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Short answer: The reviewed Cesbo Astra documentation does not describe a way to add uploaded prerecorded videos to a timed playout schedule. It documents channel streams fed by configured inputs, and HTTP Play playlists that let clients access enabled channels—not a timetable for video files. This article uses “Astra” to mean Cesbo Astra; if you mean another Astra product, its workflow may differ.
What Cesbo Astra documents—and what it does not
Cesbo describes an Astra stream as a channel or media flow that receives content from sources, processes it, and delivers it to clients. Its documented stream inputs include network sources such as HLS, HTTP MPEG-TS, UDP/RTP, SRT and RTSP, as well as broadcast reception. The configuration model is for receiving and delivering streams, not for arranging uploaded video files into a timed playout schedule. Cesbo Streams Configuration Overview.
Astra HTTP Play exposes enabled channels to clients over HLS or HTTP MPEG-TS. It can generate M3U8 or XSPF playlists, but those organize access to channels; the documentation does not describe them as schedules of prerecorded files. Cesbo HTTP Play documentation.
Check your Astra product and version first
- Confirm the vendor. This guidance concerns Cesbo Astra, the Linux-server streaming product documented at astra.cesbo.com. Products from other vendors that use the Astra name may have different features.
- Record your Astra release and media format. If you have a specific build and a file such as MPEG-TS, identify both before relying on an old configuration example. The available legacy file-input documentation is for Astra 4.4.182, and does not establish support in current releases.
- Separate channel playlists from playout schedules. An HTTP Play M3U8 or XSPF playlist is for accessing configured channels. It is not evidence that Astra can schedule a sequence of uploaded videos.
Legacy Astra file input is not a scheduled playlist
The official Astra 4.4.182 documentation describes MPEG-TS file input using a file://path address and a loop option. That is a limited historical reference: it documents looping a file in that legacy context, not a current multi-file timetable with dates and times. Do not assume the option applies to your release or that it provides scheduled playout. Astra 4.4.182 documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact but Powerful Design: ZowieBox is smaller than a phone, featuring a tally light and LCD screen for streaming status. Capture console gameplay in up to 4K with zero-lag HDMI passthrough, while the built-in video encoder converts video for IP streaming. The IP stream can also be decoded back to a 4K HDMI signal.
- Standalone Game Streaming: Just plug and play—ZowieBox enables PC-free live gaming without affecting gameplay. As an RTMP hardware encoder and HDMI streamer, it delivers stable streaming directly from your source, making it ideal for gaming, live events, and professional broadcasting.
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- All-around Configuration Options: Control ZowieBox through its web UI on a PC, phone, or tablet. Manage connected PTZ cameras, tally light, video/audio, OSD, work mode, streams, network, and system settings. Support for VISCA over IP encoder workflows enables flexible PTZ control, while the dashboard provides video preview and system status.
If your goal is a scheduled prerecorded playout
Castr TV Playout is a separately documented product with a scheduled playout workflow. Its documentation describes creating a playout, uploading files or using Live-to-VOD content, adding items to a timetable, choosing a date and destination, and activating the schedule. Those are Castr steps, not Astra instructions. The Castr article is dated July 13, 2026; check its current plan limits and interface before using it.
- Open Castr TV Playout and create a playout.
- Choose Schedule or Loop, then set the frame rate and resolution.
- Upload content through Files or select Live-to-VOD content.
- Add VOD or livestream elements to the timetable and set the date and destination.
- Click Set Schedule to activate it.
Castr’s article says timetable items cannot have gaps. If a gap is intentional, add a Break element; the documented minimum duration is two minutes. Castr also lists plan-dependent limits such as files per playout, file size, per-file duration, loop availability and loop length, so verify the current limits for the plan you would use. Castr: Introducing TV Playout.
Rank #2
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- 【Professional Audio & OSD Overlay + 1-Year Warranty】 Supports HDMI embedded audio plus external 3.5mm input. Built-in OSD generator adds scrolling text, logos, or timestamps directly to the video stream — ideal for branding, event info, or security labeling. Backed by a 1-year warranty and 24/7 online technical support.
Castr’s separate pre-recorded-stream feature
Castr also documents a different feature called Pre-Recorded Stream: create a stream, upload or select saved recordings, reorder the playlist, choose Loop or Date & Time scheduling, connect a destination and start the stream. The July 8, 2026 article says this feature supports MP4 and that file size and file-count limits depend on subscription. It is not the TV Playout workflow above and does not establish any Cesbo Astra capability. Castr: How to Stream Pre-Recorded Videos.
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What HLS does—and does not—solve
Astra’s HLS documentation concerns segmenting a continuous stream for delivery. It does not provide a prerecorded-video schedule. The guide also notes that transcoding and caching require additional software; treat those as separate setup considerations rather than built-in scheduling controls. Cesbo HLS documentation.
