AJA HELO Plus v2.0 Advanced H.264 Streaming and Recording - HELO-PLUS-R0

SPECIFICATIONS

Video Formats
(HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 720p 50, 59.94, 60
(SD) 525i, 625i
Video Codec Support
H.264/MPEG-4 Encoder
Video Encoding Parameters
100 kbps to 20 Mbps. Bit rate may be set independently for Encoder1 and Encoder 2.
Up to 1080p60
Supports Baseline, Main and High Profiles
Audio Encoding Parameters
32 kbps to 256 kbps
48 kHz 2-channel stereo
MPEG-4 AAC-LC
Protocols
RTMP, RTMPS, RTSP, HLS RTP-TS/UDP-TS Unicast and Multi Unicast, SRT (caller mode). RTSP and HLS client sessions combined limited to a total of 10. RTSP limited to a single session.
Storage
1x USB port (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 media, exFAT or FAT32)
1x SD card slot, SD, SDHC, SDXC cards (exFAT)
Mounted Network Share (SMB or NFS)
Video Input Digital
1x 3G-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 10-bit
Single Link 4:2:2 (1x BNC)
1x HDMI Standard Type A connector
HDMI v1.4a, RGB or YCbCr
Video Output Digital
1x 3G-SDI, SMPTE-292/296/424, 10-bit
Single Link 4:2:2 (1x BNC)
1x HDMI Standard Type A connector
HDMI v1.4a, RGB or YCbCr
Audio Input Digital
2-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
2-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
Audio Input Analog
2-channel, Analog (-10dBV Line Level, Unbalanced stereo 1x 3.5mm TRS connector)
Audio Output Digital
2-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
2-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
Audio Output Analog
2-channel, Analog (Line Level, Unbalanced stereo 1x 3.5mm TRS connector)
Network Interface
10/100/1000 Ethernet (RJ-45)
Embedded web server for Configuration and Control
User Interface
Stream Button
Record Button
Web UI
Simple Web Configuration via AJA eMini-Setup (macOS and Windows)
Integrated calendar
Control and Automation
Integrated calendar scheduler
Support remote ICS calendars
Scriptable REST control API
Closed Captioning supported
Size (w x d x h)
8.50" x 5.5" x 1.02" (215.9 x 139.7 x 25.91 mm)
Weight
1.0 lb (0.46 kg)
Power
External power supply required
Enclosure: 12Vdc 4-pin mini XLR
AC adapter included: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, universal input, 12V– 60W Max
Environment
Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)

Remote or Local Control
HELO Plus can be easily configured remotely on a standard web browser, via the Ethernet connection, and using a desktop or laptop computer. Every function of HELO Plus is accessible in the WebUI, with multiple HELO Plus devices being easily controllable via a tabbed browser window. Once set up to your requirements, HELO Plus can also be controlled via the stream and record buttons on the front of the device, with audio level LED meters providing feedback for monitoring, or the system can be controlled directly from the included web-based UI. There’s also the option for remote control via the system’s integrated REST API.

Video and Audio Support
Video Formats

(HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 720p 50, 59.94, 60
(SD) 525i, 625i
Video Codec Support

H.264/MPEG-4 Encoder
Audio Encoding Parameters

32 kbps to 256 kbps
48 kHz 2-channel stereo
MPEG-4 AAC-LC

SRT Support
SRT is an open source video transport protocol and technology stack, developed and pioneered by Haivision, that optimizes streaming performance across unpredictable networks with secure streams and easy firewall traversal, bringing the best quality live video over the worst networks. The SRT Open Source Project, supported by the SRT Alliance, is a collaborative community of industry leaders and developers striving to achieve lower latency internet video transport by continuously improving open-source SRT.

HELO Plus includes SRT (plus encryption) to ensure you are well positioned to deliver streaming video content securely, with low latency and secure reliability.

HELO Plus Connections and Indicators

HELO Plus offers all the professional digital I/O you need to make HELO Plus the heart of your streaming service. The easy to access front panel buttons make starting and stopping your stream simple.

Front of the HELO Plus:

Record button
Main and Backup LED indicators
Stream button
Streaming LED indicators
LED Stereo VU meters
1x USB 3.2 Gen1 port (5Gb/s) for media recording and playback. This USB connection can supply 1A of current to the storage device, allowing it to work with modern, larger memory sticks.
USB LED indicator
1x SD card slot for media recording and playback
SD card LED indicator
Rear of the HELO Plus:

1x Stereo analog audio input
1x Stereo analog audio output
1x 3G-SDI input
SDI signal LED indicator
1x 3G-SDI output
1x HDMI 1.4a input
HDMI signal LED indicator
1x HDMI 1.4a output
1x Dedicated Micro USB port for use with AJA Mini-Config software
1x 1GigE network connection for control and SMB recording/playback
1x Locking power connector

Operational Flexibility
HELO Plus' small footprint form factor and silent operation allow it to fit on any desktop, with the operator using the easy to access front panel start/stop buttons. But just as simply, HELO Plus can be operated remotely from a desktop or laptop computer via Ethernet, which is especially useful for multiple HELO Plus use cases. HELO Plus is designed to give you the flexibility to configure and deploy HELO Plus to your needs in the field, home, or studio. HELO Plus fits any streaming need imaginable, from sports, news, creator, education, eSports, remote workflows, and many more. REST API capabilities provide control for all functions of the HELO Plus, regardless of the scenario, allowing for user developed integration and automation.

