VidiU Go - ShareLink vs Core - Which service should I use (and why)?

Although they may appear to have the same features, Sharelink and Core are very different. Both Sharelink and Core support multi-destination streaming, network bonding, cellular bonding, and remote configuration, yet each has its own benefits depending on how you choose to utilize either service. VidiU Go is compatible with either Sharelink or Core, and understanding how the two services differ will help you determine which service you decide to use.

Multi-Destination Streaming

Multi-Destination streaming is one of the most popular features of Core and Sharelink. Both services allow you to deliver your stream to multiple CDNs simultaneously, all while only requiring the bandwidth of a single stream. Where these services differ is in the type of destination you can stream to. With Sharelink, you can only stream to CDNs such as Facebook, YouTube, and Wowza, or RTMP destinations. Also, Sharelink has a limit of 3-5 destinations (depending on your subscription type), and a $5 dollar monthly fee for any additional channels. With Core, you can live stream to an unlimited number of online destinations and/or decoder destinations for no additional charges.

Conclusion: VidiU Go users that simply want to live stream to several online platforms can do so with Sharelink. For VidiU Go users with a more complex workload involving the use of multiple types of encoders and online or decoder destinations would benefit from using Core. 

HEVC conversion to H.264

This feature is what really differentiates one cloud service from the other, especially while using VidiU Go. Currently only available in Core, HEVC to H.264 conversion (transcoding) enables an HEVC stream to be converted and delivered to destinations that are only compatible with H.264. The main benefit of this is that an HEVC stream requires only half the bitrate than that of an H.264 stream while still achieving the same video quality.

An H.264 encoder streaming at 1080p may require 8 Mbps, while an HEVC encoder will transmit that same 1080p stream, but would only require 4 Mbps to produce the exact same quality. Another advantage of using less bandwidth is that customers will be able to broadcast high-quality video from areas with poor internet service.

Conclusion: VidiU Go customers who want to conserve bandwidth while delivering high-quality footage would benefit from using Core’s HEVC conversion capabilities.

Cellular Bonding                                                                                                               

Both Core and Sharelink offer an effective and unique way to give your VidiU Go internet connectivity, especially in situations where Ethernet and/or WiFi are simply not available. With Core and Sharelink cellphone bonding capabilities, you can combine cellular service from up to four cell phones running the VidiU app (while in AP mode) into a single robust network, providing Internet connectivity to your VidiU Go.

If you’re attempting to broadcast from a remote location (desert, mountains, etc.), connect your phone(s) to VidiU Go’s AP network labeled VidiU-Go-XXXXX (XXXXX represents the serial number of the device). Once prompted, select yes to link the phone’s cellular data service.      VidiU Go can now connect and stream live to the Internet.

Conclusion: Either Core or Sharelink is an ideal choice for broadcasting with VidiU Go from any remote location with cellular bonding.

Device and Streaming Limitations                                                                                 

Sharelink has a limit of five VidiU devices that can be configured for streaming, whereas Core has no limit on the number of streaming devices. Additionally, Sharelink is only compatible with VidiU devices, while Core can ingest streaming video from most Teradek encoders and even some third-party encoders. When using the VidiU Go with Sharelink or Core you will only be able to stream to RTMP CDNs.

Conclusion: Customers with multiple devices (Teradek or third-party) and streaming destinations will benefit more from using Core.

Web User Interface

Sharelink and Core both have a web user interface (web UI) that include some identical features. Both display previews of your streaming video along with useful stats to help you determine whether or not you need to modify your stream’s parameters.

                                                                                                                   Sharelink Dashboard

                                                                                                                      Sharelink Stats

Core’s web UI has a more comprehensive dashboard that includes a sidebar menu where you can access and configure multiple streaming sources and destinations, analyze stats for various sources simultaneously, review previous recordings, and even perform firmware upgrades.

                                                                                                                          Core Dashboard

                                                                                                                                                                      Core Stats

VidiU Go users, both novice and experienced alike can expand the capabilities of their VidiU Go with either cloud service. The difference between the two is that Sharelink’s simplicity caters to the entry-level live stream enthusiast using only VidiU devices, while Core is designed for the veteran broadcaster with multiple Teradek or third-party devices and streaming destinations (decoders and/or channels) to configure.