Matrox Ships Monarch HD Video Streaming and Recording Appliance

Matrox^® Video today announced that the new Matrox Monarch HD^™ video streaming and recording appliance is now available through a worldwide network of authorized dealers. Priced at just $995 US (€799, £699) not including local taxes and delivery, Monarch HD is designed for professional video producers who need to simultaneously stream a live event and record a mastering-quality version for post-event editing. It provides these two independent modes in an integrated unit. From any HDMI input source such as a camera or switcher, Matrox MonarchHD generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocol. While encoding the video at bitrates suitable for live streaming, Matrox Monarch HD simultaneously records a high-quality MP4 or MOV file to an SD card, a USB drive or a network-mapped drive. Powerful and robust, Matrox Monarch HD is remotely controlled using any computer or mobile device with a web browser. It also offers simple, one-touch stream and record pushbuttons; low power consumption; a locking power connector; and a quiet, fanless design.

“In a single integrated unit, Monarch HD separates the task of recording from streaming to ensure that the user’s content delivery network (CDN) delivers quality video to a live internet audience while the user himself independently controls the quality of his archive,” said Daniel Maloney, technical marketing manager, Matrox Video. “Matrox Monarch HD injects the highest quality video into every bit regardless of input source or target bitrate. Combining the power of the built-in H.264 encoder with Matrox’s high quality deinterlacing and scaling engines guarantees stunning results.”