Short answer: Castr’s free trial lasts seven days, but its published trial terms do not state that an individual YouTube live stream is capped at seven days—or confirm that a stream can run continuously without a separate limit. Castr also lists 5 GB of bandwidth for embeddable-player use and 1 GB of video storage. Those allowances should not be treated as a YouTube-viewer or YouTube-runtime limit.
What Castr’s free trial includes
Castr’s Help Center article, “Castr 7-Days Trial Limitations,” dated April 9, 2024, describes a seven-day trial for new accounts, with 5 GB of bandwidth for embeddable players and 1 GB of video storage. The bandwidth allowance is framed around streaming on a website with Castr’s player, not delivery to viewers through YouTube. Castr’s trial-limit article says users who need more bandwidth, more destinations, or certain advanced features must upgrade; it does not publish a complete current trial-versus-paid feature matrix or a definitive trial destination count.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Castr’s “Getting Started with Castr” guide, dated July 2, 2026, says dashboard access ends after the seven-day trial unless the user subscribes. That is an account-access period, not a stated maximum length for one live session. Castr’s onboarding guide directs readers to the trial-limit article but does not add a YouTube session-duration limit.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Does the seven-day trial mean a YouTube stream stops after seven days?
Not according to the published trial-limit documentation: it does not state a separate maximum duration for an ordinary live stream sent to YouTube. But the absence of a published cap is not a guarantee that Castr permits an uninterrupted stream for any length of time. If a continuous event depends on the trial, ask Castr support for written confirmation of session duration, destination access, and what happens when the trial ends. Do not assume that a stream will continue after dashboard access expires.
#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.
- NDI|HX3 Converter Technology: ZowieBox converts HDMI signals to NDI|HX3/HX2/HX, functioning as an NDI video encoder, or NDI Video Decoder for flexible IP workflows. Certified NDI technology enables low-latency gameplay streaming through OBS/vMix. Note: Encoder and decoder modes cannot run simultaneously; full NDI signals are not supported.
- UVC to HDMI Conversion: Supporting up to 4K@30fps and 1080p@60fps decoding, ZowieBox enables flexible conversion for webcam and video workflows. As a video decoder and HDMI to IP converter, it expands connectivity options for professional video devices. Note: USB capture card functionality is not currently supported.
- 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.
Does the 5 GB bandwidth allowance apply to YouTube viewers?
Castr describes the 5 GB trial allowance as bandwidth for embeddable-player use. Its published terms do not establish that this allowance counts or limits viewers watching on YouTube, so it cannot be converted into a fixed YouTube audience size or stream runtime.
Estimating website-player delivery
For a Castr player embedded on a website, the Castr bandwidth calculator uses encoded bitrate, concurrent viewers, and event duration. Its example estimates that a 6 Mbps stream uses roughly 2.6 GB per viewer-hour. Treat that as a planning estimate for player delivery—not a YouTube-specific rule or a promise about what the trial permits. The calculator also says it does not account for other plan restrictions, such as stream, storage, or feature limits.
Rank #2
- 【Hardware H.265/H.264 Encoding at 1080P60】Dedicated hardware encoder delivers broadcast-quality 1080P60 streams with H.265/H.264 compression. Reduces bandwidth usage by up to 50% compared to legacy H.264-only solutions, while maintaining crisp, crystal-clear video output.
- 【Broad Protocol Support for IP Distribution】 Supports SRT, RTMP(S), RTSP, UDP, HTTP, HLS, WebRTC, TRTC, Icecast and SHOUTcast — integrate seamlessly with CDNs, surveillance NVRs, IPTV systems and browser-based monitoring dashboards. One device replaces multiple single-purpose streaming boxes.
- 【Browser-Based Setup in Minutes】 Set up in minutes through any browser — no software, drivers or OS compatibility issues. DHCP is enabled by default to prevent IP address conflicts on your network. Note: basic networking knowledge (IP address, RTSP/RTMP configuration) is recommended for advanced streaming setups.
- 【Compact Design with Flexible Deployment】Palm-sized form factor (approx. 90×54×29mm) fits easily behind monitors, on shelves, or in equipment racks. Low power consumption ensures reliable 24/7 operation for live events, remote monitoring, and digital signage.
- 【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.
Do not confuse live streaming with TV Playout looping
Castr TV Playout is a separate workflow that schedules media as a continuous channel. In its July 13, 2026 guide, Castr says Trial, Starter, and Standard do not support Loop mode. That restriction concerns repeating scheduled content through TV Playout; it does not establish the duration limit, if any, for a direct live camera or encoder stream to YouTube. Read Castr’s TV Playout guide for the distinction.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to test a YouTube workflow safely
- Confirm what you are testing. A live encoder or camera feed to YouTube is different from scheduled prerecorded content in TV Playout. Check that your trial account has the destination and features your workflow needs; Castr’s trial article does not give a complete current destination list.
- Run a private test on YouTube. Castr’s December 2, 2022 test-stream guidance recommends using an Unlisted or Private stream and testing for as long as the planned event. This is operational advice, not evidence that the trial includes a session of that duration. See Castr’s stream-testing instructions.
- Check the actual handoff and recovery behavior. Observe whether the stream reaches YouTube, remains stable for the period you need, and handles any encoder or connection interruptions expected in your setup. A short test cannot establish that a much longer event will stay uninterrupted.
- Get written confirmation before relying on the trial. Ask Castr support about the maximum live-session duration, trial destination access, and what happens to an active stream when the seven-day account period ends. The published documentation does not settle these points.
What changes if you upgrade?
Castr’s pricing page, accessed October 3, 2026, lists paid Starter allocations that are separate from the trial allowance. Monthly billing shows 200 GB per month of player bandwidth, six destinations, and two concurrent streams. Annual billing displays 2.4 TB upfront and three concurrent streams. These are plan figures, not trial terms; check Castr’s current pricing page for applicable prices and limits, which can change.
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.
- 【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), FLV, WebRTC, TRTC, ICECAST, 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.
Castr’s March 18, 2026 help article says Starter and Standard streams are automatically disabled when allocated bandwidth is exhausted. For Premium and higher plans, it describes overage protection: after rollover bandwidth is exhausted, overage is charged at $0.10 per GB, billed per 1 TB. This paid-plan policy should not be read as a description of trial overages. See Castr’s bandwidth-overage guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that plays uploaded videos continuously, StreamNeo is an alternative built for that prerecorded-video workflow: upload a video or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The stream runs from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery is available if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
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.
StreamNeo is for uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube. See StreamNeo for details, then start the free day.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick 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.
- 【ORIVISION Advantage& Ultra Mini Model】- This ORIVISION ultra mini video encoder has high integration with low cost. Ultra mini size(125x72x25mm) and light weight (200g) of H.265 encoder is perfect for live broadcasting applications with frequent move or tiny device installation space. IP encoder has 1 X HDMI Input and loop-out, 1 X 3.5mm audio input,1 X 3.5mm audio output(new), 1X USB2.0 port(new), 1X TF card port(new). IPTV encoder support audio encoding without video input.
- 【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.
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.
