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Monarch HDX

Matrox

 

Powerful, High Quality H.264 Encoding Engine

The Monarch HDX can share 30 Mb/s of encoding capacity across the two channels. Each channel benefits from a powerful scaling, de-interlacing, and noise reduction engine to ensure only pristine images are sent to be encoded.

Dual-Channel Streaming

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

Dual-Channel Recording

Monarch HDX provides a huge amount of flexibility as an H.264 video recorder. 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 a drive, 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

The quality of your VOD downloads need never be dictated by the available upload bandwidth. Monarch HDX dual encoders can broadcast a live webstream at one bitrate while simultaneously recording mastering quality H.264 files for immediate availability, such as post event VOD or editing with your NLE of choice.

Selectable HDMI and SDI Inputs and Simultaneous Outputs

Monarch HDX H.264 video recorder can accept signals from HDMI or SDI sources. The input is 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/unmuted without affecting the video encoding operation.

Regardless of input selection, SDI, 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 and fail safe design options.

Profiles and Presets

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.

Easily Webcast to Your Audience

Whether you’re providing live streaming content to Adobe Flash or Wowza Media servers, to any of the popular CDNs, or directly to a computer, Matrox Monarch HDX’s flexible video streaming protocol support is up to the task. The Monarch HDX is a certified “Works with Wowza” live video streaming encoder, allowing our 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.

Control from Anywhere

Matrox 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

Monarch HDX H.264 encoder provides a very 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.

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.

Robust and Practical Design

Powerful and robust, Monarch HDX offers simple, one touch stream and record push buttons, input selection, and a locking power connector. Monarch HDX's HDMI or SDI outputs makes it easy to monitor what you are streaming and recording, regardless of signal source. All eight channels of embedded audio can be passed from any input to any output. When embedded audio is selected, all eighth channels are passed from input to output. When Analog audio is selected, it is both looped out as well as embedded in video outputs. Its design allows Monarch HDX to be just as easily located on a desktop as in a rack—up to two units can fit in a single 1RU tray. The storage and button controls are conveniently located on the front of the unit while the power and I/O ports are found at the back. Finally, the Monarch HDX also features a wide input voltage range of 9 to 24 volts. It can be powered using the Matrox supplied power supply or DC sources such as standard field batteries.

Integrate Matrox Monarch HDX into Your Own Application or Environment

Broadcasters, network or cloud-based video management platform developers, A/V integrators and value-added resellers can use Monarch HDX Dev Tools, which include automatic configuration tools and the Monarch HDX Control API, to provide a unified, consistent and branded user experience. Individual users need not interact with the Monarch HDX Command Center web UI, which can simplify enterprise-level and centrally administered deployments.

Automatic configuration tools can be used to set all Monarch HDX encoding and destination settings by simply loading a properly formatted configuration file. For example, specialized CDNs and video platform providers who wish to offer a branded plug-and-play user experience can use the automatic configuration tools to give their customers a very simple installation procedure. The customer only needs to insert a USB key containing the customized automatic configuration file, boot the new Monarch HDX and the device will be ready to stream at exactly the right settings. Similarly, IT administrators in broadcast, corporate and education environments with deployments of multiple Monarch HDX units on a network can use the tools to manage all of the units from a single application or portal. This can be done automatically by having each Monarch HDX access a defined webpage for configuration settings at boot up. Alternatively, the task of fetching configuration settings can be triggered manually from the Monarch HDX Command Center.

Monarch HDX Control API is an HTTP-based API that lets system integrators create their own control software to start, to stop, to set streaming bitrates and destinations, and to get the status of a Monarch HDX device. The Monarch HDX Command Center or the automatic configuration tools are used to initially configure devices with complete streaming and recording parameters. Once set up, units can be controlled using the custom application, on-device buttons only or the Command Center

Integrate with Crestron or ROSS DashBoard

The Monarch HDX Control API is an ideal way to integrate Monarch HDX functionality into an existing broadcast facility, classroom, boardroom or other space equipped with a Crestron control system. Broadcasters who use ROSS equipment can take advantage of our ROSS DashBoard network control and monitoring integration. Monarch HDX registered users are invited to download a sample SIMPL module written to run on Crestron 2-Series® and 3-Series® Room Media Controllers or our ROSS DashBoard module for use with ROSS DashBoard Control Systems.

