Epiphan Pearl Nexus vs. Lumens CaptureVision LC100N: Which Lecture Capture Recorder is Best for Panopto, Opencast and Kaltura?

Choosing the Right Lecture Capture Solution: Lumens LC100N vs. Epiphan Pearl Nexus

Lecture capture has become a crucial component in modern education and corporate training, allowing institutions to record, manage, and distribute content seamlessly. For large-scale lecture capture systems integrating with Kaltura, Opencast, and Panopto, two standout media processors are the Lumens LC100N CaptureVision System and the Epiphan Pearl Nexus. Both are certified for these platforms, making them ideal solutions for automated workflows. In this post, we will compare their features, capabilities, and suitability for lecture recording, focusing on their NDI video support, ease of integration, and overall value.

Lumens LC100N CaptureVision System

The Lumens LC100N is a powerful 2-channel media processor designed for professional lecture capture. It offers NDI|HX2 support, making it an excellent choice for PTZ cameras that utilize NDI workflows.

Key Features:

• Video Inputs: 2 HDMI, NDI|HX, RTSP, SDI, and USB support

• Audio Inputs: XLR with phantom power, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs

• Recording & Storage: 2TB internal HDD with support for NAS and FTP

• Streaming Capabilities: Dual streaming to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Kaltura/Panopto/Opencast

• PTZ Camera Control: Direct control over connected PTZ cameras, ideal for tracking solutions

• Integration: Certified for Kaltura, Opencast, and Panopto

• Price & Warranty: MSRP €2499 with a 5-year warranty

Pros:

✔️ Affordable pricing for large-scale deployments
✔️ NDI|HX support enables efficient IP-based video workflows
✔️ Large internal storage and cloud upload options
✔️ Long 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability

Cons:

❌ Limited to 2 simultaneous video channels, making it less versatile for multi-source production setups
❌ Less intuitive UI compared to competitors like Epiphan

Epiphan Pearl Nexus

The Epiphan Pearl Nexus is a premium lecture capture and streaming solution designed for institutions looking for seamless integration with Kaltura, Opencast, and Panopto.

Key Features:

• Video Inputs: 3 HDMI/SDI/NDI|HX inputs

• Audio Inputs: XLR/TRS combo jacks, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs

• Recording & Storage: 1TB internal SSD, supporting external storage and network-based recording

• Streaming Capabilities: Supports simultaneous recording, streaming, and live switching

• Multi-source Switching: Ideal for handling multiple camera angles or presentation sources

• Integration: Certified for Kaltura, Opencast, and Panopto

• Price & Warranty: MSRP €3235, 1-year warranty

Pros:

✔️ Supports 3 video inputs, making it more flexible for multi-camera setups
✔️ Advanced automation for Panopto/Kaltura/Opencast workflows
✔️ Robust multi-streaming capabilities for large-scale content distribution

Cons:

❌ Higher price point (€3235) compared to the Lumens LC100N
❌ Smaller internal storage (1TB SSD vs. 2TB HDD in the LC100N)
❌ Shorter warranty (1 year vs. 5 years)

Comparison Table

Feature	Lumens LC100N	Epiphan Pearl Nexus
Channels	2	3
Video Inputs	2* HDMI (HDCP Compliant) 2* 3G-SDI	2 * HDMI (HDCP Compliant) 1* 3GSDI
IP Source / USB Camera	NDI|HX2 Source (1080p 60/30fps) RTSP Source (H.264 1080p 60/30fps) USB Camera (MJPEG 1080p 30fps)	NDI|HX, SRT, RTSP, USB3.0 (UVC)
HDMI Pass-through	1* HDMI Pass-through (Up to 4K)	1* HDMI Pass-through
Audio Inputs	2* Combo (XLR / TRS, Balanced Audio, Line in / Mic in (Build-in Support +48V phantom power)	2* Combo XLR/TRS, RCA, 3.5mm (phantom power optional)
Recording & Storage	2TB internal HDD, NAS & FTP support	1TB internal SSD, external storage support
Streaming	Dual streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Kaltura, Panopto, Opencast	Simultaneous recording, streaming, and switching
NDI Support	Yes (NDI|HX2)	Yes (NDI|HX)
Multi-camera Support	Supports 2 video sources	Supports 3 video sources
Platform Certifications	Kaltura, Opencast, Panopto	Kaltura, Opencast, Panopto
PTZ Camera Control	Yes	Yes
Price	€2499	€3235
Warranty	5 years	1 year

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for an affordable, simple lecture capture system with NDI|HX2 support and long-term reliability, the Lumens LC100N is a solid choice, particularly for institutions that require basic two-source recording and direct PTZ camera control.

On the other hand, if your workflow demands multi-source recording, advanced switching, the Epiphan Pearl Nexus is a good option. 

Final Thoughts

Both the Lumens LC100N and Epiphan Pearl Nexus offer excellent solutions for Kaltura, Opencast, and Panopto-integrated lecture capture, with NDI support for PTZ cameras. Your choice will depend on your budget, required video sources, and the level of automation needed.

For a cost-effective yet reliable solution, go for the Lumens LC100N. If you require multi-source switching and premium automation features, the Epiphan Pearl Nexus is worth the investment.

Would you like a hands-on demo of these devices? Let us know, and we can help you choose the best solution for your institution!