Extron SMP 401 12G-SDI (60-1825-02)
Multi-Channel 4K Recording and Streaming Media Processor with 12G-SDI
The SMP 401 is a high-performance all-in-one 4K/60 recording and streaming processor that easily captures, switches, scales and distributes AV sources and presentations. Powerful processing with H.264/H.265 encoding provides up to five recordings and six streams concurrently. The SMP 401 captures a variety of sources from three HDMI inputs, two RTP/RTSP virtual inputs, and an optional 12G-SDI input. Additionally, the SMP 401 audio DSP provides independent audio mixing per channel and supports line or microphone level audio, with available +48V phantom power. The user-friendly front panel LCD screen enables video preview for confidence monitoring, and simple menu navigation for easy configuration. The SMP 401 is a robust solution for any environment that requires multiple high-quality recordings and live streams.
Customized Recordings and Streams
The SMP 401 can capture up to 4 video sources to produce multiple recordings and streams. Two local video sources are processed from Channel A and Channel B and up to two separate virtual inputs are captured from network streaming sources, such as IP cameras.
At 1080p/60 the SMP 401 delivers up to 5 recordings and 6 streams. Record and Stream
At 4K/60 or 4K/30 the SMP 401 delivers up to 3 recordings and 3 streams. Record and Stream
Flexible Signal Support
The SMP 401 processes two high resolution AV sources from up to four available local input connections. One of two HDMI signals can be selected from Channel A along with analog line level or HDMI-embedded stereo audio. One HDMI or optional 12G-SDI signal can be selected from Channel B along with analog line or microphone level audio or HDMI-embedded stereo audio. The SMP 401 also supports up to two independent RTP/RTSP push/pull streams as additional virtual input signals from network streaming sources such as IP cameras and other encoded sources. All inputs support common video formats from 640x480 to 4096 x 2160. Enhanced DSP with Independent Audio Mixing
The SMP 401 audio DSP features enable customized AV content with independent audio signals per encoder. Users can choose their audio source from either analog or digital audio captured on Channel A, Channel B, or a blend of signals from both channels. Audio output signals are adjusted automatically during source switches to eliminate potential clicks, pops, or undesired effects, producing a quality audio experience without the need for external processing equipment.
Effective Multi-Window Processing
The SMP 401 offers highly flexible source presentation options. The Channel A and Channel B local input signals can be presented individually at full screen or combined in any two-window display arrangement. Up to sixteen customized window presets can be prepared, mixing the inputs with a PNG background image, logo, and metadata. These flexible, multi-source processing features make it easy to recreate the live presentation experience. They also provide viewers with greater insight into the event’s context, facilitating interpretation and retention of the information presented.
Independent Video Encoding
The powerful processing of the SMP 401 enables the use of independent H.264 and H.265 video codecs per encoder. H.265 offers high quality video at lower size files for optimized storage and less bandwidth. H.264 is a widely supported codec used by many third-party video platforms. The ability to select different video encoding provides users with flexibility, optimization opportunities, and compatibility assurance, leading to improved performance, quality, efficiency, and future-proofing of video workflows.
AV Recording with Enhanced Data
The SMP 401 produces an MP4 (M4V) container format, which is compatible with virtually any media player. It records at up to 4K/60 resolutions, supporting a variety of quality, storage, and playback requirements. Recordings can include metadata with information such as: Title, Creator, Subject, Description, Publisher, Contributor, and Date, which makes searching, indexing, and managing multiple recordings more efficient. Set chapter marks during recording sessions for highly efficient searching and scanning during file playback. JPEG thumbnail images are captured periodically and for specially marked events. Thumbnail image size is selectable to meet the needs of the recording environment.
Storage
MP4 recordings can be saved to internal solid-state storage, a USB storage device, or a defined network storage directory. USB storage devices connect easily to the SMP 401 from the front or rear panel USB ports at write speeds up to 5 Gbps. The SMP 401 provides 430 GB for internal recordings, video bit rates can be adjusted from 200 Kbps to 200 Mbps and audio bit rates from 64 Kbps to 384 Kbps. The approximate capacity in hours for a 32 GB thumb drive, the SMP 401 internal solid-state storage and a 1 TB network drive is presented in the table below. Hours of storage capacity are calculated for video bit rates from 1 Mbps to 220 Mbps plus 192 kbps for audio.
