Monarch LCS Encoder Appliance

Effectively capturing live events no longer requires complex equipment. The operator can select a number of production modes, such as Picture-in-Picture or Side-by-Side configurations. If the operator prefers to dynamically change inputs during the course of the event, Monarch LCS appliances also offer Switcher mode. With very little set-up time, the Monarch LCS can be configured in many appealing layouts to suit the varying demands of enterprise, house of worship, or government settings.

Monarch LCS enables simultaneous streaming to YouTube and Facebook Live, as well as user-owned websites. The encoder appliance generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocols. Each channel can be assigned separately to ensure delivery of appropriate content, where and when needed. Similarly, each channel can stream up to 8 Mb/s, allowing for simultaneously streaming to two destinations or configuring the device to stream quality up to 16 Mb/s for a single encoding destination.

Monarch LCS enables simultaneous streaming to YouTube and Facebook Live, as well as user-owned websites. The encoder appliance generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocols. Each channel can be assigned separately to ensure delivery of appropriate content, where and when needed. Similarly, each channel can stream up to 8 Mb/s, allowing for simultaneously streaming to two destinations or configuring the device to stream quality up to 16 Mb/s for a single encoding destination.

Monarch LCS provides live content to CDNs such as YouTube, Facebook Live, and Ustream; media servers such as Adobe Flash and Wowza; and directly to a computer or device found on a local area network (LAN). The encoder appliance is easily configurable for YouTube and Facebook accounts with a few short steps. 

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Monarch LCS supports productions with two HDMI video sources or with one SDI and one HDMI video source. Embedded or analog audio can be selected as the audio source. By supporting either SDI or HDMI video camera signals, these encoders deliver the flexibility to tailor inputs to meet production demands. SDI signals can travel more than 300 feet (100 meters) over coaxial cable, which is ideal if the camera is mounted a long distance from the encoder. When cable lengths are not an issue, HDMI cameras may prove the most affordable option, particularly in larger installations.

Both SDI and HDMI outputs are active and can be mapped to either input, a useful feature for driving in-house projections. The HDMI output also gives operators the option to select the frame size of the encoding parameters and preview content that will be sent to the remote viewer to ensure the visuals are appropriately staged.

Monarch LCS is controlled and configured via the powerful Monarch LCS Command Center using any network-connected device that supports a standard web-browsing application. Designed for operator ease-of-use, the Command Center user interface (UI) features one-click operation; drill down to configure typical streaming and recording settings, drawing from a list of preset options.

Each Monarch LCS encoder ships with a number of typical streaming and recording presets that define all encoding parameters (e.g., resolution and bitrate). Whether pre-set or custom parameters are used, parameters need only 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. Encoding parameters can be customized and combined with destination and operating mode settings. If the encoder appliance must be accessed by different users, profiles can be instantly recalled without having to re-enter data.

Houses of worship, enterprises, and governments are all likely to engage contractors or AV integrators to oversee their AV installations; these personnel can take advantage of Monarch LCS Dev Tools—which includes automatic configuration tools—and the Monarch LCS Control API to provide operators with a unified, consistently branded experience. Individuals do not need to interact with the Monarch LCS Command Center web UI, simplifying deployments. 

Download the Monarch LCS DEV tools reference guide

The Matrox Utils application allows operators to remotely scan and find all Monarch LCS appliances present on their network; this application is useful in installations with multiple units in separate locations, such as government offices or enterprise boardrooms. The Matrox Utils application will also scan the attached Monarch LCS and notify the operator if the units’ installed firmware version is up-to-date; it will also update the device automatically to ensure that it has the latest software release. The Matrox Utils application can also be used to reboot Monarch LCS appliances on the network.

Powerful and robust, Monarch LCS storage ports are located on the front of the encoder along with three simple one-touch buttons that offer an alternative to the web-based UI control. All connectors are located at the back, including the locking power connector, which ensures that Monarch LCS devices can just as easily be located on a desktop as in a rack. A 1RU tray can fit up to two units. 

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