What is Pearl Nexus?
Pearl Nexus Information
Pearl Nexus is a versatile 1RU rackmounted multi-channel video encoder, video streamer, live switcher, and video recorder all in one. It supports up to three 1080p30 video channels for separate, simultaneous and isolated recording/streaming and video switching (video and layout). It allows multi-streaming up to 10-20 endpoints simultaneously and supports HDMI, SDI, RTSP, SRT, NDI|HX, and simple Web Graphic inputs. Up to two 1080p30 IP inputs in total (SRT, RTSP, NDI|HX, or Web graphic) are recommended; more can be ingested, but performance issues can occur — Epiphan support can recommend adjustments for larger IP-ingest use cases. Only one Web graphic input is supported. High bandwidth NDI and NDI output streaming are not supported. Dante audio input (two channels, one stereo input) is supported with firmware 4.24.6 or newer and the Dante audio feature add-on. The Pearl Nexus does not support resolutions above 1920x1200. Pearl Nexus does not support chroma keying. 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/network adapter with firmware 4.24.0+. USB webcam output is not supported. The front USB port does not support video input or output.
Pearl Nexus comes in two models:
ESP1948 - preinstalled with 256GB SD card (current) ESP1882 - preinstalled with 1TB SATA SSD (deprecated - supply chain reasons)
When an SSD is installed, the SD card port will be disabled. You may install your own m.2 2280 SATA SSD in a Pearl Nexus (ESP1948) if desired. NVMe is not supported.
Any Pearl Nexus purchased on or after March 1, 2026 comes with a three year warranty. A support plan does not extend this three-year Pearl Nexus warranty.
With Pearl Nexus, you can capture, record and stream computer monitors, radar displays, or anything with a wide variety of supported video input signals, including:
SDI
HDMI™
DVI-I (single link) via HDMI
USB
SRT and RTSP
NDI|HX
Capture audio via XLR, ¼ TRS, USB, RCA, 3.5 mm, SDI, HDMI, and network sources (SRT, NDI|HX, and RTSP).
Simultaneously capture up to three audiovisual sources and choose how you want to record and stream them. Have separate ISOs or create custom layouts with multiple video sources for live switching. You can do all that using Pearl Nexus.
Stream to Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) worldwide using modern protocols SRT and HLS. At the same time, you can stream to other destinations using RTMP/RTMPS or RTSP. 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 Pearl Nexus.
Download recordings using your web browser, or set Pearl Nexus to automatically upload recorded files directly to a network server using FTP, RSYNC, CIFS, WebDav, and more. Pearl Nexus is 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.
Network security compliance with 802.1x protocols, passwords, and certificate authentication means an easier setup for IT friendly live streaming over enterprise networks. Pearl Nexus 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 Nexus does not capture from HDCP encrypted sources.
- Pearl Nexus supports up to three 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 using Epiphan Live on a mobile device, or from the Admin panel.