Overview of the AxelTech MXC Software

At its core, the AxelTech MXC is a real-time video processing engine. It moves beyond simple conversion by integrating essential production tools such as aspect ratio adjustment (up/down/ cross conversion), cropping/zooming, audio leveling, and audio channel reshuffling . This “unique blend of features” transforms the MXC from a simple converter into a critical component for both Production Control Rooms (PCR) and Master Control Rooms (MCR) . In a PCR, it manages incoming contribution feeds and external sources; in an MCR, it prepares and conditions the final program for distribution networks . The software boasts an exceptionally low delay of approximately 3 frames between input and output, making it suitable for live production and interviews where latency is a critical factor .

Key Features of the Multi Cross Converter

The MXC is packed with features that cater to the demands of modern broadcasting. Below is a detailed breakdown of its core functionalities.

Software-Based Encoding and Decoding

The MXC leverages the power of GPU processing (specifically Nvidia NVEnc) and Intel Quick Sync to handle heavy encoding tasks without the need for proprietary hardware . This allows for H.264 and H.265 encoding/decoding directly in software, supporting both Cisco OpenH264 and hardware-accelerated options . It supports an extensive list of video codecs for IP input and output, including:

• Apple ProRes (Proxy, LT, 422, HQ)

• DNxHD / VC3

• Uncompressed 422 (8-bit and 10-bit)

• MPEG-2, DVCPRO, and HuffYUV .

Comprehensive Format Support

• Video Resolutions: Handles SD, HD, 2K, and 4K, with specifications noting capability up to 8K depending on system resources and format constraints .

• Audio Handling: Supports up to 16 channels of embedded audio . It features audio de-embedding for use with AoIP drivers like Dante and Livewire, as well as sophisticated audio downmixing and channel reshuffling .

IP Connectivity and Streaming

The MXC acts as both an IP decoder and encoder . It can receive IP inputs in RTMP, UDP, RTP, RTSP, HTTP, FTP, and MPTS over IP . For output, it supports distribution via RTMP, UDP, IIS Smooth Streaming, and HLS . It also features a built-in RTMP server to stream to CDNs or social media platforms .

What’s New in the Latest Version

Note: As software versions iterate frequently, always check the official AxelTech website for the latest changelog. Based on recent retail listings and technical sheets, the current generation of MXC (Version 4.0 and associated Compact hardware) includes:

• Expanded Protocol Support: Native support for SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) and WebRTC for low-latency, firewall-friendly streaming .

• Enhanced Hardware Integration: Optimized drivers for SMPTE 2022 and 2110 compatibility with specific high-performance video cards .

• Improved GUI: The configurable interface now offers more robust multi-view monitoring, allowing engineers to visualize multiple inputs/outputs simultaneously with VU meters and technical overlays .

System Requirements

The performance of the AxelTech MXC is directly tied to the hardware it runs on. Because it is software-based, requirements scale with the number of channels and the complexity of the task (e.g., 4K upscaling requires more power than 1080p passthrough).

Installation Guide

Installing the Software-Only Version

1. Verify Hardware: Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for your intended channel count.

2. Install Video Drivers: If using SDI I/O, install the latest drivers for your Blackmagic, AJA, or Bluefish card.

3. Run Installer: Execute the MXC setup file as an administrator.

4. License Activation: Upon first launch, you will be prompted to insert the USB license dongle or activate via software key provided by AxelTech .

Setting Up the Turnkey Appliance (e.g., MXC Compact)

The MXC Compact series comes pre-installed on a Dell (or similar) 1RU server running Windows 10 .

1. Rack Mount: Secure the unit in a well-ventilated rack.

2. Connect I/O: Attach SDI cables to the BNC connectors on the installed card (e.g., Blackmagic DeckLink Duo 2).

3. Network: Connect the 10GbE port to your network switch for IP streams .

4. Power On: Boot the system; the MXC software is configured to start automatically or is accessible via the desktop shortcut.

How to Use the MXC Software

Navigating the MXC interface is intuitive, focusing on a channel-based workflow.

1. Configuring Channels

• Navigate to the Channels Menu at the top left of the home page.

• Select the number of channels you wish to use (1, 2, 4, up to 9), provided your license supports it .

• Each channel operates independently, allowing for different input/output configurations per channel.

2. Setting Inputs and Outputs

• Click on a channel’s interface panel to configure its source and destination .

• Inputs: Select from SDI (if a supported card is detected), NDI, or IP (RTMP, UDP, etc.).

