WINK Forge
Enterprise Video Transcoding Platform
Technical Whitepaper
WINK Streaming
Version 8.x
July 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. The Transcoding Challenge in Government and Enterprise
- 3. WINK Forge Architecture
- 4. Unique Packet Loss Reconstruction Technology
- 5. VMS Integration Capabilities
- 6. Protocol Support and Translation
- 7. Security and Compliance Features
- 8. Real-World Applications
- 9. Conclusion
1. Executive Summary
The Universal Transcoder: WINK Forge is a truly universal live video transcoding platform that works with everything - from legacy analog systems to the latest 4K IP cameras. It accepts any input protocol, transcodes to any output format, and actively reconstructs video streams damaged by packet loss. This universal compatibility, combined with native VMS integration, makes it the essential bridge between old and new video infrastructure.
WINK Forge addresses the critical gap between video sources (cameras, VMS platforms) and the diverse consumption requirements of modern organizations. Unlike traditional transcoders that simply convert formats, WINK Forge intelligently manages video quality, actively mitigates network issues, and provides the flexibility needed for multi-agency sharing, public distribution, and analytics processing.
Key Differentiators
- Packet Loss Reconstruction: Unique frame reconstruction using I, B, and P frame analysis
- Native VMS Integration: Direct SDK integration with Genetec and Milestone
- Government-Grade Security: PCI-DSS compliant with shared key authentication
- Deployment Flexibility: On-premises, cloud, hybrid, and containerized options
- 20+ Years Field Proven: Deployed in critical infrastructure worldwide
2. The Transcoding Challenge in Government and Enterprise
The Protocol Fragmentation Problem
Modern organizations face an impossible matrix of video requirements:
| Source |
Output Protocol |
Consumer |
Traditional Solution |
Problems |
| IP Cameras (RTSP) |
HLS |
Web browsers |
Multiple transcoders |
Complex, expensive |
| Genetec (RTSP/UDP) |
RTMP |
Legacy systems |
Custom development |
Unreliable |
| Milestone (RTSP) |
WebRTC |
Mobile apps |
Third-party services |
Security concerns |
| Analog cameras |
SRT |
Remote sites |
Hardware encoders |
Limited flexibility |
The Packet Loss Reality
Industry Secret: Every real-world deployment experiences packet loss. Wireless networks see 2-5% loss regularly. Cellular connections can hit 10-15%. Traditional transcoders produce unwatchable video with tearing artifacts under these conditions.
The Integration Complexity
Getting video out of VMS platforms like Genetec Security Center or Milestone XProtect requires:
- SDK licensing and certification
- Version compatibility management
- Authentication translation
- Metadata preservation
- PTZ control passthrough
3. WINK Forge Architecture
Core Components
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ WINK Forge 8.x │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ Input │ │ Transcoding │ │ Output │ │
│ │ Manager │→ │ Engine │→ │ Manager │ │
│ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │
│ ↑ ↑ ↑ │
│ └─────────────────┼───────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ Packet Loss │ │
│ │Reconstruction│ │
│ └──────────────┘ │
│ ↑ │
│ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ API Gateway & Web Admin │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Input Manager
- Automatic protocol detection (RTSP, RTMP, HTTP, UDP, SRT)
- Native VMS SDK connections (Genetec, Milestone)
- Codec auto-detection (H.264, H.265, VP9, MPEG-2/4)
- Metadata extraction and preservation
Transcoding Engine
- Multi-threaded processing
- Dynamic bitrate optimization
- Resolution scaling (SD to 4K/UHD)
- Frame rate conversion (10-60 FPS)
- Hardware acceleration support
Packet Loss Reconstruction Engine
- I-frame buffering and analysis
- P/B frame reconstruction algorithms
- Intelligent frame dropping decisions
- UDP packet resequencing
- Clean error recovery (no tearing artifacts)
Output Manager
- Simultaneous multi-protocol output
- Adaptive bitrate streaming
- Segment generation (HLS, DASH)
- Connection pooling and management
4. Unique Packet Loss Reconstruction Technology
The Problem With Traditional Transcoders
Common Failure Mode: When packet loss occurs, traditional transcoders display "tearing" - horizontal lines of corruption typically at the bottom of the frame. This makes video unusable for security and forensic applications.
WINK Forge's Reconstruction Process
| Loss Type |
Traditional Behavior |
WINK Forge Response |
Result |
| P-frame loss |
Corruption until next I-frame |
Reconstruct from adjacent frames |
Minor quality reduction |
| I-frame loss |
Complete corruption for GOP |
Buffer and rebuild from P/B data |
1-2 second recovery |
| Packet reordering |
Visible artifacts |
Intelligent resequencing |
Clean video |
| Severe loss (>10%) |
Unwatchable |
Strategic frame dropping |
Lower FPS but clean |
Real-World Impact
Case Study: State DOT Traffic Cameras
Challenge: 500 cameras over cellular with 5-8% packet loss
Previous Solution: Generic transcoder - constant tearing, unusable during peak hours
WINK Forge Result: Clean video maintained even at 10% loss, 99.8% uptime
Result: Maintained clean video quality despite challenging network conditions
5. VMS Integration Capabilities
Native SDK Integration
Certified Partner: WINK Forge maintains official SDK certifications with Genetec and Milestone, ensuring compatibility with all versions and seamless integration.
