LiveShot, The Portable Broadcast Over IP Codec

Capable of delivering live, two-way, HD video and audio over a range of IP networks at latencies less than 200mS, the LiveShot utilizes sophisticated CrossLock VPN technology, getting the best out of even the most challenging 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, and satellite networks to maintain a secure and stable connection.

Compact with a versatile interface, that can be camera-mounted or slung over your shoulder inside the LiveShot Pouch. The portable unit is lightweight at only 3 pounds, and designed for the most demanding environments. Used by TV stations, networks, sports franchises, and government organizations for a broad range of applications, LiveShot is ideal for streaming low-latency, broadcast quality audio and video from anywhere Internet is available. Supplied with Gold Mount or V-Mount connections, LiveShot is designed to sandwich between a professional video camera and battery. Powered by the battery or by an external AC power supply, LiveShot weighs less than 1kg and consumes up to 8 watts of power.

LiveShot's incredibly capable network management would not be possible without CrossLock VPN. Crosslock is not your average protocol; it creates a tunnel between the two connected codecs and maintains every aspect of the connection across multiple network tools. Not only does it offer bonding, diversity and redundancy, it gives the user full control and guidance for every aspect of your internet connections (whether it is mobile, Ethernet or satellite) without interrupting the broadcast. Your average streaming devices send out their data hoping that the receiving codec can keep up, there is no way for the transmitter to know the status of the receiver and data that has not arrived in time will either be discarded or delayed. This results in more latency, lower quality and in some cases the audio being completely cut off. Crosslock gets rid of this by taking that crucial information from all available network sources; Crosslock keeps your data in check and offers a highly adaptable stream on some of the most undesirable networks.

Whether you are streaming one way with more headroom for latency or you are going LIVE in both directions, LiveShot offers flexibility for any type of video plus audio stream. Dig a little further into Crosslock and you will find monitoring information for all your active network connections. You can watch while Crosslock does all the work for you, keep an eye on your bandwidth, latency and even monitor when error correction is involved. When bonding multiple devices together some will perform very well and some not, LiveShot will quarantine the units dragging the connection down and keep a close eye for when their performance is back on track. While assessing the stream, Crosslock will allocate bandwidth to each device based on their performance and seamlessly alter available bandwidth between each device. Redundant transmission will bypass all the ups and downs of each connection, instead opting to send the same stream down every available device and preventing possible hiccups when a connection is lost or poorly performing.

Every LiveShot Portable or Rack unit is capable of bidirectional HD video using the HIGH profile H.264 format, reengineered for the highest standard in both low, medium and high bandwidth scenarios. The bidirectional stereo audio is handled separately from the video feed; audio is diverse across all network connections providing redundant audio transmission. A Full-duplex Cue channel is available via 3.5mm TRRS and is also handled as a separate stream, typically using GSM for low delay, low bandwidth communications. Using the LiveShot Hub, you can install 4 USB network connections or extend that even further with an additional USB hub if necessary. LiveShot offers full control of your broadcast in real time; swap and disable your network devices on the fly, adjust your delay settings and monitor your stream via the LiveShot app using your mobile phone or tablet. A built-in WiFi access point allows you to connect directly to your LiveShot portable for full control, monitoring and the unit can act as an internet gateway for connected devices.

The team at Vortex offer remote support when purchasing any of their products and that includes expert advice, support and repairs for Comrex codecs. We also offer one full day of training when purchasing a LiveShot kit to help get the best out of your broadcasting as soon as it's in your hands.

For more details or just to have a chat about your broadcast needs, send an email to [email protected], call +44 (0)20 8579 2743 or head to www.vtx.co.uk for more information.

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 12.

(JP/MH)