Picking the right Pearl comes down to three questions: how many sources you need to capture, where the unit will live, and who will operate it. Epiphan's current range has four models, and each answers those questions differently.
Pearl-2 is the multi-camera flagship, with 4K and up to six encoded channels.
Pearl Mini is the touchscreen all-rounder for up to three Full HD channels.
Pearl Nexus packs Pearl Mini's capability into a headless 1RU chassis for installed rooms.
Pearl Nano is the compact, single-channel 4K encoder that runs off PoE+.
All four record, stream and switch within the same Epiphan ecosystem, so this guide focuses on the differences that actually decide a purchase. APTECH distributes Epiphan Video across Australia and New Zealand, supplying Pearl through our integrator partners with local warranty, service and technical support.
The four Pearls at a glance
Pearl-2 is the only model with more than three encoded channels; Pearl Nano is the only one that can be powered via mains or PoE+.
| Pearl-2 | Pearl Mini | Pearl Nexus | Pearl Nano |
Best for | Multi-camera events and studios | Operator-run rooms and portable kits | Installed, automated rooms | Single-source streaming and contribution |
Encoded channels | 6 × Full HD or 1 × 4K | 3 × Full HD | 3 × Full HD | 1 × 4K |
Max resolution | 2160p (4K) | 1080p | 1080p | 2160p (4K) |
Video inputs | 2 × 4K HDMI, 2 × HDMI, 2 × 12G-SDI, 2 × USB | 2 × HDMI, 1 × 3G-SDI, 2 × USB | 2 × HDMI, 1 × 3G-SDI, 2 × USB | 1 × 4K HDMI, 1 × 12G-SDI |
Network video inputs | SRT, NDI (full bandwidth), NDI|HX, RTSP | SRT, NDI|HX, RTSP | SRT, NDI|HX, RTSP | SRT, RTSP |
Analogue audio inputs | 4 × XLR, RCA pair | 2 × XLR/TRS, 3.5 mm, RCA pair | 2 × XLR/TRS, 3.5 mm, RCA pair | 2 × XLR, RCA pair, USB |
Native Dante audio | 4 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | Not supported |
Panopto | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Echo360 (EchoVideo) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not supported |
Video outputs | 2 × HDMI | 1 × HDMI | 1 × HDMI | 1 × HDMI + 1 × HDMI pass-through |
On-device screen | Touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen | None (local Admin panel via HDMI monitor, USB keyboard and mouse) | Small front screen with buttons |
Storage | 512 GB internal SSD | SD card or M.2 SSD (user supplied) | SSD or SD card (model dependent) | SD card or M.2 SSD (user supplied) |
Power | DC | DC | DC | PoE+ or DC |
Form factor | Desktop or 19-inch rackmount | Desktop, VESA mountable | 1RU, detachable rack ears | Desktop; optional 1RU rack shelf |
Weight | 3.8 kg (desktop), 5.5 kg (rackmount) | 1.7 kg | 2.4 kg | 0.9 kg |
Specs from Epiphan's Pearl comparison page. Dante requires firmware 4.24.6 and a Dante licence; Pearl Mini and Nexus units bought before May 2026, and Pearl-2 units bought before August 2026, need the Dante feature add-on (Epiphan product news).
Who each Pearl is for
Pearl-2: when you need more cameras, 4K or SDI
Pearl-2 is the right call once a production outgrows three sources. It takes six local inputs plus network sources, encodes up to six Full HD channels, and drives two HDMI outputs for a programme feed and a confidence monitor. Its 12G-SDI inputs and full-bandwidth NDI suit broadcast-style multi-camera work.
Since 5 April 2026, every new Pearl-2 ships with 4K encoding, recording and streaming as standard; earlier units need the 4K add-on (Epiphan). Choose the desktop model for touring kits and the rackmount for control rooms.
