Encoders & Decoders

Matrox Monarch EDGE Series

Monarch EDGE Encoder & Decoder Appliances

4K/multi-HD video encoder and decoder for remote production

The Monarch EDGE E4 encoder is ideal for demanding, broadcast-quality productions and live, multi-camera events, with encoding of up to four synchronized HD streams or one UHD 4Kp60 stream of securely encrypted, low latency, HDR 10-bit 4:2:2 video on industry-standard transport protocols like SRT. Improve production efficiency with Tally and Talkback and easily tackle the largest shows with multi-unit ganging to transmit dozens of sync streams. Use a Monarch EDGE EDGE D4 decoder for ultra-low latency and high-quality video transport. Programs destined for over-the-top (OTT) or cloud delivery can encode low bit rate 4:2:0 8-bit streams.

Or choose Monarch EDGE S1, a simultaneous encode/decode appliance that provides return feeds to multi-camera production crews in the field.

Big productions, small footprint

Easily produce multi-angle live events by extending the production studio to any remote location with a network connection. Monarch EDGE can encode up to four camera feeds from HD or 3G-SDI sources. When an in-studio 4K production requires a remote feed, Monarch EDGE can accept either 4K signals over 12G-SDI, or a quad 3G-SDI to deliver a full-4K stream. All of the supported SDI resolutions will be available on the upcoming ST 2110¹ networked I/O ports using SFP28 connectivity. For events that require more cameras, its compact footprint ensures that two units will fit into a single 1RU space.

Built for high quality 10-bit H.264 encoding

The optimized H.264 engine powering Monarch EDGE keeps data rates exceptionally low without sacrificing quality. If quality is of the highest importance, streams can be encoded up to 120 Mbps. Four inputs can be streamed at resolutions up to 1080p60, or one input at 2160p60 using the High 4:2:2 H.264 encoding profile. Furthermore, multiple processes can be performed on each input by powerful scaling and de-interlacing engines. This enables each input to be streamed at multiple resolutions and bitrates simultaneously, which is useful for remote monitoring.

Exceptionally low latency

In live environments, high signal transport latencies are detrimental to remote production (REMI) quality. Audio and video sync may be hard to maintain, and return channels to the field are often too far behind the live-action, hindering seamless staff interaction. With “glass-to-glass” latencies as low as 100ms between video input at encoder and video output at the decoder, Monarch EDGE achieves some of the lowest latencies on the market while using standard 1 GbE networks.

Keep it in-sync

All channels encoded by Monarch EDGE will be locked to a single clock, and the streams generated will have timestamps to allow the Monarch EDGE decoder to realign the streams at output. For the very best results, the cameras feeding the encoder should be genlocked together to ensure each frame is captured in phase. Monarch EDGE offers a genlock output jack with a signal that can be distributed to those cameras if an on-site sync generator is not available.

Flexible protocols

There are a variety of streaming protocols available to Monarch EDGE users for use during remote productions (REMI). On closed networks, MPEG-2 TS or RTSP streams can be selected for delivery. For cloud-based destinations, or when the network is congested, SRT may be more appropriate. SRT is a new open-source format that provides the reliability of RTMP, while reducing latency, for use on open networks. SRT streams can also be encrypted if security is a concern. The Monarch EDGE decoder supports the processing of MPEG-2 TS, RTSP, and SRT protocols.

Versatile recording

Monarch EDGE offers the ability to record SDI inputs– at the user’s quality of choice – while simultaneously streaming using the user’s preferred transport protocol. Recordings can be saved to USB 3.0 attached storage or to local networks. Monarch EDGE makes sharing post-event recordings easier than ever with the ability to record to the popular H.264 codec with MOV and MP4 wrapper options. This Monarch EDGE feature allows for ISO recordings of SDI inputs, which can be used for post-event editing or serve as backup recordings.

Simple, easy-to-use tally and talkback

The Monarch EDGE remote production (REMI) encoder and decoder pair provides the transfer of tally² signals and talkback channels to facilitate bi-directional communication between on-site camera operators and in-studio personnel. Eight tally signals can be sent from the production switcher to the decoder, which transfers these signals to the encoder for output to the cameras. Two balanced analog inputs and two balanced analog outputs are found on both the encoder and decoder for interfacing with local intercom systems.

Comprehensive connectivity

Both the Monarch EDGE encoder and decoder devices offer flexible, future-proof video connectivity with 3G, 12G SDI, and ST 2110 over 25 GbE network connections. Each of the Monarch EDGE encoder’s SDI inputs supports 16 channels of embedded audio. Eight of these channels can be included in each stream using MPEG-2 or SRT protocols. Delivering multi-lingual or multi-channel productions is easy with Monarch EDGE.

