space conversion and audio mix-down can be applied, and output can be directed to a variety of options including archive files and live streams.

Encoding parameters can be saved in whole or in part in reusable project files and profiles, letting you or your colleagues reuse portions within other jobs, or perform similar tasks later with just a single click or under automation.

Easy workflow integration and automation
StreamZHD combines its format agility and outstanding quality with a comprehensive set of tools for automation and easy integration into any environment. Features including as RS422 deck control, GPI triggers, standalone logging, e-mail notification and automated FTP delivery let you integrate easily with existing equipment and automate your workflow. Watch folder support can be combined with powerful template-based publishing to streamline your workflows, enabling automated encoding and publishing to websites, archives, FTP servers and more by simply dropping source content into a specified folder. Script commands and cue points can be inserted into ASF and Flash outputs to trigger downstream events such as advertising insertion or replacement. For ingest automation and live streaming management, the optional Digital Rapids Broadcast Manager software provides centralized control, scheduling, management and failover for multiple StreamZHD systems.

Optional Nexguard forensic watermarking by Civolution provides advanced content protection, while the Civolution Teletrax option embeds watermarks for content tracking and monitoring. YouTube Content ID and Vobile VideoDNA support generates ‘fingerprints’ to enable automatic identification of clips on the Web, enabling content owners and publishers to more effectively monitor, protect, manage and monetize their media online. Support for content access technologies such as Microsoft PlayReady ensures that high-value content is used only as specified by the content owner and only by authorized users. Closed Caption support bolsters content accessiblity and enables regulatory compliance.

External scripting and XML-based project files let you extend StreamZ functionality and customize how it works in your environment. For more advanced requirements, multiple levels of SDK – including a robust Web Services API – are available for integrating the Stream FE software tightly into your custom applications.

StreamZHD continues to raise the bar for multi-format HD encoding solutions, with an unparalleled combination of versatility, quality, performance and efficiency. StreamZHD – the ideal encoder for today’s multi-platform HD world.

	High-quality, multi-format HD/SD ingest, encoding, transcoding and streaming
	Unmatched versatility - encode to files or live streams from live sources or decks; transcode from existing media files
	Hardware based video preprocessing for optimal quality and bandwidth usage
	Simultaneous output to multiple formats, resolutions and bitrates lets you optimize for each target audience or application
	Broad, expandable compression and file format support including adaptive bit rate delivery technologies
	Comprehensive analog and digital input options
	Dual-channel models process two distince sources simultaneously
	Flexible software with extensive integration, automation and customization features
	All features and benefits of Stream FE Software

Click here for a complete chart of formats for each level of software.
	AVC/H.264
	Microsoft Silverlight (H.264, VC-1, Windows Media WMV, live and on-demand IIS Smooth Streaming)
	Adobe Flash (H.264, or On2 VP6, Dynamic Streaming)
	H.264 for Apple iPhone/iPad with integrated segmenting
	MPEG-4, MPEG-2, MPEG-1, 3GPP
	XDCAM HD, DVCPro, Avid DNxHD
	MXF, GXF, LXF, Omneon
	JPEG2000
	QuickTime (including Apple ProRes import)
	AVI, Uncompressed
	RED R3D (import)
	Dolby Digital (AC-3) and Digital Plus, Dolby Pulse AAC, MP3, WAV
	and more!