Astra review
Astra routes, processes, monitors, and delivers broadcast and network TV streams.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 pros and cons
- 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
Astra fact sheet, pricing and score →
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