Can I Use More than One Encoder?

With Resi, you can use multiple encoders to broaden your content distribution or capture different content simultaneously. You can have as many software and hardware encoders as you need on your account. Here are use cases where having more than one encoder is beneficial for your setup.

Broadcasting Multiple Events

Using more than one encoder, you can capture content and broadcast from different sources at the same time. For example, if you have an event for your youth group and a different one for an adult group happening concurrently, you can use two encoders to capture both sets of content and broadcast when you need to.  

You need a concurrent web license to broadcast to more than one web destination at the same time. To activate this feature on your account, contact your Customer Success Manager. 

Broadcasting From Different Locations

If you’re broadcasting from several different locations or campuses, it may be worth investing in more than one encoder. For example, if you are capturing content from your main location for three weekly events out of the month and a different location for the fourth event, it may be worth investing in another encoder that can stay at that location, especially if you have a server-grade encoder.  

Another example is broadcasting from several locations each day, week, or month. Instead of having to transfer an encoder from one location to another repeatedly, you could have a second or third encoder to stay at those locations. If you change locations frequently, Resi’s RAY encoders are small and portable.

Multisite and Web Broadcasting

We recommend the H264 video codec for broadcasting to the web and the HEVC codec when broadcasting to a physical location. While HEVC provides better video and audio quality, H264 is supported by all web browsers. When using one encoder to capture content, you can only choose one encoder preset using either HEVC or H264. With two encoders, you can capture both.

With two encoders, you can also optimize the encoder preset settings for the best end-user experience. For example, if you’re able to increase the bitrate for multisite only, you can provide a better viewing experience when you broadcast to a physical location because only your local bandwidth matters. However, if you increase the bitrate when streaming to the web, it may lead to a decreased resolution if end-users have low bandwidth on their end.   

Organizations that broadcast both to the web and physical locations have had success using two encoders to capture the same content, using H264 to broadcast to the web and HEVC to broadcast to physical locations.  

When attempting to use HEVC to broadcast to the web, Resi’s technology will transcode the content to H264 in the cloud when starting a web video. Your audience will be able to see it when your broadcast begins. However, you won’t be able to preview it beforehand unless using Apple Safari as your web browser.  

Backup Encoder

Organizations have had success hanging on to a second encoder as a backup in case something happens with the main encoder and an immediate solution isn’t available. For example, if you’re broadcasting on a Sunday, the main encoder is unable to continue encoding content, and our support team suggests a signal path issue or a self-repair that may take time to correct, you’ll be able to either plug in your backup encoder, or if it’s a software encoder start it, and continue broadcasting.