Videosoft goes global with adaptive low bitrate video streaming

The FireBird F-100 compact, low bitrate video recorder, encoder and transmitter is primarily designed for low-bandwidth transmission (ie 6 kbps-500 kbps), but can also stream a camera’s native output. This is particularly useful when the desired end product is full rate unrestricted HD detail.

At just 104 mm x 47 mm x 25 mm, the FireBird F-100 is badged by Videosoft as “the ultimate in deployable solutions where space is at a premium”. Typical applications will include the policing sector, Critical National Infrastructure, defence and the dedicated CCTV arena.

Running Videosoft’s Edge Gateway software with live stream recording, the FireBird F-100 improves real-time situational awareness by providing multiple simultaneous streams to Command and Control Centres and field operatives. The FireBird F-100 made its industry debut at the recent Home Office-orchestrated Security and Policing Show held on 9-11 March.

Protocols and latency

The North London-based Videosoft business is led by CEO Stewart McCone. Recognised as one of the industry’s leading video streaming experts, McCone brings more than 20 years’ experience to the table.

“Videosoft is all about easy-to-use low bandwidth, low latency, reliable and secure video delivery over low bandwidth and unreliable networks including mobile and satellite,” explained McCone in conversation with Security Matters.

McCone is backed up by a team of expert developers and programmers, all of whom harbour many years of industry experience when it comes to streaming solutions and security video in general.

“Even at low bandwidths from as little as 6 kbps upwards,” continued McCone, “our solutions deliver quality real-time and reliable video streams across a network. Due to the unique protocols our team members have built into the software, latency is down to milliseconds. The video automatically adapts to the amount of bandwidth available on the network. This is absolutely critical in maintaining responsive and real-time streaming in any environment."

Influence of ‘Future Tech’

For McCone, Videosoft’s raison d’être is inextricably linked to the positive influence of ‘Future Tech’. “I’m a firm believer that ‘Future Tech’ can provide real-world improvement. Standard tech just doesn’t suit today’s ever-changing business environments, but with specialist tech including Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and blockchain, operational barriers can be removed or  otherwise lowered. Tech like ours can deliver real-world change and use video and remote services to help make the world a better and safer place.”

Videosoft’s business development manager Iain Janes feels the company’s story is a global, but plain and simple one underpinned by listening to the market and providing what that market wants.          

“Bandwidth is the elephant in the room that people are only just beginning to fully appreciate,” asserted Janes. “There are limitations to bandwidth when streaming video. Even 5G can be problematic. We know it’s a massive issue, which is precisely why we’re doing something about it.”

Elaborating on that theme, Janes stated: “Many end users assume that, with 4G and 5G, their CCTV problems are solved, but that’s not the case. In fact, a CCTV camera running multiple Mbps video will often be the first thing to drop off the network. With Videosoft, they can run live video with minimal latency and good quality even at much lower bitrates than is the case with standard equipment. We think that’s something worth talking about.”

Global interest

The market does too, with Videosoft presently receiving significant interest in its solutions from right around the globe.

“The team members within the business have years of unique experience and know precisely what the market needs. We know that reliable real-time situational awareness is critical for both operational success and life or death events,” concluded Janes.

The FireBird F-100 is just one of several new products that McCone, Janes and the entire Videosoft team have in the pipeline for release over the coming months. Hardware-based products already offered by the company include fully integrated deployable cameras and encoders. Software-based products encompass software-only encoders for Linux, Android and iOS, server-side management and viewing software.

In addition, the business offers a range of high-quality services, including hosted services, airtime packages and support and maintenance programmes.

*Further information is available online at www.videosoftglobal.com