M4 is an MPEG-4 video encoding/decoding system for 100/10 Mbit IP/Ethernet networks; utilizing UDP and RTP. User selectable resolutions from D1 down to CIF resolutions, and bit rates from 50kb/s up to 6 Mb/s allow for many different applications. The encoder is capable of sending four additional, independent copies of this video stream to other, independent network destinations, with a maximum total bit rate (including overhead) of approximately 20 Mbp/s max. All these separate streams can be independently multicast or unicast. The codecs are stream compatible with ISO MPEG-4 software codecs.

Similarly, both encoders and decoders can transmit up to three independent copies of audio signal pairs (one pair in one stream), up to three copies of each of two independent data signals, and up to three copies of each of two independent contact closure signals, each stream having an independently selectable IP destination.

A video encoder or decoder can also transparently receive a stream containing a coupled pair of audio signals, two different data streams, and two contact closure streams, from independently selectable sources.

The data channels available are RS-485/422 and RS-232, in UART mode or in sampling mode. Front panel

LEDs indicate network status, data activity, video, and DC power. Each codec has a battery-backed up clock.