Encoders & Decoders
Matrox Monarch EDGE Series
Matrox Monarch EDGE S1
Increase the quality and flexibility of your broadcast and media video transport workflows with Matrox Monarch EDGE Series, our versatile, professional 10-bit remote production and contribution encoder, and easily integrate with video distribution workflows. Transmit high-resolution, low-latency synchronized streams of HDR 4:2:2 10-bit video carrying ancillary data (SCTE and ANC) over SRT and MPEG-2TS. Enhance productivity with multi-unit sync, multi-stream sync, and onboard genlock. Integrate with advanced automation workflows and deliver audience-ready feeds to cloud distribution platforms and private video circuits. Enjoy peace of mind with reliable performance, professional technical support, and lifetime upgrades included with all Monarch EDGE encoders.
Big productions, small footprint
Bringing remote guests and talent together from separate locations for live productions has never been easier. Monarch EDGE S1’s ability to simultaneously encode and decode HD feeds provides remote participants with a single encoding channel while decoding a return channel. This Monarch EDGE S1 feature – coupled with the device’s ability to provide some of the lowest latencies on the market while using public internet – allows participants to interact with the live show and panel in near real-time.
Built for high quality 10-bit H.264 encoding
The optimized H.264 engine powering Monarch EDGE S1 keeps data rates exceptionally low without sacrificing quality. If quality is of the highest importance, streams can be encoded at 50 Mbps or higher. The input can be streamed at resolutions up to 1080p60 using the High 4:2:2 H.264 encoding profile. Furthermore, multiple processes can be performed on the input via a powerful scaling and de-interlacing engine. This enables the input to be streamed at multiple resolutions and bitrates simultaneously, which is useful for remote monitoring.
Exceptionally low latency
Low signal transport latencies are necessary for facilitating seamless interaction between staff in the production studio and on-site personnel at the event venue. With glass-to-glass latencies as low as 100 ms between Monarch EDGE S1 devices, staff at the production venue can benefit from viewing return feeds of the live broadcast in near-real time. Furthermore, when a live production has remote guest requirements, these ultra-low latencies can facilitate near-real time interactions between speakers.
Flexible protocols, secure streaming
There are a variety of streaming protocols available to Monarch EDGE S1 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 an 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. Monarch EDGE S1 supports the processing of MPEG-2 TS, RTSP, and SRT protocols for encode and decode operations.
Keep it in-sync
When multiple Monarch EDGE encoders are at a remote location, they can share a single clock to ensure they are encoded in-sync. For the very best results, the cameras feeding the encoders should be genlocked together to ensure each frame is captured in phase. The Monarch EDGE S1 also has a genlock input so that an SDI output feed will be in-sync with the other SDI signals originating from the studio.
Simple, easy-to-use tally and talkback
Monarch EDGE S1 offers the transfer of tally1 signals and independent talkback channels to facilitate easy communication between on-site camera operators and in-studio personnel.
1. These 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.
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
Enhance your experience with Monarch EDGE devices with Monarch EDGE Commander Center. Manage and access your Monarch EDGE devices locally or online 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. Monarch EDGE Control Hub software enables you to discover all Monarch EDGE units on a local network through a Windows® desktop application.
Localized preview
Monarch EDGE S1 users can preview the input, output, or both simultaneously on a desktop monitor. Monarch EDGE Control Hub allows users to configure how they would like to preview an audio input source. From the DisplayPort and line out, users can choose to monitor or mute the audio input.
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.
Compatible products
The Monarch EDGE integrates seamlessly with a diverse range of third-party video technology and service service providers including:
Technical specifications
| Product | |
| Part Number |
MDG2/ED10/I2 (4:2:0 8-bit, 4:2:0 10-bit, and 4:2:2 10-bit encoding/decoding) |
| Connectivity | |
| Input connections |
[available simultaneously with output operation] |
Workflows
Monarch EDGE-Based REMI Workflow #1 - Multi-Camera Production with Return Feed
Affordably equip a multi-channel, live remote production with a combination of the Monarch EDGE E4 encoder, the Monarch EDGE D4 decoder, and the Monarch EDGE S1 bi-directional encoder/decoder. With this powerful combination, offer your staff all of the video feeds required to deliver optimal productions.
At the remote venue, a Monarch EDGE E4 encoder is used to encode the four SDI camera feeds and send them back to the studio over public internet using the SRT streaming protocol. These streams are then received in the studio by a Monarch EDGE D4 decoder and decoded to four SDI outputs. These outputs are then sent to the production switcher where the final program is created and graphics are added to the final production. The program out of the production switcher is sent to a Monarch EDGE S1 encoder/decoder, from which it is sent back to the remote venue as a program feed return channel. At the remote venue, the program return feed is received by a Monarch EDGE S1 and decoded to SDI. From there, it is then sent to SDI distribution to provide camera operators and other on-site staff with the final produced feed of the live event.
All of these flows benefit from low-latency, low-bitrate, 4:2:2 10-bit encoding, making the solution suitable for virtually any production.
Monarch EDGE REMI Workflow #2 - Remote Contributor
As both encode and decode operations can occur simultaneously with a Monarch EDGE S1 encoder/decoder, a contributor operating a single high-quality SDI camera in the field can use this device to send both a high-quality feed to studio and receive the program feed being produced by the studio.
Both locations are equipped with a Monarch EDGE S1 encoder/decoder, which allows for simultaneous encoding and decoding. At the studio, the stream from the field is decoded by a Monarch EDGE S1 and sent to a vision mixer where a Chroma key composition with the weather background is applied. The program feed is then encoded by the same Monarch EDGE S1. From there, it is returned to the remote location as a return channel of the program out using the same Monarch EDGE S1. At the remote location, the same Monarch EDGE S1 that was used to encode the contribution feed is used to receive the return channel as either the program feed or another camera source.
As the glass-to-glass latencies between the remote location and the studio are very low, real-time dialog between remote operators and in studio talent is very smooth and natural.
Monarch EDGE REMI Workflow #3 - Remote Collaboration
Easily bring remote talent from separate studios together with Monarch EDGE S1.
With extremely low latency and simultaneous bi-directional communication, interaction between remote sites and the central studio are smooth and natural, eliminating disruptions to the flow of dialog that are typical with other solutions.
A Monarch EDGE S1 is at each remote location where the talent is encoding and sending their video to the central studio. There, a Monarch EDGE D4 decoder is used to decode and send SDI signals into the production switcher. The program or multiview output of the video switcher is then sent to a Monarch EDGE S1 encoder/decoder, where it is then sent back to the remote locations for remote talent to be able to see and hear other talent and host of the program.
