4K/multi-HD video encoder and decoder for remote production
The Monarch EDGE Series for remote production (REMI) offers 4K/multi-HD video transport for live, multi-camera events. Video professionals can select from a range of appliances to meet their remote production needs. The EDGE E4 4:2:2 10-bit-capable encoder is ideal for demanding, broadcast-quality productions. Programs destined for over-the-top (OTT) or cloud delivery can leverage the EDGE E4 4:2:0 8-bit-capable encoder. When paired with a Monarch EDGE encoder, the EDGE D4 decoder provides ultra-low latency, high-quality video transport.
A simultaneous encode/decode appliance, EDGE S1 provides return feeds to multi-camera production crews in the field.
Big productions, small footprint
Easily produce multi-angle live events by extending the production studio to any remote location with a network connection. Monarch EDGE can encode up to four camera feeds from HD or 3G-SDI sources. When an in-studio 4K production requires a remote feed, Monarch EDGE can accept either 4K signals over 12G-SDI, or a quad 3G-SDI to deliver a full-4K stream. All of the supported SDI resolutions will be available on the upcoming ST 21101 networked I/O ports using SFP28 connectivity. For events that require more cameras, its compact footprint ensures that two units will fit into a single 1RU space.
Built for high quality 10-bit H.264 encoding
The optimized H.264 engine powering Monarch EDGE keeps data rates exceptionally low without sacrificing quality. If quality is of the highest importance, streams can be encoded up to 120 Mbps. Four inputs can be streamed at resolutions up to 1080p60, or one input at 2160p60 using the High 4:2:2 H.264 encoding profile. Furthermore, multiple processes can be performed on each input by powerful scaling and de-interlacing engines. This enables each input to be streamed at multiple resolutions and bitrates simultaneously, which is useful for remote monitoring.
Exceptionally low latency
In live environments, high signal transport latencies are detrimental to remote production (REMI) quality. Audio and video sync may be hard to maintain, and return channels to the field are often too far behind the live-action, hindering seamless staff interaction. With “glass-to-glass” latencies as low as 100ms between video input at encoder and video output at the decoder, Monarch EDGE achieves some of the lowest latencies on the market while using standard 1 GbE networks.
Keep it in-sync
All channels encoded by Monarch EDGE will be locked to a single clock, and the streams generated will have timestamps to allow the Monarch EDGE decoder to realign the streams at output. For the very best results, the cameras feeding the encoder should be genlocked together to ensure each frame is captured in phase. Monarch EDGE offers a genlock output jack with a signal that can be distributed to those cameras if an on-site sync generator is not available.
