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Brochure

The SMP 352 is a high performance recording and streaming processor for capturing and distributing AV sources and presentations as recorded media or live streaming. It can create independent recordings from two different sources, and incorporates Extron’s FlexOS®, a flexible platform for automating system operation. The SMP 352 accepts HDMI, component, composite, and optional 3G-SDI signals and applies two-window processing to selected sources. It can record and stream simultaneously and can stream at two different resolutions and bit rates concurrently using a range of transport protocols and session management options. With no recurring licensing fees and comprehensive control and configuration features, the SMP 352 is a cost-effective, integration-friendly solution for delivering presentations to a larger audience.

The SMP 352 dual recording feature creates independent recordings from two different video sources with independent archive stream settings for each channel. Users can choose to create a single layout for simultaneous recording and streaming, or create synchronized recordings and streams of two video channels with the dual recording feature. A confidence stream provides a composite of two video sources to monitor both channels from a single stream. The SMP 352 also has advanced audio DSP features for level control, filtering, and dynamics, as well as streaming presets that increase functionality and provide a simplified workflow.

Flexible Signal Support

The SMP 352 processes two high resolution AV sources from up to five available connections. One of two HDMI signals can be selected from Channel A along with analog or HDMI-embedded stereo audio. Channel A also provides a loop through HDMI and audio connection, which can be passed directly to a presentation display. Channel B inputs support common camera formats including composite, component HD, and HDMI. A second model, the SMP 352 3G?SDI, accepts serial digital video signals supplied by cameras and other professional video sources. The Channel A and B input connections both support computer-video formats from 640x480 to 1920x1200, and video formats from 480p to 1080p/60. They can be switched live during a presentation.

Effective Multi-Window Processing

The SMP 352 offers highly flexible source presentation options. The Channel A and B input signals can be presented on the output individually at full screen or together in any two-window display arrangement including side-by-side. Up to sixteen customized window presets can be prepared, combining the Channel A and B inputs with a PNG background image and metadata. These flexible, multi-source processing features makes 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.

AV Recording with Enhanced Data

The SMP 352 produces an MP4 (M4V) container format, which is compatible with virtually any media player. It records at 480p, 720p, or 1080p 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 in order to meet the needs of the recording environment.

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 352 from the front or rear panel. The approximate capacity in hours for a 32 GB thumb drive, the SMP 352 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 10 Mbps plus 192 kbps for audio.

Approximate Storage Capacity in Hours Based on Video Bit Rate and Storage Device

Video Recording Bit Rate 32 GB USB Thumb Drive SMP 352 - 400 GB SSD 1 TB Network Storage

10 Mbps 7 80 220

5 Mbps 15 160 450

2.5 Mbps 27 320 850

1 Mbps 64 800 2,000

Storage capacity estimate is calculated for a single stream / recording using the video recording bit rate plus 192 kpbs for audio.

Extensive Streaming Capabilities

The SMP 352 offers extensive streaming capabilities. It can stream concurrently with a recording session at two different resolutions and bit rates from 512x288 to 1080p/30. 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 10 Mbps for video and 16 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 352 to a variety of devices in different system configurations and network conditions.

Signal Processing Simplifies Source Management

Like many other Extron AV products, the SMP 352 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 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, centering, 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.

Enhanced Panopto Features with LinkLicense

The Enhanced Panopto Features LinkLicense is an annual support license that enables enhanced integration with the Panopto enterprise video platform, bringing new capabilities to enable the SMP 352 to receive recording schedules from the Panopto video platform as well as streaming live video to Panopto for live event broadcast and other applications. This upgrade will require the LinkLicense for the enhanced scheduling and live streaming features as well as installation of the complimentary FlexOS® application framework for automating the system operation. Installation of the complimentary FlexOS application framework is required for basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to Panopto, as well as for automating system operation.

