From the Jetson Nano through modern RK3588 systems to ready-made encoders from Kiloview and LiveU.
An encoder takes camera and audio, compresses the signal, and sends it over one or more internet connections. Processing power and resolution matter, but so do power supply, cooling, inputs, modem connections, software upkeep, and a whole setup that has been tested and holds up.
BELABOX is open software for mobile encoders. On current RK3588 boards the HDMI input can already be on the board, which, depending on the model, removes the need for an external USB capture card. Compared with the Jetson Nano, the project also cites up to 4K60 instead of 4K30, lower hardware costs, and lower power draw for the encoder platform.
The specific board still decides a lot: some models react more sensitively to cellular modems close to the HDMI signal path, deliver different amounts of power to attached USB modems, or need special handling for the SIM card and M.2 modem. Before a permanent install, test the complete setup with all cables, modems, and the planned power source for several hours.
BELABOX currently lists five board variants. The rundown below deliberately focuses on the practical IRL setup and leaves out short-lived prices.
Currently the best-balanced starting point for a new BELABOX build with a camera over HDMI. The board has a full-size HDMI input, USB-PD power, built-in Wi-Fi, and an M.2 B-key slot for a 4G/5G modem. According to the project, its HDMI capture is less prone to interference from nearby cellular modems than on the older variants.
Keep in mind: The HDMI input on the side needs careful cable routing. For some M.2 modems, a documented workaround may be needed for SIM detection.
The smallest of the listed boards and, according to BELABOX, especially strong at powering attached USB devices. It supports USB-PD and suits RTMP input or cameras with a compatible USB webcam mode, for example.
Keep in mind: It has no HDMI input. If you want to connect a regular HDMI camera now or later, pick a different variant.
A supported variant with a full-size HDMI input, a swappable eMMC module, and two Ethernet ports. The HDMI signal path is considered less sensitive to nearby cellular modems than on the older ROCK 5B and BPI-W3.
Keep in mind: For new HDMI builds, BELABOX now prefers the ROCK 5B+. USB-PD is not supported on the Orange Pi 5 Plus in this comparison, and an unlucky modem or cable layout can disturb HDMI capture here too.
The older ROCK 5 variant is still supported and easy to get. BELABOX can run on it in principle.
Keep in mind: The HDMI input uses the more fragile micro-HDMI connector. Powerful USB modems and radio interference on the HDMI signal path can be a problem. The higher USB-PD voltage was disabled in the BELABOX image because of boot loops with various power sources.
A supported larger board with a full-size HDMI input, soldered-in eMMC, and either a 12 V barrel jack or USB-C PD as power input.
Keep in mind: It is roughly twice the size of the more compact alternatives, supplies demanding USB modems with limited power, and can also show interference between cellular modem and HDMI capture. Never connect the barrel jack and USB-C at the same time.
Looking at the RK3588 chip is not enough for a stable encoder. Camera input, networking, storage, and the power at the USB ports decide whether HDMI capture and several cellular modems run reliably together.
| Board | HDMI input | USB and modems | Network | Storage | Power supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK 5B+ | Full-size HDMI | several USB ports; M.2 B-key for 4G/5G up to 42 mm | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi built in | microSD; eMMC soldered or optional depending on version | USB-C PD; high output for USB devices by comparison |
| ROCK 5A | no HDMI input | 2× USB 2.0, 2× USB 3.0; M.2 E-key for Wi-Fi | 1× Gigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi via module | microSD; swappable eMMC | USB-C PD; good USB power reserves |
| Orange Pi 5 Plus | Full-size HDMI | 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0; M.2 slots | 2× 2.5 Gbit Ethernet; Wi-Fi via module | microSD; swappable eMMC; NVMe possible | USB-C without PD negotiation in the BELABOX comparison |
| ROCK 5B | Micro-HDMI | USB 2.0/3.0; no M.2 B-key like the 5B+ | Gigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi via module | microSD; swappable eMMC | USB-C; higher PD voltages disabled in the BELABOX image |
| Banana Pi BPI-W3 | Full-size HDMI | USB 2.0/3.0; limited power for demanding modems | Ethernet; expansions depend on the board | microSD; eMMC soldered in | 12 V barrel jack or USB-C PD, never both at once |
The number of ports does not tell you how much power is available at the same time. For the ROCK 5B+, BELABOX cites up to 3 A on the USB-C port, among other things, plus separate or shared budgets on the USB-A ports. On the ROCK 5A, up to 2.3 A or 1.5 A is available depending on the port group. Orange Pi 5 Plus, ROCK 5B, and BPI-W3 have lower or more heavily shared port budgets.
With several cellular modems, a good, separately powered USB hub can make sense or even be necessary. It should be rated for continuous load and must not feed unwanted voltage back into the encoder.