Extensive Streaming Capabilities
The SMP 401 offers extensive streaming capabilities at different bit rates and resolutions from 640x480 up to 4K/60. High resolution, high bit rates can be used to deliver superior quality, presenting video on large screens in overflow applications, while a lower bit rate and resolution can be used for streaming distribution or confidence viewing applications. Streaming bit rates can range from 200 kbps to 200 Mbps for video and 64 kbps to 384 kbps for audio. Both push and pull streaming sessions are supported, offering a range of streaming transport protocols and session management methods. This range of capabilities provides the flexibility to stream from the SMP 401 to a variety of devices in different system configurations and network conditions. Stream to popular third-party platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, and Wowza and supported education content management platforms. Content Management and Publishing Options
Enhanced Kaltura Features with LinkLicense
The Enhanced Kaltura Features LinkLicense® is an annual support license that enables enhanced integration with the Kaltura hosted video platform for the SMP 401. The LinkLicense adds enhanced features to the SMP 401 enabling users to schedule recordings from Kaltura and stream live media to Kaltura using RTMP and RTMPS. Installation of the complimentary Kaltura FlexOS App is required for basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to Kaltura, as well as for automating system operation for enhanced scheduling and live streaming features.
Basic publishing of recordings to Kaltura does not require a LinkLicense.
Enhanced Panopto Features with LinkLicense
The Enhanced Panopto Features LinkLicense is an annual support license that enables enhanced integration of the SMP 401 with the Panopto enterprise video platform. This upgrade allows the SMP 401 to receive recording schedules from the Panopto video platform as well as stream live media to Panopto using RTMP and RTMPS protocols, which includes virtual inputs such as IP cameras and other encoded sources. Installation of the complimentary Panopto FlexOS App is required for basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to Panopto, as well as for automating system operation for enhanced scheduling and live streaming features.
Basic publishing of recordings to Panopto does not require a LinkLicense.
Enhanced YuJa Features with LinkLicense
The Enhanced YuJa Features LinkLicense is an annual license that enables enhanced integration with the YuJa video platform for the SMP 401 Streaming Media Processors. Users can schedule recordings for automated content publishing as well as stream live video to YuJa using RTMP for up to 3 streams. Installation of the complimentary FlexOS application framework is required for basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to YuJa, as well as for automating system operation for enhanced scheduling and live streaming features.
Basic publishing of recordings to YuJa does not require a LinkLicense.
Highly Adaptable FlexOS Platform
FlexOS is Extron’s flexible, embedded operating system that manages and controls functional systems within the SMP 401. FlexOS makes the SMP 401 easily-adaptable to new requirements over time for a multitude of streaming, recording, processing, control, and presentation applications. A number of Extron applications are available for uploading to the SMP 401 that help automate various system operations via the control ports.
Flexible System Control Options
Many different control capabilities are available from the SMP 401.
- The front panel 2.2” LCD screen provides confidence monitoring and allows simple menu navigation for easy configuration. The user has the flexibility to change or disable the preview video or switch to the next encoded video for preview using the front panel buttons.
- RS232 port that interfaces with serial devices and control systems.
- Two isolated, independent LAN ports can be configured to separate streaming and content upload from control traffic.
- A front panel USB-C control port provides a direct IP connection to the embedded webpage for streamlined control and troubleshooting.
- Four digital I/O ports can automate a variety of recording and streaming scenarios.
- Up to 16 different presets can be saved for source window layouts and 32 presets can be saved for encoding configurations to simplify control and management.
Optional Remote Control - RCP 401 Series
Extron RCP 401 Series are remote control button panels that allow remote operation of the SMP 401. User-friendly record, pause, stop, and mark buttons enhance the recording experience. Manage and save files directly to thumb drives or external portable drives through a USB port that supports writing speeds up to 5 Gbps. It also features buttons for swap and layout preset recall functions, streamlining the creative workflow. Status lights and audible alerts keep users informed of SMP 401 recording status. The RCP 401 Series includes a USB-C control cable for easy, out-of-the-box connection to the SMP 401. It comes in decorator-style, MK, and EU versions. RCP 401 Series panels include black and white faceplates for a wide range of environments. MK model is available in white only.