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 352. The LinkLicense adds enhanced features to the SMP 352 enabling users to schedule recordings from Kaltura and stream live media to Kaltura using RTMP and RTMPS. Basic publishing of recordings to Kaltura does not require a LinkLicense.

Add Horizontal Video Mirroring Capabilities with LinkLicense

The Horizontal Video Mirroring LinkLicense adds powerful features to SMP 300 Series Streaming Media Processors. The expanded functionality enhances and streamlines the recording of video and audio presentations. Horizontal Video Mirroring flips video horizontally to support lightboard or other applications that require reversal of the video image due to the presenter facing the camera while writing on a transparent surface. This eliminates time and resources spent manually flipping the video in post-production. Add an Extron Pro Series Control Processor and a TouchLink Pro Touchpanel for a user-friendly, integrated recording solution.

Highly Adaptable FlexOS Platform

FlexOS is Extron’s flexible, embedded operating system that manages and controls functional systems within the SMP 352. FlexOS makes the SMP 352 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 352 that help automate various system operations via the control ports.

Flexible System Control Options

Many different control capabilities are available from the SMP 352. The front panel buttons and LCD display provide a simple interface to manage, configure, monitor, and control the unit for a wide variety of applications. The SMP 352 also features an RS?232 port that interfaces with serial devices and control systems and the Ethernet port provides an additional control interface. Using Extron FlexOS programs installed on the SMP 352, specific presentation, recording, and streaming scenarios can be automated using four digital I/O ports.

A USB control port is available on the front panel of the SMP 352 to support direct configuration from a PC. Alternatively, two USB ports on the rear of the unit are available for connection to a keyboard and mouse, to serve as the interface for a web browser that operates from the FlexOS platform. The browser can be viewed from the SMP 352 HDMI output connection and serves as a convenient method to access the SMP 352 embedded webpage.

Recording and streaming presets simplify control and management of the SMP 352. Source window layouts and encoding configurations both incorporate many parameter settings that would be challenging to manage independently. Up to sixteen different presets can be saved for source window layouts and sixteen presets can be saved for encoding configurations. They can be recalled easily from the front panel, embedded webpage, or an external control system when the SMP 352 is adapted to support different application requirements.

Optional Remote Control - RCP 101 Series and vRCP

Extron RCP 101 Series remote control panel can extend both front panel control as well as USB connectivity for thumb drive recording media. Available in decorator-style, MK, and EU versions; the EU version is compatible with Flex55 enclosures or EU junction boxes. The included USB and power cables provide up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) of extension to the RCP 101 Series Remote Control Panel. Alternately, a USB extension such as Extron’s USB Extender Plus series can extend signals up to 330 feet (100 meters).

The vRCP is a virtual remote control panel FlexOS App offering Extron SMP customers a free option to remotely control the SMP Series products on any device, using any browser, without needing to use a physical control interface. A simple and intuitive user interface provides customers an easy way to manage starting, stopping, pausing, and marking an SMP recording from anywhere in the room. Additionally, the vRCP can function in conjunction with an RCP 101 Series panel.

vRCP Features

Remotely control SMP products using any mobile device browser, without an RCP, or in conjunction with an RCP

Status indicator displays active alarm name, so the user can view the active alarm that relates to the recording on the mobile page. Alarms include:

Video Loss

HDCP Video

Audio Loss

Record Halt

Disk Space

Display record elapsed time to show how long the recording has run

Display record remaining time to show the remaining time before a recording will end, determined by either the unused storage space or the next scheduled recording start time

Display SMP recording status including stopped, setup (preparing for a new recording), recording, or paused

Display SMP device name and location on a mobile browser page to ensure the correct SMP unit when managing multiple SMP devices

Powerful Tools for Scheduling, Monitoring, and Management

Recording schedules can be automatically updated by configuring the SMP 352 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.