Ancillary data for automation and viewer experience

Monarch EDGE supports contribution and distribution workflows by sending and receiving ancillary data, including closed captioning and SCTE messaging. Easily integrate into automated workflows for playout and ad insertion and transmit closed captions to enhance audience engagement. Monarch EDGE improves operational efficiency and strengthens the overall viewer experience, all with the highest video quality, making it a trusted choice for broadcasters.

Centralized command, convenient control

Access and manage your Monarch EDGE devices via a desktop application or web interface. Monarch EDGE Control Hub software enables you to discover, configure, and control all Monarch EDGE units on a local network through a Windows® desktop application. With Monarch EDGE Commander Center, you can access your Monarch EDGE devices locally or over the internet via a web browser, without additional software installation requirements. Benefit from web-based firmware updates and included technical support to ensure your devices are up-to-date and running smoothly.

Localized preview

Allowing up to four simultaneous input previews on a single desktop monitor, Monarch EDGE’s DisplayPort output ensures that videos are valid and ready to use. Monarch EDGE Control Hub allows users to effortlessly configure how they would like to preview audio sources of input. From the DisplayPort and line out, users can choose to monitor one audio input at a time, or mute all.

Robust and practical design

Both the Monarch EDGE encoder and decoder were built with reliability in mind. An LCD screen on the front of the appliance allows the user to quickly access its status and configuration settings. A locking power connector safeguards against connection loss during production. Redundant Ethernet (1 GbE) ports allow users to control the device from one port while sending video from a second port. Users can opt to send the same streams from each port while taking completely separate network paths. Finally, Monarch EDGE’s compact design ensures it can be installed in a fly-pack or with a second Monarch EDGE unit in a 1RU-rack space.

¹Enabled with future firmware update

²These features must be supported at the decode end of the production chain with the help of custom integration by the user or vision mixer provider.

Always powered. Always on.

Safeguard against a potential loss of power. Matrox makes available rack-mounted, multi-output redundant power supply units (RPSU) to ensure uninterrupted operation of your Matrox device in case of a power module failure and a redundant power input in case a circuit breaker trips.

View Matrox redundant power supply units

REMI Solution Guide

In this guide, we explore key market trends and areas of future opportunity, the benefits and challenges of leveraging a remote production model, and how the right solution gives broadcasters the flexibility to cover more live events with less resources.

Download the Guide

Technical specifications

Product
Part Number	MDG4/E10/I2 (4:2:0 8-bit, 4:2:0 10-bit, and 4:2:2 10-bit encoding) MDG4/E8/I2 (4:2:0 8-bit encoding) MDG4/D/I2 (4:2:0 8-bit, 4:2:0 10-bit, and 4:2:2 10-bit decoding)
Connectivity
Input connections	1x 12G SDI per SMPTE ST 2082 3x 3G SDI per SMPTE ST 425 (Level A and B mapping) UHD support using 4x SDI per SMPTE ST 425-5 Square division 2x sample interleave¹ Capture up to four independent 3 Gbps video streams or one 12 Gbps (4Kp60) stream encapsulated per SMPTE ST 2110-10, -20, and -21. Seamless protection (redundancy) according to SMPTE ST 2022-7¹

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Remote production workflows

Monarch EDGE workflow public private cloud

Public/Private Cloud-based Remote Production

Affordably produce live multi-camera events by minimizing on-site expenses and keeping your talent in-house. Monarch EDGE synchronizes and delivers raw high-quality camera feeds from the field over IP to a centralized live production system. Broadcasters can, in turn, improve efficiency and minimize costs by using these in-house or cloudbased production systems to produce high-quality live programming. With remote production, fewer staff and equipment are required in the field— lowering travel expenses and logistical costs. The studio is also able to cover multiple events in a single day with the same personnel.

Remote Integration (REMI) Production Encoding & Decoding

Coupled with the powerful Monarch EDGE decoder, the Monarch EDGE encoding device offers exceptional quality at the lowest latency while securely transporting your video feeds from the event to the centralized production facility. This compact, robust, and low-power remote production (REMI) encoder/decoder pair has made producing live, multi-camera events more affordable than ever by keeping talent in-house. Programs destined for web or over-the-top (OTT) delivery to the cloud can select the 4:2:0 8-bit encoder version, while the 4:2:2 10-bit capable version of the Monarch EDGE encoding device is ideal for demanding, broadcast-quality productions.