Features

H.264 Encoding Engine

The Monarch HDX can share 30 Mbps of encoding capacity across the two channels. Each channel benefits from a powerful scaling, de-interlacing, and noise reduction engine for improving image quality before encoding.

Dual-Channel Streaming

When used as a webcasting encoder, the Monarch HDX generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocols. Each channel is assigned separately. Each channel can stream up to 10 Mb/s, allowing you to simultaneously stream to two destinations or set the device for up to 20 Mb/s streaming quality for a single encoding destination.

Dual-Channel Recording

Content can be captured in either MOV or MP4 files to ensure that they can be played by your application of choice. Recordings can be stored locally on an SD card, a USB drive, or remotely on a network-mapped drive. Dual channel recording allows the user to simultaneously record content locally and to the network, which means files are immediately available to anybody on the network, but also provides the assurance that no action is lost even if the network goes down. Furthermore, each recording can be done at a different bitrate should there be a need to deliver the content to devices with varying decode capacities.

Simultaneous Streaming and Recording

Monarch HDX dual encoders can broadcast a live webstream at one bitrate while simultaneously recording high-quality H.264 files for immediate availability, such as post event VOD or editing with your NLE of choice.

HDMI and SDI Inputs

The Monarch HDX H.264 video recorder can accept signals from HDMI or SDI sources. The input can be selected using the web based UI, Matrox Command Center, or directly on the unit itself, allowing for a wide range of connectivity to devices such as cameras, switchers, or routers. Additionally, both inputs are complemented by internal frame synchronizers to ensure uninterrupted streaming and recording operations, regardless of the disturbance on the input. The audio is also selectable between the two channels of the embedded video signal or the analog stereo input. Audio may be dynamically muted or unmuted without affecting the video encoding operation.

Regardless of input selection, SDI video, HDMI video, and embedded and analog audio outputs are live. For SDI workflows, the Monarch HDX recorder has an extremely low pass-through latency with a built-in power-loss relay which, in case of power loss, will route the SDI input directly to the SDI output, ensuring signal path integrity.

Wowza and Flash Support

The Monarch HDX is a certified "Works with Wowza" live video streaming encoder, allowing users to benefit from enhanced integration with the Wowza streaming engine. As a certified encoder, Wowza Manager can provide an XML file which contains the credentials required for Monarch HDX to easily connect to the Wowza Streaming engine.

The Monarch HDX also supports XML files generated for use with Flash Live Media Encoder. These files are often offered by CDNs to allow their customers to easily connect to their service. Both XML files are loaded into the Monarch HDX using the Matrox Command Center, a web based UI.

Remote Control

The Monarch HDX can be controlled and configured via the Monarch HDX Command Center using any device on the network that supports a standard web browsing application such as a computer, smart phone or tablet. Designed for operator ease-of-use, master controls provide one-click operation to start streaming, recording or both from anywhere within the user interface. The device also provides convenient controls directly on the unit itself to stop/start recording or streaming, and an additional button to assign the input.

H.264 Preview Stream

The Monarch HDX H.264 encoder provides a useful low bitrate preview stream of the input directly in the Command Center UI. This same preview can be viewed using software players such as VLC or on third-party devices, such as Crestron control panels. This stream is available independently of the two encoder channels allowing you to check your video signal before your webcast goes live.

Profiles and Presets

The Monarch HDX ships with a number of typical streaming and recording presets that define all the encoding parameters including resolution and bitrate. Whether preset or custom parameters are used, they only need to be entered once and saved as a unique profile. A profile not only contains encoding parameters but also destination information detailing where the encoded video is being sent. Multiple profiles can be saved if the device is used in different environments. Each profile can be loaded instantly without having to re-enter data.

Matrox Utils Application

The Matrox Utils application allows operators to remotely scan and find all Monarch HDX's present on their network. The Utils application will also scan the attached Monarch HDX and notify the operator if the unit is up to date with its installed firmware version and will also update the device automatically to ensure that it has the latest software release installed. The Matrox Utils application can also be used to reboot Monarch HDX devices present on the network.

Closed Captioning Support

Ideal for broadcasters who require the integration of closed captioning while streaming and/or recording. Retrieving the closed captioning data from the SDI VANC or line 21 protocols, the Matrox Monarch HDX then embeds the data within the H.264 stream, as CEA-608. These caption-enhanced H.264 files can then be streamed (via RTMP) to capable media servers such as Wowza, CDNs including YouTube Live or Ustream, or recorded as MOV/MP4 files, which can then be decoded by players such as Telestream Switch, with captions intact and synced with the video - frame by frame.

Note: Requires firmware version 1.1.5.0009 or later, available as a free download from the Matrox website.