Content Management and Publishing Options

The SMP 352 produces MP4 (M4V) media files with chapter marks, JPEG thumbnail images, and metadata supporting a data rich playback experience. It can be configured to integrate directly with the Opencast Matterhorn lecture capture AV content management system, commonly used by many higher education institutions or the Kaltura Hosted Video Platform. SMP 352 AV recordings can also be manually uploaded to third party content management systems such as iTunes-U, Blackboard LMS, SharePoint, CaptionSync, YouTube, Moodle, and RSS feeds.

Quality Multi-Source Audio Processing

The SMP 352 provides mixing and basic audio DSP features. The SMP 352 mixes the Channel A and B input signals based on the selected source layout and input configurations. 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.

Applications

The SMP 352 is ideal for use in virtually any professional environment where AV sources can be streamed live or recorded for future reference, especially when combining multiple AV sources will enhance the message. Recording and streaming AV presentations allows an organization to communicate and train employees and students that cannot be present at an event. Event recording provides everyone with the opportunity to review and gain insight into the live experience. The SMP 352 can be adapted to many applications, documenting virtually any meeting, conference, or activity that uses an AV source as a reference. The SMP 352 is ideal for use in corporate, education, government, healthcare, courtroom, house of worship, and rental and staging applications.

Features

• Process two high resolution AV sources from up to five available input signals — Size and position two AV source signals in layouts that maximize the viewing experience.
• Record and stream simultaneously — Document presentations, view confidence streaming, or extend live media to overflow destinations without the need for a computer or additional equipment.
• High quality scaling with flexible two-window management — Display one or two high resolution sources in various window arrangements, including picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture arrangements for optimal interpretation.
• Produce MP4 media or M4A audio files that are compatible with virtually any media player — Use recordings produced by the SMP 352 directly with any software media player, computer, or mobile device.
• Stream concurrently at two resolutions and bit rates from the same source — High resolutions and high bit rates deliver superior quality images for overflow applications, and lower bit rates and resolutions are more efficient for streaming distribution and confidence viewing applications.
• Dual channel recording and streaming with confidence stream — The SMP 352 can simultaneously record and stream from two different video sources with independent stream settings for each channel. A confidence stream is also available for remote preview of recorded or streamed content.
• Flexible dual channel layout for confidence output — Choose between ten different layouts for confidence stream and local HDMI confidence output to preview both video channels in different PiP or Side by Side modes.
• Internal Solid State Storage — Save recorded data to reliable, internal storage, before transferring it to external destinations. Capacity of 480 GB (440 GB for recording files). Up to 150 hours can be saved to the 480 GB version, encoded at 10 Mbps.
• 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.
• 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, IBM Cloud, and more. Supports streaming to Facebook Live using the RTMPS streaming protocol.
• New Toolbelt Integration — Manage SMP 300 Series information, firmware, and users with Toolbelt v2.10.0 or newer.
• New 802.1X Authentication — SMP 300 Series supports 802.1X authentication. Please refer to Manual - Technical Application Note for 802.1X Network Security Features
• Flexible I/O ports for advanced AV system management — Install Extron FlexOS® applications onto the SMP 352 that interface with control ports and automate system operation.
• License-free operation contributes to a low cost of ownership — With no required licensing or recurring support fees, the SMP 352 is a cost-effective solution for AV streaming and recording.
• Save recordings to internal solid state drive, external USB storage, or a defined network storage directory — Recordings can be saved to pre-defined locations most convenient to users.
• Chapter and event marking with thumbnails — Chapters or events can be marked, and JPEG image thumbnails in user defined resolutions are produced to promote efficient searching and scanning.
• Record and stream at resolutions from 512x288 to 1080p/30 — Deliver superior quality video resolutions based on content or viewing requirements.
• HDMI, component, composite, and optional 3G-SDI input — Provides compatibility with common AV signal formats at resolutions up to 1920x1200 including 1080p/60. The SMP 352 3G-SDI model offers an additional 3G-SDI input connection.