HDMI Video Input 1920 x 1080p 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1920 x 1080i 29.97/25
1280 x 720p 60/59.94/50
HDMI Video Output Preview output of video input signal
2-frame delay from input to output
SD video output as windowed in an HD output
SDI Video Input 1920 x 1080p 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1920 x 1080PsF 29.97/25
1920 x 1080i 29.97/25
1280 x 720p 60/59.94/50
720 x 576i 25
720 x 486i 29.97
SDI Video Output Clean distribution of SDI incoming signal
0-frame latency passthrough of Input signal
Hardware bypass relay present in SDI signal path is "closed" on power failure
Audio Input Processes first two channels of audio embedded in HDMI or SDI input signals
Unbalanced analog stereo input via 1/8" jack (3.5 mm)
Line level
Audio Output Pass-through of 8 embedded audio channels in HDMI and SDI signals
Unbalanced analog stereo output via 1/8" jack (3.5 mm), pass-through of input Line level
Frame Synchronization On both HDMI and SDI inputs.
Video Encoder Built-in H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10 (AVC)
Resolutions Selectable encoding resolutions: 
128 x 128 to 1920 x 1080
Video Bit Rates Single Encoder:
 Streaming mode - 20 Mbps
 Recording mode - 30 Mbps
 
Dual Encoder:
 Maximum 10 Mbps for streaming channels
 Maximum 30 Mbps combining both channels
Encode Frame Rates Encode frame rates (fps): 60/50, 30/25/24, 15/12.5
 
Note: The maximum encoded frame rate is 30 fps when input resolution is 1920 x 1080
Encoding Profiles Baseline, Main, and High
Encoding Controls 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 4.1 level support 
IBP GOP size and structure 
Variable bit rate support 
Average min/max data rate controls
De-blocking filter
Audio Encoder MPEG-4 AAC
Audio Encoding Standard: AAC-LC
Sample Frequency 32, 44.1, or 48 kHz when digitized from analog source
Channels 2 channels stereo (L/R)
Audio Bit Rates Range from 32 kbps to 256 kbps
Note: Audio codec settings are applied to streaming or files delivered by both encoders.
Scaler High quality multi-tap 10-bit scaler and de-interlacer
Available to both streaming and recording operations
Preview Stream format: H.264
Bitrate: 300 kbps (average)
Stream type: RTSP
Recording Formats MP4 and MOV with two channels of embedded AAC audio (maximum file length of 300 minutes)
Network Interface RJ45 connector providing 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet with Static or DHCP addressing
 
Protocols:
 RTMP, RTSP/RTP
 IPv4 support
 Unicast and Multi Unicast (from 3 to 10 clients)
User Interface HTTP via standard PC or Mac web browser using Monarch HDX Command Center
Front panel push buttons for independent streaming and recording Start/Stop control
Recording Media Support 2x USB 2.0:
 Support for NTFS file system
 Monarch HD will support writing to USB 3.0 devices at USB 2.0 speeds
 
1x SD card slot: 
 Supports SD and SDHC cards
 Supports SDXC cards formatted with NTFS
 
Network mapped drive:
 Support for writing to Shared Folders in computers found on a network using NFS or Windows share protocols
Transport and Storage Max operating altitude: 9,842 ft / 3,000 m 
Max transport altitude: 39,370 ft / 12,000 m 
Operating humidity: 20 to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Storage humidity: 5 to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Regulatory EMI: FCC Class A, CE Mark Class A, ACMA C-Tick Mark, VCCI
Power Supply Safety: UL/CUL(UL60950-1), TUV-GS(EN60950-1), T-LICENSE(BS EN60950-1), CCC(GB4943.1-2011), PSE(J60950), SAA(AS/NZS60950-1), KC-MARK(K60950),S-MARK(IEC60950-1)
RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
Power Line voltage: 100-240 VAC, 0.5 A 
Frequency: 50-60 Hz 
Input: external AC/DC adapter -- IEC320-C8 
Output: 9 to 24 VDC
Total power consumption: 20 to 30 W typical, 42 W max
DIN4 locking power connector
Operating Temperature 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Dimensions 5.6 x 8.5 x 1.4" / 14.2 x 21.6 x 3.6 cm 
6 x 8.5 x 1.5" / 15.3 x 21.6 x 3.8 cm (including pads and BNC spigots)
Weight Not Specified by Manufacturer

 

Main Feature Difference Monarch HD Monarch HDX
HDMI Input Yes Yes
HDMI Preview Output Yes Yes
SDI Input No Yes
SDI Output No Yes
Frame Synchronizer on both Inputs No Yes
Volume Control No Yes
Two Independent Channels: Streaming No Yes
Two Independent Channels: Recording No Yes
Simultaneous independent streaming and recording Yes * Yes
H.264 Preview Stream of Input No Yes
On Device Buttons Yes Yes
Web Based UI Yes Yes
HTTP Control API Yes Future release
Crestron Module Yes Future release
Auto-Configuration Modes Yes Future release
RS-232 No Future release
* For Monarch HD when streaming and recording 1080p30, content will not be independent. Same bitrate must apply.
This restriction does not apply to Monarch HDX.