AWS Rolls Out Elemental Link For Video

Amazon Web Services has introduced AWS Elemental Link, a device that connects a live video source, like a camera or video production equipment, to AWS Elemental MediaLive. Link offers a configuration-free, cost-efficient way to securely and reliably transfer video to MediaLive for delivery to viewers.

To use the device, you simply connect it to power, Ethernet and a video source. Then you can control and monitor your AWS Elemental Link device from anywhere you have access to the AWS Management Console. AWS Elemental Link improves the quality and reliability of your live video streams while reducing the cost and complexity of equipment that you need to operate on-premises.

AWS Elemental Link is shipped fully configured for your AWS Account. Simply connect the device to power, an IP network, and a video source (using either an HD-SDI or HDMI cable). Once connected, Link automatically starts sending thumbnail images and is available as a source for MediaLive in the AWS Management Console, ready for live streaming.

Link is a small, portable device with minimal power and cooling requirements. Weighing less than 1 lb. (450 g), Link can travel wherever you need to connect live video to the cloud. Link is silent, and fanless operation and minimal heat generation make the device practical to use in low-noise environments like studios or conference rooms.

With AWS Elemental Link, you control the entire live event workflow using the AWS Management Console. Because you can manage and monitor multiple devices anywhere in the world from a central point of control, you don’t need to send technical operators to event sites in order to set up and configure your live streams.

Link is designed to maximize the quality of video sent to the cloud and account for the unpredictable nature of network conditions. The device uses an advanced video compression system that continuously adjusts to available bandwidth in order to deliver the best possible video under all network conditions.

AWS says At a price of $995 per device (not including tax, shipping, and MediaLive costs), “Link provides a broadcast-grade way to connect your on-premises live video source to MediaLive at a fraction of the cost of traditional approaches. Because setup is easy and management of devices is handled remotely, Link is efficient to own and operate.”