New Repeater Questions

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radiogareth
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Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2016 9:46 am

Re: New Repeater Questions

Post by radiogareth » Mon Mar 09, 2026 12:10 pm

Without any real technical understanding and as all the current hardware for RX is quite happy with H265, I'd go with that if your encoding setup can easily deliver it. 'Tis in vain to do with more, that which can be done with less... (better quality same bandwidth is my basic understanding).
Gareth

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G3GJA
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Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:44 pm

Re: New Repeater Questions

Post by G3GJA » Mon Mar 09, 2026 12:41 pm

Michael

H.265 needs a lot of processing, but if the encoder has adequate resources it can yield better results for the same bandwidth.

On the other hand H.264 might be better if the encoder is struggling. I've used both on the local repeater, but I've upset users with older set-top boxes that will only do H.264 @ 1MS/s when I've tied H265.

What encoder are you planning to use?

Clive

EA7KIR
Posts: 102
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2021 3:38 pm

Re: New Repeater Questions

Post by EA7KIR » Mon Mar 09, 2026 12:56 pm

G3GJA wrote:
Mon Mar 09, 2026 12:41 pm
What encoder are you planning to use?
Clive
My intention is to use the plugin provided by GStreamer, but certainly at lower bitrates (and at 1080p) the cpu load and latency goes up considerably. It might be possible to improve this. Early days...
Michael EA7KIR

g0mjw
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Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:15 am

Re: New Repeater Questions

Post by g0mjw » Mon Mar 09, 2026 4:10 pm

I would go with H265, it is 2026 after all. H264 is over 20 years old. Even H265 is over 10 years old. We should be innovating if we want to keep our bands.

Mike

G7VVF
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Joined: Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:11 am

Re: New Repeater Questions

Post by G7VVF » Mon Mar 09, 2026 7:49 pm

Hi Michael,
GB3EN uses an old 4th gen I7 PC and an old Nvidia graphics card, a GTX1060 and can easily produce 1MS/s H265 Full HD 1920x1080 video. The PC also functions a a repeater controller handling the inputs as well.

With this spec all you need is a £20 sat RX to receive it!

There is a full write up in CQTV 288 and 289, might be useful and give you some ideas.

Duncan
G7VVF

EA7KIR
Posts: 102
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2021 3:38 pm

Re: New Repeater Questions

Post by EA7KIR » Mon Mar 09, 2026 9:23 pm

G7VVF wrote:
Mon Mar 09, 2026 7:49 pm
With this spec all you need is a £20 sat RX to receive it!
Duncan G7VVF
Interesting. I was under the impression old Sat boxes could only do H.264. This makes HECV even more attractive. Thanks.
Michael EA7KIR

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