ENCODER RECORDER H264 TWO CHANNELS SDI MONARCH HDX

The Matrox Monarch HDX is a simple, versatile video encoder designed specifically for TV and web producers. It's powerful enough to fit seamlessly into today's most demanding productions. The Monarch HDX features 3G-SDI and HDMI inputs with frame-accurate synchronization to correct any interruption in the input signal, plus two independent H.264 encoders that can be assigned to individual tasks. By integrating two encoders in a single device, the Monarch HDX can be adapted to any task: simultaneous streaming to two different locations, recording two video files at the same time, one in proxy quality and the other in high resolution for later editing, or using one encoder for streaming, while the other records higher quality files for VOD (video-on-demand) downloads. Whether used as a live broadcast encoder or a video recorder, the Monarch HDX integrates seamlessly into all SD and HD installations.

 

Powerful, high-end H.264 recording engine

The Monarch HDX's bit rate of up to 30 Mb/s can be split between the two channels. Each channel benefits from a powerful scaling function, as well as de-interlacing and noise reduction engines, so that the images transmitted to the encoders are of perfect quality.

 

Dual-channel streaming

When used as a webcast encoder, Monarch HDX generates an H.264 stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocols. Each channel can be individually configured to deliver what you want, where you want it. The 20Mb/s broadcast bit rate can be split between the two channels to deliver two 10Mb/s streams, or used by a single encoder for 20Mb/s broadcast.

 

Dual-channel video recording

As an H.264 video recorder, the Monarch HDX offers exceptional flexibility. Video files can be recorded in MOV or MP4 format, for seamless integration with the software of your choice. Files can be recorded locally to an SD card or USB stick, or remotely to a network drive. Dual-channel recording allows users to save video files both locally and on a network drive. As a result, files are immediately available to anyone connected to the network and cannot be lost, even in the event of a network failure. What's more, each recording can be made at a different bit rate, when sent to devices with varying decoding capabilities.

 

Simultaneous streaming and recording

The quality of your Video on Demand (VOD) files never has to depend on the available transmission bandwidth. Monarch HDX dual-channel encoders enable live webcasting at a given bit rate, while simultaneously recording high-resolution H.264 files that are immediately available, whether for Video on Demand (VOD) use or for editing with the software of your choice.

 

Selectable HDMI and SDI inputs and simultaneous outputs

Monarch HDX H.264 video recorders can receive HDMI or SDI signals, enabling connection to cameras, mixers or routers. The input is selected via a network user interface, the Matrox Control Center or directly on the unit. What's more, both inputs feature internal frame synchronizers to ensure uninterrupted streaming or recording, regardless of input disturbances. Audio can also be selected, either from one of the two video inputs, or from the analog stereo input. The audio signal can be switched on or off without affecting the video encoding operation.

Regardless of input choice, SDI and HDMI video outputs, as well as integrated and analog audio outputs, are active. For SDI streams, the Monarch HDX recorder offers extremely low pass-through latency with an integrated voltage loss relay, which redirects the SDI input directly to the SDI output in the event of a voltage loss, thus ensuring the integrity of the signal path.

 

Profiles and presets

The Monarch HDX comes with a number of broadcast and recording presets defining encoding parameters such as resolution or bit rate. Whether the parameters used are predefined or customized, they need only be entered once, then saved as a specific profile. A profile contains not only the encoding parameters, but also the destination information for the encoded video. Multiple profiles can be saved if the device is to be used in different environments. Each profile can be loaded instantly without having to re-enter data.

 

Easy broadcasting for your audience

Whether you're streaming live to Adobe Flash or Wowza Media servers, to a common content delivery network (CDN) or directly to a computer, the Matrox Monarch HDX is up to the task, thanks to its support for different video streaming protocols. The Monarch HDX is a Works with Wowza-certified encoder, enabling users to benefit from enhanced integration with the Wowza streaming engine. As a certified encoder, the Wowza manager can provide an XML file containing the necessary verifications so that the Monarch HDX can easily connect to the Wowza streaming engine. Monarch HDX is also compatible with XML files generated from Flash Media Live Encoder. These files are often offered by CDNs to enable their customers to connect easily to their services. XML files are imported into the Monarch HDX using the Matrox Command Center, a network user interface.

