Does Lightcast require or recommend specific Live Encoders for the use with its CDN?

Recommend - yes. Require - no. You are free to use any live-encoder that works for you. That said: there are technical requirements your live-encoder has to meet. Those requirements are specified in detail in the Live Encoder Guide and Tutorials - links to Guides and Manuals can be found within your Lightcast Media Cloud under Support as well as neatly organized in the Support Center. 

But we do recommend selected Live Encoders and partner with selected manufacturers. Here are a few recommendations: 
 

Hardware Encoders 

• Epiphan Encoders: Specifically the Pearl 2 and Pearl Mini -  all-in-one live production switchers with built-in video mixing and live streaming. These systems capture, combine, stream and record multiple video sources simultaneously. Great for live events, training or education. If you are looking for a reliable, robust encoder which will not let you down when it counts - this is our recommendation. Starting at around $/€3,500 the Pearl encoders have the best price/value ratio in the market currently. A solid hardware encoder like the Pearl is the most robust and recommended solution. 
  
  More information about their encoders & how to get one: https://www.epiphan.com/products/#prods-pearl
   
• Wirecast Gear: Gives you an easy to use, fully configured live video streaming production system. Start streaming in minutes with an end-to-end system configured specifically for your needs and with Wirecast Pro included alongside Gear's custom-designed hardware.
  
  And here is how you can get Wirecast Gear: https://www.telestream.net/wirecastgear/
   
• Teradek: Many of our clients have provided very favorable feedback on Teradek encoders over the years, specifically about the Vidiu X and Vidiu Go encoder - an ultra-slim HD live streaming encoder which plugs in to professional cameras, switchers, and media players. Due to its compact size, it is easy to use on-the-go, mount it to your camera, or station it on your production desk. It also comes with the Vidiu App for iOS and Android to configure your destinations, stream settings, and network connections, all from your smart device.
  
  The VidiU Go utilizes Teradek’s proprietary networking technology, which creates a “bonded” network that combines all available Ethernet, WiFi and 3G/4G/LTE modem connections to provide the most robust, dependable stream possible.
  
  More information on Teradek's Vidiu product: https://teradek.com/pages/vidiu-x

Make sure the hardware encoder you choose does the following:

1. Has the ability to output multiple bitrates simultaneously

2. Can address multiple server destinations simultaneously (such as for redundancy as in backup streams to other CDN POPs, or sending a stream to the Social Media POP)

3. Send RTMP

Those are the primary requirements. Most hardware encoders can do many more things, but these are the basics they really have to cover well. It is also not a bad idea if there is a web app UI through which you can access the encoder, configure and save configurations. Then, once configured and tested, for safety, only give access to the encoder and to the web UI to select people in the team. 

Software Encoders

• Wirecast: It is one of the most recommended software encoders, starting at around $600 for one license. Make sure to get the latest version of Wirecast and run it on a dedicated machine - ideally a high-performance iMac with plenty of CPU power (latest gen quad cores and up) and Memory.
  
  Be careful with external A/V interfaces or capture devices. While Blackmagic is certainly a good choice for an A/V interface, only use one if you have an expert on staff who knows the complexity and wide range of configurations of pro-grade A/V interfaces. Even the smallest oversight in the configuration of a high-end A/V interface or converter can kill your best software encoder setup and destroy your live-stream experience. If in doubt, use your PC's or Mac’s HDMI input, or a very simple SDI converter if needed. 
  
  Using the latest gen Wirecast software encoder on a powerful and dedicated machine is our recommendation if you have someone on staff who is proficient in computer software, hardware, your network infrastructure and A/V interface between your A/V sources (cameras, audio mixer, video switcher) and your PC or Mac.
  
  And here is how you can get Wirecast easily: http://www.telestream.net/wirecast/overview.htm
   
• vMix: This robust live stream encoding software offers a similar level of complexity as OBS and Wirecast, but does offer a comprehensive knowledge base as well as a one time user fee and free updates for a year after purchase. vMix also has the ability to add multiple cameras, videos, images, audio, web streams, Powerpoint, and much more.  As software encoders go, it is recommended as a solid performer.
  
  Get vMix 60 day FREE Trial here: https://www.vmix.com/software/download.aspx  

Free Software Encoders

Many who start out with their first steps towards live-streaming often look for a “free encoder solution”, often because they don’t know if live-streaming is something they want to continue and it is often just for testing purposes. That is absolutely legitimate. While we would not recommend to keep on streaming with a free live encoder running on a PC or Mac long-term if you are serious about your live-streams and viewerships, downloading a free software is a quick and an easy fix for testing and learning purposes.

We stick to our two recommendations above - Epiphan Pearl and Wirecast - but if you really need a free encoder software, our recommendation would be OBS Studio (by Open Broadcaster Software): https://obsproject.com