What CASTUS does

CASTUS Corporation is a privately held, Issaquah, Washington-based provider of Linux-based video broadcast playout servers and cloud-based streaming services, founded in 2007 and operating with 11–50 employees. The company sells four on-premise hardware servers — QuickRoll (3RU multi-channel/multi-input), QuickCast (2RU single-channel), Mini (compact form factor), and VIVA (portable encoder) — built around a proprietary two-process architecture that supports zero-transcoding playback of mixed file formats, simultaneous HD/SDI and IP ingest (RTMP, SRT, NDI, HLS, MPEG2-TS, Zoom), RAID-protected local storage, graphic overlays, and a built-in non-linear editor called CASTUS Cuts.

CASTUS monetizes through one-time hardware sales and a portfolio of subscription and usage-based cloud services: CASTUS Cloud Services (live streaming, VOD, OTT publishing to Roku/Apple TV/Fire TV, custom mobile apps, analytics), Live Captioning (95%+ accuracy, annual usage packages), Translations (75+ languages), AI-powered Audio Descriptions, and STREAM Keys (persistent RTMP credentials at $79–$129/month). Annual support plans (C4 at $1,800/year and C8 at $2,800/year) provide recurring service revenue. Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales (Schedule a Demo CTAs, [email protected]) with authorized resellers/systems integrators (Key Code Media in the US, Videlio-HMS for global cruise) and community media association channels (ACM, NATOA, 3CMA, MassAccess, WATOA, TAMIO).

The customer base skews toward Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access television stations, municipal governments, courts, universities, cruise lines, houses of worship, and hospitality operators. The company participates annually in roughly a dozen industry conferences (NAB, PostNAB, NATOA, Seatrade Cruise Global, etc.), publishes case studies, and is positioned around accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1, ADA Title II) and simplified live-streaming workflows for resource-constrained broadcast operators.

Name

CASTUS

Legal name

CASTUS Corporation

Website

https://castus.tv

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CASTUS Corporation provides Linux-based video playout servers and cloud streaming services — including AI-powered captioning, translations, and audio descriptions — primarily to PEG television stations, municipal governments, courts, universities, and cruise lines in the US and globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Issaquah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Hardware Playout Servers (QuickRoll, QuickCast, Mini): Sale of rack-mounted and small-form-factor Linux-based video playout servers. Servers are sold as one-time hardware purchases with options for storage upgrades and hot-swap drive bays. Includes bundled software and browser-based interface.
2. CASTUS Cloud Services (CCS): Subscription-based cloud services including live streaming (with/without bandwidth cap), VOD, custom mobile app, OTT publishing (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), and analytics. Charged on a monthly or annual subscription basis with tiered bandwidth allowances (1TB/month or unlimited).
3. Live Streaming: Cloud-based live streaming with two tiers: Live Streaming Only (1TB/month bandwidth cap, billed annually) and Enterprise Unlimited Bandwidth Package (no cap, billed monthly/quarterly). Includes HLS/RTMP support, re-streaming to YouTube/Facebook, and analytics.
4. Video On Demand (VOD): VOD service bundled with ABR streaming package. Includes 4TB cloud storage (upgradeable), video trimming, record-to-cloud, document attachment, chapter indexing, and caption dictionary support. Typically bundled with live streaming in ABR or Enterprise packages.
5. Captioning Services: Annual live captioning packages (200 hours, 500 hours, 1,000 hours) and file-based captioning subscription. Live captioning transmits audio from CASTUS server to cloud for processing, returning captions for live display and recording. 95%+ accuracy guaranteed.
6. Audio Descriptions: AI-powered audio descriptions for pre-recorded VOD content. Pricing based on prepaid, usage-based model with three options: Pay-As-You-Go (highest per-minute rate, no commitment), Bulk Purchase (prepaid minutes/hours at discounted rates, funds don't expire), Annual Cap (auto-funded plan with best rates, committed annual volume).
7. Translation Services: Translation of English captions to 75+ languages for live and file-based content. Available as add-on to captioning subscriptions. Live translations available without limit on cloud; cable limited to 3 additional languages (608 standard) or 5 additional languages (708 standard).
8. STREAM Keys: Persistent RTMP credential service in two tiers: Lite ($79/month or $899/year, 150GB/month) and Pro ($129/month or $1,499/year, 300GB/month). Annual subscriptions with additional keys available for purchase.
9. OTT Publishing: Publishing VOD and live streams to custom Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku apps. Included as part of CASTUS Cloud Services or as standalone add-on. Charged as part of the CCS subscription.
10. Custom Mobile App: Branded mobile app published to iOS and Android. Includes social media integration, Google Calendar, local weather, live channel schedules, and community engagement features. Part of CASTUS Cloud Services.
11. Support Plans (C4, C8): Annual support plans: C4 ($1,800/year) and C8 ($2,800/year). Include priority phone support, dedicated email, software updates, virtual training sessions, knowledge base access, and technical sessions. C8 includes 4 annual technical sessions vs. 2 for C4.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CASTUS develops and sells Linux-based video playout servers (QuickRoll, QuickCast, Mini, VIVA) integrated with CASTUS Cloud Services for live streaming, video on demand, automated captioning, audio descriptions, OTT publishing, mobile apps, and persistent RTMP connections. Solutions are deployed by government, PEG, broadcast, education, cruise, and hospitality organizations for compliant video broadcasting and streaming.

