Broadcast cameras

SDI Caption Encoders

Deliver high quality, seamless captions with LEXI AI-powered automatic captioning; facilitated by the broadcast industry’s most trusted SDI caption encoders.
Cameraman with headset

Encoders to suit any SDI workflow

AI-Media offers a comprehensive range of SDI caption encoders empowered by state-of-the-art EEG technology. This innovative suite of caption encoders caters to diverse captioning requirements, providing cutting-edge solutions for a wide array of applications. And all of which interface with our flagship AI-powered automatic captioning solution, LEXI.

The suite of SDI caption encoders offered by AI-Media encompasses a range of features and functionalities to meet different captioning needs. Whether it’s live broadcasts, recorded videos, or interactive multimedia presentations, AI-Media’s encoders can adapt to the specific requirements of each scenario. These encoders are capable of capturing audio signals, analyzing them using advanced algorithms, and producing synchronized captions in real-time.

How do our SDI video encoders compare?

Which SDI encoder suits your requirements?

SDI Encoder Encoder Pro (HD492) Encoder Pro Card (HD1492) Encoder Core (EN537) Encoder 4K (AV650)
Compatible with LEXI Captions
Compatible with iCap Partner Captions
CC Match Syncing Add On
UHD 12G SDI
VANC Insertion Modules Available
Secondary Video Output (Decoder / Dual Encode)
1 Rack unit - self contained, 1 channel per box
OpenGear Card
Product

Encoder Pro

iCap Encode Pro SDI Video Caption Encoder for Live Broadcasting

Encoder Pro (SKU: HD492) is the broadcast standard 1RU SDI caption encoder that offers a low operational cost and low-latency caption display. It works with most common broadcast video formats and meets varying broadcast and streaming needs, from local broadcasts, to municipal, educational and corporate meetings.  The  Encoder Pro hardware supports HD video standards up to 1080P on 3 Gbps SDI transport. For support for 4K and HDR signals using 12 Gbps SDI, see the  Encoder 4K. 

 

Encoder Pro offers a range of benefits: 

Simplified, End-to-End Captioning

    • Easily combine Encoder Pro with Ai-Media’s LEXI automatic captions or human captions for a seamlessly integrated, end-to-end solution powered by our world-leading iCap Cloud Network. 

Support for Regional Broadcast Standards 

    • The Encoder Pro SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)

Low Operational Cost

    • With a standard broadband connection, the iCap Cloud Network eliminates the need for a pair of phone lines per channel (or expensive satellite equipment) for both broadcasters and captioners.

Futureproofed Technology

    • Encoder Pro and the iCap Cloud Network can make a future transition to virtual and cloud-based architectures as smooth as possible.
    • Encoder Pro has an optional “Alta” module for direct output of SMPTE 2110-40 IP ancillary data. Or you can switch your iCap Cloud Network access codes at any time to pure software encoding products such as Alta for 2110 or MPEG-TS that are currently connecting emerging OTT delivery and IP production technologies into the same interoperable network.
    • Combine ENT (Electronic Newsroom Technique) captioning for scripted newscasts with verbatim automatic captioning for unscripted segments and fast-breaking news
    • ENT Caption Ready: Encoder Core also converts text input from your newsroom computer teleprompter feed into CEA-608/708 captions.

Remote Administration and Monitoring

    • AI-Media’s administrative cloud lets broadcasters and authorized transcription agencies monitor, add, change or remove users and encoders from their account. Broadcasters can view captioner activity and retrieve connection logs on any encoder in the chain remotely from a web browser.

Multiple Output Destinations

    • Encoder Pro is more than broadcast television captioning. Route incoming captions to scoreboards, mobile devices and web streaming services anywhere with a host of available modules accessed through the encoder interface.

Live Captioning Input Through:

    • iCap Network
    • ComCC modem virtualization system
    • Direct TCP/IP or Telnet
    • Teleprompters, Voice Recognition systems, and Automation servers using RS-232

Modules Available:

