Magewell’s compact system combines switching, graphics, recording and streaming with AV and IP I/O flexibility, including SRT and NDI HX outputs as a source for IP-based production.
Magewell, recognised for its video interface, streaming and IP workflow products, has launched its first self-contained production system, Director Mini. Combining multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one compact device, Director Mini is designed for single operators who can use it to create productions for live event coverage, remote production feeds and other applications.
Director Mini was introduced at IBC 2023 in Amsterdam and will begin shipping before the end of September.
Director Mini has a flexible combination of input sources. Users can switch between two HDMI inputs and two USB AV inputs as well as three simultaneous live IP sources including SRT streams, RTMP streams or up to two NDI HX sources. File-based media assets including video, audio and images can also be combined as required with live sources. Embedded audio is supported on the HDMI and USB inputs alongside a 3.5mm analogue audio input.
Director Mini's user interface is accessed through its integrated 5.44" AMOLED touchscreen. Users can define multiple scenes that combine live HDMI, USB and audio inputs with network streams, media sources and graphics, then switch or transition between these scenes on the fly. Chroma keying enables the use of virtual backgrounds, while telestration enables real-time on-screen drawing and combines with built-in scoreboard functionality to support sports productions. PTZ camera control is also available through the touchscreen, simplifying single-operator productions.
Director Mini's touchscreen interface is complemented by the Director Utility app for iOS and Android devices, which has tools for remote configuration, audio controls, input switching, scoreboard control and other functions. The Director Utility can also turn a smartphone's camera into a streaming source as a mobile input to the Director Mini hardware, further enhancing the multi-camera production possibilities of the system. Up to three mobile devices can be used simultaneously as sources to Director Mini.
Director Mini can encode video up to 1080p at 60 frames per second and bitrates up to 30Mbps, with a flexible array of output possibilities. Productions can be streamed using the RTMP protocol to popular platforms such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live or custom destinations. Live comments can be displayed while streaming to YouTube, Facebook or Twitch.
The ability to output an SRT stream makes Director Mini an excellent tool for contributing high-quality feeds to an off-site location for remote production. Alternatively, the device can create one NDI HX output to serve as a source for additional IP-based production tools. Its USB-C port can be configured to display the program output, user interface or a loop-through of either HDMI input on a connected USB-C display. Last but not least, content can be recorded to an SD card, USB flash drive or the device's internal storage.
The compact Director Mini hardware features a 1/4"-20 thread for use with standard camera-mounting accessories and can be operated in horizontal or vertical orientation. The device can be powered with the included power adapter but also supports two NP-F hot-swappable external batteries (not included), enabling uninterrupted power for long productions.
"Director Mini is designed to make small and mid-sized multi-input productions extraordinarily easy for a single operator," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell. "With support for HDMI and USB AV sources as well as NDI HX, SRT and RTMP streams, it also gives users extreme flexibility in the number and types of inputs they can incorporate into their productions." www.magewell.com
