Blackmagic Streaming Encoder 4K
Self-contained hardware streaming encoder for live streaming up to 4K60. 12G-SDI input, H.264 and H.265 encoding, SRT and RTMP output to any platform. 4G/5G phone tethering. No PC required.
- Self-contained H.264 and H.265 hardware encoding — stream at 4K60 without a PC, OBS or any streaming software; all encoding and streaming happens inside the unit
- 12G-SDI input with built-in downconverter — accepts 4K, HD and SD SDI from any broadcast camera, downconverting automatically for streaming platforms that require lower resolutions
- SRT and RTMP output — stream to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter/X, LinkedIn and any custom SRT or RTMP destination
- 4G/5G phone tethering — connect a smartphone via USB for mobile data internet access when fixed broadband is unavailable at the broadcast location
- USB-C webcam output — present the SDI input as a standard USB webcam on any connected computer for integration into video conferencing and streaming software
- Blackmagic Cloud integration — manage the encoder, monitor streams and adjust settings remotely via Blackmagic Cloud without being physically at the unit
What is the Blackmagic Streaming Encoder 4K?
The Blackmagic Streaming Encoder 4K is a standalone hardware streaming device that takes a 12G-SDI broadcast camera feed and encodes it for internet streaming in H.264 or H.265 without requiring a PC, streaming software or any other computer hardware. It is effectively a complete streaming production in one box — plug in an SDI camera, connect to the internet, configure the stream key, and go live.
The design is targeted specifically at broadcast professionals who are familiar with SDI infrastructure but need a reliable, low-complexity streaming solution for contribution, remote production or direct platform streaming. The 12G-SDI input handles the full range of broadcast camera outputs from legacy SD-SDI through current 4K 12G-SDI cameras, with automatic downconversion for streaming platforms that cap at HD or 1080p.
SRT and RTMP simultaneously
The encoder outputs via SRT for broadcast contribution links — lower latency, encrypted, reliable even over lossy connections — and RTMP for direct platform streaming to YouTube, Facebook and similar. Both outputs can be active simultaneously.
4G/5G phone tethering
The USB-A port accepts a connected smartphone as a 4G or 5G mobile data source. When fixed broadband is unavailable at a broadcast location — a press room at a sporting event, a remote studio, a temporary broadcast position — a smartphone provides the internet connection for the encoder's stream output. This is a more reliable and universal solution than a dedicated USB modem dongle since it works with any smartphone and any mobile operator without additional hardware.
Blackmagic Cloud
Remote management via Blackmagic Cloud allows broadcast engineers to monitor stream status, adjust encoding settings and manage the device from any location with an internet connection. This is valuable when the encoder is deployed at a remote location without local technical staff.
Works with the Streaming Decoder 4K
The Encoder 4K and Decoder 4K work as a pair for professional point-to-point broadcast links — replacing a satellite or microwave contribution circuit with a software-managed internet contribution link with tally, camera control and talkback.
| Video Input | |
| SDI Input | 12G-SDI (BNC) — SD/HD/3G/6G/12G-SDI |
| Max Input Resolution | 4K Ultra HD 2160p60 via 12G-SDI |
| Built-in Downconverter | Yes — automatic downconversion for streaming |
| Encoding | |
| Video Codec | H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) — hardware |
| Max Streaming Resolution | 4K (H.265) / 1080p60 (H.264) |
| Output and Connectivity | |
| Streaming Protocols | SRT and RTMP / RTMPS simultaneously |
| Streaming Platforms | YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, X, LinkedIn, custom RTMP/SRT |
| USB Webcam Output | USB-C — UVC device on connected computer |
| 4G/5G Tethering | USB-A — connect smartphone for mobile data |
| Network | Ethernet + WiFi |
| Management | |
| Remote Management | Blackmagic Cloud, local web interface |
| No PC Required | Yes — fully self-contained operation |
| Product Information | |
| SKU / Model | BDLKWEB/D/SED4K |
| Warranty | 1-year Blackmagic Design warranty |
| Pricing | Price on Application — contact us for a quote |
Specifications correct at time of publication. Contact us to confirm before specification.
The Blackmagic Streaming Encoder 4K suits professional broadcast streaming deployments where reliability, SDI input and no-PC operation are requirements.
Broadcast Contribution
Replace satellite or microwave contribution circuits with SRT streams from the Streaming Encoder 4K. H.265 at 4K60 delivers broadcast quality at internet connection bitrates.
Live Sports Streaming
Stream live sports directly to YouTube and Facebook from a broadcast camera SDI feed without a separate streaming PC. 4G/5G phone tethering provides internet connectivity at pitchside.
Remote Studio Broadcasting
Deploy the encoder at a remote studio location where a full broadcast infrastructure exists but no streaming PC or software operator is available. Blackmagic Cloud management allows remote engineers to monitor and control.
Government and Public Sector Broadcasting
Reliable, professional SDI-to-internet streaming for parliamentary and council proceedings, press briefings and public information broadcasts without a streaming PC at the broadcast position.
University and Campus Broadcasting
Stream lecture theatre and campus events from existing SDI infrastructure to YouTube or a CDN without additional software or PC hardware at each broadcast point.
Broadcast Engineers and Integrators
Specify as a standalone streaming appliance in broadcast infrastructure designs where SDI input, cloud management and no-PC reliability are system requirements.
Does the Streaming Encoder 4K require a computer or OBS?
No. The encoder is fully self-contained. All encoding and streaming happens inside the hardware unit. Configure the stream key and destination once via the web interface, then the encoder operates independently without any computer attached.
Can it stream to YouTube and a custom SRT destination at the same time?
Yes — the encoder supports simultaneous RTMP (for YouTube, Facebook, Twitch etc.) and SRT output. Both can be active concurrently.
What SDI formats does it accept?
The 12G-SDI input accepts SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI — the full range of broadcast SDI standards. The built-in downconverter automatically scales the output for streaming platforms that cap at lower resolutions.
How does 4G/5G phone tethering work?
Connect any smartphone via USB to the encoder's USB-A port. Enable USB tethering on the smartphone (hotspot mode via USB). The encoder recognises the smartphone as a network interface and uses the phone's mobile data connection for internet streaming. No additional dongle or modem is required.
The Streaming Encoder 4K is a standalone device — no streaming software is required. It connects directly to streaming platforms and is managed via web browser or Blackmagic Cloud.
Streaming PlatformsContact us to confirm compatibility with a specific platform or version not listed above.