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Problems?
The only problems I encountered in my tests were occasionally the audio meter would stop functioning during an encode, and since I didn’t have headphones or speakers connected to the StreamZ I couldn’t tell if I had an audio drop out or if there was a major problem. When I stopped encoding and went to check the file, the audio was there and was fine. This is something that needs to be addressed in future software releases.[an error occurred while processing this directive]
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| Occasionally the audio meter would stop responding even though audio was flowing through the system and being encoded to the file. |
Even though there is enough screen space in the StreamZ software, the developers have opted for only one screen of video information. While you can toggle between source and encoded windows, sometimes it is nice to be able to display both side by side to get the best comparison of how the encoding is going.
Feeling good all over
I stated at the beginning of this review that the StreamZ is simple to use and understand. If you have done any streaming at all in your life, I feel confidant that you will be up and streaming with this system in less than 30 minutes. From the time I opened the box, installed the unit in a rack, hooked up a deck, and started encoding (and streaming live) a video feed my elapsed time was roughly 15 minutes.
There is not a whole lot to this system, but then again, does there need to be? The StreamZ system doesn’t need to have a lot of bells and whistles added just to make it look fancy. It does what it is supposed to do, and it does it extremely well. Some of my students who used this system were able to set up profiles for other streaming and encoding projects and were very sad when it had to go back to Digital-Rapids. Now they have to go back to the old encoding system, with its funky quirks and ways. One even commented that it was almost like driving a BMW Z-3 and then having to give it back only to drive home in a VW bus from the 1960s.
Bottom line – if you need to stream and need a powerful system that is easy to work with and understand, then the StreamZ may be the solution for you. For the price, this is probably the best system out there.
For more information on the StreamZ line of products, visit their site at www.digital-rapids.com. If you are in Vegas at the 2003 NAB convention, stop by their booth SL2469 and check it out for yourself.
When not working deep in the labs of the DMN Central Division testing the latest and greatest software/hardware products Stephen Schleicher can be found at the local university teaching a few courses on video and web production. He can be reached at schleicher@mindspring.com. You can also visit him on the web at www.mindspring.com/~schleicher
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