SnapStream does not sell the Enterprise TV software stand-alone. In order to utilize SnapStream's features, you must purchase one of our complete turnkey hardware/software solutions.

No, there isn't a monthly subscription fee, but there is a required annual service and support contract that provides you with software patches, updates, and program guide data for the United States and Canada.

SnapStream runs Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard.

SnapStream records whatever signal you plug into it. Accordingly, you are limited to capturing television content available through your cable or satellite feed. Note: some satellite providers can provide local market television channels from other markets. Check with your satellite provider to see if this service is available to you.

SnapStream's new Mac Web player enables Mac users to natively access SnapStream via Mozilla Firefox 8 and higher. There is not a native Linux version of SnapStream.

Please reference our knowledgebage article for SnapStream's full list of system requirements for Windows and Mac. SnapStream Web Player Requirements

Yes, please contact us for more information.

Yes, the SnapStream Enterprise TV interface is designed to be used both on a desktop PC with a keyboard and mouse as well as on a traditional televisions with a remote control. See our Harris County Sheriff's Office case study for an example of this.

SnapStream offer two methods to bring video into editing suites: SDI Playout, and File Importation. View our video editing compatibility document for more information.

Yes, SnapStream can be configured for a custom channel line-up. For example, if you receive television through a satellite system and have your own in-house cable plant where you re-modulate it throughout your facility using RF cabling, a custom line-up for your re-modulated feeds can be created so the program guide in SnapStream Link matches your custom in-house cable line-up.

This depends on the quality at which recordings are made. As an example, using the default MPEG-2 recording quality (MPEG-2 Fair), a 1-hour show will be stored on disk as a 1 gigabyte (GB) file. See more information on MPEG-2 qualities here. Recordings made in HD will take up about 7 GB per hour.

Yes, as a complement to SnapStream SD, we also offer SnapStream HD, which supports recording up to 5 QAM or over-the-air ATSC channels at once. For more information about this product, contact us.

SnapStream Enterprise supports over-the-network playback of live or recorded television through its Web interface or its Enterprise TV Link client software. From either platform, you can schedule recordings, search recorded shows, play back content, setup alerts and more.

Yes, the Link clients and the SnapStream appliance work across different subnets. To connect across subnets, you must manually configure the Link clients to connect to the appliance's IP address.

We recommend that you have at least a 100 Mbps wired network to support multiple simultaneous users. At the default recording quality (MPEG-2 Fair), video bit rates are 2 Mbit / sec. For SnapStream HD, we strongly recommend a 1 Gbps wired network, as a single user playing back HD content will use 15Mbit/sec of bandwidth. 

If the network connection at your remote location provides enough bandwidth, you could VPN into your organization's LAN (the same one that your SnapStream is located on), connect to SnapStream using Link and do all the normal things you can do with Link. The default recording quality (MPEG-2 Fair) would necessitate at least 2 Mbit / second of bandwidth between your remote location and your organization's LAN.

SnapStream Enterprise intelligently manages the system's available TV tuners. For example, if a show is being recorded on a particular channel and a user wants to watch that same channel live, only one tuner is used to serve both the recording and the user's live TV session. And if all the tuners on a SnapStream Enterprise system are in-use, a user trying to watch live TV is prevented from interrupting a recording or another user's live TV session and can only choose from amongst the channels that are already being tuned.

Yes, SnapStream will allow you to record a channel around the clock. You can also configure the recording to happen in time blocks of 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, or 6 hours. And you can record as many channels 24x7 as your SnapStream has the tuners to record.

Yes, multiple channels can be watched live at the same time, but only on multiple PCs. However, SnapStream does not have any picture-in-picture capabilities or the ability to playback multiple live TV channels on a single PC. SnapStream's limitation is that a single PC can playback one live or recorded TV session at a time.

Yes, you are able to use 3rd party video editing software as long as the 3rd party software supports MPEG-2 program streams or Windows Media Video (WMV).

