HELO Plus Advanced H.264 Streaming and Recording Take a look into the HELO Plus featuring high quality streaming with ultra-reliable performance for any critical streaming service needs.
Take a look into the HELO Plus featuring high quality streaming with ultra-reliable performance for any critical streaming service needs.
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Advanced H.264 Streaming and Recording
Buy Now $1869 US MSRP*
HELO Plus is a compact, advanced H.264 streaming and recording stand-alone appliance. HELO Plus offers both SDI and HDMI I/O with the capability to stream up to 1080p60 to a Content Delivery Network and record simultaneously. Two separate streaming destinations can be set up, and recordings can be made to a combination of SD card, USB storage, and NFS or SMB network storage. HELO Plus also provides Picture-In-Picture and graphics functionality in hardware for compelling presentations made simple.
HELO Plus v.2.0 firmware adds two new features that are optional upgrades with a free trial period, PlayToStream and 4-channel audio support. PlayToStream offers the opportunity to play a live stream out of one encoder and use the other encoder to playback a pre-recorded stream. 4-channel audio support means that you can stream two separate audio pairs via each encode, for multi-language support.
HELO Plus offers high quality streaming with ultra-reliable performance for any critical streaming service needs, including eSports, news, sports, education, creator, live events, and beyond.
- Portable streaming with 3G-SDI and HDMI video I/O
- Encode up to 1080p60 in H.264/MPEG-4
- Web-based GUI preview window
- Stream to two separate destinations simultaneously
- Create Picture-in-Picture streaming/recording output from multiple input sources
- 2-channel stereo audio
- Optional 4-channel audio adds a second stereo pair for streaming alternate languages
- Optional PlayToStream to stream pre-recorded program
- Analog stereo audio out
- Front panel LED audio meters
- Data rates from 100 kbps to 20 Mbps in MPEG-4
- Record to SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, USB storage, NFS, CIFS, or SMB network volumes
- Front-mounted USB slot and SD card slot for local external storage
- Support for RTP/UDP, RTSP, RTMP, RTMPS, HLS, and Unicast
- SRT compatibility - Caller and Listener modes
- AV Mute with user graphics upload support for pre-live feeds
- Group control for multiple HELO Plus and Ki Pro devices
- Multi-language UI - WebUI can be selected between English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese
- Three Year Warranty
Take a look into the HELO Plus and its exciting features in this informative video.
PlayToStream allows the user to stream – via either or both of the Stream outputs – a previous program that was recorded on a HELO Plus and .mp4 and .mov clips recorded on a HELO classic system, stored either on local SD or USB storage or on external SMB or NAS systems. The system can stream live video out of one Stream output while simultaneously performing a PlayToStream action on the other Stream output. The system can also record that live stream while simultaneously performing the PlayToStream output – so a single HELO Plus can simultaneously play back a previously recorded session, stream a live session and record that live session without the need for additional equipment.
$199 US MSRP
Download Workflow
HELO Plus can expand the number of audio channels available for streaming and recording from 2x channels (a single stereo pair, the standard configuration) to 4x channels (two stereo pairs). This enables multiple dual language workflows, as different languages can now be carried on each stereo pair – as for example, enabling “home” and “away” commentaries in both English and French for Ice Hockey games.
Additionally, this option gives the user the ability to extract a stereo audio service from any of the 4x stereo pairs that may be embedded into an SDI signal (Audio 1&2, Audio 3&4, Audio 5&6, Audio 7&8) and use them in either of HELO Plus’ Audio sources for both streaming and recording.
$99 US MSRP
HELO Plus is compact, with a very small desktop footprint. It offers stand-alone capabilities with stream and record buttons on the front of the unit as well as LED indicators. Audio level meters provide valuable feedback about incoming audio.
HELO Plus is fanless and silent, allowing it to be used almost anywhere without fear of introducing noise. SD card and USB ports are also situated on the front of the unit for easy access.
HELO Plus can be easily configured remotely on a standard web browser, via the Ethernet connection, and using a desktop computer, laptop or iPad. Every function of HELO Plus is accessible in the Web UI, 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. Elgato’s Stream Deck, with the new AJA plug-in found on their market place, uses the REST API to drive Key Actions of the HELO Plus and even unlock more features available only through the REST API. Elgato’s Stream Deck, with the new AJA plug-in found on their market place, uses the REST API to drive Key Actions of the HELO Plus and even unlock more features available only through the REST API.
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
Audio Encoding Parameters
- 32 kbps to 256 kbps
- 48 kHz 2-channel stereo
- MPEG-4 AAC-LC
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’ 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.
A popular device that takes advantage of the REST API is the Stream Deck from Elgato. We have crafted a plugin that provides ready-to-go Key Actions for Stream Deck users to control the HELO Plus.
To find out more and download the AJA Stream Deck Plugin, please visit the Elgato Marketplace. Also, please visit our support page to download the Stream Deck / HELO Plus Stream Deck Plugin Guide.
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/SMB 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.
