Content area
Full Text
Whenever you shoot video these days, you often have to stream the video live, record a high-quality file for uploading or further production, or do both. If this dual-output requirement sounds familiar, you should consider the Matrox Monarch HDX ($1,995 retail). It is a flexible dual-channel H.264 encoder you can run standalone, or integrate into a broadcast or streaming environment with the newly released Monarch HDX Dev Tools and Monarch HDX Control API.
DESIGN AND FORM FACTOR
The HDX is about the size of a 300 page paperback novel, so it can fit neatly on a desk or table, or you can fit two side-by-side on a 1 RU rack. The unit accepts both HDM1 and 3G HD-SDI input, but only one input is live at any time; you can record or stream two files simultaneously, but they must be from tire same input, though you can also input a separate audio signal via a 3.5 mm connector. You can preview the audio/video stream via an HDM1 output, preview audio only through a headphone jack, with HD-SDI output connector for passthrough.
Though the unit has a small fan, operation is very quiet. You could easily run this encoder in a conference room or classroom without any complaints.
RECORDING AND STREAMING
The HDX can record and stream at resolutions ranging from 128x128 to full 1920x1080 at 60/50, 30/25/24 and 15/12.5 frames per second. Operation is flexible; you can stream two outputs to two different services simultaneously, record two streams simultaneously, or record a file and stream a file simultaneously.
Each use has unique limits however. For example, when outputting two live streams, the maximum data rate for each is 10 Mbps; when outputting a single live stream, the maximum data rate is 20 Mbps. If recording two streams, the maximum total data rate is 30 Mbps; if recording a single stream, it's also 30 Mbps, as is the max when recording one channel and streaming another. The same audio settings are applied to both channels; if you encode at 128 kbps for streaming, you have to use the same parameters for recording.
CONFIGURATION AND CONTROL
You configure the HDX by logging into its browser-based Command Center from a computer with access to the HDX's IP...