Introducing the Azure NMads MA35D: Exclusive Media Processing Powerhouse in the Cloud

Azure is proud to announce the exclusive launch of the Nmads MA35D virtual machine (VM), a groundbreaking addition to its portfolio specifically designed to redefine media processing and video transcoding in the cloud. This Microsoft-exclusive VM leverages the performance of AMD’s Alveo MA35D accelerator to deliver unparalleled media processing capabilities and the scalability, efficiency, and performance businesses need to take their workloads to the next level.

What makes Azure NMads MA35D special?

In an era where high-quality video content is critical to communications, entertainment, and business, efficient media processing has never been more important. Azure Nmads MA35D sets a new standard for media workloads by delivering increased throughput, ultra-low latency, and incredible cost-effectiveness. Let’s take a look at the key features that make this VM a truly exclusive game changer.

Key Features of NMads MA35D

Unprecedented throughput:

Nmads MA35D VM supports up to 16 simultaneous 1080p60 video streams using a mix of H.264 and AV1 codecs, delivering 40-50% better throughput compared to Nvidia L4. Recent tests have shown that Nvidia L4 requires slower encoding presets (e.g. 5-7) to match the video quality of the AMD Alveo MA35D, but results in significantly fewer channels. At the card level, the MA35D supports 32 concurrent streams (with 2 VMs per card), but at the VM level, Azure provides 16 streams per NMads MA35D VM. This VM’s ability to maintain high throughput and efficiency without slowing down makes it an excellent choice for high-density video processing workloads.

Ultra-low latency for real-time processing:

Media services and live events require speed. NMads MA35D offers 8ms latency for 4Kp60 AV1 streams, enabling real-time video processing for live streaming, broadcast, and interactive media applications. This exclusivity puts you at the forefront of delivering high-quality content to your users without compromise.

Excellent compression efficiency:

By leveraging the power of the Advanced Media Accelerator (AMA) SDK, VMs achieve the same visual quality with AV1 encoding using 15% fewer bits. These efficiencies lower bandwidth costs for companies running high-quality streaming services, allowing them to reach larger audiences without sacrificing quality.

Cost-effective and scalable:

Designed for large-scale deployments, NMads MA35D maximizes stream density per VM, reducing enterprises’ total cost of ownership (TCO). Whether you run an over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform or an internal video conferencing service, the scalability of the NMads MA35D allows you to expand your media processing capabilities without additional infrastructure costs.

NMads MA35D: real-world applications

Azure Nmads MA35D is not just a VM. A powerful media processing device that is transforming today’s real-world applications. Here’s how we expect it to make a difference:

• Microsoft Team: Microsoft Teams is currently exploring integration of NMads MA35D to improve video quality in conference calls. This integration demonstrates how enterprises can leverage these VMs to scale their video processing needs while delivering a rich user experience.
• OTT Streaming Services: For media companies offering streaming platforms, the NMads MA35D allows processing multiple streams simultaneously to reduce bandwidth costs through superior compression. By providing near-zero latency, your viewers can receive the highest quality content in real time, keeping them engaged and satisfied.

NMads MA35D Technical Specifications

Development and business opportunities with NMads MA35D

NMads MA35D provides a unique opportunity for enterprises to optimize their media pipelines in the cloud. The AMA Video SDK allows developers to increase efficiency and reduce costs by building custom media processing workflows tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re building a live streaming service, VOD platform, or enterprise video conferencing solution, NMads MA35D supports scalable, cloud-native media processing.

Conclusion: Exclusive features of Azure NMads MA35D

Azure Nmads MA35D is a proprietary media processing capability that redefines how enterprises approach video transcoding and processing in the cloud. Combining high-performance encoding, ultra-low latency, and cost-effective scalability, these VMs help enterprises push the boundaries of their media workloads.

As this Microsoft exclusive VM becomes generally available, we encourage you to unleash its full potential in your media processing and streaming environments. With the NMads MA35D, the future of cloud-based media processing is here and more powerful than ever.

Are you ready to experience the power of NMads MA35D? Sign up for the public preview here.