Genetec Security Center Integration
- Direct SDK connection (no RTSP export required)
- Automatic camera discovery
- Privilege escalation support
- Federation support across multiple systems
- Archiver integration for recorded video
- PTZ control passthrough via Genetec protocols
Milestone XProtect Integration
- Management Server API connection
- Recording Server direct access
- Smart Client plugin support
- Evidence lock preservation
- Bookmark and incident integration
Universal Camera Support
For direct camera connections, WINK Forge emulates native protocols:
- Axis VAPIX API
- Panasonic CGI commands
- Sony VISCA protocol
- Hikvision ISAPI
- Dahua HTTP API
- Bosch BICOM protocol
- ONVIF Profile S/G/T
6. Universal Protocol Support - Legacy to Leading Edge
True Universal Compatibility: WINK Forge is the industry's most comprehensive video transcoder, supporting every protocol from 1990s analog systems to cutting-edge 2025 streaming standards. No matter what you have, no matter what you need - WINK Forge translates between them all.
Universal Input Protocol Support
| Protocol |
Transport |
Use Case |
Special Features |
| RTSP |
TCP/UDP |
IP cameras, VMS |
Automatic TCP/UDP failover |
| RTMP |
TCP |
Legacy encoders |
RTMPS (TLS) support |
| SRT |
UDP |
Long-distance |
Built-in encryption |
| HTTP/HTTPS |
TCP |
Web cameras |
Progressive download |
| UDP/RTP |
UDP |
Multicast |
MPEG-TS support |
Output Protocol Matrix
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming)
- Segment duration: 2-10 seconds
- Playlist length: configurable
- AES-128 encryption option
- Adaptive bitrate support
WebRTC
- Sub-second latency
- STUN/TURN support
- VP8/VP9/H.264 codec
- DataChannel for PTZ
MPEG-DASH
- ISO BMFF packaging
- DRM support
- Multi-period support
- Low latency mode
SRT (Secure Reliable Transport)
- AES-128/256 encryption
- Caller/Listener/Rendezvous
- Packet recovery
- Jitter buffer management
7. Security and Compliance Features
PCI-DSS Compliance
Built for Compliance: WINK Forge includes all security features required for PCI-DSS environments, making it suitable for retail, banking, and payment processing facilities.
Security Features
- Shared Key Authentication: Pre-shared keys for stream access
- TLS/SSL Support: All protocols support encryption
- Certificate Management: Self-signed, custom certificates, Let's Encrypt
- Access Control Lists: IP-based restrictions with CIDR notation
- Audit Logging: Complete access and configuration logs
- LDAP/AD Integration: Enterprise authentication
- Role-Based Access: Granular permission system
8. Real-World Applications
State Department of Transportation
Application: Traffic Camera Management
Challenge: Mix of old analog and new IP cameras, multiple counties, public access requirement
Solution:
- WINK Forge handling multiple camera formats and protocols
- Integration with existing Genetec system
- HLS output for public 511 website
- SRT feeds to emergency operations
- Packet loss reconstruction for cellular-connected cameras
Result: Unified platform for all cameras with reliable video quality
Major City Police Department
Application: Multi-Agency Video Sharing
Challenge: Multi-agency sharing, court evidence requirements, real-time analytics
Solution:
- WINK Forge transcoding for multiple output formats
- Direct Milestone XProtect integration
- WebRTC for mobile units
- 30 FPS output for AI analytics compatibility
- Protocol translation for different agency systems
Result: Seamless multi-agency coordination with all departments viewing same feeds
Enterprise Security Operations
Application: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Challenge: High security requirements, multiple locations, centralized monitoring
Solution:
- WINK Forge providing secure transcoding
- Certificate-based authentication
- Encrypted transmission protocols
- Integration with existing security infrastructure
- Support for legacy and modern camera systems
Result: Unified security operations with maintained compliance
9. Conclusion
The Universal Solution: WINK Forge is the ultimate universal live video transcoder - accepting any input, delivering any output, bridging legacy and modern systems seamlessly. Its unique packet loss reconstruction technology ensures reliable video delivery regardless of network conditions, making it the essential transcoding platform for any organization with diverse video infrastructure.
Key WINK Forge Features
- Packet Loss Reconstruction: Unique technology that rebuilds video from I, B, and P frames
- No Tearing Artifacts: Clean video output even during severe packet loss
- Native VMS Integration: Direct SDK integration with Genetec and Milestone
- Universal Protocol Support: Works with every streaming protocol - legacy and modern
- Universal Compatibility: From analog CCTV to 4K IP cameras - works with everything
- PCI-DSS Compliance: Built-in security features for regulated environments
- Automatic Detection: Auto-detection of codecs and stream formats
- 4K/UHD Support: Full resolution support up to 4K at 60 FPS
About WINK Streaming
WINK Streaming has been the trusted video infrastructure provider for government agencies and enterprises for over 20 years. Our solutions power critical infrastructure including state DOTs, city surveillance systems, federal facilities, and Fortune 500 companies.
Contact Information
Schedule a technical consultation with our video infrastructure experts to discuss your specific requirements and see how WINK Forge can solve your video distribution challenges.
© 2025 WINK Streaming. All rights reserved.
WINK Forge is a trademark of WINK Streaming Global, Inc.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Version 1.0 - July 2025
