Choosing the Right Encoder for Live Streaming – Epiphan Pearl

Live streaming a professional event requires good gear and it all begins with the right encoder to live stream. And without an encoder, you quite literally can’t broadcast – it takes raw camera feeds and turns them into H.264 or similar formats to stream. In this tutorial, we will outline what to find in an encoder and why Epiphan Pearl hardware encoders are the perfect answer to professional broadcasters. For those working with advanced AV Systems, choosing a right encoder is a critical step in ensuring seamless, high-quality live broadcasts.

What Encoder Should I Use for Streaming?

One of the most common questions from professionals planning a live broadcast is, “What encoder should I use for streaming?” The answer depends on your production needs, but for most high-stakes, multi-camera or mission-critical streams, a hardware encoder like Epiphan Pearl is the recommended solution.

How to choose the best encoder for live streaming

• Professional output: Multi-camera channels and HD/4K support. For example, Pearl-2 can output or record a maximum of 6 video streams and support up to 4K. Whether you’re running a high-stakes conference or a hybrid event, selecting the right encoder is essential. This is especially true for teams deploying AV Solutions that demand seamless multi-channel production and reliable stream quality.
• All-in-one streaming: Most hardware encoders combine switching, streaming and recording in a single unit. This reduces complicated setups by removing additional switchers or capture cards.
• Hardware vs. software: A hardware stream encoder is a dedicated device with specialized processors. They are less latency-prone and more stable compared to PC-based solutions. Free and flexible software encoders (OBS, vMix, etc.) rely on the CPU of a PC and sometimes other capture devices.
• Connectivity and protocols: Multiple inputs (HDMI, SDI) and outputs. Support for protocols such as RTMP, HLS and more recent ones such as SRT or NDI if you’re doing networked production.
• Reliability: Professional streams should not be permitted to drop frames. Hardware encoders are designed to run 24/7 and generally have an advantage over a stressed computer.

Why Epiphan Pearl Stands Out

• All-in-One Production: Pearl can live switch between sources, stream out to CDNs (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) and record locally simultaneously. This minimizes the need for separate switchers or recorders.
• Multi-Input and 4K Capability: Depending on the model, Pearl supports 2 to 6 inputs. For example, Pearl-2 can handle up to 6 HDMI/SDI inputs and stream 4K (with an add-on). Such flexibility makes Pearl ideal for concerts, sports or corporate events with multiple cameras.
• Built for Reliability: Pearl systems are designed for streaming. The hardware is optimized for encoding work, so it doesn’t become overwhelmed like you would see in a PC encoder. As one engineer put it, Pearl-2 provided the “pro features and processing horsepower” required for a perfect live event.
• Industry Proven: In addition to OpenAI, most broadcasters use Pearl. It is SRT, NDI and cloud-managed for easy remote operation, ready for evolving streaming demands.

Stream, Broadcast and Record with Confidence – Epiphan Pearl’s Core Strengths

• Webcasting: Epiphan Pearl simplifies webcasting by enabling users to broadcast to well-known content delivery networks (CDNs) such as YouTube, Facebook Live and Vimeo and to private portals. With built-in protocol support for streams such as RTMP and SRT, the Pearl provides high-quality, low-latency delivery of your stream to worldwide audiences. From corporate keynote presentations to university webinars, Pearl’s webcast-ready feature simplifies it with a professional-grade output.
• Broadcasting: For mission-critical live broadcasts, Pearl delivers solid performance and reliability. The system is available with multiple video inputs (HDMI, SDI) and up to 4K resolutions, making it well-suited for dynamic productions such as concerts, sports and hybrid conferences. Video switching integrated into the system allows for seamless on-the-fly source switching, delivering a professional-quality, real-time broadcast.
• Recording: Pearl surpasses live streaming by allowing simultaneous local recording of your streams. This means you will always have a high-quality backup or post-production material, even if there is an internet failure. Recordings are stored internally or on external storage, with file format and naming convention options to suit any workflow. This makes Pearl ideal for content archiving, re-purposing, or on-demand playback.

Conclusion:

In live streaming today, having a right encoder makes or breaks the show. An industrial-grade, purpose-built hardware encoder such as the Epiphan Pearl offers flexible multi-input operation with rock-solid reliability, an ideal solution for high-quality live events. We’ve discovered Pearl’s single-unit design and industry-tested performance (used by crews such as OpenAI’s) gives it an advantage. Whether you’re setting up a corporate event or working with an AV Integrator to design a robust streaming workflow, the Pearl series delivers. To make your next live broadcast a breeze, check out the Epiphan Pearl series. Learn more on the Pearl-2 product page.