FAQs

What is miniCASTER®?
miniCASTER® is a live encoder, battery powered with interfaces to connect to the internet via LAN directly (or over a 3G router or satellite terminal)

My iPhone can stream live as well, why do I need a miniCASTER®?
miniCASTER® is for people who want a high quality picture from a camera with good lense, optical zoom and up to Full HD, shot from a tripod with maybe external audio source. And do not have to stop broadcasting, because a call comes in.

What is the speed of the 3G link?
That depends on your provider. You will use your own SIM card in a datacard – Ask for a high upload speed (1,5 Mbit/s for SD, 3-6 Mbit/s for HD) We recommend an external 3G router.

Why does miniCASTER® not have 3G channel bounding onboard?
miniCASTER® is small and mobile encoder – for proper 3G channel bounding and to avoid interference having 3-6 mini-antennas at the device you must set up external antennas on tripods after monitoring the actual transmission enviroment to the closest 3G stations. We recommend a 3G miniCASTER router (available as an accessory) connected to the miniCASTER®.

What is the maximum resolution?
1080p – 30frames

What inputs has the analog version?
Video: Composite, S-Video; Audio – 2 ch RCA, (HDMI cooming soon)

What inputs has the digital version?
Video: SD-HD-,SDI (embedded audio); Audio – 2 ch analog audio

Will you have an HDMI input?
This is on the roadmap.

What is the recommended range of bandwith?
300 kbit/s – 8 Mbit/s (6 Mbit/s is tested and runs stable)

Can I send a signal point to point, like SDI in, sending over IP and then SDI out?
Yes, the miniCASTER® family will grow soon.

Where does the miniCASTER® send the stream to and how do my users get it?
miniCASTER® streams to the TV1.EU CDN and it can be played back with a software player like VLC, QuickTime, Flash or hardware decoders, capable of H.264 playback, wherever there is an internet connection.

Can I use miniCASTER® with my own Wowza servers?
Yes you can use a standard Wowza server.

Can I use miniCASTER® with other CDNs?
Now you can use the miniCASTER® with the TV1.EU CDN. Soon you can use miniCASTER with Limelight, Akamai, BitGravity and others as well.

If you should have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.