AV inputs
Applies to: Pearl Mini, Pearl Nexus
For best performance, we recommend using two video sources in up to two full HD channels simultaneously. However, you can connect up to three video sources to the device in the following scenarios:
- One 1920×1080@30 fps channel configured with three layouts, one for each full HD video source without any scaling and make the video image fill the whole frame.
- Two 1920×1080@30 fps channels: one channel for a picture in picture switched program for HD recording at 1080@30 fps at 8 Mbps, and a second channel with duplicate content at a lower resolution of 720@30 fps at 2 Mbps for streaming that uses the first channel as the video source. The switched program can have up to three layouts: two that are picture in picture that includes your main camera and one other video source such as a document camera or a laptop with slides, and a third layout of your main camera.
The device can ingest more than two video-over-Ethernet (IP) sources, which can be SRT, RTSP, or NDI|HX in any mix, plus a single Web graphic source — only one Web graphic source is supported. Epiphan recommends limiting IP ingest to a total of two 1080p30 IP sources, counting the Web graphic source toward that total. Using more than two 1080p30 IP sources can cause performance issues. Up to three 1080p30 IP sources can be used when the HDMI output port is not in use, all inputs and encoding run at up to 30 fps, and the sources are used either in one channel or in up to three channels with no switching or scaling (isolated recordings only). For any configuration beyond these documented limits, contact Epiphan support for recommendations based on your use case. Only one USB (UVC) video source can be connected at a time. The device supports connection of common signal converters and input adapters.
Input Ports
| Input port | Qty | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SDI1 | 1 | Linear PCM audio/video input. Supports up to 3G-SDI signals. |
| HDMI™ | 2 | Linear PCM audio/video input, non-HDCP protected. DVI-I (using an adapter) is single link. |
| USB 3.0 | 2 | Linear PCM audio/video inputs on the rear panel accept non-HDCP protected content. Use to connect a single UAC or UVC device, such as a USB microphone or a web camera. Can also connect to external hard drives, flash drives, and control interfaces. |
| RJ-452 | 1 | Two SRT source over Ethernet at 1920×1080@30 fps3. |
| Two RTSP source over Ethernet at 1920×1080@30 fps3. | ||
| Two NDI | ||
| RCA4 | 2 | RCA consumer line-level audio inputs function as a stereo pair (-10 dBV). White = left Red = right |
| 3.5 mm4 | 1 | Mic-level input to connect a passive or active stereo electret microphone (unbalanced) |
| ¼" TRS4 | 2 | Combo XLR/TRS audio inputs operate as a stereo pair (left/right) by default. XLR/TRS 1 = left XLR/TRS 2 = right. You can configure the two ports to operate as independent mono inputs using the Admin panel. The ¼" TRS inputs accept balanced and unbalanced, pro line level signals (+4.0 dBu) up to 12.3 VRMS, +24 dBu. |
| XLR5 | 2 | Combo XLR/TRS audio inputs operate as a stereo pair (left/right) by default. XLR/TRS 1 = left XLR/TRS 2 = right. You can configure the two ports to operate as independent mono inputs using the Admin panel. XLR inputs accept balanced and unbalanced, mic level and professional line level signals with a maximum of up to 12.3 VRMS, +24 dBu. Mic-level (balanced) inputs supply optional 48 V phantom power across both XLR ports. |
| Connecting devices that are not designed for phantom power when phantom power is enabled on the XLR ports can seriously damage those devices. Always check the phantom power LED before connecting devices to the XLR ports. A direct box can be used to provide the correct mic-level signal to the XLR port and offers some isolation protection in case of accidental exposure to 48 V phantom power. |
1 SD-SDI audio is not supported. 2 A mix of video over Ethernet sources are supported. Just ensure that total system loading is within acceptable levels. 3 A mix of IP source types is supported. Epiphan recommends up to two 1080p30 IP sources in total, including a Web graphic source. More IP sources can be connected, but performance issues can occur — contact Epiphan support to evaluate use cases beyond two. You can have up to two SRT inputs in a channel with each SRT input in a separate layout with no scaling, or put each SRT input in a separate channel with no scaling. 4 In the Admin panel, RCA/3.5 mm includes audio signals from the RCA audio pair and the 3.5 mm stereo audio inputs by default. You can disable one or the other using the Admin panel. 5 You cannot use both XLR audio inputs and the ¼" TRS audio inputs at the same time.
Only content that is not HDCP-protected is captured from HDMI and SDI sources.
If you are using DVI2PCIe cards with your device, DVI2PCIe cards do not support audio over HDMI.
Device differences
None functional — content is identical between Pearl Mini and Pearl Nexus (device name substituted only).