Powerful Tools for Scheduling, Monitoring, and Management
Recording schedules can be automatically updated by configuring the SMP 401 to integrate with Microsoft Exchange or periodically upload a centrally managed iCalendar file. Simple Network Management Protocol - SNMP traps, email and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - SMTP can be used to deliver messages to AV and IT support staff or monitoring systems when signal errors or encrypted sources are detected and when storage is near capacity, allowing proactive service to be initiated. Operational system data is logged continually, identifying recording sessions, storage directory use, file names, metadata, and storage capacity. This information provides valuable data for evaluating usage patterns and operating concerns.
Signal Processing Simplifies Source Management
Like many other Extron AV products, the SMP 401 offers comprehensive digital and analog signal processing features that make interfacing presentation sources easy. EDID Minder® automatically manages EDID communications to ensure sources power up properly and a reliable output signal is provided. Intelligent HDCP-compliant signal management passes encrypted signals to HDCP-compliant connected displays, while presenting a green or black screen with HDCP message on encoded media sent to non-compliant displays. All signal switching produces clean transitions, with no distracting visual jumps, glitches, or distortion that would distract from recordings and live streaming. Auto-Image™ automatically adjusts source sizing, centring, and filtering and Auto Input Memory saves the size, position, and picture settings of incoming signals, ensuring that sources present properly. Comprehensive picture controls and aspect ratio controls produce quality and accuracy for every application.
Applications
The SMP 401 is ideal for use in virtually any professional environment that requires the ability to capture several AV sources up to 4K/60 resolutions and the flexibility of producing multiple high-quality recordings and live streaming to popular third-party platforms. This includes lecture capture and HyFlex learning, government and healthcare training, courtrooms, and command and control centers.
Extron SMP 401 12G-SDI Key Features
- High performance all-in-one multi-channel 4K/60 recording and streaming media processor - Easily capture, mix, switch, scale, and distribute up to four AV sources and presentations as recorded media or live streaming at up to 4K/60 resolution for high-performance applications.
- Up to five recordings and six streams including flexible two-window layouts and full screen views - Provides any two-window layout from the local input signals plus up to four full-screen views including local and virtual input sources. Recordings and streams can be customised at different resolutions and bit rates.
- Flexible 4K/60 4:4:4 input capability to capture a variety of sources:
- Three HDMI inputs
- Two RTP/RTSP virtual inputs
- One optional 12G-SDI input
- Simultaneous H.264 and H.265 video encoding - Powerful, high-performance processing enables the use of independent video codecs per encoder. H.265 allows lower size video files for optimised storage and less bandwidth, preserving high quality video. H.264 is widely supported on third-party video platforms.
- Front panel LCD for video preview and enhanced configuration - A 2.2” LCD screen provides confidence monitoring and allows simple menu navigation for easy configuration. The user has the flexibility to change or disable the preview video.
- Dual LAN ports for streaming and control - Two isolated, independent LAN ports can be configured to separate streaming and content upload from control traffic. It enables flexible system design with enhanced security and optimises bandwidth management to prevent network congestion.
- HDMI preview output for local displays - 4K/60 HDMI output displays confidence encoder video in different PiP or Side by Side views.
- RTMP and RTMPS streaming protocols support popular third-party hosting services - Supports RTMP push streaming with stream name or key, and user authentication for services like YouTube Live, Wowza, Twitch, and more. Supports streaming to Facebook Live using the RTMPS streaming protocol.
- Supports USB write speeds up to 5 Gbps - Front and rear USB ports offer recording to USB external storage and thumb drives. Writes speeds up to 5Gbps provide an efficient recording workflow.
- Independent audio mixing for each encoder - Advanced internal DSP enables mixing of digital and Analogue audio for each channel. Customized AV content is achieved with independent audio selection for each of the encoders.
- Analogue line level or microphone audio inputs - Channel A accepts one stereo balanced or unbalanced audio signals. Channel B accepts one stereo or two mono microphone or line level audio signals.
- Available phantom power - Internal pre-amplifier provides selectable +48V phantom power for two microphones.
- Direct compatibility with hosted video platforms - Integrate publishing of recorded media directly to third-party platfoRMS such as Kaltura, Panopto, YuJa, and Opencast.