• Easy to configure and operate from the front panel or external control system — Ensure that presentations will be streamed and recorded and valuable information will be documented and repurposed.
• Define specific storage destinations for recorded data — Configure the SMP 352 to save recordings to specific storage directories based on the user environment or application requirements.
• Recording folder playback from SMD decoders — Recording folders on SMP 352 can now be mounted as network shares on SMD decoders for immediate playback of recordings.
• HDMI-embedded stereo audio or analog stereo input and output signal support — Digital and analog audio signals are supported on the input channels and the output channel.
• SDI audio de-embedding — Audio from an SDI source can be decoded and included in the audio mix along with either HDMI or analog sources.
• Supports the latest SMBv2 and SMBv3 protocols for secure file sharing in Windows environments
• Record audio as separate m4a file — In addition to storing video with included audio as m4p or m4v, the SMP 352 can also record and store audio as a separate m4a file.
• Direct compatibility with hosted video platforms — Integrate publishing of recorded media directly to third party platforms such as Panopto, Kaltura, and Opencast.
• USB remote control port — Configure communication settings of the SMP processor using a keyboard and mouse viewing the embedded webpage. Connect the optional RCP 101 Series remote control panel for extended front panel operation and convenient thumb drive access, or the vRCP FlexOS App to remotely control the SMP processor on any device, using any browser.
• New Auto-Reconnect for RTMP Streams — When the “Auto-Reconnect stream when disconnected” option is enabled, the SMP attempts to reconnect to the selected RTMP destination if the initial connection cannot be established. The option can be found in the Configuration ? Encoding & Layouts ? Encoding Presets.
• New File Transfer Schedule — Schedule recording files for transfer using the option found in Scheduled Events ? Publishing Settings ? File Transfer Schedule.
• LinkLicense for Enhanced Panopto Features — This annual support license brings enhanced integration with the Panopto enterprise video platform to enable the SMP 352 to receive recording schedules from the Panopto video platform as well as streaming live video using RTMP and RTMPS to Panopto. Basic ad-hoc recording and publishing to Panopto and automating the system operation does not require a LinkLicense, but does require installation of the complimentary FlexOS® application framework.
• LinkLicense® for Enhanced Kaltura Features — This annual support license enables enhanced integration with the Kaltura hosted video platform including scheduling, RTMP, and RTMPS streaming.
• LinkLicense for Horizontal Video Mirroring Upgrade — Streamlines recording by automatically flipping video horizontally to support lightboard or other applications that require reversal of the video image.
• iCalendar FlexOS App for ingesting iCalendar schedules — The iCalendar FlexOS App supports manual .ics file ingest and periodic schedule ingest from Outlook, Google Calendar and other scheduling services.
• Schedule recording and streaming — Easily import and create recording schedules from Microsoft Exchange Server or using the iCalendar format.
• RS-232, Ethernet, and digital I/O control ports — Interface with control systems, sensors, or external devices used in the AV presentation environment.
• Standards-based H.264 / MPEG 4 AVC video compression — The SMP 352 supports use of the Baseline, Main, or High Profiles at Levels 4.x, or 3.x providing the ability to optimize video coding for use with various types of applications and decoding devices.
• Channel A buffered input loop-through — Channel A input connectors include a buffered loop-through, for easy integration into new or legacy systems without the need for additional AV equipment such as distribution amplifiers.
• Auto Image™ setup — When activated, the unit 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.
• Layout presets simplify control — The SMP 352 provides 16 standard or customizable presets that specify the size and positioning of AV sources and metadata, simplifying management and selection of layouts from the front panel or an external control system.
• Streaming presets — Thirty-two 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 — The SMP 352 provides 16 standard or customizable presets for saving specific encoding settings such as H.264 profile, resolution, GOP, and bit rate session management configurations. Users can quickly switch between these 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. TS may be transported using UDP or RTP based on network conditions.
• Simultaneous unicast and multicast streaming per encode — The SMP 352 supports multiple concurrent stream modes per channel allowing simultaneous unicast and multicast RTSP pull streaming for each encode.
• 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.
• Adjustable recording and streaming bit rates — Select video bit rates from 200 Kbps to 10 Mbps for video and audio bit rates from 16 Kbps to 384 Kbps based on the viewing application, storage, streaming, or network conditions.