SnapStream Enterprise has "padding" settings that allow recordings to start a specified number of minutes before the scheduled start time and end a specified number of minutes after the scheduled end time. This setting can be made on a recording by recording basis or universally for all recordings. Also, while a recording is being made, a user can dynamically extend that recording from the live TV screen if it appears that the event may end past the scheduled end time.

Yes, SnapStream's video folders and drive pooling capabilities allows for any 3rd party network attached storage (NAS), storage area network (SAN) or USB-connected direct attached storage device to be used to archive recordings. If your storage solution can be mounted on the SnapStream appliance, it can be used to store recordings made by SnapStream Enterprise. SnapStream does not have any kind of FibreChannel or eSATA connectors on it.

As the hard-drive fills up with video, SnapStream's software will automatically purge the oldest content on the machine. You can also limit the "Max number of shows" for a particular show so SnapStream Enterprise will delete episodes of that show once you hit that limit. You are able to mark a specific show or clip as "locked", meaning when it comes time to purge video, the "locked" video will not be erased.

Yes, any compatible video file can be copied into a video folder and it will appear in the library of available videos in SnapStream Enterprise. You can also add meta-data, such as show title and description, after such an import. You can also add time-coded metadata (such as a transcript) in the SRT file for such an imported video. Compatible video files include .mpg (MPEG-2), .wmv (Windows Media Video), .mp4 (H.264), .avi, .divx, .ts and .tp (MPEG-2 transport streams) and .dvr-ms.

Yes, an archive of videos in the VHS or DVD format can be manually recorded onto a SnapStream system. Doing this simply involves connecting the analog video and audio outputs from a VHS or DVD player to the corresponding inputs on the SnapStream appliance and playing the media on the player and manually recording it on the SnapStream appliance. The resulting videos on SnapStream Enterprise may be searchable, depending on whether or not your original media includes the closed-captioning data.

SnapStream SD and SnapStream HD appliances are designed to be rackmounted in a server rack and are much too loud to be located in an office.

Today, SnapStream Enterprise's primary means of searching television recordings is closed-captioning data embedded inside of all television broadcasts. Today, the FCC requires most broadcasters include closed captioning data on all of their television programs. There are some exemptions to the requirement for FCC, but, in general, most television programs in the United States include closed captioning data.

SnapStream Enterprise indexes new recordings while they are progress, so except for a short lag, recordings are searchable as they are being made.

SnapStream Enterprise allows you to do simple searches on television, including boolean logic but it also lets you refine your searches by a variety of television-specific parameters, including:

• Filter by genre (e.g. search only on 'news' or 'comedy' recordings)
• Filter by date (e.g. only search recordings 'yesterday' or 'last week')
• Filter by channel (e.g. only search recordings on 'ESPN')
• Filter by show name (e.g. only where title is 'headline news')

See SnapStream Enterprise's full television search syntax for more details.

Yes, through SnapStream Enterprise's advanced search screen, the full transcript for any recording can be viewed or downloaded.

Yes, with SnapStream's TV Alerts feature, keywords can be saved and results can be emailed to users on a real-time, daily or weekly basis. The e-mails include an excerpt of the text transcript, with matches highlighted, along with a link to the matching video clip.

Also, using SnapStream's advanced search interface, common searches can be saved as bookmarks in your web browser and then those bookmarks can manually be run and scanned or watched on a daily basis.

Yes, SnapStream Enterprise is designed to support concurrent usage by many users at the same time. However, the amount of users that watch live TV at one time will be restricted by the amount of tuners in the system.

SnapStream supports ATSC/NTSC, DVB-T and PAL video signals. So SnapStream can record TV in any country where these standards apply. However, the "search recordings" feature relies on closed captioning data (also known as subtitles or teletext), which may not be available in countries outside the United States and Canada. There is no SECAM support at this time. Also, SnapStream Enterprise does not support the CC2, CC3, or CC4 data channels at this time.