- Simultaneously record to a variety of storage destinations - Recordings can be saved to pre-defined locations convenient to the user's customized workflow, including internal solid-state drive, external USB storage, or directly to defined network storage.
- Adjustable recording and streaming bit rates - Select video bit rates from 200 Kbps to 200 Mbps and audio bit rates from 64 Kbps to 384 Kbps based on the viewing application, storage, streaming, or network conditions.
- Virtual input support for two RTP/RTSP network streaming sources - Supports independent full-screen recording and re-streaming of two RTP/RTSP push/pull streams for greater compatibility with IP cameras and other encoded sources.
- Virtual Input Password Authentication - Supports RTSP virtual input streams that require password authentication.
- IP over USB configuration port - Provides a direct connection to the embedded webpage via the front panel USB-C config port for streamlined control and troubleshooting.
- Embedded web interface - Intuitive web interface with an embedded video window for monitoring a live event, select source input, encoding adjustments, scheduling and publish settings, recording destinations, presets, monitoring device information and alarms.
- Optional RCP 401 Remote Control Panel - Remotely control the SMP 401 for extended front panel operation to record, pause, stop, and mark chapters. Swap and 7 layout preset recall functions streamline the workflow. Save files directly to thumb drives or external portable drives.
- Ethernet and RS-232 monitoring and control - Control and monitor the SMP 401 in real-time using Extron control systems and third-party devices. Use SIS commands to query events, configurations, recording controls.
- LinkLicense for Enhanced Kaltura Features - This annual support license enables enhanced integration with the Kaltura hosted video platform including scheduling recordings and streaming live media to Kaltura using RTMP and RTMPS. Installation of the complimentary Kaltura FlexOS App is required for basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to Kaltura, as well as for automating system operation for enhanced scheduling and live streaming features. Basic publishing of recordings to Kaltura does not require a LinkLicense.
- LinkLicense® for Enhanced Panopto Features - This annual support license brings enhanced integration with the Panopto enterprise video platform to enable the SMP 401 to receive recording schedules from the Panopto video platform as well as streaming live video using RTMP and RTMPS to Panopto. Installation of the complimentary Panopto FlexOS App is required for basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to Panopto, as well as for automating system operation for enhanced scheduling and live streaming features. Basic publishing of recordings to Panopto does not require a LinkLicense.
- LinkLicense for Enhanced YuJa Features - This annual support license enables enhanced integration with the YuJa video platform including streaming live media ad-hoc or for scheduled webcasts to YuJa using RTMP for up to 3 streams, which includes virtual inputs such as IP cameras and other encoded sources. The complimentary YuJa FlexOS App is required and includes support for live video preview on the YuJa dashboard. Basic publishing of recordings to YuJa does not require a LinkLicense.
- Opencast FlexOS App - Enable recording schedules to ingest and files to publish to Opencast.
- Produce mp4 media or m4a audio files that are compatible with virtually any media player - Use recordings produced by the SMP 401 directly with any software media player, computer, or mobile device.
- Internal Solid State Storage and management - Save recorded data to reliable, internal storage, before transferring it to external destinations. Storage space is optimised on a first-in file, first-out basis.
- Capacity of 512 GB (430 GB for recording files)
- Automatic file management
- User-configurable recording file size
- Configurable video encoding - Optimise video quality based on the content. Encoding controls include profiles and levels, video resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, GOP length, and audio bit rate.
- Layout presets simplify control - Provides 16 standard or customisable presets that specify the size and positioning of AV sources, logo location and metadata, simplifying management and selection of layouts from the front panel or an external control system.
- Streaming presets - Provides 32 streaming presets combining stream destination, protocols, and parameters are available for quick and easy setup, and switching between live streams.
- Encoding presets for quick recall of specific compression settings - Provides 32 customisable presets for saving encoding settings such as H.264/H.265 profile, resolution, GOP, bit rate and session management configurations. Users can quickly switch between the three archive and confidence encoder presets to support different applications.
- Pull streaming transport protocols - RTP/RTSP, RTSP interleaved, and HTTP tunneled streaming transport protocols may be applied, based on various network conditions or to aid in firewall navigation.
- Push streaming transport protocols - Native RTP, RTMP, RTMPS, or MPEG 2 Transport Streams - TS, may be applied in unicast or multicast streaming applications.