Rank #3
- 【Innovative Product with Leading Technology】- Equipped with an advanced H.265 /H.264 dual encoding chip, supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) video input and output, with a maximum frame rate of 30fps at 4K resolution and up to 120fps at 2K and lower resolutions, delivering a smooth and detailed visual experience. It also supports HDCP 1.4 decryption, easily decoding various HDMI ultra HD video sources, delivering a cinematic visual experience for both professional live streaming and 4K ultra HD content transmission.
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- 【Stable and Efficient Transmission, Easy Operation】- Employing HDMI to Ethernet core connection technology, it ensures stable and reliable network transmission with low latency and no lag, adapting to various network environments. Equipped with an intuitive user interface and detailed instruction manual, no professional technical background is required; setup can be completed quickly after connecting the device. It is also compatible with multiple terminals such as computers and mobile phones for management, and the video stream status can be viewed in real time via a URL.
- 【Lifetime Free Warranty and Technical Supports】- All URayCoder video codecs come with a lifetime free warranty and technical supports, supporting secondary development and feature customization to meet enterprise-level personalized needs. Meanwhile, we providing many kinds of customization services such as shell pattern printing, logo addition, hardware and function development, ensuring reliable quality and worry-free after-sales service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If what you actually need is a YouTube channel that stays live by looping uploaded videos, rather than an Astra channel workflow, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It keeps the loop running without a computer, OBS or home connection staying on. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube only and plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Local Recording & Video Cropping – EH1211 Exclusive Features】 This mini HDMI video encoder supports local recording to USB drive or TF card – it can record both RTSP streaming video and direct HDMI input to external storage. The built-in video cropping function lets you customize the encoding region, making it easy to adapt input to needed displays or focus on specific areas. With its space-saving design, EH1211 is ideal for classrooms, conference rooms, and digital signage installations.
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- 【1080P@30HZ Input/Output Resolution & 2 Channel Output】- HDMI encoder supports max 1080P@30 resolution HD input and output. The video encoder for live broadcasting can output 2 channels feeds at the same time. While only 1 channel can reach 1080p output. The H.265/ H.264 encoder supports multiple different protocol feeds output at the same time, but does not support simultaneous output 1080P30.
- 【Multi-Protocols & Software & Platform & Flip Supporting】- Hardware encoder supports protocols including HTTP/HTTPS/RTSP/RTMP/RTMPS/SRT/UDP/RTP/FLS/FLV,is compatible with Onvif protocol. Multicast UDP/RTP. HDMI video encoder supports software like Flashplayer, OBS, VLC player, Vmix..etc. Fit for Youtube, Facebook, Ustream, Livestream, Twitch, Vimeo, Streamspot, Dacast, Tikilive, Netrmedi, etc. This video encoder also supports new function of image rotation and mirror flip. More convenient for live broadcasting.
- 【Powerful OSD Setting】- OSD setting function of the live broadcasting encoder makes it easy for you to add any self-defined text, time and image overlay on your video when output displayed. You may add any text/logo at any position to announce your copyrights with this hevc video encoder.
Rank #4
- ⭐【Innovative Product with Leading Technology】- Equipped with an advanced H.265/H.264 dual encoding chip, supports 1920x1080 resolution input and output, achieving 60fps high-definition presentation with realistic and delicate color reproduction and lossless detail. It also supports HDCP 1.4 decryption, easily decoding various HDMI high-definition video sources, delivering a cinematic visual experience for both professional live streaming and high-definition content transmission.
- ⭐【Multi-protocol and Multi-platform Compatibility】- Fully compatible with streaming protocols such as HTTP, RTSP, RTMP(S), SRT, HLS(M3U8), MP4, Multicast(UDP, RTP, PTL), ONVIF, FLV, it can simultaneously output 4 video streams with different protocols and push them to live streaming platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Vimeo with one click. Simultaneous live streaming across multiple platforms can be achieved without additional equipment.
- ⭐【Highly Customizable Settings to Meet Individual Needs】- It supports adding static text, scrolling captions, brand logos, and timestamps. Users can freely adjust core parameters such as video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, and also perform personalized editing functions such as video cropping, rotation, flipping, and mirroring. It supports dual input of HDMI embedded audio and line-in audio, with adjustable sound quality, making your live stream content more distinctive and allowing you to create a unique brand live stream style.
- ⭐【Stable and Efficient Transmission, Easy Operation】- Employing HDMI to Ethernet core connection technology, it ensures stable and reliable network transmission with low latency and no lag, adapting to various network environments. Equipped with an intuitive user interface and detailed instruction manual, no professional technical background is required; setup can be completed quickly after connecting the device. It is also compatible with multiple terminals such as computers and mobile phones for management, and the video stream status can be viewed in real time via a URL.
- ⭐【Lifetime Free Warranty and Technical Supports】- All URayCoder video codecs come with a lifetime free warranty and technical supports, supporting secondary development and feature customization to meet enterprise-level personalized needs. Meanwhile, we providing many kinds of customization services such as shell pattern printing, logo addition, hardware and function development, ensuring reliable quality and worry-free after-sales service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
