Extron SMP 401 12G-SDI 4K/60 Multi-Recording and Streaming w/12G-SDI

Product Overview

The Extron SMP 401 12G-SDI is a 4K/60 multi-channel recording and streaming media processor that captures, switches, scales, and distributes AV presentations as MP4 recordings or live streams. It handles up to five simultaneous recordings and six concurrent streams using independent H.264 and H.265 encoders, drawing from three HDMI inputs, two RTP/RTSP virtual inputs, and a 12G-SDI input for professional broadcast cameras. With a front panel LCD for confidence monitoring and no recurring licensing fees, the SMP 401 is a complete, self-contained lecture capture and live streaming solution for demanding AV environments.

Product Description

The SMP 401 processes two independent AV channels. Channel A selects from two HDMI inputs with analog line-level or HDMI-embedded audio. Channel B accepts one HDMI or 12G-SDI signal with analog line, microphone-level, or HDMI-embedded audio — the mic input includes 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. Both channels support video formats from 640×480 up to 4096×2160 (4K/60).

Up to three Archive encoders handle recordings and streams independently, and a fourth Confidence encoder delivers a monitoring stream. Each encoder can be configured for H.264 or H.265 independently, with H.265 offering higher quality at smaller file sizes and H.264 providing broad compatibility with third-party platforms. Video bit rates for recording range from 200 kbps to 200 Mbps; audio from 64 kbps to 384 kbps. This combination makes it possible to record in high-quality 4K/60 while simultaneously streaming a lower-bit-rate version to distribution endpoints.

Two channels can be combined into any two-window composite layout — side-by-side, picture-in-picture, or 16 custom presets with PNG backgrounds, logos, and metadata overlays. Each encoder receives its own independently mixed audio feed from Channel A, Channel B, or a blend of both. Audio transitions during source switches are handled automatically to prevent clicks and pops without external audio processing.

MP4 recordings are stored to the internal 512 GB SSD, a USB storage device (front or rear, up to 5 Gbps write speed), or a network share directory. Embedded metadata and chapter marks simplify post-production search and indexing. JPEG thumbnails are captured automatically at configurable intervals. Live streaming supports push and pull sessions via RTP/RTSP and RTMP/RTMPS to platforms including YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, Wowza, Kaltura, and Panopto. Free LinkLicense apps extend scheduling and live streaming integration with Kaltura, Panopto, and YuJa platforms without subscription fees.

Key Features

• 4K/60 recording and streaming: Captures and streams up to 4096×2160 at 60 fps from both local and virtual inputs.
• Up to 5 recordings and 6 concurrent streams: Three Archive encoders plus one Confidence encoder support high-density simultaneous output.
• Independent H.264 and H.265 encoding per channel: Choose the best codec per encoder — H.265 for storage efficiency, H.264 for platform compatibility.
• Channel A: two HDMI inputs; Channel B: HDMI or 12G-SDI: Supports 12G-SDI broadcast cameras and professional SDI sources natively.
• Independent audio mixing per encoder: Each encoder receives its own audio from Channel A, Channel B, or a mix of both.
• 48V phantom power on Channel B mic input: Direct connection for condenser microphones without an external preamp.
• 512 GB internal SSD: Local storage for high-bit-rate 4K recordings; USB and network share also supported.
• USB 3.0 storage ports: Front and rear USB with write speeds up to 5 Gbps for fast external recording.
• Streaming to YouTube, Facebook Live, Wowza, Kaltura, Panopto: Push and pull via RTP/RTSP and RTMP/RTMPS to popular platforms.
• Free LinkLicense platform integrations: Enhanced Kaltura, Panopto, and YuJa scheduling and live streaming at no additional cost.
• 16 custom two-window layout presets: Mix channels with PNG backgrounds, logos, and metadata for presentation-ready composites.
• Front panel LCD with video preview: Confidence monitoring and menu navigation without a connected PC.
• No recurring licensing fees: All core functionality included without subscription charges.
• 1U rack-mount enclosure: Extron Everlast internal power supply with 7-year warranty.

Technical Specifications

Typical Application

The SMP 401 12G-SDI is suited for university lecture theatres, live event venues, and corporate training centers where multi-channel 4K capture and simultaneous live streaming are required from a single rack unit. A typical setup connects the instructor's laptop to Channel A HDMI and a 12G-SDI broadcast camera to Channel B 12G-SDI. Archive Encoder 1 records a composite side-by-side layout at 4K/60 to the internal SSD for on-demand publishing. Archive Encoder 2 streams the composite at 5 Mbps to YouTube Live for remote attendees. Archive Encoder 3 records the camera-only view for faculty review. The Confidence encoder streams a low-resolution composite to the control room for monitoring. Panopto LinkLicense automates recording start and stop from the LMS schedule without operator intervention.

Spec Sheet PDF Download

Download the Extron SMP 401 Spec Sheet (PDF)