Matrox Monarch HDX

The Matrox Monarch HDX is a powerful video encoding appliance designed for webcasters and broadcasters who need a flexible solution to tackle demanding video delivery workflows. Monarch HDX offers 3G-SDI and HDMI inputs with frame-synchronization to correct any discontinuity at the input, and two H.264 encoders that can be assigned to individual tasks. Using two encoders in a single device, Monarch HDX can tackle any job - from streaming to two different locations, to recording a proxy quality file while simultaneously recording a master quality version for post-event editing, to using one encoder for streaming while the other records at higher quality for VOD downloads.

The Monarch HDX can share 30 Mb/s of encoding capacity across the two channels. Each channel benefits from a powerful scaling, de-interlacing, and noise reduction engine to ensure only pristine images are sent to be encoded. The quality of your VOD downloads need never be dictated by the available upload bandwidth. Monarch HDX dual encoders can broadcast a live webstream at one bitrate while simultaneously recording mastering quality H.264 files for immediate availability, such as post event VOD or editing with your NLE of choice.

Monarch HDX provides a huge amount of flexibility as an H.264 video recorder. Content is captured as either MOV or MP4 files to ensure that recordings can be played by the viewer’s choice of application. Each recording channel can be stored independently to a local SD card or USB drive, or remotely on a network-mapped drive so that files are immediately available to anyone on the network. Recordings can also be encoded at different bitrates should there be a need to deliver content to devices with varying decode or bandwidth capacities.

Monarch HDX H.264 video recorder can accept signals from HDMI or SDI sources. The input is selected using the web based UI, Matrox Command Center, or directly on the unit itself, allowing for a wide range of connectivity to devices such as cameras, switchers or routers. Additionally, both inputs are complemented by internal frame synchronizers to ensure uninterrupted streaming and recording operations, regardless of the disturbance on the input. The audio is also selectable between the two channels of the embedded video signal or the analog stereo input. Audio may be dynamically muted/unmuted without affecting the video encoding operation.

Powerful and robust, Monarch HDX offers simple, one touch stream and record push buttons, input selection, and a locking power connector. Monarch HDX's HDMI or SDI outputs makes it easy to monitor what you are streaming and recording, regardless of signal source. All eight channels of embedded audio can be passed from any input to any output. When embedded audio is selected, all eighth channels are passed from input to output. When Analog audio is selected, it is both looped out as well as embedded in video outputs. Its design allows Monarch HDX to be just as easily located on a desktop as in a rack—up to two units can fit in a single 1RU tray. The storage and button controls are conveniently located on the front of the unit while the power and I/O ports are found at the back. Finally, the Monarch HDX also features a wide input voltage range of 9 to 24 volts. It can be powered using the Matrox supplied power supply or DC sources such as standard field batteries.

For more information please contact Matt Drabick at mdrabick@mindspring.com or call 919 790 5488.