Comrex LiveShot Portable Video/Audio Over IP Codec (with Anton Bauer Gold Mount) Comrex

Comrex LiveShot™ delivers live video over a range of IP networks. LiveShot is used by TV stations and networks to deliver high quality, low latency video from anywhere Internet access is available. LiveShot leverages the success of Comrex ACCESS audio IP codecs and uses the same technology to smooth out the “bumps” on the public Internet to allow broadcast-quality live video streaming. LiveShot is especially optimized to perform well on challenging IP networks like 3G, 4G and satellite-based links.

LiveShot Portable Connections

• Video Input: HD-SDI (BNC), Composite (BNC), HDMI
• Video Output: Composite, HD-SDI Loop Through
• Audio Input: HD-SDI embedded stereo (BNC), Stereo Analog (XLR-5F)
• Audio Output: Stereo RCA
• Audio Cue Channel: 4 position 3.5mm jack for wired headset or Bluetooth

Video
LiveShot encodes and decodes video to the H.264 codec standard, which is the state-of-the art codec for high quality video using low network bandwidth. But not all H.264 encoders are alike. Within the standard, several lesser-quality profiles are available to conserve processing power. For optimal video quality, LiveShot encodes with H.264 HIGH profile. Several other options within the H.264 standard, many of which are not implemented by competing products due to complexity, are default in LiveShot. All H.264 options that maximize quality over poor networks and decrease latency are implemented.

Audio
Comrex has years of experience encoding live, low latency audio over IP networks for broadcast, and LiveShot shows it. In addition to standard AAC audio coding, LiveShot utilizes HE-AAC and AAC-ELD audio coding, both reducing network bandwidth and lowering delay.

Latency
LiveShot can encode and decode an audio/video stream with less than 200mS delay. Delay may be higher based on encoding mode and network factors. LiveShot uses an automatic decoder buffer manager to keep delay to an absolute minimum. This technology was perfected over years of experience with the BRIC series of audio codecs.

Channels
LiveShot delivers full-duplex video and stereo audio between the field portable and studio rackmount systems. In addition, a full-duplex cue channel is available between the systems. (NOTE: Feature not yet available)

On the portable, the return audio/video channel is delivered via output connectors, or streamed to a mobile device via the built-in Wi-Fi access point. The cue channel is accessible on the portable via wired headset or Bluetooth audio to a wireless headset. (NOTE: Feature not yet available)

Controls
LiveShot is optimized to be controlled in two ways:

LiveShot can be “driven” from the studio via the “LiveShot Central” Server, which is maintained by Comrex. (NOTE: Feature not yet available) LiveShot Central allows you to connect to your LiveShot in the field from any web browser, regardless of whether the system has a public or private IP connection. Once logged in, the studio side users can set up and operate LiveShot remotely, including the Store and Forward functions.

LiveShot can also be controlled locally via a web page delivered from its internal Wi-Fi access point. This Wi-Fi connection is independent from any media channel, and serves a web page optimized for mobile browsers.

Portable
LiveShot portable is designed to be compact and lightweight. The unit is supplied with Anton Bauer-style Gold Mounts to sandwich between a professional video camera and a battery. The system can be powered from the battery or from an external AC power supply. Power consumption is 8 watts. Weight is 5 pounds.

Wireless
Besides connection to Ethernet, LiveShot offers connection to wireless modems via two USB ports. These ports can be used simultaneously to increase the bandwidth of wireless connections. LiveShot USB connections are made via a pair of flexible 8-inch gooseneck-style adapters, which serve to elevate wireless modems above the body of the unit and above the cameraman’s head. The adapters are bendable to provide for proper physical spacing between wireless modems, and to survive hitting doorways and other obstructions.

LiveShot is supplied with a high-gain Wi-Fi USB adapter, and can support a wide range of 3G and 4G USB modems. Via the built-in Ethernet port, connections can be made to Inmarsat satellite terminals.

Store and Forward
LiveShot Portable can store audio and video on its integral SD card slot. Once that video is recorded, files can be managed and uploaded to the studio via either user interface. (NOTE: Feature not yet available)

LiveShot also maintains a fixed-length storage buffer of the ongoing stream on the SD card. On demand, this buffer can be captured and forwarded to an FTP server in the studio for better-than-live quality.