Monarch EDGE for Contribution Encoding
High-Density Contribution Encoder and Decoder
The contribution encoding capabilities of the Monarch EDGE encoder and decoder pair provide producers with a means to easily send/transmit additional or complementary backhaul feeds, redundant contribution channels of their primary feeds, or any other required stream. Easily support advanced contribution and distribution workflows with HLG-HDR support, ancillary data (ANC) such as SCTE messaging and closed captioning, as well as transmission of MPEG-2 TS over SRT. These small-footprint, low-power appliances deliver quad-channel broadcast quality with 4:2:2 10-bit HD streams. The Monarch EDGE encoder has enough encoding horsepower to simultaneously generate full quality and low-bitrate 4:2:0 proxy streams for each input, which can be monitored by any device on the network.
Additional workflows for Monarch EDGE
Built for high quality 10-bit H.264 encoding and decoding
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 productions, long encode, transmission, and decode latencies can have adverse effects on the production. With a “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 1GbE networks.
Flexible protocols
There are a variety of streaming protocols available to Monarch EDGE users. 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 or RTMP 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.
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
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
Offering up to four simultaneous input (encoder) or output (decoder) previews on a single desktop monitor, Monarch EDGE’s DisplayPort output allows operators to ensure that SDI and ST 2110 signals 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 the 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 the second port transfers media. Alternatively, with the encoder, users can opt to send the same streams taking completely separate network paths from each port. 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.
1Available with a future update.
Compatible products
The Monarch EDGE integrates seamlessly with a diverse range of third-party video technology and service service providers including:
Workflow
Encoder/Decoder workflow
Decode live, multi-camera video streams at resolutions up to 4K or quad HD with confidence using the powerful Matrox® Monarch EDGE decoder. This compact, robust, and low-power remote production decoder has made producing live, multi-camera events more affordable than ever by keeping talent in-house. Monarch EDGE securely decodes REMote Integration (REMI) streams to your master control room with remarkably low latency. Allowing for 4:2:0 8-bit or 4:2:2 10-bit encode/ decode, the Monarch EDGE encoder and decoder pairing is Ideal for demanding REMI broadcast workflows, or providing backhaul feeds to your broadcast network.
