Plano-based ViewCast Corporation announced the introduction of Niagara GoStream, a single-channel, portable streaming media encoder appliance designed for ease of use by streaming experts or novices. This compact unit can quickly go from its DualDock rack shelf in an indoor environment to outdoor, on-location events for live Web casting. The GoStream product aims to breakdown the technology barriers of most streaming media products by simplifying the user experience.

The GoStream encoder is a special offering in the market, focusing on the creation and presentation of video and audio on the Internet with a single-button operation. It features EZStream event buttons that allow users to load pre-defined encoding profiles for a specific event and simply press the record button to begin a streaming session. In addition, GoStream also simplifies the user experience by introducing the EASE control menu. The EASE menu is a workflow menu that streamlines the user experience allowing a user to Encode audio and video content, Access the system's health status, Setup the unit's network connections, and even Export video content to video storage devices including the Apple Video iPod and Creative Zen Vision media portable media players.

GoStream will include the latest version of ViewCast's remote control and monitoring software application for Osprey-based encoders. SCX 5.0 software incorporates digital rights management (DRM) for Windows Media, MPEG-4 /H.264 and MPEG-2 encoding standards.

The feature rich GoStream also allows wireless operation with an optional battery-powered backpack and wireless IP connectivity for anytime, anywhere IP video streaming. Using the battery option, GoStream can provide up to 6.5 hours of operation.

With a robust feature set combined with ease of use, ViewCast expects the GoStream product to grow the adoption of streaming media encoders by customers of content delivery networks and other emerging networks, especially in the broadcast, education, worship, and enterprise markets.

"Our goal in designing the GoStream was to enable a broader audience to take advantage of streaming technologies. With GoStream, ViewCast customers are able to establish video communications from anywhere with the simple press of a button," noted Dave Stoner, president and COO, ViewCast Corp.

GoStream's introduction highlights a marked departure from industry media encoders. The product design is a dedicated function appliance and offers a simple user interface that will drive greater adoption of streaming media products.

Evaluating the shift in the streaming industry, Stoner commented, "Shifts in the industry have refocused our efforts to satisfy our customer's needs. Designed more for the user's requirements rather than a technology, GoStream offers a purpose-built product targeted at enterprises looking for a low-cost solution to their needs."

For more information on the product please click on http://www.viewcast.com/pages.asp?page=niagara-GoStream. To see the product please visit booth no. SL2840 at the NAB trade show at Las Vegas Convention Center.