SnapStream includes access control that allows you to control the functions users have access to. For example, some of the permissions you can grant or deny include:

- watch/search recordings
- watch live TV
- create clips
- burn DVDs
- schedule recordings
- administration

SnapStream Enterprise's access control can be integrated with Microsoft's Active Directory so your users can login with their existing usernames and passwords.

Typically, it takes approximately 3-4 weeks to build, test, burn-in and ship a configured SnapStream to our customers.

All recordings are made in an unencrypted MPEG-2 program stream format. After a recording has been made, SnapStream's ShowSqueeze technology allows you to re-compress your recordings into the Windows Media Video (WMV) or H.264 formats. The specific parameters for recordings made in MPEG-2 or those ShowSqueeze'd to Windows Media or H.264, such as video resolution and bit-rate, are configurable by the administrator.

Yes, all MPEG-2, Windows Media Video (WMV) and H.264 encoding profiles are highly configurable, from resolution and bit-rate to frame rate to audio frequency and bit-rate.

Yes, SnapStream has full support for recording from digital cable and satellite television sources. For a SnapStream setup involving satellite or digital cable, you will need one set-top box (provided by your television provider) for each tuner. For example, if you are setting up a 10-tuner SnapStream to record from a DISH satellite television system, you will need 10 DISH set-top boxes (one for each input). For most television sources that require a set-top box, SnapStream controls each set-top box using an IR blaster (see our IR blaster quick-start guide). For compatible DirecTV set-top boxes, SnapStream controls each set-top box using serial tuning (see our serial tuning quick-start guide).

SnapStream can record any device that has analog audio and video outputs (NTSC-only). Specifically, SnapStream has one RF coax input, two S-video video inputs and two 3.5mm (1/8") audio inputs for every two tuners. However, SnapStream is specifically designed for recording and searching television, so your mileage may vary for other applications. For example, with video source inputs other than television, SnapStream's search technology is not likely to work.

The following inputs are available on the SnapStream appliance, for every two tuners:

• one RF coax input
• two S-video video inputs
• two 3.5 mm (1/8") audio inputs

Only analog NTSC is supported for SnapStream. For ATSC, check out SnapStream HD. Other formats, such as PAL and DVB-T, are available but not necessarily supported. Please speak to a Sales Representative to discuss your options. Also, SnapStream does not have any SDI or HD/SDI inputs or any support for FM Radio.

It depends on the bandwidth available on your network and the video quality settings. For example, if are recording at SnapStream's default quality of "MPEG-2 Fair", each live TV or recorded TV stream consumes about 2 Mbit/sec of bandwidth. Accordingly, to support 10 concurrent playback sessions, you would need approximately 20 Mbit / sec of available bandwidth. Also, each PC playing back live TV or recordings needs to have SnapStream Enterprise TV Link or the Web Player plug-in installed. Each SnapStream includes 5 Enterprise TV Link client licenses per tuner. For example, the four-tuner SnapStream includes 20 Enterprise TV Link client licenses and the 10-tuner SnapStream includes 50 Enterprise TV Link client licenses.

It depends on the quality at which video is being recorded and the size of the disk-array. When recording at the default quality (MPEG-2 Fair), the four-tuner SnapStream can store about 580 hours of video, while our 10-tuner SnapStream can store over 2,300 hours.

No, when you purchase a particular configuration, it is not possible to later add additional tuners. A four-tuner SnapStream, for example, cannot later be upgraded to make it a six-tuner or eight-tuner SnapStream.

SnapStream is equipped with dual hot-swap power supplies that are both redundant, and load-balancing. The particular power requirements vary depending on the configuration. View our power and thermal document for more information.

It is recommended that two independent battery backup units are used. View our power and thermal document for more information on best practices.

To view the thermal output of SnapStream, view our power and thermal document.

Yes, SnapStream has a built-in feature for e-mailing clips.

