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Edit Review: ViewCast Niagara GoStream

Jul 1, 2007 12:00 PM, Reviewer: Tom Patrick McAuliffe

Portable webcasting from a streaming-media appliance.

Until recently, streaming media often entailed capturing footage, taking it to the edit suite, encoding it, and then sending it to a streaming-media service provider for final transmission to the Web. Talk about a long and winding road.

ViewCast, the company that produces Osprey Video capture and encoding cards, offers an alternative with the new Niagara GoStream portable streaming-media appliance. “Appliance” is a good word because the GoStream makes the streaming of high-quality video and audio a one-button-push affair.

At press time, ViewCast released the new GoStream Plus, which replaces the original product. The products are nearly identical, but the Plus version adds MPEG-4, QuickTime, and Apple Video iPod support. An additional difference between the original GoStream and the newer version is sheer processing power. The new Plus has the capability to output a full-resolution (640×480) Windows Media stream. According to the company, by the end of the month users of the original GoStream will be able to download a free update that will add these vital new features.

The Niagara GoStream is a small, steel box that is strong enough to support an adult's body weight. At 8lbs., the GoStream is easily portable. With an optional power pack and an Internet connection, you can stream from anywhere.

The GoStream encodes video and audio in realtime to Windows Media, RealNetworks' RealVideo, AVI, or Flash — and, with a new software update, MPEG-4, H.264, and QuickTime. The unit features composite and Y/C video inputs, two RCA unbalanced stereo ins and two XLR balanced inputs for audio, two USB ports (one front and one rear), and an innovative mobile video device dock on the front that allows Apple iPods and Creative Zen portable media players to plug in and download content for checking playback. (Support for other devices such as the Microsoft Zune will follow, according to ViewCast). For output and networking, there are two Ethernet ports: a 1Gbps and a 10/100Mbps. By using professional 12V to 14V camera batteries — such as Anton Bauer's Digital Dionic battery — and a broadband access device — such as the Buffalo Technology Wireless-G Mimo Performance Ethernet converter — it is possible to stream video wirelessly from just about anywhere.

GoStream comes with a standard one-year warranty, and free tech support is handled through authorized dealers or direct by phone, email, or through the ViewCast website. Users can purchase extended warranties and priority support agreements for environments in which 24/7 operation is critical. While my purposes might not be as essential as that, I was anxious to see if the GoStream is as rugged a performer as its construction seemed to indicate.

The unit I tested featured a 40GB internal hard drive and 304MB RAM using the internal Osprey-230 encoding card. Using the GoStream was easy. I hooked up a DV deck via the Y/C in and the RCA stereo inputs (for the composite connection, you need a BNC adapter). Using the default encoding settings and the up and down selectors, I hit the record button, and the little green light let me know that I was encoding.

I filled the hard drive with various formats. When it comes to composite vs. the Y/C connection, I could see little difference no matter what format I chose — with the possible exception of AVI. Additionally, I couldn't see the preview of the footage while it was being encoded as an AVI file. The version I tested allows only 320×240 resolution output, but as I mentioned, the new GoStream Plus allows full-res encoding at 640×480 in NTSC and PAL. Once I was done, I was able to access the finished encoded file and take it into an editing program, or send it to my website or service provider for streaming to the public.

While the GoStream can operate solo, I found that the LCD interface did not provide me enough information, such as the elapsed duration of the video or audio being encoded, the file location, etc. However, by hooking up a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse, I could access and change the various encoding parameters, and view the footage as it was being encoded. In my opinion, this configuration was essential given the limitations of the LCD interface — which, of course, makes the unit less portable. The GoStream also had some trouble recognizing various USB storage devices. I would sometimes need to restart the unit or the storage device to make it recognize the USB devices. Additionally, considering that the GoStream is geared toward professional users, I was surprised not to find an IEEE 1394 or SDI port nor a YUV input for component video. The current version is compatible only with Windows XP; Windows Server 2003 and Vista OS compatibility is coming soon, according to ViewCast.

If a single-channel encoder is not enough, and you need multiple units or a more permanent installation, you are in luck. At NAB, ViewCast featured a new Dual Dock that allows you to rack two GoStreams side-by-side in a 3RU configuration. It's a basic mounting device with no electronics for about $475. The company also offers an attachment upgrade to the Dual Dock that adds Flex-Dock connectors to allow more permanent connections and installations.

Despite its minor operational challenges, I found the Niagara GoStream reliable and a viable contender as a streaming solution. Three main things impressed me.

First, the ability to pre-define encoding profiles and formats for the three EZStream buttons. This allows a less tech-minded individual to stream content with the press of a single button.

Second, the unit's light weight and the option for battery power give the user the option of running the GoStream in the field, whether to a conference room down the hall or farther afield (assuming, of course, you find an Internet connection wherever you end up).

And finally, the Niagra SCX Web Interface software allows easy access and total control of the GoStream, either with a keyboard and monitor directly attached or even remotely via any web-connected browser anywhere in the world (again, assuming that the GoStream is connected to the Internet).

The GoStream performed very well, but I was not able to test the iPod nor the QuickTime/MPEG-4 features, and I feel these are really necessary functions. As if to address my concerns, ViewCast announced the new free software update at NAB 2007. By the time you read this, the new free upgrade software for H.264/QuickTime and MPEG-4 will be available (as will the newer GoStream Plus). The update is downloaded from a computer to a USB device, which is then inserted into the front-panel USB port of the GoStream. GoStream will prompt the user with instructions via the LCD.

So far, ViewCast cites a wide range of applications for the GoStream. A major sports broadcaster has used the GoStream to stream outdoor events live. GoStreams are being used in Iraq to stream video from military installations. Another customer uses it to stream live video from music venues, and a major university is using GoStream to stream video from college sporting events and make them available as video on demand via its website.

If you are looking for a solid media distribution tool that's as simple to use as one of your home appliances, you should consider the ViewCast GoStream.

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bottomline

Company: ViewCast www.viewcast.com

Product: Niagara GoStream

Assets: Portable, battle-ready construction, supremely easy to use, well-written and well-illustrated manual.

Caveats: No IEEE-1394 I/O, LCD screen does not tell enough information, limited customization.

Demographic: Anyone needing a solidly built, portable realtime media encoder.

PRICE: $5,995 (GoStream); $7,495 (GoStream Plus, which has faster processor with full-resolution streaming)

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© 2008 Penton Media, Inc.