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.
HELO Plus brings an 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 four 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 the parameters needed for a specific purpose. There are ten layouts stored in each preset so that the user can recall the show’s preset and switch between those ten layouts at will.
The graphics system is equally impressive - It stores 20 images in its internal, non-volatile memory.
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.
The simplified signal flow for video within HELO Plus neatly highlights the flexibility of the device. Tracing a simple pathway for each video input illustrates the encoder, graphics, recording, and new PlayToStream options.
Download Diagram
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.
With the optional 4-Channel audio support, the first encoder is set to encode the video and audio as an RTMP stream in English, while the second encoder is set to output an RTMP alternate language stream. 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.
Download 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 RTMP with an English language stream, while the second encoder is streaming an alternate language while simultaneously recording directly to an SD card as a backup for later editorial use or restreaming with the optional PlayToStream feature.
Download 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 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.
Download Workflow
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.
Download Workflow
In this use case, an eSports video with an embedded audio feed is distributed to four commentary studios via an AJA KUMO 3232 SDI router. 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, 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.
Download Workflow
Please click here for a list of software and platforms that are compatible with HELO Plus
Esports’ rapid rise to popularity can be attributed to many factors, from technological advancements that have enhanced the quality of modern gaming experiences to the proliferation of streaming platforms, which have paved the way to an era of global esports influencers with massive fan followings. Read the full story
April 10, 2024
HELO Plus v2.1
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 Plus is covered by a generous three year warranty.
Print Tech Specs
- (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(part 10) Encoder
Video Encoding Parameters
- 100 kbps to 20 Mbps. Bit rate may be set independently for Encoder 1 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, RTMPT, RTMPE, RTMPTE, RTMPTS, RTSP, HLS RTP-TS/UDP-TS Unicast and Multicast, SRT (caller mode). RTSP and HLS client sessions combined limited to a total of 10. RTSP limited to a single server 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)
- 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-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
- 2-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
- 2-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
- 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
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)
PlayToStream allows the user to playback to a stream up to two clips of a previously captured program on a HELO Plus, and also clips recorded on a first generation HELO system, stored either on board the device’s local SD or USB storage or on an external SMB or NAS systems.
The system can live stream (and record) video out of one stream output while simultaneously performing a PlayToStream action on the other stream output. In other words, a single HELO Plus can simultaneously play back a previously recorded session, stream a live session and record that live session without the need for additional equipment. This expanded functionality is available to purchase directly in the HELO Plus web browser interface or from shop.aja.com.
Option License $199 US MSRP
The 4-channel audio option on the HELO Plus expands the number of audio channels available for streaming and recording from a single stereo pair to two stereo pairs, for a total of four channels.
This enables dual language workflows, as different languages can now be carried on each stereo pair. For example, ice hockey games could now have “home” and “away” commentaries in both English and French.
Additionally, this option gives the user the ability to extract a stereo audio service from any of the 4x stereo pairs that may be embedded into an SDI signal (Audio 1 & 2, Audio 3 & 4, Audio 5 & 6, Audio 7 & 8) and use them in either of the HELO Plus’ audio sources for both streaming and recording.
This additional feature can be purchased directly in the HELO Plus web-browser user interface or from shop.aja.com.
Option License $99 US MSRP
Get the new Stream Deck plug-in for HELO Plus! Creators and AV producers around the world have embraced Elgato’s Stream Deck external device controllers for their ease of use and ability to speed up productions by bringing common software and hardware actions to push button simplicity. To find out more and download the AJA Stream Deck Plugin, please visit the Elgato Marketplace. Also, please visit our support page to download the Stream Deck / HELO Plus Stream Deck Plugin Guide.
In this workflow, we can see that the presenter is calling the shots with the Stream Decks’ ability to function as a HELO Plus shotbox and switch layouts and graphics during a live lecture or presentation on the fly, by simply pushing pre-programmed buttons on the Stream Deck.
This workflow shows how the HELO Plus, in conjunction with the Stream Deck, can be used to add graphics and stream any live event. You can then take the ISO recordings from the Ki Pro Ultra 12G and the live stream recording from the HELO Plus to create your final recorded webinar package for later posting online or restreaming with the HELO Plus.
Features
- 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz Universal Input
- +12V DC Regulated Output
- 60 Watt Capacity
The AJA-PWR-12-60W power supply is included with HELO Plus, and is also sold separately. The power supply has a latching, 4-pin mini-XLR connector with gold pins. The PSU meets the high reliability requirements of the professional video industry. If you need a spare power supply for HELO Plus, it can be ordered from your local AJA reseller.
AJA-PWR-12-60W $109 US MSRP
Up to two HELO Plus devices conveniently fit side by side for easy 1RU rack mounting for workflows that can take advantage of rack mounting, from facilities to flypacks. Additionally, the 1RU Utility Shelf also supports ColorBox, so a combination of two ColorBoxes and a HELO Plus can also be combined when needed.
1RU Utility Shelf $120 US MSRP
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