Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced AWS Elemental Link, a compact device to support multiple applications in live video environments and contribute high-quality video into the cloud. 

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AWS Elemental Link: Streamlines the live contribution process from setup to configuration and operation 

With the lightweight bright orange device, users can connect to an HD-SDI or HDMI input source and their IP network, access their video on the AWS Console for processing with AWS Elemental MediaLive and within minutes stream content to viewers without concern about available bandwidth. The plug-and-go AWS Elemental Link device costs $995. 

The company claims makes it easy and cost-effective to transport live video in real time from on-premises cameras and other production equipment to the cloud for processing and delivery to televisions and connected devices. 

AWS Elemental Link is automatically tied to customer AWS accounts, so there is no configuration required. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) so connectivity needs are minimal. 

Launching the AWS Elemental Link, Kevin Moore, director of product management, Live Transcoding at AWS Elemental, said: “In as little as two wires you can connect your live video to the cloud using this device. The beauty of this is you’ve bought it through the AWS Console, so it comes pre-configured to connect securely to your account. All of your encryption is preloaded onto the device, so you don’t need to do anything. You just bring it to your environment, turn it on, watch as the lights on the front turn blue and you’re ready to go.” 

AWS Elemental Media Live encodes the live video into different streams (resolutions and bitrates) and users can then opt to use AWS Elemental MediaPackage to format the streams for playback on a range of devices; AWS Elemental MediaStore as a media-optimised storage and origination service; and Amazon CloudFront to distribute the live streams to devices for playback.  

Controllable via the AWS Management Console, AWS Elemental Link lets customers use one account to remotely manage a distributed fleet of geographically dispersed encoders in a centralised workflow, handling the ingest, starting, and stopping of live video. 

Compared with other approaches, the company claims Link reduces the configuration, calibration, and testing resources typically required to deliver a high-quality picture. It automatically matches the audio configuration of the source and carries essential metadata, such as the captions and timecode, through the stream.  

For partners and solution providers building services on top of AWS, the device can also be controlled via the API, enabling them to build end-to-end live video software solutions.