Cloud Live Video Transcoding Server

Optimize your live streaming workflow with Castr's cloud transcoding server. Publish your streams using SRT & RTMP and take full advantage of our transcoding capabilities. Modify codecs, customize resolution and bitrate, perform deinterlacing, and burn logos onto your stream to meet your specific streaming needs.

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What's A Live Video Transcoder

A live video transcoder is a critical tool in the streaming world. It operates by taking your original live stream, decoding it, and then re-encoding it to meet your desired specifications. This process is essential for adjusting key aspects such as codec, bit rate, frame rate, and resolution in real-time.   

Live transcoding becomes particularly important for platforms with specific codec requirements, enabling you to tailor the incoming live stream to align with the recommended settings of these platforms

Why Choose Castr for Video Transcoding

Opting for Castr gives you access to a robust and user-friendly platform that simplifies the complexities of transcoding live streams. We understand that transcoding can be resource-intensive and costly. That’s where Castr comes in – our service eliminates the need for you to worry about resource allocation.

We offer a straightforward flat fee per transcoder, ensuring cost-effectiveness compared to setting up your own system. With Castr, you can set it and forget it, leaving the technical details to us. Focus on your content, while we handle the heavy lifting of transcoding.

Key Features of Castr's Transcoding Solution

SRT/RTMP Ingest

Castr’s SRT Ingest surpasses RTMP’s limits by handling multiple audio tracks (even those RTMP can’t), H.265 video, and mitigating packet loss for more reliable streaming

Bitrate Control

A process of lowering bitrates, without modifying codec or resolution, such as taking a 4K video at 20 Mbps and converting it to 4K at 10 Mbps

Audio Splitting

Efficiently manage multilingual streams by ingesting multiple audio tracks, selecting your preferred language for the output stream

Deinterlacing

Easily convert interlaced live video to smooth, progressive format with one click, ensuring legacy TV streams look great on PCs and mobile devices

H265 to H264

Stream in H265 and effortlessly convert to the widely-compatible H264 codec using our transcoder for broader audience reach

Watermarking

Easily add a watermark to your video stream for consistent branding and content protection, ensuring your logo is always visible.

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There’s even more...
All features you need for live streaming

Embed Player

Share video content globally

Embed videos and stream to your own website or any over-the-top (OTT) platform like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

OTT Apps

White-label OTT Solution

Castr’s white-label OTT solution lets you launch your own video streaming app with zero coding skills.

Multistream

Stream to 30+ platforms

Broadcast your live videos across 30+ social platforms and streaming destinations at the same time.

Video Monetization

Paywall and Video Ads

Monetize your live and on-demand videos with Castr Paywall and Video Ads.

Video Hosting

Secure Video Upload

Securely host and deliver on-demand video content globally.

Multiple CDNs

Ensure optimal viewing experience

Castr’s global CDNs make sure your viewers experience videos with 4K quality, low latency, and no buffering.

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find it here? Check out our Help Center.

What does Castr's live transcoder specifically modify in a stream?

Castr's live transcoder modifies numerous parameters, including codec conversion (e.g., H.264 to H.265), resolution adjustment (1080p to 720p), frame rate adjustment (60fps to 30fps), and interlaced to progressive conversion.   
Can Castr's live transcoder convert 4K video to 720p?

Yes, Castr's transcoder automatically converts all incoming audio tracks to AAC. If your encoder supports only MPEG2, you can publish it via SRT, and we will convert it to AAC for you. 
Can I convert an MPEG2 audio track to AAC using the transcoder?

Absolutely! Castr’s ultra-low latency streaming is ideal for live sports, interactive events, e-sports, and any scenario requiring real-time audience engagement. 
Can I split audio tracks if I send multiple audio tracks?

Yes, you have the option to pick the track that you want to be attached to the output. So, if you send us 10 tracks, you can choose which one to send to the output. 
Can I passthrough an audio track and only make changes to the video?

Yes, you can use the 'copy' feature to pass through the audio track without any modifications. When enabled, we'll copy the original audio track alongside your video changes. 
What are the benefits of using SRT and WHIP protocols in Castr?

SRT provides enhanced security and reliable video transport over unstable networks, while WHIP is used to achieve the lowest possible latency for real-time streaming.  
Can I make changes to the transcoder when the stream is online?

Yes, you can make changes to the transcoder during a live stream. However, it's not highly recommended as variations in the source may cause issues with some platforms..  
Can I put a watermark on my stream?

Yes, you can add a watermark to your stream. Using the overlay feature, you can upload a logo and place it onto your stream, ensuring it carries your watermark.
How does billing work? Do I need to pay per minute?

Yes, Castr offers a Live to VOD feature that allows you to seamlessly convert your live streams into Video on Demand content for later viewing.