The HETMA Approved program was created to provide a service to evaluate products through the lens of higher education technical managers. A diverse group pooled from our membership allows for different perspectives to shape the out come of any approval. The following is the findings of the Approved Committee and the evaluating members.

 

Company: Epiphan
Product: Pearl 2
Over all score: Exceeds Standards
Approval Status: Approved - UCC

Results of this evaluation are good for the term that the product is in its current production state as outlined in the terms and conditions. Any major change in build, firmware, or software could result in a need for re-evaluation.

Please respond to this email with permission to post results on HETMA social media and contact information for marketing team for Approved Program media packet for posting on company websites, social media, and print media. Please indicate also if attending InfoComm and if this product will be featured.

 

Evaluator Demographic Information

Institution/University size:
Small(less than 5000): 1    
Medium(5000-10000): 1  
Large(greater than 10000): 3

Evaluator Certifications: CTS, CTS-I, Extron A/V Associate, Crestron Master Technology Architect, CompTIA N+, Dante, Extron DSP, Project Management or A/V-AVIXA, QSYS

 

Evaluation Results and Notes - Questions asked in the evaluation

1. Verification: How we tested the product or service. 
The evaluators tested the Pearl 2 in a variety of situations and conditions. It was used as a multi camera streaming unit as well as a one touch recorder for e light board studio. We tried it installed with a control system and integrated into a lecture capture location.

2. Quality: Does the product or service meet quality standards? Does it have a warranty or replacement program?    
Build quality is extremely high and performance has been solid and reliable. While we tested the desktop model only, we found the touchscreen to be bright and responsive. The Pearl 2 seemed to meet all the specifications that Epiphan has set for it. One disappointing factor from all evaluators was the length of warranty, being only 12 months. We would love to see a longer warranty.

3. Performance: Does the product or service perform below, at, or exceed expectations?     
Over all it performed every task we threw at it and still has so much more functionality that we have not had cause to utilize. Plenty of room for future growth and specs accommodate higher quality video than is needed for most current application. Our evaluators were very pleased with the Pearl 2.

4. Network and Security: If networked, how is it deployed? What network standards does it follow? How secure is it? Is there any physical security options?     
There is a port for a Kensington style physical lock and the box captures 802.1x compliant video and supports PEAP, EAP-TLS, and EAP-TTLS authentication access control methods on 802.1x. The Pearl 2 also supports LDAP configuration. The Pearl 2 offers encrypted streaming and HTTPS for secure admin access. All of these features are what we look for in a product that could be used for a variety of streaming and recording projects.  

5. HETMA+: What about this product or service makes it a good fit for higher education and for technical managers?
The point of the Approved Program is to provide higher education technical managers with recommendations for products that can better the lives of students, faculty, and staff by providing a better learning and teaching environment. With that in mind, we evaluate products not just for the specification and performance review but for how it fits into our space and the impact it could have. The Pearl 2 exceeds the HEMTA expectations for performance and quality. The only category which we feel could be improved is the warranty. A few of our evaluators have already added this to their classroom build outs. Some comments:

"The product works great and fills a need for Higher Ed in terms of recording/streaming events, classes, and anything else that may come up. The Pearl 2 is quite an advanced box and has a high price tag to go with it so this is more of a niche product for us that something we would use in a widespread manner. While disappointing that it's an additionally purchased add on, the remote production sets this apart in terms of maintenance and remote support.  
Ease of integration, ease of use, lots of features. Complex operations are hidden on front UI. This is a heavy hitting device best used for a permanent installation in a large space.  
I don't really have the capability to test everything the manufacturer says it can do, the Pearl 2 accomplished every task I threw at it. We used it to record and stream a Summer graduation event with multiple cameras and a content feed that came from our DM switcher and included multiple laptop/PC sources as well as the audio feed from a live keyboardist, the stream link was relatively easy to set up and we had no issue with the recording or streaming.  
Was able to be used out of the box and with minimal setup as a high-end recorder. Easy integration with CMS or LMS. Offloading video is very simple."

We are happy to give the Pearl 2 the HETMA Approval. We are confident in the product and recommending it to our membership.                  

- HETMA Approved Program Chair