Why Haivision is Introducing the Makito X4 Rugged Video Encoder for ISR
Haivision is announcing the launch of the new Makito X4 Rugged video encoder. With the Makito X4 Rugged, we have added a powerful, next-generation, low-latency HEVC/H.265 and AVC/H.264 capable video encoder to the already rich line of compact, rugged defense-focused Makito series of video encoders for backhaul, situational awareness and other ISR applications. We are very proud of this new encoder, not only for its powerful array of encoding and streaming features, but also for the fact that we’re launching it at the same time as its blade/appliance counterpart – the Makito X4.
Historical approach to new video encoders: First the blade, then the rugged
Over the course of the evolution of the Makito series of video encoders and decoders, we typically built the blade/appliance version of the video encoder before delivering the rugged version. For instance, the Makito Air compact video encoder was derived from the Makito Classic, but was only available four years after the original Makito video encoder was introduced. The Makito XCR arrived as a 4-channel architectural morph of the Makito X long after the initial release. The Makito X HEVC Rugged video encoder refactored the two boards used in the Makito X HEVC and packaged them onto a single PCB to aid thermal management. In all cases, these ruggedized video encoders came significantly later than the release of our bread-and-butter blade/appliances.
An evolving approach to meet evolving needs
With each platform evolution, we saw high demand for the ruggedized variant from defense and ISR communities. In order to better serve our customers, we felt that we needed to adapt our traditional release cadence to design and build both blade/appliance and ruggedized encoder simultaneously. Which brings us to now – we’ve made major changes to our approach when it comes to next-generation encoding platform development. These changes have allowed us to respond quickly to ISR needs – with the launch of the new Makito X4 platform, both the blade/appliance and ruggedized variants are launching at the same time. This is represents a major advancement in how we design, build and deliver our products.
Makito X4 Rugged from 30,000 Feet
Other than simultaneous releases, what are we aiming to accomplish with the Makito X4 Rugged? First of all, we designed with MIL-SPEC in mind to adhere to electrical, EMI, shock and vibration, and environmental requirements. We were also looking for a compact, multi-channel option with similar SWaP characteristics as the 4-channel Makito XCR. And we were very mindful of the growing need for HEVC/H.265 as we were seeing with the 2-channel Makito X HEVC Rugged. Plus, we needed to deliver it all on a future-proof platform that could scale as new image processing technologies and interface workflows gained traction.
The Makito X4 Rugged video encoder is a quad-HD compact rugged video encoder, capable of encoding simultaneous HEVC/H.265 and AVC/H.264 from 8 encoding cores. STANAG and MISB compliant, with support for KLV metadata and metadata filtering, dual-network connectors, analog and digital video inputs, and even capable of encoding at resolutions up to 4K/UHD (3840x2160p60), all with the ultra low latency you expect from the Makito series of low latency video encoders and decoders.
Learn more about the Makito X4 Rugged today – click here to learn the features and obtain the datasheet.
