Essential for a livestream: fail-safe internet with bonding via mobile communications. Last year, we produced around 150 livestreams together with our partner, the livestream agency Stream1 from Munich. We rely on the Mine Media Livestream Bonding Encoder Q8. With its up to 6 internet connections, the livestream encoder guarantees fail-safe, stable internet on site. Recently available at Livestream Shop: the P-Series from Kiloview. We took the time to compare the two encoders. In this article, we present the two products in more detail and compare the most important data and key figures.
First of all: This is not an “official” comparison. We have not produced the same number of livestreams with both devices, nor can the two encoders be compared 1:1.
If you are looking for an encoder that also offers Internet bonding, both products are the right choice. Both the Q8 from Mine Media and the P1 or P2 from Kiloview encode the received video signal and transmit it to the desired live platform. Both devices use Internet bonding for this purpose. They bundle several Internet connections into one strong one. This allows live streaming from any location with at least one mobile phone connection.
For Internet bonding, both devices require a remote station that transfers the bundled traffic to the network. The Q8 uses a cloud service that is hosted by us in Germany and was provided with the device by Livestream Shop. This means that hosting in Germany can be guaranteed by the German provider.
With Kiloview P1/P2 there are two options for the bonding server. Either the buyer hosts the server himself according to instructions from Kiloview. Or he uses the Internet bonding service from Livestream Shop. With the Kiloview bonding server, Livestream Shop guarantees network stability during the livestream! Several networks with different bandwidths are combined to form a single, reliable connection for the transmission of live video content.
With the Kiloview, you have to choose between the SDI or HDMI model, P1 or P2. The Mine Media Q8, on the other hand, can process both HDMI and SDI. A high-quality HDMI and SDI cable is included with the Q8. There is also another advantage: a switch on the device allows easy switching between SDI and HDMI input on the Q8. Practical in an emergency situation, for example if the main control room fails, to switch quickly.
There are differences here: While the Q8 boasts 3 built-in LTE modems, Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity and has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a USB port for connecting an extra modem, the Kiloview P1/P2 has 2x SIM modems and 1x Wi-Fi + 1x LTE stick and 1x LAN via USB or 2x LTE sticks. The Q8 therefore bundles up to 6 Internet connections for Internet bonding. The Kiloview P1/P2, on the other hand, only has 5 connections available.
The Q8 can be configured via the “M Live” mobile app on site or remotely, as well as via a web platform. The Kiloview Encoder can be configured via KiloLink. A comparable app to the Q8 is not yet available
Thanks to the built-in display, the final image of the live stream can be followed directly on the Q8 from Mine Media. This ensures that the correct image is broadcast and reaches the viewers. The Kiloview bonding encoder does without this practical feature.
If you are looking for a simple livestream bonding encoder, you will be satisfied with the Kiloview Bonding Encoder. If you are looking for more options, fine-tuned settings and intuitive operation, you should opt for the Mine Media Livestream Bonding Encoder Q8. The higher price of the Q8 is justified by the added functionality.
What else should be emphasized: Those who attach particular importance to data protection will be surprised at Livestream Shop. The German partner hosts the bonding for both devices, i.e. for both the Q8 and the P1/P2, at the German data center Hetzner. This means that the data flow for bonding the video stream remains entirely in Germany with German providers.
The perfect live stream – smooth, razor-sharp and without delays – is a must today, whether for conferences, sporting events
Livestreams are no longer just reserved for gamers, but have arrived in all areas of everyday life. Whether it’s a
2021 was an eventful year. 150 livestreams, 6 new team members, 5 new offices and our first own livestream studio.
