External Ingestion in Spiideo allows you to bring third-party camera feeds directly into the Spiideo platform via the SRT protocol. You can use this feature to supplement existing Spiideo cameras for a multi-angle view or run it as a standalone solution to manage ingestion entirely from your own hardware.
One Spiideo scene can support up to four ingested sources. Your subscription tiers determine how many sources you can add to the scene.
To externally ingest footage, you simply need a compatible stream encoder to bridge your camera signal to the Spiideo Cloud.
What is a Stream Encoder?
A stream encoder takes a 3G-SDI output signal from a manual camera, encodes it, and sends it out over the internet using SRT.
You can choose between a Spiideo Encoder or a third-party one. Whilst we support both, we strongly suggest using the Spiideo encoder, especially in Spiideo Replay.
There are a few benefits to using a Spiideo encoder:
Plug & Play: Pre-configured for your account—simply connect power, ethernet, and SDI to get started.
Low Risk: We use verified hardware (SDI Level A) that is monitored and managed remotely by our team.
Streamlined Support: We provide a single point of contact, troubleshooting the entire stream from your venue to the cloud.
Please note: You need one encoder per external source.
Spiideo Stream Encoder Requirements
Network
Required upload bandwidth is 15Mbps per encoder.
Supported 3G-SDI Input Signal
The intended SDI signal that will be fed into the Spiideo stream encoder must be supported.
The Spiideo stream encoder is compatible with 3G-SDI inputs according to the SMPTE 424M standard. Please note that while this standard includes several mapping modes, the encoder exclusively supports Level A (Single Link). Level B (Dual Link or Dual Stream) signals will not be recognized.
Video
The encoder accepts a wide range of high-definition resolutions and frame rates. Please ensure your external source is configured to one of the following standard formats:
Progressive (1080p): 60, 59.94, 50, 30, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps
Progressive (720p): 60, 59.94, 50 fps
Interlaced (1080i): 60, 59.94, 50 fps
Please note: The Spiideo encoder requires a standard progressive or interlaced signal. Progressive Segmented Frame (PsF) signals are not supported and will not be recognized by the system.
Audio
The encoder supports high-fidelity embedded audio via the SDI signal. Please ensure your source matches the following parameters:
Channels: 2 Channels (Level A support)
Format: 24-bit L-PCM
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Operational & Environmental Requirements
To ensure long-term reliability and performance, the Spiideo encoder must be installed in a controlled environment protected from direct exposure to rain, snow, or extreme dust.
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +40°C
Survival Temperature: -40°C to +80°C (Non-operational)
Relative Humidity: Up to 85% RH, non-condensing
Third Party Stream Encoder
Whilst we support the usage of a third-party encoder, we strongly suggest using the Spiideo encoder, especially in Spiideo Replay.
If you are using a third-part encoder, the requirements are as follows.
Encoder settings video | Requirements |
Resolution | ≤3840x2160 (4K) |
Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
Frame rate | 12≤FPS≤240, any integer/decimal number in this range is supported. Over 60 is not common on streaming encoders. |
Scan | Progressive recommended, interlaced supported. |
Codec | H.264 / H.265 |
Video bitrate | < 50 Mbps |
Encoding mode video | Variable bitrate (VBR) |
Keyframe interval (GOP length) | Recommended <5s. Supports up to 11s. |
Supported frame types* | I and P |
* B-frames are not supported.
Encoder settings audio | Requirements |
Codec | ACC-LC |
Audio sample rate | 48 kHz |
Audio bit rate | ≤256 kbit/s for stereo or mono |
Stream settings | Requirements |
Stream protocol | SRT |
SRT Call mode | Caller (Spiideo is the listener) |
SRT address | Available via Spiideo UI |
SRT destination port | Available via Spiideo UI |
SRT stream ID | Available via Spiideo UI |
General Latency | Requirements |
From lens to Spiideo | ≤ 1s |