    • CCMatch caption/video synching
    • Streaming text output to YouTube Live Events, Wowza Media Server, UVault, and more
    • Video feedback to captioner (iCap Video) for position monitoring
    • CTE-104 VANC insertion from GPI triggers or TCP/IP messaging
    • Record incoming captioning with CCRecord
    • Timed playout of captioning files with CCPlay
    • Optional SMPTE 2110-40 Simulcast module for transmission of SDI VANC. contents over IP using 2110.
    • Synchronization of live captions and program video/audio with CCMatch technology.
    • SCTE-104 VANC insertion from GPI triggers or TCP/IP messaging.
    • Compatibility with 4K SDI “quad link” systems.
    • Support for caption input through a built-in Dial-up Modem, Direct TCP/IP or Telnet, Teleprompters, Voice Recognition systems, and Automation servers using RS-232.
    • Relay bypassed master video path for all formats of SDI video up to 3 Gbps.
    • Auxiliary SDI video input for bridging caption data from one program to another.
    • Additional built-in SDI decoder output shows on-screen caption burn-in.
    • GPI caption relocation triggering for FCC-required emergency bumping.
    • Insertion of V-Chip and XDS data.
    • Simultaneous support for up to six languages.
    • The Encoder Pro SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)
    • This encoder supports iCap so you can easily connect to LEXI Automatic captioning solution or live captioners
Product

Encoder Pro Card

The Encoder Pro Card (SKU: HD1492) SDI caption encoder offers industry-standard captioning and HD VANC encoding for the OpenGear platform with built-in iCap Cloud Network access. No audio couplers are needed – simply plug and play.

You can easily combine the Encoder Pro Card with AI-Media’s LEXI automatic captions or human captions for a seamlessly integrated, end-to-end solution powered by our world leading iCap Network.

Employ up to 10 cards per open gear frame for superior density.

Encoder Pro Card offers a range of benefits:  

Simplified, End-to-End Captioning

    • Easily combine Encoder Pro Card with Ai-Media’s LEXI automatic captions or human captions for a seamlessly integrated, end-to-end solution powered by our world-leading iCap Cloud Network.

Support for Regional Broadcast Standards 

    • The Encoder Pro Card SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)

Low Operational Cost

    • With a standard broadband connection, the iCap Cloud Network eliminates the need for a pair of phone lines per channel (or expensive satellite equipment) for both broadcasters and captioners.

Futureproofed Technology

    • Encoder Pro Card and the iCap Cloud Network can make a future transition to virtual and cloud-based architectures as smooth as possible.
    • Encoder Pro Card has an optional “Alta” module for direct output of SMPTE 2110-40 IP ancillary data. Or you can switch your iCap Cloud Network access codes at any time to pure software encoding products such as Alta for 2110 or MPEG-TS that are currently connecting emerging OTT delivery and IP production technologies into the same interoperable network.
    • Combine ENT (Electronic Newsroom Technique) captioning for scripted newscasts with verbatim automatic captioning for unscripted segments and fast-breaking news
    • ENT Caption Ready: Encoder Core also converts text input from your newsroom computer teleprompter feed into CEA-608/708 captions.

Remote Administration and Monitoring

    • AI-Media’s administrative cloud lets broadcasters and authorized transcription agencies monitor, add, change or remove users and encoders from their account. Broadcasters can view captioner activity and retrieve connection logs on any encoder in the chain remotely from a web browser.

Multiple Output Destinations

    • Encoder Pro Card is more than broadcast television captioning. Route incoming captions to scoreboards, mobile devices and web streaming services anywhere with a host of available modules accessed through the encoder interface.

Live Captioning Input Through:

    • iCap Cloud Network
    • ComCC modem virtualization system
    • Direct TCP/IP or Telnet
    • Teleprompters, Voice Recognition systems, and Automation servers using RS-232

Modules Available:

    • CCMatch caption/video synching
    • Streaming text output to YouTube Live Events, Wowza Media Server, UVault, and more
    • Video feedback to captioner (iCap Video) for position monitoring
    • SCTE-104 VANC insertion from GPI triggers or TCP/IP messaging
    • Record incoming captioning with CCRecord
    • Timed playout of captioning files with CCPlay
    • Compatible with Ross Dashboard monitoring and control
    • Optional SMPTE 2110-40 Simulcast module for transmission of SDI VANC. contents over IP using 2110.
    • Synchronization of live captions and program video/audio with CCMatch technology.
    • SCTE-104 VANC insertion from GPI triggers or TCP/IP messaging.
    • Compatibility with 4K SDI “quad link” systems.
    • Support for caption input through a built-in Dial-up Modem, Direct TCP/IP or Telnet, Teleprompters, Voice Recognition systems, and Automation servers using RS-232.
    • Relay bypassed master video path for all formats of SDI video up to 3 Gbps.
    • Auxiliary SDI video input for bridging caption data from one program to another.
    • Additional built-in SDI decoder output shows on-screen caption burn-in.
    • GPI caption relocation triggering for FCC-required emergency bumping.
    • Insertion of V-Chip and XDS data.
    • Simultaneous support for up to six languages.
    • The Encoder Pro SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)
    • This encoder supports iCap so you can easily connect to live captioners or ASR solutions.
    • Simultaneous support for up to six languages.
    • The Encoder Pro SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)
Product

Encoder Core

Encode Basic (EN537): Live Broadcast Caption Encoder

A highly effective yet affordable SDI video encoder, Encoder Core (SKU: EN537) is designed for those requiring basic caption insertion features. You can easily combine Encoder Core with AI-Media’s LEXI automatic captions for a seamlessly integrated, end-to-end solution. The Encoder Core delivers quality caption compliance for broadcast news, government and more.