Typical uses: conferences and live events, houses of worship, council and parliament chambers, simulation labs. Lecture capture with EchoVideo and Panopto
Pearl Mini: the operator-friendly all-rounder
Pearl Mini handles up to three Full HD sources and is built around its 7-inch touchscreen. A presenter or volunteer can start, stop and switch without a laptop, which makes it the safest choice where non-technical staff run the room. It's also light enough at 1.7 kg to travel.
Typical uses: one-button studios, lecture theatres with a lectern operator, corporate town halls, portable event kits. Lecture capture with EchoVideo and Panopto Ad-hoc
Pearl Nexus: Pearl Mini's engine, built for the rack
Pearl Nexus matches Pearl Mini's inputs and three encoded channels, but drops the touchscreen for a 1RU chassis. It is designed to disappear into an equipment rack and run on schedules, CMS integrations and control systems rather than hands-on operation. Dual network support lets you split streaming and control traffic onto separate networks (Epiphan).
Typical uses: lecture capture at scale, courtrooms and boardrooms, any room driven by Crestron, Q-SYS or a CMS schedule. Lecture capture with EchoVideo and Panopto
Pearl Nano: compact single-channel 4K
Pearl Nano encodes one channel at up to 4K from an HDMI or 12G-SDI source, with HDMI pass-through so the presenter's display sees zero added latency. It runs on PoE+, so a single network cable can power it. It's the lightest Pearl at under a kilogram and the most affordable way into the family.
The trade-off is one encoded channel, no NDI input and no native Dante. If you need separate camera and slide recordings, step up to Pearl Mini or Nexus.
Typical uses: streaming a switcher's programme output, SRT contribution feeds, small meeting rooms and portable single-camera events.
Quick decision guide
Most projects land on the right Pearl after three questions, asked in this order.
Pearl selection guide · 3 questions, 4 outcomes
Two edge cases override the guide. If you need full-bandwidth NDI or more than two channels of Dante, go straight to Pearl-2. If the site can only provide PoE+ power, Pearl Nano is the only option.
Add a camera: Epiphan EC20
Every Pearl pairs with the Epiphan EC20, a 4K60 PTZ camera with on-camera AI auto-tracking and 20× zoom. A single PoE+ Ethernet cable carries power, network, video and audio, and it connects over NDI HX3, Dante, HDMI, SDI or USB.
Epiphan offers a ready-made bundle for each Pearl:
Bundle | Pairing | Best for |
Lecture capture | Pearl Nexus + EC20 | Automated classrooms and lecture theatres |
Studio | Pearl Mini + EC20 | One-button studios |
Event streaming | Pearl Nano + EC20 | Town halls, webinars and hybrid meetings |
Production | Pearl-2 + EC20 | Multi-camera, broadcast-style production |
With Pearl Nano, connect the EC20 over HDMI or SDI, since Nano has no NDI input. On the other models, NDI keeps it to one network cable.
EC20 can also stream, record and upload straight to Panopto with no Pearl at all. That suits rooms that only need presenter video. Add a Pearl when you also need slides, multiple sources, custom layouts or a CMS other than Panopto. EC20s are managed in Epiphan Edge alongside your Pearls, and a REST API supports Q-SYS and Crestron control.
What every Pearl shares
Whichever model you choose, you get the same Pearl software platform and free firmware updates. That means a mixed fleet behaves consistently, and you can match each room to the right hardware without retraining staff.
Recording, streaming and switching: custom layouts, branding and media playback, with RTMP/RTMPS, SRT and HLS streaming.
CMS integration: scheduled, automatic capture into your CMS. Every Pearl model works with Panopto, and Pearl-2, Pearl Mini and Pearl Nexus also work with Echo360 (EchoVideo). Kaltura, YuJa and Opencast integrations are available too.
Control systems: Crestron and Q-SYS integrations, plus HTTP/HTTPS and RS-232 APIs.
Fleet management: Epiphan Edge for remote monitoring, control and firmware updates across every room.
Remote guests: Epiphan Connect brings Microsoft Teams and Zoom participants into a production as SRT sources.
Security: role-based access with LDAP, 802.1X network authentication, and encrypted streaming and file transfer.