Best ASI to IP Converters
What should you know about ASI to IP converters?
The broadcasting industry of the 21st century is open to new technologies that allow reaching as many viewers as possible at the lowest possible cost. The rapid development of technology and the global spread of the Internet gave the broadcasting industry unique opportunities. However, many broadcasting stations have been based on the ASI standard for years. Nowadays, more and more TV channels and broadcasting companies are deciding to use the IP network to stream real time in a fast, efficient and cheap way. But what if you don’t want to throw away your ASI devices? You can still use them but you need a converter in order to be able to transmit your data over IP. What should you know then about ASI to IP converters?
ASI – what is it?
The acronym ASI means Asynchronous Serial Interface. What is behind this mysterious term? ASI is one of the ways of transporting MPEG-TS, a standard digital container format for transmitting audio, video and some other data. The only purpose of ASI is the MPEG-TS transmission, which is the commonly used protocol to carry transmitted audio and video in real time. For many years, ASI was a popular solution in the broadcasting industry: the live broadcast program, before reaching the viewers, was sent from the studio to the transmitting devices. Briefly summarizing the most important features of ASI, also often referred to as DVB-ASI (DVB - Digital Video Broadcasting):
- Signal transmission on a copper coaxial cable or multicode optical fiber
- MPEG data transmission with a constant rate of 270 megabits per second (or less)
- Transmission of compressed SD, HD or audio programs
Why did the broadcasting industry need to convert ASI to IP?
ASI was carried on a coaxial cable - a cheap and common solution. However, the development of the technology provided an opportunity to reduce the cost by using the Internet, while increasing the number of viewers. The perfect solution was streaming over the IP network. But, what to do with the older ASI technology still standing in TV studios? Many smaller and larger TV stations decided to buy the converters that not only allow live transmission on the Internet but also often allow simultaneous transmission of several to a dozen programs. Moreover, transmission over IP networks is cheaper and more reliable. The broadcasting industry simply moved with the times.
List of the Best ASI to IP converters
This device is a Decoder for IP TS Stream, ASI and RF Carriers (optional) with Multiple Video Outputs. This Unit will Broadcast in High Definition MPEG 2 quality. This Device provides HD-SDI Video outputs with embedded audio, HDMI, CVBS, YPbPr
Features
- H.264 and MPEG-2 Hardware Decoding to HD-SDI, HDMI, YPbPr, and CVBS Outputs
- Low cost broadcast grade satellite IRD or ASI decoder
- Front panel program selection for MPTS ASI inputs
- Dual PCMCIA slots for CAM card adapters to support conditional access services
- Stand alone network managment software for device configuration and monitoring
This Device is a Satellite IRD Decoder for DVB-S/S2, ATSC, IP and ASI with SDI Video output. This Unit Supports 608 and 708 closed captioning
Features
- RF / IPTV / ASI INPUT - All Audio-Video Outputs incl. HDSDI, HDMI, CVBS, Suppoty SD and HD formats up to 1080p/60
- Tuner available as OFF AIR ATSC, QAM CABLE, ISDBT, DVBT, DVBC, DMBT - Any standard
- 10/100 Etherent for IPTV multicast or unicast TS MPEG2/4 Input
- H.264 and MPEG-2 Hardware Decoding to HD-SDI, HDMI, YPbPr, and CVBS Outputs
- Combine programs from both ASI and IP inputs to multiplexed ASI and IP Outputs
- ASI input for Remultiplexer option to create a new MUX out as well 48x ip streaming spts out for routing and distribution
- Cam slot for tv programing description
- Front panel video monitor for confidence monitoring and troubleshooting
- Separate multiplexed program transport streams to SPTS IP outputs 32 Max
- Web server interface for secure browser management and full front panel interface
- Supports Closed Caption 608 and 708 systems, supports Dolby AC/3 Pass Through
How does it work?
Here comes the IT knowledge. However, this is not very complicated and an average person who deals with various devices should understand how works the ASI to IP converter. Reading and following the provided with the ASI to IP converter should make you understand how this device works. It doesn't hurt to learn a little bit about this type of converter. For example, the set may include an ASI input and output module, Ethernet IP network input and output module as well as a CPU module. In this case, the MPEG-TS data reaches the converter through the ASI input, and then it is encapsulated by the CPU and is carried to the Ethernet output module. Then the reverse process takes place at the receiver. If you use a converter with several ASI inputs, you can transmit several streams over IP at the same time. The wide range of converters available on the market allows you to choose the device tailored to the needs of every TV station.
What to check before buying an ASI to IP converter?
Consumers' requirements may vary significantly due to the differences between the equipment of various TV stations. That's why you'll find on the market at least several types of converters with different parameters. So what should you pay attention to before making your final decision?
- Number of ASI / IP inputs and outputs - you can buy a converter with 4 inputs, but you can also choose a model with 12 or even 16 inputs. It all depends on your needs.
- Latency - t is a very important parameter for streamers, informing about the difference between the real time of the transmitted program and the moment when it reaches your viewers. However, we are talking about really small values, e.g. 1 millisecond.
- Compatibility - check all parameters regarding compatibility with your devices: ports, inputs, outputs, supported transmission types (eg unicast, multicast), supported operating systems, connectors, TS packet format, IP protocols, voltage, current intensity, network parameters etc.
- Applications - some manufacturers inform about specific applications of their equipment, which may help you to choose a proper converter that would meet your needs. Some converters are great for mobile TV or DTTV, others are used in distance education or online corporate training.
- Additional options - some ASI to IP converters can also be used to convert in the opposite direction, i.e. from IP to ASI.
- Price - it's always worth taking a look at the price range. Check how much money you may need for this investment.
- Quality and reviews – compare not only prices, but also buyers' reviews, and then choose the device with the best price / quality ratio.
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