Portable media encoder with remote session management interface

Abstract

A portable media encoder is disclosed. A portable media encoder includes a a video input port configured to receive a video input from a video source, an audio input port configured to receive an audio input from an audio source, and a digital output port for providing a digital output stream corresponding to the received video input and audio input. An encoding processor that converts the video input and the audio input into a streamable digital output format for transmitting through the digital output port is provided. A digital control input port for receiving commands from a remote management console and providing the commands to the encoding processor is also provided. A housing enclosed the encoding processor and provides at least one access panel facilitating user access to the video input port, the audio input port, the digital output port, and the digital control input port. The housing has a size and configuration that allows the encoder to be hand carried by a single individual

1 . A portable media encoder comprising: 
 a video input port configured to receive a video input from a video source;    an audio input port configured to receive an audio input from an audio source;    a digital output port for providing a digital output stream corresponding to the received video input and audio input;    an encoding processor that converts the video input and the audio input into a streamable digital output format for transmitting through the digital output port;    a digital control input port for receiving commands from a remote management console and providing the commands to the encoding processor;    a housing enclosing the encoding processor and providing at least one access panel providing user access to the video input port, the audio input port, the digital output port, and the digital control input port, the housing having a size and configuration that allows the encoder to be hand carried by a single individual.    
   
   
       2 . The portable media encoder of  claim 1 , wherein the digital control input port is a network interface card.  
   
   
       3 . The portable media encoder of  claim 1 , wherein the digital control input port is a universal serial bus (USB) connector.  
   
   
       4 . The portable media encoder of  claim 1 , wherein the digital control input port is further configured to accept configuration information from the remote management console and provide the configuration information to the encoding processor.  
   
   
       5 . The portable media encoder of  claim 1 , further comprising a set of control buttons communicatively coupled to the encoding processor and operable to provide encoding parameters thereto.  
   
   
       6 . The portable media encoder of  claim 5 , wherein the set of control buttons includes at least one preprogrammed button associated with a predetermined encoding profile and operable to start encoding of the video input and audio input in accordance with the profile.  
   
   
       7 . The portable media encoder of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one preprogrammed button is programmable via the digital control input port.  
   
   
       8 . A media encoding system comprising: 
 a plurality of portable media encoders, each of the portable media encoders having a plurality of audiovisual input ports, at least one digital output port, and a digital control input port, each portable media encoder being operable to receive input signals on the input ports and convert the input signals into a digitized streamable output on the at least one digital output port; and    a remote management console that provides control and configuration information to the plurality of portable media encoders via the digital control input ports of the portable media encoders;    wherein the remote management console communicates with the plurality of portable media encoders via a network and provides control and configuration information thereto.    
   
   
       9 . The media encoding system of  claim 8 , wherein the remote management console provides at least one user input device and at least one user output device.  
   
   
       10 . The media encoding system of  claim 9 , wherein the user output device is a view screen.  
   
   
       11 . The media encoding system of  claim 10 , wherein the view screen is operable to provide confidence monitoring of the encoding operations of at least one of the plurality of portable media encoders.  
   
   
       12 . The media encoding system of  claim 10 , wherein the view screen is touch sensitive and operates as a user input device.  
   
   
       13 . The media encoding system of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of video cameras interfaced to the audiovisual input ports of the plurality of portable media encoders.  
   
   
       14 . The media encoding system of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the plurality of video cameras is interfaced to two or more of the plurality of portable media encoders.  
   
   
       15 . The media encoding system of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the plurality of portable media encoders is interfaced to two or more of the plurality of video cameras.  
   
   
       16 . The media encoding system of  claim 8 , further comprising a server communicatively coupled to the digital output ports of the plurality of portable media encoders and operable to store the digitized output of the portable media encoders.  
   
   
       17 . A portable media encoder controller for controlling at least one portable media encoder from a remote location, the at least one portable media encoder including a set of inputs for receiving audiovisual input, a digital output for providing digitized output signals corresponding to the audiovisual input, and a digital control input, the portable media controller comprising: 
 a network interface connecting to the digital control input of the at least one portable media encoder via a network;    a user display screen that displays the operating status and settings of the at least one portable media encoder, the status being provided over the network from the digital control input of the at least one portable media encoder; and    an input device for receiving user commands and configuration information to be provided to the at least one portable media encoder over the network.    
   
   
       18 . The portable media encoder controller of  claim 17 , wherein the user display provides a graphical user interface for displaying the operating status and settings of the at least one portable media encoder and provides confirmation of user commands and configuration information received from the user.  
   
   
       19 . The portable media encoder controller of  claim 18 , wherein the display screen is touch-sensitive and also functions as the input device.  
   
   
       20 . The portable media encoder of  claim 17  wherein the network interface is an Internet connection.