SME 100 Retired

H.264 Streaming Media Encoder
Key Features
  • Streams DVI, RGB, HDTV, and video signals with audio over IP networks
  • Use with the SMD 101 H.264 decoder to provide complete end-to-end streaming systems
  • Compatible with many third-party H.264 devices including set-top box decoders
  • Supports input signals up to 1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p/60
  • DVI, RGB, HDTV, and standard definition video upscaling and downscaling
  • Integrated three-input AV switcher
The Extron SME 100
Model Version Description Part #
 SME 100 HD H.264 HD Encoder 60-1061-01 Retired
 SME 100 SD H.264 SD Encoder 60-1061-02 Retired

This product has been retired.
Suggested Replacement
SME 211

The Extron SME 100 is a live streaming media encoder that interfaces with DVI, RGB, HDTV, and standard definition signals for delivering media over IP networks. The SME 100 can be used with the Extron SMD 101 H.264 decoder to provide complete end-to-end streaming systems. It features an integrated three-input switcher with audio, plus buffered loop-throughs for simplified integration into AV systems. The SME 100 employs standards-based H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC and AAC encoding, and outputs an IP stream that can easily be decoded and viewed on desktop or laptop PCs. High performance Extron signal processing scales and optimizes video input signals for the intended viewing application. Encoding controls also provide adjustments for bit rate and quality. By extending AV signals over networks, the SME 100 significantly expands AV system capability.

Enhance AV Capabilities With Streaming

Use of a standards-based encoder provides an open technology environment that provides a high degree of interoperability and the opportunity to stream into platforms supporting the H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC standard. Live H.264 media streaming can enhance AV system functionality in many ways. Help desk staff can view live content at their PCs and actively monitor AV systems. Presentation overflow rooms can easily be added by streaming to a PC connected to a projector or flat-panel display. Corporate and educational facilities can simplify their AV system designs by installing DVD players, satellite receivers, and other sources in a central location, streaming to individual rooms as needed. The SME 100 can also be used for broad media delivery across the Internet when used with a media server and CDN - content delivery network.

H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC Encoding

The SME 100 employs the H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC compression standard. The H.264 Baseline, Main, or High Profiles may be applied at Levels 5, 4.x, or 3.x, providing the ability to optimize video bit rate and data coding for devices that operate at specific resolutions or processing speeds, such as set-top box decoders. The SME 100 is compatible with hardware set-top box decoders, and may also be embedded in webpages using software media players such as VLC® or QuickTime® for presentation on PCs. The SME 100 will automatically deliver a software media player to a newly connected PC, enabling presentation of streamed AV content.

Designed for Pro AV Integration

A host of familiar, integrator-friendly features make the SME 100 ideal for professional AV applications. The integrated three-input switcher accepts common video signal formats together with stereo audio, from DVI to analog RGB and composite video. The universal video input can accept multiple analog formats and automatically detect between them. Each input has a buffered loop-through, so that the SME 100 can be integrated into a new or legacy system without the need for additional AV equipment such as distribution amplifiers. The SME 100 also includes audio breakaway so that any connected audio source can be assigned to the streamed output.

Image Quality and Streaming Control

The same high performance video processing in Extron’s flagship scalers and signal processors is used in the SME 100 to optimize video and computer graphic input signals, with high quality upscaling and downscaling to deliver the best possible image presentation for various AV streaming requirements. The SME 100 accepts standard definition and high resolution video signals up to WUXGA 1920x1200 and HDTV 1080p/60. The resolution of the streamed output can be set at a user-selected rate, including resolutions as low as 166x120 optimized for small-screen viewing in small windows or on mobile devices. The SME 100 can also output higher resolutions up to HDTV 720p or 1080p to support full-screen AV presentations.

Several user controls are available to adjust the quality of the AV encoding. These include video resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, bit rate control, and audio bit rate. The group of pictures - GOP length can also be adjusted, allowing the user to specify use of fewer or more frames in the compression process. The bit rate control can be set as variable or constant to meet image quality or network bandwidth requirements. An ultra-low bit rate less than 1 Mbps can be used with a low streaming resolution, for example, or the SME 100 can be set to deliver HD video at a 10 Mbps limit to deliver very high resolution streams. Encoder control settings can be saved into presets so the user can quickly switch between various streaming profiles based on resolution or bit rates for different applications. The SME 100 includes several predefined presets for common streaming applications.

Multiple Control Options

The SME 100 can be quickly configured from the front panel or through the USB port. It can also be controlled using a Web browser to access embedded HTML pages, or through Ethernet or RS-232 serial ports. Video streams can be viewed live from the Extron embedded HTML interface while making encoder adjustments.