- Auto-Reconnect for RTMP Streams - When enabled, the SMP attempts to reconnect to the selected RTMP destination if the initial connection cannot be established.
- Session Announcement Protocol - SAP and Session Description Protocol - SDP - SAP and SDP protocols simplify identification of AV source streams in unicast or multicast push streaming applications.
- Accepts embedded digital audio - Three stereo digital audio signals de-embedded from the HDMI inputs. One stereo digital audio signal de-embedded from the optional 12G-SDI input.
- Digital or Analogue stereo output signal support - Support for Analogue line level output and HDMI digital output.
- Audio mixing and advanced audio DSP - Advanced audio DSP features offer control over audio levels, filtering, and dynamics for a quality audio experience without requiring the use of external mixing and DSP equipment.
- iCalendar FlexOS App for ingesting iCalendar schedules - Supports manual .ics file ingest and periodic schedule ingest from Outlook, Google Calendar and other scheduling services.
- FTP/SFTP Publisher FlexOS App for file publishing - Supports file publishing to network locations using FTP or SFTP transfer.
- Network Share FlexOS App - Enable files to publish to network shared locations. Use the app to add a new network share from the SMP WebUI. It also works in conjunction with the iCalendar FlexOS App to schedule files to automatically publish.
- Digital I/O Configurator FlexOS App - Specific presentation, recording, and streaming scenarios can be automated using four digital I/O ports.
- Uploadable background image files - Upload PNG image files to identify organisational or event information.
- Configurable logo controls - Configurable opacity, transition effects, and position of logos to personalise content.
- Recording metadata - Metadata can be assigned to make indexing and searching of recordings simple including: Title, Creator, Subject, Description, Publisher, Contributor, and Date.
- Chapter and event marking with thumbnails - Chapters or events can be marked with JPEG image thumbnails to promote efficient searching and scanning.
- HDCP authentication and signal presence confirmation - Provide real-time verification of HDCP status for each digital video input and output signal. This allows for easy signal and HDCP verification through the front panel LCD, RS-232 or Ethernet, providing valuable feedback to a system operator or helpdesk support staff.
- HDCP visual confirmation - When HDCP encrypted content is transmitted to a non-HDCP compliant display, a full screen green or black signal is sent to the display for immediate visual confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on that display.
- Audio input gain and attenuation - Gain or attenuation can be adjusted for each input signal to eliminate noticeable differences when switching between sources or adjusting audio levels for the output stream.
- Aspect ratio control - The aspect ratio of a source window can be controlled by selecting a FILL mode, which provides a full screen output, FOLLOW mode, which preserves the aspect ratio, or FIT mode, which maintains image uniformity and zooms into the source.
- Auto Input Memory - Automatically stores size, position, and picture settings based on the incoming signal. When the same signal is detected again, these image settings are automatically recalled from memory.
- Auto Image™ setup - Automatically analyzes the incoming video signal and then automatically adjusts sizing, centering, and filtering to optimize image quality. This can save time and effort in fine-tuning displayed images.
- Front panel lockout - Ability to lock all front panel functions, menu functions only, or allow only recording transport controls.
- Toolbelt Integration - Manage SMP 401 information, firmware, users, SSL Certificate, and SNMP controls with Toolbelt v2.24 or newer.
- 802.1X Authentication - Supports 802.1X authentication. Please refer to Manual - Technical Application Note for 802.1X Network Security Features.
- On-screen display information - Device information, status, time and date on source images is available on the confidence and HDMI output preview to aid in monitoring and troubleshooting.
- System workflow alarms - Notify monitoring systems or support staff if disk space is low, encrypted signals are detected, publishing failure, schedule server unavailable, AV signal errors occur, or other error conditions exist.
- Alarm reporting - Automate communication with monitoring systems or support staff using email, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - SMTP messages.
- Automatically manage EDID communication between connected devices with EDID Minder® - Ensures use of optimal signal formats.
- Internal test patterns for setup - Aids in calibration and setup.
- LockIt® HDMI cable lacing brackets included
- Rack-mountable 1U, full rack width metal enclosure
- Internal Extron Everlast™ power supply - Provides worldwide power compatibility, with high demonstrated reliability and low power consumption for reduced operating cost.
- Extron Everlast Power Supply is covered by a 7 year parts and Labour warranty