Azure is proud to announce the exclusive launch of the NMads MA35D Virtual Machine (VM) – a groundbreaking addition to our portfolio specifically designed to redefine media processing and video transcoding in the cloud. This Microsoft-exclusive VM harnesses the power of AMD’s Alveo MA35D accelerator to deliver unparalleled media processing capabilities, offering enterprises the scalability, efficiency, and performance they need to push their workloads to the next level.

What Makes the Azure NMads MA35D So Special?

In an age where high-quality video content is crucial to communication, entertainment, and business, efficient media processing has never been more important. The Azure NMads MA35D sets a new standard for media workloads, offering enhanced throughput, ultra-low latency, and remarkable cost efficiency. Let’s dive into the key features that make this VM a truly exclusive game-changer.

Key Features of NMads MA35D

Unprecedented Throughput:

The NMads MA35D VM supports up to 16 simultaneous 1080p60 video streams using a mix of H.264 and AV1 codecs, offering 40-50% better throughput compared to the Nvidia L4. Recent tests have shown that while the Nvidia L4 requires slower encoding presets (like 5-7) to match the video quality of the AMD Alveo MA35D, it results in a much lower channel count. At the card level, the MA35D supports 32 simultaneous streams (with two 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 compromising speed makes it a superior choice for high-density video processing workloads.

Ultra-Low Latency for Real-Time Processing:

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

Superior Compression Efficiency:

Leveraging the power of the Advanced Media Accelerator (AMA) SDK, the VM uses 15% fewer bits to achieve the same visual quality in AV1 encoding. This efficiency translates to lower bandwidth costs for businesses running high-quality streaming services, enabling them to reach a broader audience without sacrificing quality.

Cost-Efficiency and Scalability:

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

NMads MA35D: Real-World Applications

The Azure NMads MA35D isn’t just another VM – it’s the exclusive media processing powerhouse that’s transforming real-world applications today. Here’s how it’s expected to make a difference:

Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is currently exploring the integration of the NMads MA35D to enhance video quality in conference calls. This integration demonstrates how enterprises can leverage this VM to scale their video processing needs while providing a crystal-clear user experience.
OTT Streaming Services: For media companies offering streaming platforms, the NMads MA35D enables them to handle multiple streams simultaneously, reducing bandwidth costs through superior compression. By providing near-zero latency, it ensures viewers receive the highest quality content in real time, keeping them engaged and satisfied.

NMads MA35D Technical Specifications

Development and Business Opportunities with NMads MA35D

The NMads MA35D presents a unique opportunity for businesses to optimize their media pipelines in the cloud. By leveraging the AMA Video SDK, developers can build custom media processing workflows tailored to specific requirements, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Whether building live streaming services, VOD platforms, or enterprise video conferencing solutions, the NMads MA35D enables scalable, cloud-native media processing.

Conclusion: The Exclusive Power of Azure NMads MA35D

The Azure NMads MA35D is an exclusive media processing powerhouse that redefines how enterprises approach video transcoding and processing in the cloud. By combining high-performance encoding, ultra-low latency, and cost-effective scalability, this VM empowers businesses to push the boundaries of their media workloads.

As this Microsoft-exclusive VM transitions into general availability, we invite you to explore its full potential in your media processing and streaming environments. With the NMads MA35D, the future of cloud-based media processing is here, and it’s more powerful than ever.

Ready to experience the power of the NMads MA35D? Sign up for the public preview here.