The P2 is a mobile H.264 encoder with an HDMI input. According to the manufacturer, it supports RTMP, SRT, RTSP, HLS, and TS over UDP, among others. For KiloLink bonding you can use two internal and two external 4G connections plus Wi-Fi; Ethernet is possible through a USB extension. The built-in battery, local recording, and web management make it a largely finished solution.
The P3 is the more modern 5G generation. It offers HDMI, 3G-SDI, and USB inputs, H.264/H.265, a touchscreen, and modular cellular and battery modules. Kiloview cites up to four 5G/4G modules plus Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, for six connection paths. Besides RTMP and SRT, further production protocols are supported.
The LiveU Solo PRO is a ready-made portable encoder for creators, events, and IRL streaming. It comes as an HDMI version and a combined SDI/HDMI version and, according to the manufacturer, supports resolutions up to 4K. Optional H.265/HEVC can save bandwidth if the destination fits and the feature is booked.
With LRT™ the unit can combine up to six IP connections: four external 4G/5G modems, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. The actual bonding function is tied to the LiveU system and a paid LRT™ service. Add-on packages can include modems, data plans, and cloud features.
| Platform | Type | Video input | Connections | Strengths | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetson Nano 2 GB | historical DIY | USB capture/camera depending on the build | USB modems, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | affordable early entry | only 2 GB RAM, EOL, limited headroom |
| Jetson Nano 4 GB | historical DIY | usually USB capture | USB modems, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | more memory, lots of community experience | plan the 5 V supply and USB load carefully, EOL |
| RK3588 + BELABOX | modern DIY | built-in HDMI or USB, depending on the board | board-dependent: USB, M.2, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | modern, flexible, often compact | board choice, EMI, USB power, and cooling |
| Kiloview P2 | ready-made 4G bonding encoder | HDMI up to 1080p60 | 4G, Wi-Fi, optional Ethernet | built-in battery, compact all-in-one | older H.264/4G generation, KiloLink system |
| Kiloview P3 | ready-made 5G bonding encoder | HDMI, 3G-SDI, USB; HDMI up to 4K30 | up to 4× 5G/4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | H.265, touchscreen, modular design | larger professional setup, check costs and modules |
| LiveU Solo PRO | ready-made commercial bonding encoder | HDMI or SDI/HDMI; up to 4K | up to 4× 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | compact LiveU system, LRT™, H.265 optional | LRT™ and other features may require ongoing services |
| Your situation | Obvious direction | Clarify first |
|---|---|---|
| I already have a working Jetson Nano | Keep using it | How it gets power, where you can get spare parts, and that the Jetson is EOL |
| I want to build it myself and use an HDMI camera | An RK3588 board with HDMI input that BELABOX supports | How many modems, how much USB power, how you cool it and route the cables |
| I want as little DIY as possible | Kiloview P2/P3 or LiveU Solo PRO | What ecosystem, licenses, and ongoing services the manufacturer brings along |
| I am just getting started | First see whether a phone app like Moblin is enough | Whether you need your own encoder at all |
Board, camera input, number and type of modems, and the planned power supply all have to fit together. If you are unsure whether to go with Jetson, RK3588, Kiloview, or LiveU, you can present your planned setup in the IRL4YOU Discord. Details about the camera, transport protocol, cellular modems, power bank, and what you will use it for help most.
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The board information and comparisons are fully contained on this IRL4YOU page. Technical details can change through firmware, board revisions, services, and product variants. So check specific ports and requirements against the current documentation from the hardware maker before you buy or rebuild.
All descriptions, rundowns, tables, and the graphic on this page were created independently for IRL4YOU. No third-party comparison tables, manufacturer images, or logos are embedded.
BELABOX, NVIDIA, Jetson, Kiloview, KiloLink, LiveU, and LRT™ are trademarks or product names of their respective owners. IRL4YOU claims no official partnership with the manufacturers mentioned.
Not necessarily. A phone app like Moblin is often enough to start. A dedicated encoder pays off when you want to connect an external camera over HDMI or SDI, or when you need more modems and ports than a phone can give you.
If your setup runs stably, you can keep using it. For a new build it is not automatically the best base, because NVIDIA lists the developer kits as EOL. On an existing unit, look mainly at the power supply.
No. "RK3588" is only the processor family. Whether a board has an HDMI input, enough USB power, a suitable power connector, and BELABOX support depends on the individual board. Before you buy, check that your exact board is explicitly supported. More in Setting up BELABOX.
Not across the board. KiloLink and LRT™ are the manufacturers' own bonding systems and not the same as SRTLA. Before you buy, ask the manufacturer directly about features, server components, and licenses. Background on SRTLA is on the SRTLA page.
Run the camera, fan, storage, and all modems together for several hours. Use exactly the power bank, cables, and hubs you will carry on location. Watch for undervoltage, USB dropouts, glitches in the picture, temperature, and restarts. For power, see Power Supply.