News happens fast. It’s less a stream of information than a torrent of data, and mobile news broadcasters and content creators sometimes struggle to keep up. Path 1’s PiXiE is a 1RU rack-mounted video encoder and decoder system purpose-built for use in any news van or broadcast studio.
From the beginning of development, our focus has been to create an appealing, differentiated product with professional-grade quality and reduced complexity for operators. To this end, we simplified set-up to a three step process, provided straight forward start/stop controls for broadcasting, and designed a dashboard to provide instant feedback to improve operator confidence. Uniquely, PiXiE’s striking front panel features only an IP address display instead of the traditional, and often confusing, multifunction readout.
The PiXiE encoder detects the operator’s chosen video input then simultaneously encodes up to five versions of the video signal at different bitrates. Unlike traditional solutions, Path 1’s system makes these video representations immediately available on the encoder’s standard internal web server, which allows it seamlessly integrate as an Internet service.
The encoder is complemented by the MPEG-DASH PiXiE decoder, which further simplifies IP video broadcasting and reception. When receiving signals from the PiXiE encoder, the decoder automatically selects the highest quality video supported by the available bandwidth, and optimizes playback even in adverse network conditions.
PiXiE simplifies the experience for operators with a streamlined operating experience, web-based dashboard, and appropriate automation of key tasks. The end result? A system which reduces cognitive load while increasing operational efficiency and delight.
Informed and inspired by interviews with industry experts, our initial solutions were developed as conceptual flows, then refined and wireframed for clarity and detail. The result is a bespoke solution unmatched in the industry, and a device that continues to draw praise from its users