Which Pearl system to choose

Applies to: Pearl-2, Pearl Mini, Pearl Nano, Pearl Nexus.

Choose Pearl-2 when the production needs more than three channels, 4K encoding, 12G SDI inputs, full-bandwidth NDI input, or the widest input selection. Pearl-2 is the only Pearl system that combines 4K with multiple encoded channels, and it is available in both desktop and rackmount forms.

Choose Pearl Mini for Full HD productions of up to three channels where an operator works at the device. Pearl Mini has a built-in touch screen for local operation and switching, and it is VESA mountable for studio or classroom installation.

Choose Pearl Nexus for Full HD productions of up to three channels in a rack, where no local operator interaction is needed. Pearl Nexus matches Pearl Mini's channel count and input complement but is headless and ships with storage preinstalled in a 1RU chassis.

Choose Pearl Nano for portable, single-channel 4K capture and streaming, especially where PoE+ power is convenient and rack space or desk space is limited. Pearl Nano is the smallest, lightest Pearl system and the only one that can be powered over Ethernet.

Pearl Mini compared with Pearl Nexus: both encode up to three Full HD channels with the same video and audio inputs. Pearl Mini adds a touch screen and VESA mounting and takes user-supplied storage. Pearl Nexus is a 1RU rackmount unit with no display and preinstalled storage — a 256 GB SD card on the current model, or a 1 TB internal SSD on the earlier model. Pearl Mini suits operator-attended setups; Pearl Nexus suits unattended rack installations.

Pearl Nano compared with Pearl Mini: Pearl Nano encodes 4K but only one channel and has no USB video inputs or NDI support. Pearl Mini encodes up to three Full HD channels, accepts NDI|HX, and has a touch screen. Choose Pearl Nano for 4K in a small package, and Pearl Mini for multi-channel Full HD production.