Patent ID: 8060671

Claim:
A portable media encoder comprising: a video input port configured to receive a real time video input from a video capture source; an audio input port configured to receive an audio input from an audio source; a digital output port for providing a digital output real time stream corresponding to the received video input and audio input; an encoding processor that converts the video input and the audio input into a streamable real time digital output format for transmitting through the digital output port; a housing including front and rear panels enclosing the encoding processor and providing at least one access panel providing user access to the video input port, the audio input port, and the digital output port, the housing having a size and configuration enabling a single individual to hand carry the encoder; a display screen mounted in the front panel and communicatively coupled to the encoding processor and operable to display confirmation of encoding operations therefrom; a set of control buttons mounted on the front panel and communicatively coupled to the encoding processor and operable to provide preselected encoding parameters to thereto, the control buttons including a context-sensitive information button operable to provide operational information corresponding the current operational state of the portable media encoder to a user via the display screen; and a capture card connected to the video input port and the audio input port, the capture card digitizing the input from the audio source and the input from the video source for encoding by the encoding processor in real time.