In addition to encoding, the new Vidiu X from Teradek offers an SD card slot for recording your live streams. Retail price is $699.
Though primarily known for wireless video products and high-end streaming, Teradek also makes products aimed at smaller churches and independent video creators. Their battery-powered Vidiu Go streaming encoder ($1,490) is already in use everywhere from mountaintops to sailboats; now the new Vidiu X ($699) brings simple, stable streaming to an even lower price point.
Teradek is clearly hoping churches will be drawn to the compact size, low cost and simplicity of Vidiu X.
Vidiu X is a compact, USB-powered streaming encoder with a single HDMI input and output. Designed to work with a single camera or downstream from a video switcher, Vidiu X offers HD video streaming at resolutions up to 1080p60 (H.264 at up to 15 Mbps, RTMP(S) and RTSP protocols). Vidiu X lacks SDI inputs, H.265 encoding and a few other features found on higher-end encoders, but these omissions allow Teratek to keep Vidiu X both compact and inexpensive.
You can also monitor the live stream right from your phone or mobile device.
Vidiu X fits in the palm of your hand, but still has room for a front-panel display and user interface with joystick. Out back, an 1/8-inch jack functions as an audio input for stereo line or microphones. Ethernet and USB-C ports round out the Vidiu X's connectors, while a standard SD card slot allows you to record your live stream. Vidiu X also has a place in the larger Teradek video world, as it can be added as a video source in the Airmix live switching and streaming app for the iPad.
For a simple stream to one of the common platforms (i.e. Facebook, YouTube), Teradek claims you can have Vidiu X up and running in seconds (with "the touch of a button", a claim we look forward to testing). With manual settings and some user knowledge, Vidiu X should stream to most any platform. Full control of Vidiu X comes through a companion app that runs on iPhone and Android devices. The app allows you to configure your destinations, stream settings and network connections. You can also monitor the live stream right from your phone or mobile device.
If you're in the field with limited bandwidth, Vidiu X can reportedly connect to up to four iPhones at the same time.
A video stream is only as good as its internet connection, so Vidiu X offers multiple ways to keep the bits flowing. The encoder's hard-wired ethernet connection is the best choice, but may not always be available. Vidiu X also offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connectivity for speeds above 800 Mbps. The USB-C connector allows Vidiu X to work with a handful of compatible cellular modems (mobile hotspot) on 4G or 5G networks. If you're in the field with limited bandwidth, Vidiu X can reportedly connect to up to four iPhones at the same time.
Vidiu X can connect to Teradek's ShareLink cloud platform to unlock some advanced features. Most notable is ShareLink's "bonding" mode, which combines multiple upload sources into a single stream. This means Vidiu X can simultaneously upload data through any combination of ethernet, wi-fi and cellular networks to ensure the highest video quality and stability. ShareLink also allows you to stream to multiple platforms at the same time. ShareLink is a subscription service, with entry-level plans starting at $2 per GB or $25 per month.
Teradek is clearly hoping churches will be drawn to the compact size, low cost and simplicity of Vidiu X. We look forward to testing the encoder to see how well it meets the needs of churches both large and small.
