Ultra Encode SDI

The Magewell Ultra Encode SDI is a professional standalone live streaming and IP video encoder purpose-built for SDI-based broadcast and professional AV environments — converting any 3G-SDI source into simultaneous multi-protocol streams at up to 16Mbps without a PC, without a software operator and without interrupting the existing SDI signal path. Accepting SD, HD and 3G-SDI inputs at up to 2048×1080 60fps with a dedicated BNC SDI loop-through, it encodes dual streams in H.264 or H.265 and delivers them simultaneously via RTMP, SRT, RTSP, HLS and NDI HX to streaming platforms, contribution servers and IP production networks. Connecting via Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11ac or 3G/4G USB mobile broadband modem, it is the entry-level SDI model in the Ultra Encode family — the professional choice for broadcast cameras, studio SDI sources and live event production systems that demand SDI connectivity, 16-channel embedded audio and reliable permanent streaming infrastructure. Supplied by iView Data, authorised UK Magewell distributor, with full UK warranty and same-day dispatch from UK stock.

Core Functions & Capabilities

• 3G-SDI to Multi-Protocol Live Streaming: Encodes any SD, HD or 3G-SDI source and streams simultaneously via RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, HLS and NDI HX — covering every major streaming and IP production protocol used in broadcast, ProAV and internet delivery from a single device without interrupting the existing SDI infrastructure.
• Dual Stream Encoding up to 16Mbps: Encodes a main stream and sub stream simultaneously — each with independent resolution, frame rate and bitrate settings up to 16Mbps. Deliver full-quality H.264 or H.265 to your primary destination while a lower-bitrate sub stream feeds secondary distribution or monitoring endpoints.
• 16-Channel SDI Embedded Audio: Captures all 16 channels of SDI-embedded audio at 24-bit 192kHz for encoding — double the 8-channel HDMI audio of the Ultra Encode HDMI, making it the right choice for broadcast sources with multi-group audio configurations including programme, commentary, clean feed and international sound.
• SDI Loop-Through Output: Dedicated BNC SDI loop-through passes the full input signal simultaneously with encoding — maintaining the existing SDI router connection, monitor feed or downstream recording chain without any interruption, quality loss or additional hardware.
• NDI HX Encoding — IP Production Ready: Encodes the SDI input as NDI HX for distribution over a standard Gigabit Ethernet network — making any SDI camera, router output or broadcast source an immediately discoverable NDI stream on the network alongside conventional streaming outputs.
• H.264 & H.265 (HEVC) with AAC Audio: Full H.264 and H.265 video encoding with up to 8-channel AAC audio at 48kHz — delivering efficient, broadcast-quality streams suitable for contribution, live streaming platforms and NDI HX IP production networks simultaneously.
• Analogue Audio I/O: 3.5mm LINE IN for external analogue audio input and 3.5mm LINE OUT for monitoring — with independent level control enabling external microphones, mixers or audio sources to be incorporated into the encoded stream alongside SDI embedded audio.
• NDI Bridge & NDI SDK 6.2: Updated firmware includes NDI Bridge support and NDI SDK 6.2 — enabling NDI HX streams to be bridged across different network segments and subnets, and full compatibility with current NDI production infrastructure and Facebook Business Pages streaming.

Key Features

• Triple Connectivity — Ethernet, Wi-Fi & 4G: Connects via wired Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac or a 3G/4G USB mobile broadband modem (not included) — ensuring a reliable streaming connection from broadcast studios, OB trucks, live venues and field locations without stable wired infrastructure.
• Browser-Based Web GUI: Full configuration including stream profiles, network settings, audio levels and firmware updates via any modern browser — no software installation required. Compatible with IE, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera.
• Native Platform Support: Built-in native integration with YouTube Live, Facebook Live and Twitch — configure streams directly by platform without manually entering RTMP server URLs or stream keys. Facebook Business Pages support added in latest firmware.
• USB Recording: Record encoded streams to a connected USB flash drive simultaneously with live streaming — enabling local file-based recording as a backup or archive without additional equipment.
• Control Hub Compatible: Registers with Magewell Control Hub for centralised management, firmware updates and real-time status monitoring — essential for broadcast facilities managing multiple Ultra Encode units across a site or across multiple locations.
• T-Bracket Mounting: Included T-bracket for desktop, shelf or camera cage mounting — suitable for permanent equipment room installation, OB truck deployment or camera-adjacent field mounting alongside SDI broadcast cameras.
• HTTP APIs: Full HTTP API access enabling integration with third-party control systems, broadcast automation platforms and custom enterprise management workflows.
• Crestron & Q-SYS Compatible: Works with Crestron and Q-SYS control systems via HTTP APIs — enabling full integration into enterprise AV and broadcast control environments.

Ideal For

• Broadcast Cameras & SDI Production — Permanent Streaming: Install permanently at SDI camera outputs, production switcher aux outputs and router outputs — stream broadcast feeds to YouTube Live, Facebook Live, SRT contribution servers and NDI production networks simultaneously without a PC at the encoding point.
• Houses of Worship — SDI Camera Streaming: Permanently encode SDI camera outputs to stream weekly services to multiple platforms simultaneously — browser-managed from the AV control room and monitored via Control Hub without an operator at the device location.
• OB Trucks & Mobile Production: Compact standalone multi-protocol streaming from OB truck SDI sources — reliable RTMP and SRT contribution alongside NDI HX output, with Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity for venues without wired streaming infrastructure.
• Live Sports & Events — SDI Contribution: Encode SDI production outputs for SRT contribution to remote production studios and cloud platforms — with loop-through maintaining the in-venue SDI routing and display infrastructure during the event.
• Education & Lecture Streaming: Permanently encode SDI lecture theatre cameras for simultaneous live streaming and NDI HX distribution to campus production systems — with loop-through maintaining the existing local display feed.
• Medical & Clinical Broadcasting: Encode SDI surgical cameras and medical imaging system outputs for SRT streaming to secure remote servers — loop-through maintains the theatre display while the encoder streams to telemedicine, training and consultation platforms.

Ultra Encode Family — Which Model Is Right for You?

Magewell Part Number: 53120. Full technical specifications are available on the Specifications tab above. 3G/4G USB modem not included. NDI® is a trademark of Vizrt NDI AB. Supplied by iView Data, authorised UK Magewell distributor, with full UK warranty and same-day UK dispatch.