Learn About CASTUS Mini | A Condensed Playout Server

Overview

The CASTUS Mini is a powerful small form factor system that is feature rich, reliable and easy to use. The Mini can be purchased in one of three different configurations – encode, decode or with a channel. The Mini supports both IP and HD/SDI workflows and can be configured with scheduling, overlay and ingest capabilities. Enable CASTUS Cloud Services (CCS) for OTT connectivity, live streaming, and easy re-stream options. Upload, schedule, and play nearly any file format with zero transcoding. Support for closed captioning is included which provides a compliant signal to cable and web for both live and Video On-Demand content. Visit our testimonials page to see for yourself why broadcast professionals choose CASTUS.

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Key Features

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Upload, Schedule & Play

Schedule and Play with CASTUS Mini. The CASTUS Mini is a Linux based operating system that requires zero transcoding. Upload any file regardless of the resolution, framerate or format and Mini will play your file with no rendering or transcoding. The 100% browser based interface allows you to schedule, add overlays and crawls, edit video in our basic non-linear editor ‘CASTUS Cuts’, switch to default media between scheduled shows and so much more. Connect with us to see first hand how Mini will streamline your workflow and allow you to focus on producing content; let our server do the rest.

Support for HD/SD & IP

Mini provides total support for HD/SDI as well as IP ingest and playout. Ingest Zoom Meetings, RTMP feeds, NDI from your video switcher, SRT, HLS, MPEG2-TS or even a feed direct from your cell phone, all without any additional hardware. Use and control your routing switcher to expand the number of inputs with ease. Mini comes with 500GB of local SSD storage with options to upgrade.

Captioning

Mini provides total support for captioning on cable, web, and more including 608, 708, as well as sidecar files such as .mcc, .scc, and .vtt. Connect to CASTUS Cloud Services (CCS) and integrate the Live Captioning service to caption your live events with 95% accuracy and record embedded or sidecar caption files for replay on both cable and web. There is additional support for SCTE-35 markets and EAS support including integration with our partners Digital Alert Systems.

Applications

CASTUS Mini can be found in Public Education and Government (PEG) stations, local municipalities, houses of worship, hospitality centers, health care, at-home broadcasters and more.

Channel Outputs

There is no limit to what you can achieve with CASTUS Mini. Output your channel to cable and web, including your website, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Roku/Apple TV/Amazon FireTV (OTT), custom mobile apps and more, all from one box. Schedule a demo with our team to see how CASTUS can streamline your operation.

Features

Secure user logins with password permissions.
Stream to web 24/7, Facebook Live & YouTube Live via RTMP.
Zero transcoding – HD/SD compatible (4K option available).
Supports RTMP, SRT, NDI, MP2TS, HLS, H.264 & more.
Easy ‘Click & Stick’ scheduling + Block Scheduling (with channel upgrade).
Create, edit and schedule built-in Bulletin Boards (with channel upgrade).
Video editing with built in non-linear editor ‘CASTUS Cuts’.
Graphic overlays & crawls on IP and SDI outputs.
Automatic audio volume normalization on outputs.
Built-in confidence monitors with audio meters.
Automatic background music detection during slides.
Automatically fills gaps in schedule with ‘Default Item’ (with channel upgrade).
Run reports for channels, programs, & metadata (with channel upgrade).
HDMI preview channel.
Built-in router control.
World class support with training included.

Highlights

500GB to 4TB internal storage.
IP & HD/SDI support all in one box.
Easy-to-use web browser based user interface.
Fast scheduling for programs and live events (with channel upgrade).
Simultaneously schedule and record live inputs.
Support for Closed Captions- sidecar & embedded.
Integrated Live and File Based closed captioning.
Stream to cloud destinations.
Independent channel output settings.
Auto signal loss detection for live events.
Integrates with CASTUS Cloud Services.
Linux operating system.

Compare products

QuickRoll	QuickCast	CASTUS Mini
3RU video server (rack mounted)	2RU video server (rack mounted)	Small form factor video server (not rack mounted)
Multi channel, multi input, and scalable	Single channel & single output	Single channel & single output
2 mirrored multicast IP outputs per channel	2 mirrored multicast IP outputs	1 mirrored multicast IP output
10TB RAID1 on premise storage (12TB, 16TB & 20TB storage upgrade available)	8TB on premise storage (12TB, 16TB & 20TB storage upgrade available)	500GB – 4TB SSD on premise storage
Hot-swap drive bays	Drive bays are not hot-swappable	Drive bays are not hot-swappable
Dual redundant power supplies	Single power supply	Single power supply
Linux operating system	Linux operating system	Linux operating system
Web browser based user interface	Web browser based user interface	Web browser based user interface
Native input/output support: HD/SDI, IP, NDI, HLS, MPEG2TS, H.264, RTMP, & SRT	Native input/output support: HD/SDI, IP, NDI, HLS, MPEG2TS, H.264, RTMP, & SRT	Native input/output support: HD/SDI, IP, NDI, HLS, MPEG2TS, H.264, RTMP, & SRT
Powerful and scalable processor with support for additional channels & inputs	Processor supports single channel playout (not scalable)	Processor supports single channel playout (not scalable)

Testimonials

Updating to the CASTUS technology allows more flexibility with quality and control of the channel’s signal. Many stations and networks are going over the top by offering apps for their programming and I am excited that our educational access channel is able to join with the other major content producers.

Melanie Lombardi, FSU-TV3 Channel Manager, Frostburg State University, MD

CASTUS is Monroe County Television’s preferred choice for broadcast and hardware services. The ability to manage our CASTUS QuickRoll server remotely is tantamount. ALL the modern advancements MCTV has introduced…from high-definition streaming, remote and off-site broadcasts/recordings, scheduling…and zero downtime are because of the quality and diversity of our CASTUS implementation and the products & services they offer. CASTUS Cloud…allowed for real-time closed captioning…enabled MCTV to enhance its online Video on Demand services while adding the capability for additional broadcast providers, and mobile applications. From the prompt response times of their Technical Support Technicians, the courteous demeanor of their staff and programmers & engineers. All the way to the very top leadership, CASTUS has been a stellar vendor.

Monroe County Television, FL

I absolutely love the CASTUS system! It’s an amazing piece of equipment and I won’t work without it. In my 25 years, it’s my favorite server.

City of Redlands, CA

CASTUS Cloud Solutions has integrated seamlessly in very little time. “We have been able to get our streaming and VOD onto Apple, Android, Roku, and Amazon apps. The ability to give Chicagoans who don’t have cable…information about their city and their communities has now increased significantly. For a reasonable amount of money and time, we easily are able to make our shows and streams available to Chicago, and the world!”

David Tainer, Station Manager, CAN TV, IL

Andover has had great success with our Roku and Amazon Firestick services designed and launched from CASTUS. We’ve been quite happy with their quality and reliability.

Wess Murphy, Station Manager, Andover TV, MA

Katy, your training yesterday was perfect. You fielded the questions from Judy and myself with clarity, accuracy and honesty. Through past interactions with you – that has become your hallmark – excellent customer service!