Product overview

CASTUS provides a comprehensive video broadcast and streaming platform consisting of on-premise hardware servers and cloud-based services. The core on-premise product line includes four playout servers: QuickRoll (3RU multi-channel), QuickCast (2RU single-channel), Mini (compact form factor), and VIVA (portable encoder). These servers run Linux OS with zero transcoding and are fully integrated with CASTUS Cloud Services (CCS), which adds Video On-Demand, Live Streaming, OTT publishing (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV), Mobile Apps, and analytics. CASTUS also offers accessibility services including AI-powered Audio Descriptions, Captioning (95%+ accuracy), and Translations to 75+ languages. The STREAM Keys service enables persistent RTMP connections for platforms like Zoom, Teams, and WebEx. Support is provided through C4 and C8 annual plans.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• QuickRoll: Multi Channel Multi Input Playout Server - a powerful 3RU multi-channel, multi-input video scheduling server with advanced scheduling, overlay and ingest capabilities. Supports both IP and HD/SDI workflows.
• QuickCast
• CASTUS Mini
• VIVA
• CASTUS Cloud Services (CCS)
• STREAM Keys

Products and services

• QuickRoll Multi-Channel Playout Server 3RU rack-mounted Linux-based video scheduling server supporting multi-channel, multi-input playout for both IP and HD/SDI workflows with advanced scheduling, overlay, and ingest capabilities. Includes zero transcoding, 10TB RAID1 storage, CASTUS Cuts non-linear editor, and integration with CASTUS Cloud Services. Designed for PEG stations, government channels, cruise ships, broadcast centers, and other multi-channel operators.
• QuickCast Single-Channel Playout Server 2RU rack-mounted Linux-based video scheduling server for single-channel, single-input IP and HD/SDI workflows with zero transcoding, 8TB local storage upgradeable to 20TB, and cloud connectivity. Suited for smaller stations, schools, and single-channel broadcast operations.
• CASTUS Mini Condensed Playout Server Small form factor Linux-based video server available in three configurations (encode, decode, or with a channel) with 500GB to 4TB SSD storage, zero transcoding, and browser-based interface. Targets smaller-scale and remote deployments.
• VIVA Encode on the Go Portable hardware encoder in small form factor that connects, streams, and captions with plug-and-play simplicity. Plugs into any HD/SDI feed from a camera or video switcher and streams to the cloud or playback server with no port forwarding required. Designed for mobile/remote live event production.
• CASTUS Cloud Services (CCS) 100% cloud-based platform integrating VOD, live streaming, automated captioning, custom branded mobile app, OTT publishing (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), re-streaming, analytics, record-to-cloud, and video trimming. Scalable and integrates with CASTUS playout servers and third-party playback systems.
• Live Streaming Service Cloud-based live streaming service enabling channels or events to be streamed via HLS feeds, OTT platforms (Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku), custom mobile app, and re-streaming to Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Offers ABR streaming that adapts resolution to viewer connection.
• Video On Demand (VOD) Cloud-based VOD service for hosting and distributing programs via website, mobile app, and OTT platforms. Includes 4TB cloud storage, record-to-cloud for immediate VOD playback after live events, video trimming, chapter indexing, and PDF document attachments.
• Captioning Service Cloud-based AI captioning service with 95%+ accuracy for live and VOD content. Supports 608, 708 captions, sidecar files (.mcc, .scc, .vtt), custom dictionaries for enhanced accuracy, built-in caption editor, and SCTE-35/EAS support.
• AI-Powered Audio Descriptions AI-powered service generating clear, natural-sounding narration of on-screen actions, speakers, and key visual elements for blind or visually impaired audiences. Includes Standard and Extended Audio Descriptions (auto-pauses video when no natural pauses exist) and meets WCAG 2.1 Level A, AA, and AAA guidelines.
• Translations Service Cloud-based translation of English captions to 75+ spoken languages for both live streams and VOD. Supports up to 3 additional languages on cable (608: 4 total including English; 708: 6 total including English) with no limit on cloud-based playback.
• CASTUS Mobile App Custom branded mobile app published to both iOS and Android platforms. Integrates social media, Google Calendar, local weather, live channel schedules, and community engagement features. Part of CASTUS Cloud Services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Meetings available for viewing minutes after adjournment (vs. under an hour on YouTube) for Michigan State Senate processing 35–40 meetings/week
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability8 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Key Code MediacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 May 2026Key Code Media is a leading systems integration and media technology company and authorized CASTUS reseller in the US. Recognized with CASTUS's 2025 Reseller of the Year Award at the 2026 PostNAB Roadshow in Seattle. Key Code Media organizes the annual PostNAB Roadshow (12th edition in 2026) and supports CASTUS with excellence year after year in promotion and sales of CASTUS broadcast video solutions.
• Videlio-HMScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 15 April 2026Videlio-HMS is a systems integrator serving the global cruise industry. Honored with CASTUS's Outstanding Systems Integrator Award at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. Videlio-HMS provides systems integration for CASTUS broadcast video solutions deployed on cruise ships worldwide, delivering recording, scheduling, and playback for onboard entertainment and communication across leading cruise lines.
• Advanced Lighting and SoundminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdvanced Lighting and Sound introduced CASTUS to the Michigan State Senate after the Senate decided to switch from their existing streaming and playback vendor. Advanced Lighting and Sound acted as the intermediary that connected CASTUS with this major government customer.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tightrope Media Systems (Cablecast): Cablecast by Tightrope Media Systems is the most direct competitor to CASTUS in the PEG/community-media playout and scheduling segment, serving TV stations with multi-channel servers, automation, VOD, and web streaming — directly overlapping QuickRoll/QuickCast and CASTUS Cloud Services offerings.
• VITEC (now part of Milestone Systems / VITEC Group): VITEC provides IPTV, video streaming, and digital signage solutions including playout servers and channel-in-a-box products. Overlaps with CASTUS in IP/SDI playout, IPTV distribution, and signage/digital signage use cases for government, education, and broadcast.