• Outputs: Choose your target destination. For example, enabling the RTC button allows you to configure a WebRTC stream, where you can input Axel’s WebRTC server or your own, and adjust video bitrate and encoding (H.264/OPUS) .

3. Real-Time Processing

• Utilize the on-screen controls for Crop (vertical/horizontal) and Field Swap (Top/Bottom/Progressive) .

• Adjust the Aspect Ratio conversion mode (Letterbox, Stretch, etc.) to ensure your output fits the required broadcast standard .

• Monitor audio levels via the on-screen VU meters and adjust gain per channel to prevent clipping .

Best Use Cases

The flexibility of the AxelTech MXC makes it suitable for a variety of high-level broadcast tasks:

• NDI/SDI Hybrid Environments: Convert signals from NDI-enabled cameras and computers to SDI for legacy broadcast switchers, and vice versa .

• Remote Contribution & WebRTC: Use the WebRTC output to bring low-latency video from remote reporters into the studio without the need for complex firewall configurations .

• Master Control Distribution: Receive a single high-bitrate feed and transcode it into multiple formats (HLS for web, MPTS for satellite, SD-SDI for legacy cable) simultaneously .

• Event AV and Conferences: Deploy two MXC Compact units back-to-back to create a near-zero latency bi-directional link between a stage and a remote video village .

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: Reduces reliance on expensive, single-purpose hardware by utilizing standard IT servers .

• Future-Proof: Software-based nature allows for updates to support new codecs and protocols (like SRT and WebRTC) .

• High-Density: A single 9-channel license can replace up to 9 individual hardware converters, saving rack space and power .

• Low Latency: The ~3-frame delay is critical for live interviews and production workflows .

Limitations

• Hardware Dependent: Performance is tied to the quality of the host PC; background tasks on the Windows OS can potentially interrupt real-time processing.

• Licensing Cost: While it saves money on hardware, the software licensing model requires an upfront investment that scales with the channel count.

Alternatives to the MXC

While the AxelTech MXC offers a robust feature set, other tools exist in the market:

• ToolsOnAir just:in & just:out: macOS-centric solutions that offer encoding and playout, often used in education and corporate environments.

• Open Broadcaster Software (OBS): A free, open-source alternative. While powerful for streaming, it lacks the professional broadcast I/O support (SDI, SMPTE 2110) and multi-channel synchronization required for MCR/PCR use.

• Hardware Converters (e.g., AJA FS series): Dedicated hardware units that are “set and forget.” They are stable but lack the software-based flexibility and GUI-driven multi-view capabilities of the MXC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the MXC Software and the MXC Compact?

The MXC Software is a license you purchase to install on your own qualified Windows PC. The MXC Compact is a turnkey solution that includes the software pre-installed on a certified 1RU server hardware (including SDI I/O boards), ensuring guaranteed performance .

2. Can the MXC convert 4K signals?

Yes, the MXC supports 4K resolutions. However, this is dependent on the capabilities of your installed video I/O card (e.g., a DeckLink 4K model) and sufficient system CPU/GPU resources .

3. Does it support H.265 (HEVC) encoding?

Yes. The MXC supports H.265 encoding via Nvidia NVEnc, provided you have a compatible Nvidia GPU installed in the system .

4. What video cards are compatible with the MXC?

The MXC is compatible with professional video I/O cards from Blackmagic Design (DeckLink, Intensity), AJA (Corvid), and Bluefish .

5. Can I stream directly to Facebook or YouTube?

Yes. You can use the RTMP output feature. By configuring the output URL and stream key to the RTMP ingest URLs of Facebook or YouTube, the MXC can push the video feed directly to these platforms .

6. How do I reset the MXC software if it crashes?

The software can be restarted like any Windows application. For persistent issues, the MXC interface includes a setting to automatically restart the service daily at a specified hour to ensure stability for unattended operation .

Final Thoughts

The AxelTech MXC Multi Cross Converter stands out as a versatile and powerful tool for the modern broadcaster. By embracing a software-centric model, it provides an agile solution to the challenge of converting between SDI, NDI, and IP formats. Its inclusion of real-time processing tools like audio leveling, cropping, and WebRTC streaming makes it more than just a converter—it is a comprehensive signal processing hub. For broadcast facilities looking to streamline operations, reduce hardware clutter, and prepare for an IP-centric future, the MXC offers a compelling and legally compliant path forward.