Benchmark Legal Media solves mock trial setups with Pearl-2

The challenge: Seeking reliability for complex, multi-camera productions

Benchmark Legal Media specializes in mock trial setups, providing clients with insights into how potential jurors might perceive their cases. The company operates in a highly niche and mobile environment, traveling across the country to conduct mock trials in hotel ballrooms and other temporary setups. These projects require recording, streaming, and live monitoring of proceedings.

Before they relied on Epiphan to stream and record their multi-camera productions, Benchmark relied on a software-based solution and a heavily taxed computer system. The setup required significant manual oversight, introduced multiple points of failure, and led to crashes or system overloads during critical moments.

Additionally, managing multiple outputs for different purposes (recording, live streaming, client monitoring) was cumbersome and inefficient. Benchmark Legal Media needed a more reliable and streamlined solution.

The solution: Reduced complexity with a single hardware solution

To address these challenges, Benchmark implemented Epiphan Pearl-2 as the backbone of their mobile video production systems. Pearl-2’s ability to independently manage recording, streaming, and multiviewer output proved invaluable for their setups.

The company now uses Pearl-2 to record isolated NDI camera feeds while simultaneously delivering a multiviewer HDMI output for local monitoring in client rooms. By leveraging Pearl-2’s intuitive interface and robust processing capabilities, Benchmark Legal Media reduced reliance on laptops for critical tasks, eliminating a significant point of failure.

“The ability to manage multiple outputs independently – streaming, recording, and displaying in the client room – is the biggest advantage of Pearl-2 for us. It's hard to find another solution that can do all of that from one machine." Nic Harper, Vice President of Operations

Integration with NDI cameras and a Stream Deck for API-based control further streamlined their operations. Operators could easily manage recordings, switch layouts, and monitor outputs without navigating complex software interfaces.

Pearl-2’s flexibility in handling multiple outputs ensured smooth delivery of video streams tailored to specific needs – whether for client review, deliberation rooms, or archival purposes.

The results: Boosted reliability, efficiency, and client satisfaction

Since transitioning to Pearl-2, Benchmark Legal Media has significantly enhanced the reliability and efficiency of its mock trial setups. Key benefits include:

Simplified workflow

Pearl-2’s all-in-one design reduced the need for separate devices and complex software integrations. Operators can now manage the system remotely and focus on delivering a seamless experience for clients.

Improved reliability

With Pearl-2 handling video processing independently, the risk of system crashes caused by overloaded laptops has been virtually eliminated, bolstering overall confidence in the setup.

Cost savings for clients

The ability to deliver multiple outputs tailored to client needs – such as live streams, multiviewer displays, and individual recordings – has improved client satisfaction and saved them money by enabling remote participation. This flexibility has been especially valuable for clients managing multiple cases or working with geographically dispersed teams.

Scalability and versatility

Pearl-2’s robust output capabilities and ease of integration make it adaptable for future growth. Benchmark Legal Media plans to standardize their setups on Pearl-2, further streamlining operations.

"What I like about Pearl-2 is that it’s its own device. My computer won’t crash while doing its job. It’s not dependent on a laptop that could run an update and suddenly stop talking to everything." Nic Harper, Vice President of Operations

Benchmark Legal Media’s founder, Laura McFerrin, summarized the impact: “The Pearl-2 has become an invaluable part of our workflow. It’s reliable and simple to use, which gives us confidence when sending it out into the field, even if we’re not on-site ourselves.”

With Pearl-2, Benchmark Legal Media has not only resolved its technical challenges but also positioned itself to better serve its clients in an ever-evolving legal landscape.