Simultaneous Stream and Record
HELO Plus has the capability to stream and record up to 1080p60 simultaneously in the following combinations:

Stream to two destinations and record to SD local storage simultaneously

Stream to two destinations and record to USB local storage simultaneously

Stream to two destinations and record to NFS/CIFS network storage simultaneously

Having a recorded backup of the video stream provides a high quality H.264 version for editing applications, with the most suitable storage being selected. Network storage may make more sense for edit sharing, while an SD card or USB recording provides an easy takeaway for clients or editors.

Calendar Integration
HELO Plus opens up a world of new streaming workflows for AV, live events, houses of worship, webcasting, corporate communications, production, and post. HELO Plus offers a scheduler that triggers pre-planned start and stop recording and streaming media, simplifying projects requiring definitive schedules. The schedule may be programmed locally through HELO Plus' web UI, importing .ics files, or linking to external calendar providers such as Google Calendar.

Layouts - Powerful Multi-Input Video Processing
HELO Plus brings the exciting layouts feature, allowing multiple inputs to be combined into a single screen with a graphic element overlay. A layout enables the user to combine the SDI input and the HDMI input into a single output stream and then add a graphic (video + key) into that composite. The layout can have up to 3 layers, and their priority can be arbitrarily adjusted to suit the customer’s needs. In addition to the layering engine, both the SDI and the HDMI layers can be arbitrarily downscaled and positioned anywhere in the frame. Effectively, each live video source can be used in its picture-in-picture (PiP) element.

The system also has an internal matte generator, which can be used as the background. In this way, the graphic can be keyed over the dual PiP images, which are “over” a flat matte background. The system can accurately switch from one layout to another frame, allowing the user to “cut” between layouts during a streaming session. Layouts are stored in one of the 20 Presets, allowing users to recall all of the parameters needed for a specific purpose. There are 10 layouts stored in each preset, so the user recalls the show’s preset and can then switch between those 10 layouts at will.

The graphics system is equally impressive - The system stores 90+ images in its internal, non-volatile memory.

Dual Streaming Outputs
HELO Plus has dual encoders for streaming outputs, giving the flexibility to create different output settings from a single input source. The two encoders can have different packaging settings and different output frame sizes, which means that a single content stream can be presented in two ways to serve a wider audience. It can also be duplicated across both encoders for added resilience. Either of these encoder outputs can serve as the source for the HELO Plus recording system as well.

Use Case: Sports Streaming Workflow
In this use case, a sports channel 1080p59.94 video feed is being commentated on in the studio, with the video output and embedded audio being passed directly to the SDI input of the HELO Plus. The HELO Plus streaming content is monitored using an HDMI monitor and headphones. The first encoder is set to encode the video and audio as an RTMP stream, while the second encoder is set to output an HLS stream instead. HELO Plus allows high quality sports feeds with higher frame rates of 59.94 and 60 to be encoded easily, with greater detail and motion than lower frame rate content offering an enhanced user experience.

Use Case: Live Event Streaming Workflow
In this use case, the live event PGM feed is passed to the SDI input of the HELO Plus. The HELO Plus streaming content is monitored using an HDMI monitor and headphones. The first encoder is set to output an RTMPS stream, while the second encoder is recording directly to an SD card as a backup for later editorial use.

Use Case: Educational Streaming Workflow
In this use case, a college lecture is taking place. The HELO Plus receives video over SDI of the lecturer. At the same time, the presentation on the lecturer’s laptop is being output via HDMI to the HDMI in of the HELO Plus. The HELO Plus streaming content is monitored using an HDMI monitor and headphones. The HELO Plus has been set up to create a layout for picture-in-picture. In this case, the lecturer's video is scaled down and moved to the lower right corner as an overlay of the presentation. This picture in picture combined output is passed to both encoders, with the first encoder offering a stream for students outside the facility via RTMP. At the same time, the second encoder utilizes HLS for delivery to a college breakout area.

Use Case: Group Control Workflow 1
In this use case, the switched video output of a studio production is being recorded as a ProRes master on an AJA Ki Pro Ultra 12G. The Ki Pro Ultra 12G passes the video and audio via SDI to a HELO Plus. The HELO Plus is configured for a layout that shows the production video scaled down with a composite background provided by the frame store. The Ki Pro Ultra 12G and HELO Plus are connected to the same Ethernet network, configured to be a group, with Ki Pro Ultra 12G as the leader. Hitting record on the Ki Pro Ultra 12G triggers the HELO Plus to start streaming and recording to USB simultaneously. Grouping HELO Plus with other AJA video devices offers even more sophisticated control, with simultaneous synchronization for recording and streaming across multiple devices.

Use Case: Group Workflow 2
In this use case, an eSports video with embedded audio feed is distributed via an AJA KUMO 3232 SDI router to four commentary studios. Each commentary studio embeds its respective mixed audio track for each region. Each commentary studio passes out the SDI video and newly embedded commentary audio mix to a HELO Plus, four in total, with each connected to the others via an Ethernet switch. The four HELO Plus devices are configured as a group, with HELO Plus #1 set to be the leader. Pressing record or stream on HELO Plus #1 triggers all the HELO Plus devices to stream to two alternate formats, 1080p29.97 and 720p29.97, keeping start and stop streaming for the group in sync across the various streams. Group functionality across multiple HELO Plus devices is easily achieved on standard infrastructure, meaning the devices do not have to be physically near each other to function as though they were connected side-by-side.

Industry Leading Support
AJA’s technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your HELO Plus installation, configuration, operation, or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.

HELO products are covered by a generous three year warranty.

HELO Plus: Advanced H.264 Streaming and Recording from AJA Video Systems on Vimeo.