Astra

Paid#15 of 70 in Live Streaming Encoders

TV streaming and broadcast software for cable, satellite, terrestrial, and IP networks

4.0/10★★☆☆☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  4.0 / 10
• Pricing
  40-day trial
• Best for
  Broadcast signal routing and monitoring
• Free plan
  No
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Supports DVB, ISDB-T, HLS, SRT, RTSP, UDP/RTP, and MPEG-TS sources
  • Automatic failover protects delivery between redundant sources
  • Connects with Zabbix, Grafana, and InfluxDB for monitoring

• Where it doesn't

  • The Lifetime plan excludes updates released after purchase
  • Linux server deployment may not suit desktop streaming workflows
  • Commercial use is excluded from the Demo plan

Our verdict on Astra

Astra is server-side software for receiving, processing, monitoring, and delivering digital TV streams. It is designed for cable, satellite, and terrestrial TV operators, IPTV and OTT providers, content delivery networks, and organizations such as hotels and hospitals that provide TV services. Astra runs on Linux servers and supports both broadcast signals and network sources, making it a specialized headend and signal gateway rather than a conventional desktop live-streaming encoder.

The published plans provide a 40-day free trial through a Demo plan with a full-featured evaluation license. The Demo plan is for evaluation only and not for commercial use. Subscription plans offer monthly or yearly billing, technical support, and regular updates. The Lifetime plan uses a one-time payment and provides permanent use, but it does not include updates for versions released after the purchase date. This structure suits teams choosing between ongoing updates and a fixed licensing model.

Astra’s main strength is its signal-processing depth. It can receive DVB and ISDB-T signals, along with HLS, HTTP MPEG-TS, UDP/RTP, SRT, and RTSP sources. MPEG-TS demultiplexing, filtering, and remapping support detailed stream handling, while automatic failover can switch between redundant sources. Delivery options include authenticated HLS and HTTP MPEG-TS, UDP multicast, and SRT. Web-based configuration, real-time monitoring, API access, and integrations with Zabbix, Grafana, and InfluxDB add operational visibility. Astra is a strong fit for mid-market and enterprise broadcast environments; teams seeking a simple desktop encoder or a commercial trial license should choose another type of product.

Astra pricing

All 3 Astra plans and prices →

Astra fact sheet

Astra integrations

Astra lists 3 integrations on its own site.

• Zabbix
• Grafana
• InfluxDB

Alternatives to Astra

• AWS Elemental MediaLiveA capable cloud encoder for complex AWS-based broadcast workflows.3.0
• BLBitmovin Live EncoderA broad live-encoding stack for platforms, broadcasters, and streaming service providers.3.0
• Google Cloud Live Stream APIA cloud API for multi-rendition live delivery, recording, captions, and distribution.—

See all Astra alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Astra is listed in our Live Streaming Encoders directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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