Matrox Monarch HD is a small, easy-to-use video streaming and recording appliance designed for professional video producers who need to simultaneously stream a live event and record the master quality version for post-event editing. By separating the task of recording from streaming in a single integrated unit, Matrox Monarch HD ensures that the Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are focused on delivering quality video to your audience while you control the quality of the archive.
From any HDMI input source such as a camera or switcher, Matrox Monarch HD generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocols. While encoding the video at bitrates suitable for live streaming, Matrox Monarch HD simultaneously records a high-quality MP4 file to an SD card, a USB drive, or a network-mapped drive. Matrox Monarch HD is remotely controlled using any computer or mobile device with a web browser.
If an event is worth streaming, it is worth recording at the highest possible quality. The better the recording quality, the more value it offers a post event produced asset. These assets can be made available to your audience as fast turnaround VOD files or as fully post produced highlight reels.
The quality of your recording should not be affected by your upload bandwidth. Monarch HD lets you set recording bitrates as high as 30 Mbps while simultaneously streaming at up to 20 Mbps.
Monarch HD injects the highest quality video into every bit regardless of input source or target bitrate. Combining the power of the built-in H.264 encoder with Matrox’s high quality deinterlacing and scaling engines guarantees stunning results.
Matrox Monarch HD records high quality H.264 video as MP4 files, which offer maximum versatility for all applications. Upload a file to your own web server or to a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like YouTube. Alternatively, you can directly import the file into most creation tools without the need for file transcoding.
The HDMI output of the Matrox Monarch HD makes it easy to monitor what you are streaming and recording, regardless of whether the signal is received from a camera, a switcher, a signal convertor, or a computer. Eight channels of embedded audio can be processed and output. Two channels of audio input with loopout are also available via 1/8” stereo jacks.
Powerful and robust, Matrox Monarch HD offers simple, one touch stream and record pushbuttons, low power consumption, a locking power connector, and a fanless design. Its design allows it to be just as easily located on a desktop as in a rack–up to three units can fit in a single 1RU tray. The software is built upon a secure embedded Linux O/S so there is zero risk of automatic updates or unscheduled exchanges with third party servers.
Whether you’re providing live content to Flash or Wowza servers, or to any of the popular CDNs, Matrox Monarch HD’s flexible streaming internet protocols’ support is up to task. Its useful encoding presets let you select the most appropriate resolution based on the available bandwidth. The target encoding streaming parameters only need to be entered once and saved as a unique profile. Multiple profiles can be saved if the device is used in different environments. Each profile can be loaded instantly without having to reenter data.
Matrox Monarch HD lets you select from a variety of recording media types. Use a USB key or drive when portability is important. A SD card might be your best option when a more secure and compact solution is required. Alternately, a system drive on a computer found on the network may prove extremely useful if multiple individuals need to access the footage.
Regardless of where you store the footage, the record controls can be executed without affecting the streaming operations. High quality files are available anytime during the streaming session for creating complementary video assets.
A simple web page is all that is needed to harness the power of Matrox Monarch HD. You can control and configure the appliance using any device on your network that supports a standard web browsing application. A preview of the main IP broadcast stream is embedded in the control web page.
A single Matrox Monarch HD device can act as a master to multiple slave devices. From a single web page, you can simultaneously start the recording and/or streaming of up to four Matrox Monarch HD devices.
Inputs and OutputsHDMI Video Input Progressive HDMI Video Output Pass-through of video input signal. 1 Frame delay from input to output Audio Input Processes first two channels of audio embedded in HDMI input signal Audio Output Passthrough of all embedded audio channels in HDMI signal H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10(AVC) Video EncoderResolutions Selectable encoding resolutions ranging from: Encode Frame Rates Encode frame rates representing 1:1, ½ and ¼of the input frames rates are supported. Encoding Profiles Baseline, Main and High Encoding Controls 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 4.1 Level Support MPEG-4 AAC Audio EncoderStandard AAC-LC Sample Frequency 44.1 and 48 kHz when digitized from analog source Channels 2 channels Stereo (L/R) Bit Rates Range from 96 kbps to 256 kbps ScalerHigh Quality multi-tap 10 bit Scaler and De-Interlacer Recording File FormatFile Type Industry Standard MP4 with two channels of embedded AAC audio Network InterfacesConnector RJ45 providing 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet with Static or DHCP addressing Protocols RTMP, RTSP/RTP User InterfaceComputer Based control HTTP via standard PC or Mac Web browser Physical Interface On Device push buttons for independent streaming and recording Start/Stop control Storage Types for File Recording2 x USB 2.0 Support for NTFS file system 1 x SD card Slot Supports SD and SDHC cards Network Mapped Drive Support for writing to Shared Folders in Computers found on Network using NFS or Windows Share protocols Matrox Command Center Web UIStatus Page Provides relevant operational information concerning Status of MonarchHD unit at that time including; Input video detection and resolution, State and configuration of Streaming operation, State and configuration of Recording operation, Error conditions, etc... Control Page Recording and Streaming operations initiated here including Synchronized start/stop operations. Multiple Monarch devices can be synchronized in a Master/Slave topology to allow for synchronized record and streaming operations across multiple units via a single interface. Record Settings Configuration of recording parameters set within this page. A number of presets are included which are selected based on post event use of the recorded Asset. If file is to be uploaded for VOD purposes, a YouTube preset may be selected. If content is to be edited for high quality production, a master quality preset may be preferable. Streaming Settings Configuration of Streaming parameters performed on this page. The RTMP or RTSP credentials as well as encoding parameters are entered. While a preset cannot include the streaming credentials, encoder presets have been included to quickly select an ideal encoders settings based on desired delivery resolution or bitrate. The Monarch HD will have been tested with a number of CDN providers as well as feeding Wowza Media servers and Adobe Media Server platforms. Administrative tools Device Naming, IP configuration, Date/Time settings and a variety of other tasks performed via this page Additional ToolsMatrox provide PC or Mac based utilities to help detect Monarch Device on a particular Network (DHCP server required) PhysicalDimensions 5.60 in. long (14.2 cm) Weight 0.66 lbs (300 grams) excluding power supply Operating conditions 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C), 20 to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing) Power
Transport and Storage Max Operating Altitude: 3000 meters Regulatory
Warranty 2 years with free telephone support Kit ContentsIn the box
Ordering InformationMatrox Monarch HD part number MHD/I |