What is Pearl-2?

Pearl-2 Information

Pearl-2 is a versatile h.264 live video production device that's a video encoder, video streamer, live switcher, and video recorder that supports up to six video 1080p30 channels for separate, simultaneous and isolated recording/streaming and video switching (video and layout), chroma keying, and NDI alpha support. It allows multi-streaming to 50-100 endpoints simultaneously and supports HDMI, SDI, RTSP, SRT, High Bandwidth NDI, NDI|HX, and Web Graphics inputs. Up to six 1080p30 IP inputs in total (SRT, RTSP, or NDI|HX) are recommended, or up to four 1080p30 High Bandwidth NDI inputs; more can be ingested, but performance issues can occur — Epiphan support can recommend adjustments for larger ingest use cases. Up to four 4K HDMI or SDI inputs in a single 4k30 channel is supported. Only a single 4k30 NDI, NDI|HX, SRT, or RTSP input is supported. Any input, ingest, output, capture, encoding, recording, or streaming above 1920x1200 requires the 4K add-on or license, which is included in the cost of new Pearl-2 as of April 2026; Pearl-2 units purchased earlier may require the 4K add-on separately. Dante audio input (four channels, two stereo inputs) is supported with firmware 4.24.6 or newer and the Dante audio feature add-on. h.265/HEVC decode and encode is not supported. Mp4 video playback in a channel layout is supported. Live video playback, scrubbing, or playback of recordings via HDMI is not supported. The rear USB ports support UAC and UVC devices like webcams, USB storage, peripherals, status lights, and up to one ethernet dongle. USB webcam output is not supported. The front USB port does not support video input. Pearl-2 is preinstalled with a 512Gb SATA SSD. The SSD should never be removed by the end user for any reason. Pearl-2 does not support Power over Ethernet (POE+). Recordings are saved to internal storage first. Direct recording to USB is not supported, but transferring recordings to USB or network storage is supported.

As of April 2026, the 4K add-on or license is included in the cost of Pearl-2.

The Pearl-2 comes in two models:

Pearl-2 Desktop: A small, silent, portable system that comes with a hard-shell carry case.

Pearl-2 Rackmount: A 2U rackmount system with all the same functionality as the portable Pearl-2, but designed for installation and operation in a rack (this form factor is discontinued)

With Pearl-2, you can capture, record, and stream from computer monitors, radar displays, or almost anything with a wide variety of supported video input signals, including:

• SDI (up to 12G)

• HDMI™

• HDMI 4K

• DVI-I (single link) via HDMI

• USB

• SRT and RTSP

• NDI® and NDI|HX (Alpha channel supported)

Capture audio from XLR, RCA, USB, SDI, HDMI, and network sources (SRT, NDI, and RTSP).

Simultaneously capture up to six full HD video sources or up to four 4K sources if you have the 4K add on installed. You can create up to six simultaneous channels for live switching, or a single 4K channel. Have separate ISOs or create custom layouts with multiple video sources and picture in picture.

Streaming

Stream to Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) worldwide using modern protocols like SRT and HLS. At the same time, you can stream to other destinations using RTMP/RTMPS, RTSP, or NDI. Even multicast directly to viewers on your LAN so they can watch the live channel broadcast using a web browser or media player on smart devices connected to the same private network as the Pearl-2.

Recordings and CMS

Download recordings using your web browser, or set the Pearl-2 to automatically upload recorded files directly to a network server using FTP, RSYNC, CIFS, WebDav, and more. Pearl-2s are also fully integrated with Kaltura, Panopto, YuJa, Opencast, and EchoVideo (Echo360) Content Management Systems (CMSs) and can be registered as a video remote recorder resource for seamless lecture capture plus user authentication directly from the touch screen.

Networking

Network security compliance with 802.1x protocols, passwords, and certificate authentication means an easier setup for IT friendly live streaming over enterprise networks. Pearl-2 is HTTPS enabled for secure administration and control over the LAN, and supports secure live streaming protocols like SRT with AES encryption and RTMPS.

Pearl-2 does not capture from HDCP encrypted sources.

• Pearl-2 supports up to six video inputs with certain conditions.

Create dynamic content for your viewers to watch while you record and stream your program. Using the custom layout editor, you can create different layouts, like picture in picture or side-by-side views of a camera and slides, then easily switch between layouts with either a tap on the touch screen, using Epiphan Live on a mobile device, or from the Admin panel.