It's also possible to e-mail a URL to a colleague. This URL, when clicked on, will launch the SnapStream interface and load the designated video at the specified time. This method requires the recipient to have the SnapStream Link software installed.

For a visual step by step, visit our How it Works page.

With SnapStream 5.x and above, you can configure multiple nodes to work together as if they were one. By integrating multiple SnapStreams into a clustered installation, you can theoretically record an infinite number of TV channels simultaneously. Search meta data is retained across the system.

Typically, it takes SnapStream approximately 3-4 weeks to build, test, burn-in and ship a configured box to our customers.

SnapStream HD provides 4-10 RF coax cable inputs for capturing HDTV.

SnapStream HD records in an MPEG-2 transport stream, in a file with the extension .tp. After a recording has been made, SnapStream's ShowSqueeze technology allows you to re-compress your recordings into the Windows Media Video (WMV) or H.264 formats. The specific parameters for recordings ShowSqueezed to Windows Media or H.264, such as video resolution and bit-rate, are configurable by the administrator. 

The bitrate and resolution of ATSC and QAM recordings are fixed and cannot be changed. However, the WMV and H.264 profiles used for ShowSqueeze are highly configurable, from resolution and bit-rate to frame rate to audio frequency and bit-rate. 

Unfortunately, SnapStream HD is unable to support any HD video formats other than the specific type of MPEG-2 transport streams created by its tuning hardware.

SnapStream HD does not support recording SD content, but SnapStream does offer the SnapStream SD for recording SD channels.

No, unfortunately SnapStream HD capabilities requires you to know the frequencies of your QAM channels. SnapStream HD cannot scan for clear QAM channels on a cable feed. SnapStream cannot decrypt HD channels on a digital cable or satellite feed, nor can it capture HD content from a digital cable or satellite set-top box. For capturing HD channels from digital cable or satellite, we recommend using a set-top box with an S-video output with the Best MPEG-2 quality on our SnapStream SD, which will provide very high SD image quality.

It depends on the bandwidth available on your network. Playback of HD content through Enterprise TV Link requires roughly 15 Mb/s of bandwidth, compared with 2-7 mb for SD content. For this reason we strongly recommend setting up SnapStream HD on a gigabit network. Also, each PC playing back live TV or recordings needs to have SnapStream Enterprise TV Link or the Web Player plug-in installed. SnapStream HD includes 20-50 Enterprise TV Link client licenses.

SnapStream HD with 9TB of storage space can store about 1,395 hours of HD content, while 15TB can store about 2,325 hours and 30TB can store about 4,650 hours.

HD video contains substantially more data than SD video, and therefore it requires more space and computing power for both capture and playback. An HD broadcast contains roughly twice as much data as SnapStream's Best (7Mb/s) SD MPEG-2 quality, or more than seven times as much data as the default SD quality, Fair (2 Mb/s). Playback of HD content also requires 3D Acceleration and is not compatible with software rendering. In addition, SnapStream HD has different system requirements for Link clients.

Yes, with SnapStream 5.x and above, you can configure multiple nodes to work together as if they were one.

No. SnapStream is unable to support the addition of hardware to the HD appliance; attempting to do so will violate SnapStream's support agreement. 

SnapStream HD is equipped with dual hot-swap power supplies that are both redundant, and load-balancing. The particular power requirements vary depending on the configuration. View our power and thermal document for more information.

SnapStream recommends that two independent battery backup units are used. View our power and thermal document for more information on best practices.

To view the thermal output of SnapStream HD, view our power and thermal document.

Yes, SnapStream has a built-in feature for e-mailing clips that will automatically ShowSqueeze the clip to a manageable size.

It's also possible to e-mail a URL to a colleague. This URL, when clicked on, will launch the SnapStream interface and load the designated video at the specified time. This method requires the recipient to have the SnapStream Link software installed.