 

Remote controls

The Matrox Monarch HDX can be controlled and configured from any web browser-enabled device, such as a computer, tablet or smartphone, using the Monarch HDX Control Center. User-friendly, it enables you to start broadcasting, recording or both with a single click, wherever you are.

The unit also features control buttons directly on the housing to stop or start recording or playback, as well as an input selection button.

 

H.264 stream preview

The Monarch HDX H.264 encoder features a useful function for previewing the input source at a very low bit rate, directly in the Control Center user interface. This same preview can be displayed using software such as VLC, or third-party devices such as Crestron control panels. This stream is available independently of the encoder's two channels, allowing you to control your video signal before broadcasting it live.

 

Matrox utility

The Matrox utility software enables the user to search and find all Monarch HDXs installed on his network. It also determines whether the software version installed in the Monarch HDX is the latest available. It automatically updates the device to the latest software version. The Matrox utility can also be used to reboot Monarch HDX devices accessible from the network.

 

Robust, practical design

Powerful and robust, the Monarch HDX is equipped with easy-to-use pushbuttons for controlling broadcasting, recording or input selection, as well as a lockable power connector. The Monarch HDX's HDMI and SDI outputs let you easily monitor what you're broadcasting and recording, regardless of the signal source. The eight integrated audio channels can be transmitted from any input to any output. When you select integrated audio, all eight channels are transmitted from input to output. When analog audio is selected, the audio channels are looped through to the output, as well as being integrated with the video outputs. The Monarch HDX's design makes it just as easy to connect to a PC as to install in a rack, with two enclosures in a single rack unit. Data media and control keys are located on the front of the case, while power and I/O connectors are on the rear. What's more, the Monarch HDX features an input voltage range from 9 to 24 V. It can be powered by the Matrox power supply unit or by DC sources such as batteries.

 

Integrate Matrox Monarch HDX with your software or environment

Broadcasters, developers of networked or cloud-based video management platforms, A/V integrators and AV equipment vendors can use Monarch HDX's development tools, including auto-configuration and the API, to standardize and enhance the user browsing experience. This eliminates the need for individual users to intervene on the Monarch HDX Command Center web interface, simplifying enterprise-wide or centrally managed deployments.

The auto-configuration tools enable all Monarch HDX encoding and destination settings to be made simply by importing a correctly formatted configuration file. For example, specialized content delivery networks (CDNs) and video platforms can use the auto-configuration tools to provide their users with a very simple installation procedure. The customer simply inserts a USB stick containing the customized auto-configuration file, reboots the Monarch HDX and is ready to stream with all the settings they need. Similarly, IT administrators using multiple networked Monarch HDX devices in different environments (A/V broadcast, corporate, education) can use these tools to manage all their equipment from a single application or portal. This can be done automatically, by starting each Monarch HDX device on a web page where configuration parameters are defined. These parameters can also be accessed manually from the Monarch HDX Control Center.

The Monarch HDX API uses the HTTP protocol, enabling system integrators to create their own control software to start, stop, set the streaming bit rate and destination, and view the status of a Monarch HDX device. The Monarch HDX Control Center and its automatic configuration tools are used for initial configuration of devices with full streaming and recording parameters. Once installed, devices can be controlled using the customized application, its buttons or simply from the Control Center.

 

Integration with Crestron or ROSS Dashboard

Thanks to its API, the Monarch HDX can easily be integrated into a broadcast site, classroom, meeting room or any other room equipped with a Crestron control system. Broadcasters using ROSS equipment can benefit from its compatibility with the network control and monitoring functions of the ROSS Dashboard. If you are a registered Monarch HDX user, you are invited to download a sample SIMPL module, designed to work with Crestron 2-Series® and 3-Series® media room controllers. You can also download our ROSS Dashboard module, which can be used with ROSS Dashboard control systems.