Best of show ibc2014 digital edition
-
Upload
newbay-media-europe -
Category
Documents
-
view
233 -
download
5
description
Transcript of Best of show ibc2014 digital edition
A special guide to all the nominated and winning products, as featured at IBC2014
of
2014
of
2014
of
2014
GlensoundCUB .............................................................................................13
NOMINEESLawomc236 ....................................................................................... 14Merging TechnologiesHapi ............................................................................................15SonyUWP-D series with SMAD-P3 MI shoe .................... 16
BW BroadcastEncore FM Transmitter .....................................................17BW BroadcastVertus Translator ............................................................... 18DB ElettronicaMozart 3000 ......................................................................... 19DEVA BroadcastDB6000 FM and Digital Radio Audio Processor ...... 20DEVA BroadcastRadio Explorer II Mobile FM Radio Analyzer ........21TielineMerlin PLUS ........................................................................... 22WorldCast SystemsAPT SureStreamer ............................................................. 23
NOMINEESBW BroadcastAriane Encore ....................................................................... 24BW BroadcastBW Broadcast RBRX Encore .......................................... 25DEVA BroadcastDB7007 .................................................................................... 26DEVA BroadcastDB9009 MPX ........................................................................ 27DEVA BroadcastSmartGen 6.0 RDS/RBDS Encoder.............................28
Aaton DigitalCantar-X3 digital audio recorder ...................................4SonyUWP-D series with SMAD-P3 MI shoe ....................... 5
NOMINEESLawomc236 ..........................................................................................6Studer by HarmanInfi nity Core.............................................................................. 7
Blackmagic Design Studio Camera HD and Studio Camera 4K ................9Lawomc236 ....................................................................................... 10
NOMINEESExterityAvediaStream TVgateway g44xx Series ................11
AsperaAuto-scaling Transfer Platform ...................................12
Table of contents2 Best of Show
Welcome to the IBC2014Best of Show Awards
p4-7
p29-90
AccedoAccedo VIA ............................................................................ 29AEQ-KROMAConeXia intercom system .............................................. 30AJA Video SystemsCION camera ...........................................................................31AsperaAuto-scaling Transfer Platform .................................. 32Blackmagic DesignDaVinci Resolve 11 ............................................................ 33Bridge TechnologiesVB288 Objective QoE Content Extractor ............... 34EditShareXStream EFS ......................................................................... 35EricssonEricsson MediaFirst TV Platform ............................... 36FairlightEVO.Live .................................................................................. 43Grass ValleyLDX XtremeSpeed .............................................................. 37HarmonicVOS-based Electra XVM ................................................. 39HitachiSK-UHD4000 ........................................................................40Imagineer Systemsmocha Pro .............................................................................. 41Lawomc236 ....................................................................................... 42NVIDIAVisual Computing Appliance ........................................44PikselPiksel Mosaic ........................................................................ 45Pixel PowerBuzz ...........................................................................................46QuantumStorNext Connect ............................................................... 47RTWTM3-Primus ..........................................................................48
p17-28
p12-16
WINNERS
WINNERS
WINNERS
p9-11
WINNERS
WINNERS
October 2014
Welcome to the digital programme guide for the fi rst ever NewBay Media Best of Show Awards for IBC2014. This guide features every nominee from the 2014 awards programme, and highlights the winning entries. The Best of Show Awards are distributed across NewBay Media’s titles, with winners selected by an independent judging panel for each magazine category: Audio Media, Installation, PSNEurope, Radio World, TVBEurope, and TV Technology Europe.
This guide reproduces the nomination text and images submitted by exhibitors, allowing each company to explain in their own words why their nominated products should be considered in the Best of Show category for IBC2014.
