Review: Matrox Monarch LCS
The Matrox Monarch LCS is an inexpensive dual-input lecture capture solution with two output channels that can be independently set for recording and/or streaming.
Testing the Monarch
Beyond configuration testing with the Monarch, we produced a one-hour video to test stability and sync, recording one stream and sending the other to YouTube Live. While certainly not a torture test by any means, Monarch performed perfectly in these trials, and we find comfort that the hardware has been well proven.
The video tutorial that accompanies this review shows the configurations and options discussed herein. To test the stream variability of the recorded video, we input the video into Bitrate Viewer, revealing the very CBR stream shown in Figure 5 (below). Assuming the streaming output is as consistent as the recorded videos, getting Monarch streams out of the building or over the network should be as efficient as possible.
Figure 5. The Monarch produced very consistent CBR streams. Click the image to see it at full size.
Overall, the Monarch LCS provides all the essential features for dual-input lecture capture with many useful design and ancillary features coming. The hardware has been well-proven, and the software straightforward in operation, notwithstanding the noted rough edges. This plus the price should make the unit interesting for any organizations seeking a lecture capture solution.
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Jan Ozer discusses simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously using Matrox Monarch HDX and Teradek T-Rax at Live Streaming Summit West.
Through the new scheduler function, the Monarch LCS can now be set to start automatically before an event (e.g. lectures, corporate presentations, religious services) without any human intervention required
The Monarch HDX is well featured, easy to use, and reasonably priced, and produced very good quality output. Those seeking a dual-channel hardware encoder should definitely include the product on their short list.
In this interview from NAB 2015, Shawn Lam and Matrox's Dan Maloney discuss the Monarch HDX, which ships in June and builds on the success of the Monarch HD streaming and recording appliances by adding more flexibility in the 2 existing encoders, and adds a third encoder for preview.
The dual-stream use case--one for streaming, one for archive or other production--is very common in live production, and Matrox Monarch HD, a $995 compact standalone streaming/recording unit, appears to be the lowest-cost solution--and a highly competent one at that.