Matrox Monarch EDGE for Webcasting
4K/Multi-HD Webcasting Encoder
In a media landscape filled with continuously evolving online video platforms (OVPs), traditional broadcasters are beginning to leverage their existing over-the-top (OTT) delivery methods to deliver content specialized for the web. By enhancing means of linear programming delivery, broadcasters can expand their reach and meet their audiences through new online-only channels. Using the latest in webcasting innovations, such as high-frame rate 4K (HFR), 4K 360 VR, and multi-camera selection, which are only supported on desktop, mobile, and Smart TV web-based video players, broadcasters can deliver unique and compelling live content. Designed to take on today’s engaging webcasting workflows, Matrox Monarch EDGE provides broadcasters with robust, low-latency, and dynamic H.264 encoding capabilities packaged in a compact, low power, and portable appliance.
Additional workflows for Monarch EDGE
Pristine quality delivered to any screen
Producing and delivering live events in 4K is becoming more widespread, and homes across the globe are adding increasingly fast network download capabilities, as well as 4K TVs to accommodate this content. OVPs are capable of downscaling content optimized for large 4K TV screens to smaller screens when 4K streams are sent to them. When OVPs let TVs tackle the upscaling of HD content to fill screens, the result is not optimal. Monarch EDGE eliminates any comprise by encoding 4K at high frame rates (50 or 60 fps), while the OVP handles any downscaling. With Monarch EDGE, content providers can deliver a superlative 4K viewing experience.
Stream every angle
Monarch EDGE is a high-density encoding platform that can accept four independent HD inputs and deliver multiple streams per input, ideal for central equipment room installations. Thanks to innovations such as multi-camera event support offered by YouTube, users have the ability to select from main or secondary camera angles when viewing content. With a single Monarch EDGE device, four different camera angles can be streamed simultaneously.
Even more reach
Monarch EDGE’s powerful encoding engine allows users to stream each input to multiple OVPs simultaneously for unprecedented reach and exposure. With Monarch EDGE’s ability to reach over 16 destinations, such as YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Ustream, and LinkedIn among others, users can extend their reach and engage with their audiences where they are rather than luring them to a single OVP.
Uncompromising H.264 quality
The H.264 codec is universally accepted for web contribution and live streaming. Monarch EDGE’s unique implementation of the codec keeps data rates exceptionally low while minimizing latency without sacrificing quality. Monarch EDGE’s independent encoding operations per input can be configured to stream to a single or multiple destinations. Each operation benefits from a powerful scaling and de-interlacing engine to ensure only pristine images and audio are encoded.
Flexible protocols
Monarch EDGE supports a variety of streaming protocols. Social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube use the ever-popular RTMP format. SRT is a new open-source format that provides the reliability of RTMP, while reducing latency, for use on open networks. On local networks, MPEG-2 TS or RTSP streams can be selected for delivery over in-house networks. Finally, multiple destinations can be targeted for each encoding profile.
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. Thanks to Monarch EDGE’s support of the H.264 codec, files can be played on any device.
Comprehensive connectivity
The Monarch EDGE encoder offers flexible, future-proof connectivity with 3G, 12G SDI, and ST 2110 over 25 GbE network connections. Inputs are auto-detectable and allow for a wide range of connectivity to devices such as cameras, switchers, vision mixers, and routers. The audio included in each web stream can be selected from any of the stereo pairs embedded in the SDI signal, or from the balanced analog audio via XLR connectors.
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
Monarch EDGE was built with reliability in mind. An LCD screen on the front of the appliance allows users 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, OB van, or with a second Monarch EDGE unit in a 1RU-rack space.
1Enabled with future firmware update
Workflows
Even more reach
Monarch EDGE’s powerful encoding engine allows users to stream to multiple OVPs simultaneously for unprecedented reach and exposure. With Monarch EDGE’s ability to reach up to 16 simultaneous targets, such as YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Ustream, and LinkedIn among others, users can extend their reach and engage with their audiences where they are rather than luring them to a single OVP.
Pristine quality delivered to any screen
Producing and delivering live events in 4K is becoming more widespread, and homes across the globe are adding increasingly fast network download capabilities, as well as 4K TVs to accommodate this content. OVPs are capable of downscaling content optimized for large 4K TV screens to smaller screens when 4K streams are sent to them. When OVPs let TVs tackle the upscaling of HD content to fill screens, the result is not optimal. Monarch EDGE eliminates any comprise by encoding 4K at high frame rates (50 or 60 fps), while the OVP handles any downscaling. With Monarch EDGE, content providers can deliver a superlative 4K viewing experience.
Stream every angle
Monarch EDGE is a high-density encoding platform that can accept four independent HD inputs and deliver multiple streams per input, ideal for central equipment room installations. Thanks to innovations such as multi-camera event support offered by YouTube, users have the ability to select from main or secondary camera angles when viewing content. With a single Monarch EDGE device, four different camera angles can be streamed simultaneously.