MultiDyneSilverBACK ............................................................................. 72Net InsightNimbra VA 220 .................................................................... 73NETIAMedia Assist .......................................................................... 74NVIDIAnext-gen Quadro ................................................................ 75OmniTekUltra 4K Tool Box ............................................................... 76PHABRIXTAG ..............................................................................................77ProMAXProMAX Platform Portable............................................ 78Quantum Leap Technology55” Grade 1 OLED Reference Monitor....................... 79Rohde & Schwarz R&S Tx9 transmitter family .........................................80SIS LiveManPak .................................................................................... 81SonyUWP-D series with SMAD-P3 MI shoe ....................82TC ElectronicLoudness Pilot .....................................................................83TedialMedia Exchange Platform ..............................................84Thomson Video NetworksViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder .............................85TV LogicLum-300 .................................................................................86TV LogicTMV Series............................................................................. 87VizuALLScheduALL Portal ..............................................................88WorldCast SystemsAudemat DVB-T/T2 Monitor ........................................89XstreamXstream MediaMaker .......................................................90
ARRIS GroupARRIS ME-7000 converged video compression platform .................................................................................... 91AsperaAuto-scaling Transfer Platform .................................. 92Blackmagic DesignATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K ............................ 93Cobalt Digital9970-QS 3G/HD/SD-SDI/CVBS Quint SplitMulti-Image Display Processor ...................................94
Screen SystemsWeb/OTT LIVE Subtitling ...............................................49Studer by HarmanInfinity Core...........................................................................38Timecode SystemsTimecode Buddy :pulse ................................................... 50Viaccess-OrcaConnected Sentinel Player .............................................51Vislink/TVU NetworksTVUPack TM8200 powered by Vislink hybrid technology ............................................. 52
NOMINEESARRIS GroupARRIS ME-7000 converged video compression platform ......................................... 53CivolutionSyncNow second screen ................................................. 55Crystal VisionLKEY-SQZ ................................................................................ 56Dalet(AT)3 .......................................................................................... 57Decimator DesignDMON-6S ................................................................................58Decimator DesignMD-HX ...................................................................................... 59DPA Microphonesd:screet Necklace Microphone .....................................60Elemental TechnologiesElemental Cloud 2.0 .......................................................... 61Elemental TechnologiesElemental Delta Video ..................................................... 62ENENSYSRegional Emergency Warning System.................... 63EricssonEricsson Professional Chip for C&D ..........................64EricssonEricsson Virtualized Encoding .................................... 65Forbidden TechnologiesForscene for iPad and Android ....................................66Grass ValleyGV STRATUS Playout ....................................................... 67Hamlet VideoEnterprise Tablet handheld IP and ASI-based services analyser ........................................68HarmonicEllipse 3102/3202 contribution encoders .............69LitepanelsAstra 1x1 Bi-Color .............................................................. 54MarinerVu Software Defined Monitoring solution for IP video ............................................................................ 70Merging TechnologiesHapi ............................................................................................71
Crystal VisionLKEY-SQZ ................................................................................ 95Decimator DesignDMON-6S ................................................................................96ENCO SystemsHotShot2 audio playout and clip management package ..................................................... 97EvertzEXE 46Tbps video service routing platform ........98 Hamlet VideoEnterprise Tablet handheld IP and ASI-based services analyser ........................................99Imagine CommunicationsMagellan SDN Orchestrator ........................................ 100MultiDyneSilverBACK ...........................................................................101Thomson Video NetworksViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder ...........................102Vislink/TVU NetworksTVUPack TM8200 powered by Vislink hybrid technology ...........................................103Wohler TechnologiesModular iON monitoring platform .......................... 104
NOMINEESAEQ-KROMAConeXia intercom system ............................................105AEQ-KROMAQS700 Series broadcast monitors ........................... 106AJA Video SystemsCION camera ........................................................................107AVIWESTDMNG Manager................................................................. 108Decimator DesignMD-HX ................................................................................... 109Elemental TechnologiesElemental Live HEVC Video Processing for 4Kp50/60 UHD TV ..........................................................110Imagine CommunicationsLandmark Express Cloud.............................................. 111Imagine CommunicationsVersioCloud ......................................................................... 112Lawomc236 ..................................................................................... 113MACOMMACOM 12G SDI Chipset ................................................114PrimestreamFORK Logger ....................................................................... 115QuantumStorNext Connect .............................................................116TransvideoStarliteHD 5-inch OLED Advanced Monitor ........ 117WorldCast SystemsAudemat DVB-T/T2 Monitor ......................................118
TechnologyTV EUROPEWWW.TVTECHNOLOGY.COM
BROADCAST • PRODUCTION • BROADBAND • SATELLITE • MOBILE
Best of Show 3
Table of contents
p91-118
TechnologyTV EUROPEWWW.TVTECHNOLOGY.COM
BROADCAST • PRODUCTION • BROADBAND • SATELLITE • MOBILE
WINNERS
October 2014
The new generation of Cantar-X by Aaton-
Digital, featuring 24 track digital audio
on-location recorder with state-of-the-art
analogue mic inputs, Dante digital audio –
records on SSD, SD, USB – and connectivity with
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
For the last 10 years, the Aaton Cantar-X2
has been the ultimate benchmark for
audio field recording. Today, a totally new
machine, the Aaton Cantar-X3, has
been designed by the same team
that created its predecessor. The
X3 combines the ergonomics of the
X2 and its outstanding microphone
preamplifiers which have been redesigned
to improve filtering capabilities and
reduce further the noise level, with new
functionalities such as optional Dante
networking (from Audinate). Additional
features are accessed through an
improved human interface with a new
display-based menu control. The
display has been designed by our
sister company Transvideo.
