Hardware12 min read

Hardware Encoder Setup Guide

Configure hardware encoders for professional IRL streaming. Learn how to set up Belabox, LiveU Solo, IRLBox, and other portable encoders with your relay endpoint.

Why Use a Hardware Encoder?

Better Battery Life

Dedicated encoders don't drain your phone battery

Multi-SIM Bonding

Bond 4+ cellular connections for maximum reliability

HDMI Input

Use any camera with HDMI output for better quality

Belabox

Belabox

SRTLA

Open-source software for Orange Pi 5 Plus, Radxa Rock 5A/5B, and Jetson Nano. Supports multi-modem SRTLA bonding for reliable mobile streaming.

SRTLA BondingMulti-modemOpen Source4G/5G Support

Configuration

SRTLA receiver addresssrt.region.irl.ac
SRTLA receiver port5000
SRT Stream IDlive/stream/YOUR_KEY

Setup Steps

  1. Access Belabox web interface (usually at 192.168.x.x)
  2. Navigate to "SRTLA Settings"
  3. If given the choice for SRTLA relay server, choose "CUSTOM"
  4. Enter your SRTLA receiver address, port and SRT streamid from your dashboard
  5. Configure your modems in the Network section
  6. Start streaming
Control your Belabox from your phone with IRLControl. The IRLControl remote is included with your relay.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Belabox. Belabox is a trademark of its respective owner.

LiveU Solo Pro

LiveU Solo Pro

SRT

Professional portable encoder with reliable low-latency delivery. Supports SRT protocol.

SRTProfessional GradeBuilt-in BatteryEasy Setup

SRT Configuration

SRT URLsrt://srt.region.irl.ac:4001
Stream IDlive/stream/YOUR_KEY
Latency2500ms (recommended)

Setup Steps

  1. Log in to your LiveU Solo Portal
  2. Navigate to Destinations → Custom SRT
  3. Enter the SRT URL with your stream ID
  4. Set latency to 2500ms for optimal stability
  5. Save and assign to your unit
LiveU Solo Pro connects via SRT to your relay endpoint. LiveU handles bonding with its own LRT layer, and you still get the benefits of our relay.

LiveU (RTMP)

LiveU

RTMP

Standard LiveU encoders using RTMP protocol for streaming to relay endpoints.

RTMPProfessionalReliableEasy Config

RTMP Configuration

Server URLrtmp://rtmp.region.irl.ac:1935/publish
Stream KeyYOUR_KEY

Setup Steps

  1. Access LiveU Central portal
  2. Create a Custom RTMP destination
  3. Enter the server URL and stream key
  4. Assign to your encoder unit

IRLBox

IRLBox

SRT / RTMP / RIST

Portable IRL streaming encoder supporting both SRT and RTMP protocols.

SRTRTMPRISTPortableMulti-modemBudget-friendly

SRT Configuration

Server URLsrt.region.irl.ac
Port4001
Stream IDlive/stream/YOUR_KEY
Latency2500ms (recommended)

RTMP Configuration (Alternative)

Server URLrtmp://rtmp.region.irl.ac:1935/publish
Stream KeyYOUR_KEY
SRTLA is recommended over RTMP for mobile streaming as it provides better reliability with connection bonding.

General Tips for Hardware Encoders

Latency Setting: Start with 2500ms latency for SRTLA/SRT. You can lower it to 2000ms for less delay if your connection is stable.
Bitrate: Most hardware encoders work well at 4000-6000 kbps for 1080p. Don't go too high - it wastes data and doesn't improve quality much.
Heat Management: Hardware encoders can get hot during extended streams. Ensure good ventilation in your backpack.
Power: Use a quality power bank with USB-PD or 12V output. Cheap power banks can cause encoder instability.

Encoder Comparison

EncoderProtocolBondingPrice Range
BelaboxSRTLAYes (up to 8 modems)$200-400 (DIY)
LiveU SoloRTMPWith expensive LRT Subscription$1,500+
LiveU Solo ProSRTWith expensive LRT Subscription$1,500+

Next Steps

OBS Setup Guide

Configure OBS to receive your stream

NOALBS Setup

Automatic scene switching

Mobile Streaming Guide

Stream from your phone with SRTLA

Bitrate Calculator

Calculate optimal stream settings