The Qualabs team tackled the challenge of developing an OBS plugin that supports hardware encoding using the AMD Alveo MA35D card. The goal was for the AMD team to present a demo at one of the biggest events in the video industry, the NAB Show , showcasing advanced encoding capabilities in formats like AVC/H264, HEVC/H265, and AV1. This plugin aims to enable streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously, especially in high-demand scenarios such as gaming and live events.
Our team at Qualabs has crafted the OBS plugin to fully leverage the functionalities of the AMD Alveo MA35D card, enhancing live encoding efficiency. The use of hardware acceleration not only optimizes CPU and GPU utilization but also becomes crucial in environments where system resources are scarce or need to be allocated to demanding tasks like gaming.
During the development process, the team faced technical challenges, such as the integration of AMD's AMA SDK. However, their prior experience with the Xilinx Video SDK for the U30 card proved invaluable, allowing them to approach this new project with a solid foundation. This expertise not only facilitated a quick adaptation and overcoming of initial challenges but also accelerated the development, resulting in a product that meets functional expectations and stands out for its efficiency.
Work is underway to add hardware scaling capabilities using the MA35D, which will allow users to broadcast to different platforms at the desired resolution, enhancing the plugin’s flexibility. For those interested in the continuous development and latest updates of our project, please visit our GitHub repository at Qualabs OBS-AMD-AMA Plugin.
This advancement is not just a milestone in technical achievement for AMD and Qualabs; it's a leap forward, opening up possibilities for content creators globally to stream richer, higher-quality content with ease. It's about making cutting-edge technology more accessible, ensuring that every creator can tell their story in the most impactful way.
The team responsible for this project is called the Stream Titans, a specialized video team consisting of a Team Leader and video developers. They receive support from an extended Qualabs team, which assists them in several areas: Delivery, Technology, and People Care.
Delivery Manager: Ensures value delivery together with the team, in addition to collaborating with continuous improvement processes.
Tech Manager: In charge of designing, describing and managing the engineering of solutions in relation to specific customer problems.
People Ops Manager: Accompanies the team in retrospectives and internal team meetings. Assists in the preparation of feedback and encourages team building and cultural alignment.
