The extremely small and lightweight Makito X1 Rugged continues to impress a wide range of defense, ISR, and broadcast users with its full range of video encoding features. Although it consumes only 5.5 watts of power, it can encode live HD video, up to 1080p60, from an SDI or composite video source, by applying either the H.264 or HEVC codec. Highly versatile and adaptable to all types of networks, it can encode video to as low as 32 Kbps or up to 120 Mbps. As a matter of fact, the Makito X1 Rugged features two encoding cores so that it can perform two simultaneous encodes of a single source, for example a high bitrate stream for streaming over an ethernet IP network and a low bitrate stream for wireless datalinks with limited bandwidth.
In this post, we’ll be looking at the new key features that the latest update brings to the Makito X1 Rugged, and how they can benefit you.
Slice Based Encoding for Even Lower Latency
Haivision Makito video encoders are renowned for their extremely low latency when encoding and streaming live video. This is of course highly important for mission-critical defense and ISR applications where every millisecond matters. For this reason, the Makito X1 Rugged, as with its bigger sibling the Makito X4 Rugged, now supports slice-based encoding to reduce latency even further. This can be achieved by selected up to 11 video slices to be encoded in parallel and depending on the content and configuration, can reduce latency by up to 25%.
Increased Reliability with Path Redundancy
Reliability is of course also a key reason why so many trust the Makito X1 Rugged. By introducing the Haivision Path Redundancy feature, the Makito X1 Rugged can now stream content over two redundant network paths for hitless failover. If one network link goes down or experiences significant delays, the second link will automatically ensure uninterrupted streaming. Hitless failover combined with the SRT protocol for packet loss recovery, ensures that video can be reliably streamed even over unreliable networks, like the Internet.
Now with HDR for Broadcast Contribution
Broadcasters will be thrilled to learn that the Makito X1 Rugged can now support HDR workflows. PQ and HLG transfer function signaling can now be included in encoded video streams for HDR broadcast contribution. 10-bit pixel depths also enables the Makito X1 Rugged to support the wider BT.709 color gamut (WCG) for broadcast workflows that require more color detail. Of course, there is always the option of encoding with 4:2:2 chroma subsampling, for more accurate color correction of live video. For cloud-based workflows, the Makito X1 Rugged supports both UTC and SMPTE 12m timecodes for smooth integration with live production cloud services that specify one of these timing formats for multi-camera video sync.
And More: HEVC RTSP and EMS Stream Control
For users of video management systems including Milestone Systems, the Makito X1 Rugged now also supports RTSP/RTP streaming of HEVC content. Finally, any user with multiple Makito X1 Rugged encoders can now remotely control individual live streams using Haivision EMS. This ability of course also applies to Makito X4 encoders and decoders, as well as the Makito X Series.
No matter what the use case, workflow, or application, all users of the Makito X1 Rugged will surely find something useful in this latest firmware update. When combining powerful and low SWaP hardware with high performance capabilities, including dual core encoding for simultaneous high/low bitrate streaming, with these new software-defined video features, it should be no surprise that the Makito X1 Rugged continues to be such a big hit with customers.
