Hydra Video Transcoder — H.264/H.265 Transcoding, 75% Bandwidth Savings | WTI

WTI Hydra Video Transcoder

Video encoding and integration platform for traffic and infrastructure networks. Transcode legacy H.264 and MPEG-4 streams to H.265 and save up to 75% of backhaul bandwidth without replacing cameras.

  • NEMA TS2
  • Made in USA
75%

Less bandwidth

Convert H.264 and MPEG-4 sources to H.265 at the edge and keep existing cameras in service.

16

SD streams per unit

Or 8 × 720p, 4 × 1080p H.264 streams, or 4 SD MPEG-4 streams.

1 → many

Multi-stream output

Output one input as multiple streams in different codecs for TMC walls, sharing, and archives.

TS2

Cabinet-rated

-40°C to +80°C typical, NEMA TS-2 shock and vibration, same wall or tray mounting as Striker.

How Hydra works

  1. 1Take any H.264 camera feed.
  2. 2Route it through a WTI Hydra on a network switch.
  3. 3Send the optimized H.265 streams over the long-distance link (fiber, cellular, or wireless).
  4. 4Display the streams on your native H.265 endpoints at the location of your choice.
  5. 4A second Hydra at the destination converts the H.265 streams back to H.264 for your existing VMS.
  6. Up to 75% less bandwidth on the long-distance link, with no camera replacement.
Existing camerasUp to 16 SD H.264 streams
H.264
Network switchLocal site
H.264
HYDRAWTI HydraTranscodes to H.265
H.265
H.265 endpointsVMS, displays, recorders
H.265
Network switchDestination site
H.265
Long-distance linkFiber · wireless · cellular
Existing camerasUp to 16 SD H.264 streams
H.264
Network switchLocal site
H.264
HYDRAWTI HydraTranscodes to H.265
H.265
H.264 endpointsVMS, displays, recorders
H.264
HYDRASecond HydraConverts back to H.264
H.265
Long-distance linkFiber · wireless · cellular
Bandwidth on the long-distance linkUp to 75% less
H.264 source
H.265 via Hydra

Capacity per unit: 16 SD H.264, 8 × 720p H.264, 4 × 1080p H.264, or 4 SD MPEG-4 streams. One input can be output as multiple streams.

HYDRA265 Specifications

Input codecH.264, H.265, MPEG-4 video
Input formatRTP, RTSP/RTP
Output codecH.264, H.265, MPEG-4, MJPEG
Output formatRTP, RTSP/RTP
CapacityUp to 16 SD H.264, 8 × 720p H.264, 4 × 1080p H.264, or 4 SD MPEG-4 streams
Network protocolsRTP, RTSP, UDP, TCP, IP, IGMPv2, ICMP, ARP, HTTP
EthernetGigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab)
Input power89–265 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumptionUp to 30 W, average 10–15 W
Operating temperature-40°C to +80°C typical; -25°C to +80°C guaranteed
Humidity0 to 90% non-condensing
Shock and vibrationNEMA TS-2 compliant
RegulatoryRoHS, FCC Part 15
Size8.15" W × 1.67" H × 6.00" D with side rails (20.7 × 4.24 × 15.24 cm)
Weight3.35 lbs (1.52 kg)
MountingWall-mount side rails 3.4" × 7.85" (6-32 clearance); bottom tray-mount 6-32 PEMs, 4.0" × 6.0"

Specifications from the WTI Hydra datasheet (2026). Subject to change without notice.

Documentation

Hydra DatasheetPDF · features, specifications, dimensions↓

Looking for a datasheet for a prior model? Reach out and we’ll send it.

Need Help Specifying This Product?

Contact WTI or find a certified distributor for pricing and availability.