Point-to-Point (P2P) Feature for Streambox Encoder: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Point-to-Point (P2P) feature used for?

A: Point-to-Point will greatly simplify the process of sending a stream from Streambox Encoder to a single location. Instead of requiring firewall access, finding IP addresses, and arranging for port-forwarding, users of Encoder can simply generate a 6-digit code which causes the Decoder/Media Player user to to request the stream from the Encoder and complete the connection in seconds.

Q: Which Streambox Encoders support the Point-to-Point feature? Which Decoders?

A: Streambox Spectra VM and Streambox Bridge virtual software encoders currently support the feature. Streambox Spectra Software Encoders and Streambox Chroma Hardware Encoders (including both the rackmount units and Chroma X) will support Point-to-Point. Streambox Micro 3 and Avenir Mini 5 portable hardware Encoders will as well, in the next major update.

Streambox Chroma Hardware Decoders, including Chroma+ and Streambox Halo, as well as Streambox Media Player (all platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, and tvOS) as well as Streambox Iris and the forthcoming Streambox iMonitor will all support Point-to-Point following updates at the time of the feature’s release.

Q: How does Point-to-Point work?

A: The Encoder user clicks a button to generate a Point-to-Point code. The code resembles a code used by Streambox Sessions, beginning with $R; for example $RABC12. The Encoder user sends that code to the Decoder/Media Player user, who enters the code as if it’s a Session. The Decoder or Media Player contacts a server which brokers a direct connection from Encoder Encoder to the Decoder/Media Player.

Q: Can I use Point-to-Point to stream to multiple users?

A: Each Encoder channel can send only one stream to one destination. For the Mac and PC-based Encoder software, there’s only one channel available, so only a single destination. However, some of our Cloud-based products like EncoderVM and Streambox Bridge offer multiple channels, so more than one destination can be set.

Q: How easy is it to switch destinations?

A: It’s very easy for both sender and receiver. The encoder user clicks a button which generates a new code, and then they send that code to the receiving user. The receiving user enters the code into their Media Player or Decoder as if it’s a Session ID, and click “Go” or “Start.” The connection will be negotiated rapidly and the Encoder’s stream will start streaming to the receiver.

Q: Is Point-to-Point only used for reference monitoring?

A: Not at all; any stream sent to a single location can use Point-to-Point to simplify the connection. Reference Monitoring is expected to be a common use for this process, particularly when Encoder is running in a cloud-based environment, but Point-to-Point won’t exclusively be used for that.

Q: What is Broker?

A: Broker is a Streambox server which negotiates and facilitates the connection between Encoder and Decoder when using Point-to-Point. Neither user interacts with Broker directly, but Broker receives information from the Encoder user generating the code, and connects them to the user who sends that code from a Media Player.

Q: Is Point-to-Point different from Streambox Sessions?

A: Yes. Streambox Sessions uses our Streambox Cloud, which requires an active account and some paid data. Point-to-Point does not require the Cloud or data in any account; the stream itself goes directly from Encoder to Decoder. Streambox Sessions can be used to send to multiple users, while Point-to-Point can send only to one. However, using Point-to-Point will resemble Sessions to the user on Media Player or Decoder products.

Q: What are the requirements for using Point-to-Point?

A: Point-to-Point connections require internet access, even if the connection being made is local, in order for Broker to negotiate the connection. P2P is an add-on feature which requires its own license to be activated on the Encoder software. This license is sometimes called a Pullstream license.

Q: What network settings will be required for Point-to-Point connections?

A: The Encoder using Point-to-Point requires that the firewall on its network be set with Port Forwarding to allow the outside connection from the Decoder/Media Player. Port-Forward the port 1770/UDP to the Encoder’s internal IP address.

Q: How is Point-to-Point activated?

A: Contact Streambox Sales to obtain a license for a trial or purchase of the Point-to-Point Feature.