Grass Valley, CA (April 12, 2023) – AJA Video Systems announced v2.0 firmware for its popular HELO Plus H.264 streaming/encoding/recording device, which will include a host of free new improvements that streamline the delivery of compelling live-streamed content. The update also introduces two new licensable features, including simultaneous multi-channel stereo audio streaming/recording and PlayToStream, which lets users use a previously recorded program for a future streaming event. 

Available next month for download from the AJA support page, HELO Plus v2.0 includes a broad range of user-inspired improvements, including new audio choices, full integration with Facebook Live, SDI and HDMI status overlays, and more. An optional new PlayToStream license, available for purchase, enables playout of a previously recorded show as a streaming source, even alongside another live stream being served. Professionals can opt to leverage the add-on to record a live stream to a storage device connected to HELO Plus and playback the stream as soon as the recording ends or later, which can be scheduled from the integrated web-browser user interface (UI). True multi-channel stereo audio streaming is also available via a separate optional license that supports two simultaneous channels of stereo audio streaming/recording. With this feature, professionals can assign one audio stereo pair to stream content in one language and the other to stream the same content in a different language for multilingual needs. 

HELO Plus v2.0 Feature Highlights

• Playback a previously recorded stream as the source for either HELO Plus stream outputs with an optional PlayToStream license.
• Leverage an optional license for two simultaneous channels of stereo audio streaming/ recording for true multilingual streaming.
• Bring in an SDI signal with eight stereo pairs of audio and route any pair to Audio 1 or Audio 2 with advanced audio selection and an audio presence indicator in the HELO Plus web UI.
• See the levels of the selected Audio 1 & 2 sources in real-time via VU meters in the HELO Plus web-browser user interface.
• Stream content easily to Facebook Live with full user authentication for the platform.
• Get system insight with status overlays on HELO Plus’ SDI and/or HDMI outputs. 
• Improve the quality of your stream with updated VSG image capabilities and VSG “auto” mode.

“Demand for streaming continues to grow across a range of industries, alongside customer expectations for more dynamic streams. HELO Plus was designed to help support this demand, enabling high-quality streaming with ultra-reliable performance and picture-in-picture and graphics functionality. The new HELO Plus v2.0 firmware introduces powerful user-requested new features, including full Facebook Live integration, multilingual audio support, and unique options to repurpose recordings for later streams,” shared AJA President Nick Rashby. “We’re thrilled to release this update and encourage all users to download it next month.” 

Pricing and Availability                                                                                                                                 
HELO Plus is available today from AJA’s worldwide network of resellers for $1869 US MSRP, with v2.0 improvements (outside of PlayToStream and simultaneous multi-channel stereo audio) available next month for free via the AJA support page. PlayToStream and multi-channel stereo audio streaming/recording will be available next month as optional license add-ons for $199 and $99, respectively. For rack mounting, the new AJA 1RU Utility Rack accessory is available for $120 US MSRP. For more information, visit www.aja.com/helo-plus, or check out AJA’s What’s New Page. AJA HELO Plus v2.0 will also be on display at NAB 2023 in the West Hall, booth #2600. 

About HELO Plus                                                                                                                                              
 AJA HELO Plus is a compact H.264 streaming and recording device offering both SDI and HDMI I/O, with the capability to stream up to 1080p60 to a content delivery network and record simultaneously. Two different streaming destinations can be set up and recordings can be made to a combination of SD card, USB storage, and NFS or CIFS network storage. It also provides picture-in-picture and graphics functionality in-hardware for compelling presentations made simple. HELO Plus offers high-quality streaming with ultra-reliable performance for any critical streaming service needs, including esports, news, sports, education, creator, live events, and beyond.

About AJA Video Systems                                                                                                                                         
Since 1993, AJA Video Systems has been a leading manufacturer of video interface technologies, converters, digital video recording solutions, and professional cameras, bringing high-quality, cost-effective products to the professional broadcast, video, and post production markets. AJA products are designed and manufactured at our facilities in Grass Valley, California, and sold through an extensive sales channel of resellers and systems integrators around the world. For further information, please see our website at www.aja.com.

All trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. 

Media Contact:
Katie Weinberg
Raz Public Relations, LLC 
310-450-1482, aja@razpr.com