Broad incumbents

• Harmonic: Harmonic is a large incumbent in broadcast playout and video infrastructure (Spectrum servers, VOS cloud playout). It overlaps with CASTUS at the playout and OTT distribution layer but serves large broadcasters and MVPDs rather than specializing in PEG/cruise/education verticals.
• Imagine Communications: Imagine Communications provides broadcast automation, playout (Aviator), and content management for TV broadcasters and service providers. It competes at the broadcast scheduling/playout layer for larger-scale deployments than CASTUS typically targets.
• Grass Valley: Grass Valley is a major broadcast technology vendor offering playout automation (iTX, AMPP), routing, and production tools. Comparable to CASTUS in the broadcast playout workflow but focused on large broadcaster and media company customers.
• Ross Video: Ross Video offers broadcast graphics, production switchers, automation (OverDrive), and playout infrastructure. Comparable to CASTUS in the playout and automation layer, targeting professional broadcast and live production markets.
• Evertz: Evertz Microsystems supplies broadcast playout, routing, and IP infrastructure for television networks and service providers. Overlaps with CASTUS in scheduling/playout servers and IP transport (SRT/RIST) for broadcasters and cable operators.
• Telos Alliance (Telestream / Linear Acoustic / Axia): Telos Alliance and affiliated Telestream provide broadcast audio, playout (Telestream Lightspeed Live), and streaming workflows for broadcasters. Overlaps with CASTUS in live streaming, captioning integration, and broadcast playout infrastructure.

Emerging players

• Wowza Streaming Engine: Wowza provides streaming infrastructure software (Streaming Engine, GoCoder) for live and on-demand video delivery. Comparable to CASTUS Cloud Services' Live Streaming and VOD offering, particularly for organizations deploying custom streaming workflows.
• Brightcove: Brightcove is a video cloud platform for live streaming, VOD, OTT app publishing, and monetization. Comparable to CASTUS Cloud Services for organizations that prioritize OTT/streaming delivery over on-premise playout servers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CASTUSCorp
• Facebookfacebook.com/CASTUS.tv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/castus-corporation
• Instagraminstagram.com/castustv

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CASTUS