Matrox Debuts Monarch LCS Two-Input Lecture Capture Appliance

Matrox® Video today introduced Monarch™ LCS, a compact, easy-to-use, two-input lecture capture appliance priced at just $2,495 US. Monarch LCS accepts video from any SDI or HDMI camera and presentation content over HDMI from computers. The inputs can be encoded independently and in sync for use with the latest multi-stream video players. Alternatively, the inputs can be combined prior to encoding in a variety of production layouts, including picture-in-picture and side-by-side, for use with standard video players. Monarch LCS will be shown for the first time at the 2016 NAB Show (Las Vegas, April 18–21) in booth SL6317.

“Online video has become a must for student engagement and schools around the world, big and small, are looking to deliver their content simply and effectively,” said Dan Maloney, technical marketing manager, Matrox Video. “With Monarch LCS, every classroom and presentation venue can now be affordably equipped for streaming and recording high-quality video and high-resolution, computer-generated content.”

Monarch LCS is a reliable, standalone network appliance that IT administrators will find simple to set up and integrate into video management systems (VMS) such as Opencast and Kaltura and learning management systems (LMS) such as Moodle. Its intuitive web interface lets users easily define profiles for live streamed and recorded lectures mixing camera and presentation material from SDI and HDMI sources. Powerful scaling, deinterlacing and noise reduction engines ensure only pristine images are sent to the encoders. For streaming purposes, the encoders use either RTMP or RTSP protocol to deliver live streams to local media servers or cloud-based CDNs. In recording applications, the encoders write MP4 or MOV files directly to network-mapped drives, eliminating the need for post-lecture file transfer, or alternatively to local USB drives or SD cards.

Monarch LCS comes complete with a comprehensive set of HTTP-based control APIs that let network- or cloud-based video management platform developers and A/V integrators harness the streaming and recording capabilities of Monarch LCS appliances from within their own environments to create customized user experiences. A control module for Crestron room media controllers is also available.

Price and availability

Matrox Monarch LCS will be available in Q2 2016 through a worldwide network of authorized dealers priced at $2,495 US not including local taxes and delivery.

About Matrox Video

Matrox Video is a technology and market leader in the field of 4K, HD and SD digital video hardware and software for accelerated H.264 encoding, realtime editing, audio/video input/output, streaming, A/V signal conversion, capture/playout servers, channel-in-a-box systems and CGs. Matrox's Emmy award-winning technology powers a full range of multi-screen content creation and delivery platforms used by broadcasters, telcos, cable operators, post-production facilities, live event producers, videographers and A/V professionals worldwide. Founded in 1976, Matrox is a privately held company headquartered in Montreal, Canada. For more information, visit www.matrox.com/video.