What Is an Encoder?

An encoder is a device (or software program) that takes a video and audio feed from your video equipment and encodes, compresses, and sends it to the cloud using a coding standard such as H.246 and HEVC.  When the video content is captured in the cloud, it can be broadcast and viewed across a wide spectrum of devices and video resolutions.

What is a Hardware Encoder?

A hardware encoder is a computer specifically designed for encoding and compressing video for broadcasting to the web and multisite locations. If you don’t have a particularly powerful computer or want to take advantage of some of the unique features offered by one of our hardware encoders, you can do so by visiting the Resi hardware encoders page.

What is a Software Encoder?

A software encoder is a program that uses your computer’s processing power to encode your broadcast. Software encoders are an affordable option for basic live streaming and are a good entry point for streaming.

Resi offers a software encoder integrated with ProPresenter. You can use this to live stream your event with minimal additional setup. Learn more by reading over ProPresenter 7’s system requirements.

It is important to remember that using a system with the minimum requirements may result in lower-than-average broadcast quality.

What is an Encoder Video?

At its most basic level, an encoder video has been converted from one format (i.e. raw footage) to another format that is more easily distributed over a broadband network to a wide variety of destinations. Video data that goes through an encoder is compressed and distributed to a secured cloud network where it can then be decoded or transcoded (read or translated depending on your destination) and subsequently broadcast.

Resi’s encoders use proprietary technology in order to offer stability and reliability for live broadcasts. This means that Resi encoder videos can only be created on a Resi encoder and can only be distributed through the Studio platform. Because of this integration, and our patented RSP, you can consistently rely on Resi’s products and processes to ensure that your broadcast does not stop or lose quality. You can learn more about this by reading about our Resilient Streaming Protocol.

What Makes Resi Encoders Unique?

Resi encoders use Resilient Streaming Protocol, which means that our system can also overcome temporary network outages by locally storing and uploading cached content to the Cloud. This helps ensure that your video and audio content is always being broadcast from a complete source. This also means that you can more reliably broadcast flawless content over an unreliable network, such as a dual wan router with a cellular connection in case of a complete internet outage.

How Do Encoders Work in the Resi Ecosystem?

Resi offers a number of methods for distributing video content to multiple sites. Even though live streaming is not the only way to broadcast with Resi, you can only do so with a Resi encoder running in Studio. When you receive your encoder and register it in your Studio encoder settings, you will then be able to control and configure it through Studio. From there, depending on what is included in your service plan, you can use Studio’s content storage and distribution system to broadcast to a social media destination, an embed code, or remote venues with a decoder.