  • Simplified, End-to-End Captioning
      • Easily combine Encoder Core with Ai-Media’s LEXI automatic captions 
      • Easily Connect to On-site: Live captioners can easily connect to the Encoder Core over TCP/IP, directly through the unit’s serial port, or using the optional telco modem
      • Combine ENT (Electronic Newsroom Technique) captioning for scripted newscasts with verbatim automatic captioning for unscripted segments and fast-breaking news
      • ENT Caption Ready: Encoder Core also converts text input from your newsroom computer teleprompter feed into CEA-608/708 captions.

    Support for Regional Broadcast Standards 

      • The Encoder Pro SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)

    Futureproofed Technology

      • Encoder Core has an optional “Alta” module for direct output of SMPTE 2110-40 IP ancillary data. Or you can switch your iCap Cloud Network access codes at any time to pure software encoding products such as Alta for 2110 or MPEG-TS that are currently connecting emerging OTT delivery and IP production technologies into the same interoperable network.

    Remote Administration and Monitoring

      • AI-Media’s administrative cloud lets broadcasters and authorized transcription agencies monitor, add, change or remove users and encoders from their account.

    Multiple Output Destinations

      • Encoder Core is more than broadcast television captioning. Route incoming captions to scoreboards, mobile devices and web streaming services anywhere with a host of available modules accessed through the encoder interface.

    Live Captioning Input Through:

      • ComCC modem virtualization system
      • Direct TCP/IP or Telnet
      • Teleprompters, Voice Recognition systems, and Automation servers using RS-232

    Modules Available:

      • CCMatch caption/video synching
      • Streaming text output to YouTube Live Events, Wowza Media Server, UVault, and more
      • CTE-104 VANC insertion from GPI triggers or TCP/IP messaging
    • Rackmount SDI closed caption encoder
    • Adds CEA-708 or OP-47 Teletext caption data required for broadcasting and streaming
      applications
    • For use with Lexi Automatic Captioning
    • Please note the EN537 unit does not support iCap Cloud Network.
Product

Encoder 4K UHD 12G

A native 12G solution, the Encoder 4K (SKU: AV650) SDI video encoder is perfect for event production companies looking to expand their audiences by having the flexibility to work with broadcast, live stream, and in-room spaces, while having the option to encode in 4K. It’s equipped to future-proof any production studio or event space.

Simplified, End-to-End Captioning

    • Easily combine Encoder 4K with Ai-Media’s LEXI automatic captions or human captions for a seamlessly integrated, end-to-end solution powered by our world-leading iCap Cloud Network.
    • With Encoder 4K, you can overlay open captions on a 4K display or in ATSC 3.0 for in-room monitor accessibility. The SDI video signal with captions can also be sent to a separate streaming media encoder, and then converted to RTMP for a live streaming workflow.

Support for Regional Broadcast Standards 

    • The Encoder 4K SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)

Low Operational Cost

    • With a standard broadband connection, the iCap Cloud Network eliminates the need for a pair of phone lines per channel (or expensive satellite equipment) for both broadcasters and captioners.

Futureproofed Technology

    • Encoder 4Kand the iCap Cloud Network can make a future transition to virtual and cloud-based architectures as smooth as possible.
    • Encoder 4Khas an optional “Alta” module for direct output of SMPTE 2110-40 IP ancillary data. Or you can switch your iCap Cloud Network access codes at any time to pure software encoding products such as Alta for 2110 or MPEG-TS that are currently connecting emerging OTT delivery and IP production technologies into the same interoperable network.

Remote Administration and Monitoring

    • AI-Media’s administrative cloud lets broadcasters and authorized transcription agencies monitor, add, change or remove users and encoders from their account. Broadcasters can view captioner activity and retrieve connection logs on any encoder in the chain remotely from a web browser.

