Not every live production has a dedicated machine room. Corporate training sessions, enterprise events, podcast recordings, and small ceremonies often need equipment that one person can carry to the venue, plug in, and start broadcasting immediately. The Datavideo HS-1400 is designed for exactly this: a hand-carried production studio that integrates switching, monitoring, streaming, and recording into a single portable case. This article introduces its specifications and practical deployment approach.

What Is the HS-1400?

The HS-1400 is a 5-channel HD hand-carry AV streaming workstation. Official specifications list 4 HDMI inputs (2× HDMI 2.0, 2× HDMI 1.4a) and 4 optional 3G-SDI inputs on the input side, plus NDI signal input support. On the output side: 2× HDMI PGM, 1× HDMI (assignable as AUX), 1× SDI (assignable as AUX), and 1× USB Type-C (UVC) for use as a direct video conferencing camera source. A built-in 17.3-inch Full HD (1920×1080) TFT monitor means switching, monitoring, and production can be done without an external screen.

For streaming and recording, the HS-1400 supports RTMP, RTSP, and SRT protocols, encoding up to 20 Mbps H.264/AVC, with simultaneous streaming and recording. Recording formats include MP4, TS, and FLV. The entire unit ships in a 455×370×134 mm reinforced plastic carry case weighing 7.3 kg, with an integrated handle for single-operator transport.

Complete On-Site Workflow with NDI Signals

The HS-1400's input side accepts NDI signals natively. This means that if Datavideo NDI PTZ cameras (such as the PTC-145 or PTC-285) are deployed on-site, their video can be sent directly into the HS-1400 over the shared network — no need to run an individual HDMI or SDI cable from each camera to the switcher location. If the venue also needs to simultaneously deliver video to monitoring displays or projectors, NDI Connect 100 decoders can decode the same networked signal at each display point, allowing the entire system to substantially reduce the number of physical cables.

Suitable Applications

• Corporate training and distance learning: Single-operator capable; the built-in screen lets instructors or crew confirm the picture at a glance.
• Enterprise events and internal live streams: The carry case design makes it easy to move between meeting rooms or venues.
• Podcasts and small-scale recording: Multiple HDMI/SDI inputs support multi-camera interview setups.
• Hybrid events: Simultaneous streaming and recording serves both in-person and online audiences.

Preparation Checklist Before Deployment

• Confirm input source types: cameras on HDMI, SDI, or NDI — plan cables or network connectivity accordingly.
• If using NDI inputs, cameras and HS-1400 must be on the same network. Refer to "Building a Dedicated NDI Network" for switch configuration guidance.
• Confirm the streaming destination platform's supported protocol (RTMP/RTSP/SRT) and obtain the stream key in advance.
• Bring sufficient storage media on-site and confirm the recording format (MP4/TS/FLV) matches post-production requirements.

Closing Thoughts

The HS-1400 consolidates multi-input, built-in monitoring, streaming, and recording into a single unit that one person can carry — particularly suited to teams that lack a fixed machine room and need to operate across different venues. Paired with Datavideo NDI cameras and NDI Connect 100 decoders, on-site signal transmission and display can be fully built on a common network infrastructure, reducing cabling complexity. For complete system planning, see "The Ultimate Guide to NDI Production Workflows."