• Clean switching — Switching has a clean transition between sources. Distractions such as visual jumps, glitches, and distortion commonly experienced when switching between computer and video sources will not be experienced when using the SMP 352.
• Recording metadata — Metadata can be assigned to make indexing and searching of recordings simple including: Title, Creator, Subject, Description, Publisher, Contributor, and Date.
• Metadata text overlay — Data concerning the recording can be presented and clearly identified on recording layouts with AV sources and a background image.
• Uploadable background image files — Upload PNG image files at resolutions up to 1920x1080 to identify organizational or event information.
• On screen display information — Present device information and status on source images to aid in troubleshooting and fault finding activities.
• Onscreen display video time reference — Text displaying a time and date reference can be presented within the onscreen display in the top left corner of the output signal.
• Extended time recording — Recordings that would produce a media file size greater than 4 GB are bundled into a recording package of sequential MP4 files.
• User configurable recording file size — Split recordings into specified files sizes.
• Automatic file management for internal storage — Storage space is automatically created for new recordings when additional space is required. Files are deleted on a first-in, first-out basis. Important recordings can be locked and retained indefinitely until they are manually deleted.
• System workflow alarms — Notify monitoring systems or support staff if disk space is low, encrypted signals are detected, AV signal errors occur, or other error conditions exist.
• Alarm reporting — Automate communication with monitoring systems or support staff using email, SNMP traps, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - SMTP messages.
• "Publish Failure" Alarm — There is a new alarm notification for a publishing failure for transferring recordings. The new alarm can be found in the Configuration ? Alarms and Traps ? Alarm Message List.
• View Temperature SIS — SIS command to view system temperature. The new command information can be found in the SMP User Guide section Remote Communication and Control.
• AAC audio encoding — Standards-based audio compression is used to provide compatibility with many devices. The bit rate can be adapted to different application requirements.
• Video encoding quality controls including video resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, constant or variable bit rate control, GOP length, and audio bit rate — Several user controls are available to adjust encoding quality.
• Auto Input Memory — When activated, the SMP 352 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.
• Automatically manage EDID communication between connected devices with EDID Minder® — Automatically manage EDID communications between devices EDID Minder, ensuring use of optimal signal formats.
• 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.
• Picture controls for brightness, contrast, signal sampling, and overscan — Sixteen user memory presets are available for each input to store all image settings.
• 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.
• 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 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 signal is sent to the display for immediate visual confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on that display.
• Quad standard video decoding — A digital, five-line adaptive comb filter decodes NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.43, PAL, and SECAM for integration into systems worldwide.
• Internal test patterns for setup — The SMP 352 offers test patterns as well as on-screen display - OSD data overlay including timestamp, number of connected users, CPU usage, network status, disk free file space, audio level, and system information to aid in calibration and setup.
• Front panel lockout — This feature locks out either all front panel functions, Menu functions only, or all but recording transport controls. All functions are available through Ethernet, USB, and RS-232 control.
• Ethernet monitoring and control — The SMP 352 is controllable over Ethernet, supporting configuration and real-time management from a control system.
• Embedded Web interface — Intuitive Web interface with an embedded video window for viewing the live stream, as well as source input and encoding adjustments.
• RS-232 control port — Enable the use of serial commands for integration into a control system. Extron products use the SIS™ - Simple Instruction Set command protocol, a set of basic ASCII commands that allow for quick and easy programming.
• USB keyboard and mouse ports — Configure communication settings of the SMP 352 and system settings using a keyboard and mouse viewing the embedded webpage from the HDMI output connection.
• 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 labor warranty