With SnapStream 5.x and above, you can configure multiple nodes to work together as if they were one. By integrating multiple SnapStreams into a clustered installation, you can theoretically record an infinite number of TV channels simultaneously. Search meta data is retained across the system.

No, when you purchase a particular configuration of the Small Business Edition, it is not possible to later add additional tuners. A six-tuner SnapStream appliance, for example, cannot later be upgraded to make it a eight channel or 10 channel appliance.

It depends on the quality at which video is being recorded to SnapStream. When recording at the default quality, the Small Business Edition can store about approxiamtely 3,400 hours.

No, the Small Business Edition does not allow for expanded storage, neither internal nor external, beyond the 3TB included.

The Small Business Edition can record unencrypted analog MPEG-2 from your analog/digital cable and/or satellite provider.

The Small Business Edition does not have the ability to be clustered to other SnapStreams. If you want clusterablility, the best option is to purchase a SnapStream SD or HD appliance.

The Small Business Edition will include 5 client licenses. Additional licenses are available, please contact your Enterprise consultant for more information.

For a visual step by step, visit our How it Works page.

6TB to 30TB

Yes.

Yes, RAID-5 array with mirrored drives to prevent loss of data.

It's supported by SnapStream, so we can guarantee the quality of the hardware and provide our tried-and-true troubleshooting methods if need be. Additionally, the SnapStream Storage Node comes with the indexing license, so you don't have to pay per gig fees to expand your archive like you would with third-party storage.

Yes, that is a prerequisite.

No, SnapStream is unable to support the addition of storage once the unit is deployed in the field; attempting to do so will violate the Storage Node's support agreement. However, you can always provision an additional SnapStream Storage Node into your setup to expand archiving depth.

Uses can access HD-SDI Playout settings through the web interface. One web server per SnapStream HD-SDI Playout Node.

Play.

The bitrate is 1 x 10 bit SD/HD switchable.

It connects using a BNC connector.

Native or Fixed 1080i

Yes.

One recorded TV program can be played out per node, so you need additional nodes for each additional program.

Yes, you can play in-progress TV recordings. The show must be “recording,” not purely live.

No, the data is not passed along the SDI stream.

Yes, it's a 1U rackmount chassis which includes rails and mounting accessories.

Yes, the HD-SDI Playout Node uses SMPTE 259M and 292M.

720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60, 1080PsF23.98, 1080p23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080p24, 1080PsF25, 1080p25, 1080PsF29.97, 1080p29.97, 1080PsF30, 1080p30, 1080i50, 1080i59.94 and 1080i60.

It provides 10 bit.

It uses 4:2:2 YUV color encoding.

It is clustered on the local area network via the SnapStream Switch.

The SnapStream HD-SDI Playout Node can connect to 1 SDI device/router.

Yes, if SnapStream nodes are clustered together, but it's still only one TV recording at a time.

You can play out TV content to any HD-SDI equipped editing bay such as Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer.

It depends on a few different factors, like the number of SnapStream Nodes in the cluster. It also depends on how many other SnapStream Link clients will be connected. For example, if you have clearance for 25 client licenses on your network, you could feasibly configure 25 SnapStream HD-SDI Playout Nodes. As a general rule of thumb, to know your limitation requires consideration of your network's bandwidth.

ShowSqueeze is SnapStream's internal transcoding engine that converts the natively recorded video files to H.264 or WMV.

In broadstrokes, you'll be able to ShowSqueeze around 3 times faster and run up to 4 simultaneous tasks.

Yes, varying degrees depending on the beginning and ending bitrates.

Once the node is in the cluster, tasks will be automatically assigned to the next free ShowSqueeze Node.

You can pull up your ShowSqueezed content in the standard video folders on the SnapStream appliance. All content retains searchability after being transcoded.

No, but SnapStream does support third-party transcoding alternatives to provide other needed codecs. Note that the TV content would not retain its search meta data, though the original copy naturally would.

Yes, up to 4.