Spectra VM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Overview

Autodesk Flame artists can now use Streambox Spectra VM Encoder, an AWS cloud-based version of our Encoder software, to stream live edit sessions to clients and stakeholders using our Streambox Cloud and Streambox Media Players and Decoders. This is made possible by AWS CDI technology to carry the full quality output of the AWS cloud-based Autodesk Flame to be ingested by Spectra VM, both running on AWS EC2 Servers.

Questions and Answers for Customers

What is Spectra VM?

Spectra VM is a cloud-based version of our Spectra Encoder software which accepts input from AWS CDI connections.

What is AWS CDI?

Amazon Web Services’ servers offer a new server-to-server data transmission method called Cloud Digital Interface. It’s the virtual version of a very high bandwidth cable between two AWS EC2 servers, comparable to an SDI cable.

What if I'm not using AWS?

Spectra VM will soon (est. release March 2024) be supporting NDI as an input in the near future, which should allow it to be used with Autodesk Flame on platforms other than AWS. Our initial support will use NDI version 5.5.

Are other editors besides Flame supported?

Currently, Autodesk Flame is the only editor which supports the AWS CDI connectivity required for this Encoder workflow.

What are the benefits of leveraging the cloud?

The Cloud-based solution reduces the hardware requirements for Flame artists. They will be operating the Flame instance and Spectra VM using a remote-connection viewer, such as the AWS Nice DCV, which has much lower hardware requirements while still preserving the quality of the view on screen. Lower hardware requirements means lower cost as well as more flexible hardware deployment for our customers.

What is the workflow for Flame and Spectra VM on the cloud?

One AWS EC2 Server runs an instance of Autodesk Flame, which connects to the user’s storage and loads the video and effects required. Flame outputs an audio/video signal, via CDI connection, to a second server running Streambox Spectra VM Encoder, which uses a special license to accept the CDI signal as an input. Spectra VM is then configured to stream to the destination of choice.

A second workflow in development features a copy of Autodesk Flame running on the same AWS Instance as SpectraVM. This workflow is expected to require a more powerful EC2 server instance.

Options for destination include Streambox Media Player (Mac/Windows/iOS/tvOS), Streambox Iris (Mac/Windows), Iris VM (like Spectra VM, a cloud-based system), Streambox Hardware Decoder, or Streambox Cloud.

What are the costs associated with running Spectra VM on AWS cloud?
Spectra VM is recommended to be run on a c5n.9xlarge EC2 instance. The on-demand EC2 instance costs start at $1.944 per hour while the instance is active, though it can be turned off and disabled when not in use. When Spectra and Flame are run on the same instance, we recommend the g4dn.8xlarge instance type, which is priced starting at $2.176 per hour, on-demand. In both cases, pre-reserving the server for a year or more, or may yield discounted rates.

The cost of the Spectra VM license is expected to be the same as a regular Spectra software license: $295 for 30 days of Spectra HD/2K; $495 for 30 days of Spectra 4K. Some add-on features such as 16-channel audio, multi-channel video, 4:4:4/12-bit color, and 256-bit AES Encryption can cost extra. (Prices are accurate as of October 2022.)

The customer is responsible for the Flame license costs.

How can I monitor my work when using Flame and Spectra VM in the cloud?

Spectra VM will offer 2 Encoder applications running simultaneously. One of them can stream to you directly for monitoring the stream directly, as well as serving the “over-the-shoulder” viewer, and the other will stream either directly to a single client or to Streambox Cloud service to be replicated and streamed to multiple clients.

Using Streambox Iris or Streambox Media Player, you can connect to either stream to view/monitor the Flame work in progress. Streambox Iris allows you to output the view to a monitor or projector using a Blackmagic hardware output device, while Streambox Media Player will display the view on a Mac, Windows PC, iPad, iPhone, or Apple TV. The latter devices may not work well with higher-bitrate streams.

Where can I learn more?

Contact Streambox Sales at sales@streambox.com to inquire about ordering a license or any cost questions.

Streambox Support at support@streambox.com can assist you with technical questions and setup concerns.