Multiple Output Destinations

    • Encoder 4K is more than broadcast television captioning. Route incoming captions to scoreboards, mobile devices and web streaming services anywhere with a host of available modules accessed through the encoder interface.
    • Adds support for 4K resolution video through 12 Gbps SDI interconnect
    • Rackmount SDI closed caption encoder
    • The Encoder 4K SDI caption encoder is suitable for broadcast in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)
    • Compatible with Premium Captioning and automatic solutions
    • Includes built-in open caption decoder output for QA
    • Available for rental for short-term events
Case Study

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers revolutionizes captioning with AI-powered technology

The Challenge

The Portland Trail Blazers, one of the NBA’s best-known franchises, previously used live human captioners to provide accessibility for its game coverage. However, its technical team was spending significant time managing captioning resources, and the cost of human captions soon exceeded its production budget.

The Solution

The Trail Blazers saved significant time and money with an end-to-end live captioning solution that combined our AI-powered LEXI automatic captions with Ai-Media’s iCap Encode Pro. LEXI delivered up to 98% caption accuracy while also decreasing per-hour costs, while iCap Encode Pro streamlined workflows and ensured low-latency captions

Products Used
  • LEXI
  • iCap Encode Pro
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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

All our IP and SDI caption encoders are compatible with third-party automated and human captioning services. However, by using AI-Media’s LEXI automatic captions or human captions, you can build an end-to-end solution without the costly and time-consuming need to integrate third-party offerings.   

The CCMatch delay parameter allows our IP caption encoder users to match video and audio with live captions with perfect synchronization to the end viewer. CCMatch also aids in production and clipping by making sure live captions are contained completely within a segment, without overhang from programming into commercial blocks.

Our SDI and IP captioning encoders are suitable for broadcast TV in the USA (in CEA-708 Standard), or in DVB regions like the UK, Australia, and the EU (in OP-47/DVB Teletext standard.)

Unlike most vendors, AI-Media is a one-stop shop of live caption solutions and tailored human services. We offer all the captioning technology you need in one place, including a range of caption delivery solutions that seamlessly integrate with our AI-powered LEXI automatic captions and Premium human captioning service. 

With a truly end-to-end solution from AI-Media, you can ensure you have all the technology and human services you need to caption your content, whether live or recorded. This eliminates the time-consuming and costly need to integrate third-party technology. 

Yes, LEXI automatic captions work with our entire suite of encoders. This includes: 

  • Alta: A virtualized, API-powered IP video encoder that saves time and reduces costs with next-gen workflows.
     
  • Encode Pro: An HD-SDI encoder trusted by major TV networks worldwide, offering low-cost, low-latency caption display.
     
  • Encode 4K: A native 12G encoder that allows you to fLEXIbly work with broadcast, live stream and in-room spaces while encoding in 4K or HD-SDI. 
  • Falcon: A budget-friendly cloud encoder that makes it easy to add captions to RTMP/S streams.  

The iCap Cloud Network offers a range of benefits, including: 

  • Higher bandwidth audio to captioners for increased clarity and word accuracy 
  • Enhanced security, with all iCap connections encrypted and authenticated 
  • Seamless transitioning from hardware-driven to software-controlled environments 
  • Seamless interoperability with AI-Media’s range of captioning solutions 
  • 24/7/365 connectivity to thousands of certified third-party caption partners worldwide 

Yes, the Encoder Pro supports open captions.

Firmware upgrades can be applied through the Update page of the Encode Pro web portal. They can also be done by plugging in a USB drive with the updates into the front of the device.

Both the primary and auxiliary video paths through the encoder have relay protection, in case of power outage. You would see a brief interruption if the encoder lost video, but then video coming through the device would be maintained because of delays.

Yes, there is a line for the iCap connection of the encoder on the front LCD screen of the device. It will shine green if the connection is good, and red if there’s no connection. If it is in a good connection state, the LCD screen will read ‘iCap is ready’. If there is an error, the LCD screen will read ‘iCap Error’ or ‘Connection Error’. The front panel will also indicate if LEXI specifically is active at any given time.

The Encoder Core (formerly known as the EN537) is an affordable alternative for broadcasters requiring basic caption insertions. It uses LEXI to generate captions & supports a serial port TCP/IP connection, and can also be equipped with an optional telco modem. It does not support the iCap network in order to connect with human captioners.

Try pulling the power cord out of the device and leaving it unplugged for ten seconds. If that doesn’t work, please contact our Support Team.

Yes, the SDI signal with captions can also be sent to a separate streaming media encoder, and then converted to RTMP for a live streaming workflow.

The service fee for the Encoder 4K (AV650) includes iCap and hardware support, vs just hardware support on the Encoder PRO (HD492). There’s no actual difference in delivered service.

Sort of. You can use the CCPlay module for the Encoder Pro (HD492) / Encoder 4K (AV650) to load an existing caption file onto the encoder, and then play back content that will embed the captions as the video passes through.

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