ViewCast Introduces High-Density, Eight-Channel Streaming Encoder

ViewCast Corporation, a leading global provider of next generation streaming media technology, has announced the launch of the Niagara 8224 high-density analog media encoder. The newest addition to ViewCast's high-performance Niagara streaming encoder family, the Niagara 8224, is an ideal solution for the needs of government and security/law enforcement operations through its ability to capture stream, and archive premium-quality audio and video simultaneously on eight fully independent channels.
With the Niagara 8224, users can encode and stream media in real-time, at multiple bit rates, in multiple formats and multiple resolutions for a variety of demanding multi-channel applications. It is also well suited for multi-channel audio applications with the ability to deliver eight stereo or 16 mono audio streams. Examples of markets that will benefit from this encoder include state and local governments for streaming of open meetings or remote viewing of multiple traffic and weather cameras; security, military, and law enforcement agencies for remote viewing of multiple surveillance cameras; and content delivery networks for more efficient broadcast of multiple music and radio programs.
The Niagara 8224 system accepts component, composite or Y/C (S-Video) analog video inputs for up to eight channels, and balanced and unbalanced stereo audio inputs. Each channel can be configured independently to deliver multiple streams in multiple viewing formats and multiple bitrates, and each stream can be individually sized, scaled, and customized with bitmap overlays (e.g. logos and graphics) and other features such as closed-caption pre-rendering. Encoding and streaming formats delivered by the Niagara 8224 include Windows Media, RealVideo, H.263, H.264, MPEG-4 Part 2, Adobe Flash capture-to-file, 3GPP/3GPP2 container format and uncompressed AVI capture-to-file.
Niagara 8224 systems come standard with two of ViewCast's most versatile control and management software applications, Niagara SCX Pro and SimulStream, both pre-configured and ready to use.
The Niagara 8224 will make its debut at the upcoming IBC2008 show in Amsterdam, September 12 through 16. In addition, IBC2008 will mark the first time ViewCast will demonstrate its new Niagara GoStream SURF portable streaming appliance to a European audience. Powered by ViewCast's renowned Osprey video capture technology, the GoStream SURF allows users to broadcast to the Web in multiple full-resolution streams in multiple formats and multiple bit rates - all simultaneously. The SURF's combination of power and portability gives users the flexibility to stream content from a controlled studio environment or an off-site location.
"The Niagara 8224 and the GoStream SURF are two of the most innovative and versatile encoding platforms on the market today, and they are both great examples of why ViewCast is a global leader in next generation streaming solutions," said Dave Stoner, president and chief executive officer of ViewCast.
ViewCast will be at IBC Stand. 7.J10. Further information is available at: www.viewcast.com.
(KMcA/JM)