Magewell Modator — Frequently Asked Questions

The Modator 2U chassis has 10 slots and holds up to 10 hot-swappable Modator modules. You can fit them in any mix, for example some NDI encoder modules, some decoder modules and some streaming encoder modules in the same chassis. That lets one rack unit encode, decode and stream. Keep blank panels fitted over any empty slots.

Yes. The chassis slots support hot swap, so a module can be inserted or removed while the chassis is running, without powering down the other modules. In an installation that runs all day, that means you can replace or add one channel without interrupting the rest. The two power supplies are hot-swappable as well.

There are three groups. NDI encoder modules: Pro Convert HDMI Plus (HD HDMI to full NDI), Pro Convert HDMI 4K Plus (HDMI up to 4096×2160 at 60 fps) and Pro Convert 12G SDI 4K Plus (12G-SDI up to 4096×2160 at 60 fps). Decoder modules: Pro Convert NDI to HDMI, Pro Convert NDI to HDMI 4K and Pro Convert NDI to AIO, which has HDMI and SDI outputs live together. Streaming encoder modules: Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus, for H.264 / H.265 streaming and recording. There is also a Pro Convert IP to AIO 4K module. ForeFront Imaging stocks all current blade types.

Yes. Each Modator module has its own Gigabit Ethernet port, so each one is cabled to your network switch and set up as a device in its own right. Allow one switch port per module when you plan the rack. The chassis also has one RJ45 Gigabit port and a USB Type-C port of its own, both for configuring the chassis and checking its status.

Yes. The Modator 2U chassis has dual hot-swappable power supply modules for redundancy, running from AC 100–240 V. A failed supply can be replaced without switching the chassis off. The pair also replaces the separate power adapter that each standalone converter would need, which tidies the rack.

Each module slot supplies up to 20 W, and the chassis is rated at up to 200 W in total. Actual consumption depends on the modules fitted. The maximum figures range from 4.3 W for the Pro Convert NDI to HDMI decoder module to 14.42 W for the Ultra Encode SDI Plus module, so every current module sits within the 20 W slot limit.

The chassis has a touch screen on the front panel, 91 mm × 81 mm, for local control. From it you can switch power on or off, see the status of the chassis and each installed module, and change network settings. The chassis also has a Web UI for use from a browser and HTTP-based APIs for control systems. Magewell Control Hub software can manage the chassis and its modules remotely.

Yes. Magewell Control Hub supports the Modator chassis and its modules, alongside standalone Pro Convert and Ultra Encode devices, on one browser dashboard. It provides status monitoring, remote configuration and batch firmware upgrades. Each Control Hub edition has a device limit (the Basic edition manages up to 20 devices), so choose an edition that covers the units you plan to manage.

The Modator 2U chassis takes 2U of rack space. Its dimensions are 482 mm (L) × 275 mm (W) × 88 mm (H), and it weighs approximately 5.6 kg with 10 blank panels fitted. At 275 mm deep it suits shallow AV racks as well as full-depth ones. Ask us about mounting hardware for your rack when you order.

It is built for installed, always-on use. The dual redundant power supplies and hot-swappable modules mean a failed supply or a single module can be replaced while the rest of the chassis keeps working. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 50°C, at 5–90% humidity, non-condensing, so make sure the rack is ventilated well enough to stay within it.

Modator modules do the same jobs as the standalone Pro Convert and Ultra Encode devices: NDI encoding, NDI and IP decoding, and streaming. The main difference is form factor. A Modator chassis packs up to 10 channels into 2U of rack space and powers them all from one pair of redundant supplies. Ten standalone units would each need their own power, by adapter or PoE, and shelf space. Each module still needs its own network cable. Individual specifications can differ from the standalone model of a similar name, so check the module's own page. For a rack with many channels, Modator saves space and is easier to service.