Its avionics aluminium machined
housing (water-resistant and dust-
proof with a durable coating coming
from the military industry), together
with an exceptionally long run time,
makes it the perfect portable tool
for outside location work. Extended
linear faders, smooth rotary knobs
and silent switches are provided for
a practical working environment.
External devices can be
simultaneously linked to the
Cantar-X3 through widely used
audio and computer connectors
adding new capabilities for this machine to be
scalable for the next twenty years. Deliveries
will begin for existing orders at the end of 2014.
New orders will deliver Q1, 2015.
Cantar-X3 digital audio recorder
WINNERS4 Best of Show IBC2014
October 2014
Aaton Digital
Best of Show IBC2014 5
WINNERS
Sony’s UWP-D series brings a host of
features specifically designed to fit
seamlessly with compact camcorders and
interchangeable lens cameras. As a compact
and professional quality product series, it can be
used in all settings, and is particularly well suited
to ENG field production and DSLR filming.
Available in three packages – UWP-D11:
URX-P03 portable receiver and UTX-B03 belt-
pack transmitter, UWP-D12: URX-P03 portable
receiver and UTX-M03 handheld microphone
and UWP-D16: URX-P03 portable receiver and
UTX-B03 belt-pack transmitter and UTX-P03
plug-on transmitter – with all components also
available separately, there is a choice between
using a belt-pack transmitter, handheld wireless
microphone or a 48V phantom power plug-on
transmitter alongside the portable receiver.
With wide frequency coverage of up to
72MHz it also achieves excellent mobility,
covering up to 33 TV channels across Europe.
Sound quality and stable reception are critical,
and Sony’s newly developed Digital Audio
Processing ensures high-quality sound, optimising a
constant range over time between the transmitter
and receiver. The True Diversity Reception system
within the UWP-D means that while typical wireless
microphone systems are subject to radio frequency
(RF) signal dropout, the UWP-D series protects
against this. Using two receiving antennae,
each with RF circuits, the stronger signal is always
selected for output automatically, thereby
achieving highly stable reception.
Using the SMAD-P3 MI shoe adapter, audio
signals can be transmitted from the portable
receiver directly to the camera with no
connecting cables. The camera can also
power the portable receiver, eliminating the
need for additional batteries. With the MI shoe,
the camera can control the ON/OFF power of
the receiver, unifying power management.
Setting up the UWP-D with the easy-to-use
automatic channel setting mode saves time,
and its infrared (IR) sync capability allows
the receiver to transfer the frequency to the
transmitter easily. Other functions within the
UWP-D series include the micro-USB on all
components for external power supply or
for recharging Ni-MH batteries, which is ideal
for powering units for a long period of time
even directly through the camcorder
power via micro-USB.
Personal user preferences are also taken into
account, as though the handheld microphone
is supplied with a dynamic cardioid capsule, the
interchangeable head ensures it can also be
used with other capsules from Sony and from
other manufacturers.
UWP-D series with SMAD-P3 MI shoe
Sony
October 2014
Lawo used IBC2014 to introduce the mc²36
audio console, a universal all-in-one mixing
desk, with a comprehensive feature set for
use in broadcast, theatre, house of worship,
live and install applications, and offering
outstanding value for money.
Its compact size, DSP micro-core (with internal
512x512 port audio matrix) and integrated
I/O make the new console an
ideal choice for permanent
installations with limited space
and for rental companies
with an eye on transportation
considerations. And, as it
is natively equipped with
RAVENNA/AES67 technology, the
mc²36 integrates seamlessly into
IP infrastructures.
These standout features
combine with essential broadcast
features like high DSP channel count,
uncompromised audio quality, reliability, and fast
touchscreen operation for unprecedented ease
of use. And for operational security, the mc²36
not only has redundant power supplies but
also DSP redundancy.
The console’s interfaces include 32 mic/line
inputs, 32 line outputs, eight digital AES3 inputs,
eight digital AES3 outputs, eight GPIO ports, one
MADI (SFP) port, three RAVENNA/AES67 channels,
and a headphone jack. In addition to onboard
I/O, a MADI tie-line connection and three
RAVENNA/AES67 audio-over-IP ports provide
future-proof connectivity for up to 384 external
inputs and outputs, offering in a total capacity
of 496 physical inputs and outputs.
The mc²36 is also fully prepared for intelligent
networking with other mc²36 /56/66 consoles,
and can be operated in combination with Lawo
Nova audio routers, giving instant access to
thousands of audio channels. Lawo mc² consoles
provide intelligent mechanisms, including
user-rights management, to allow input sharing
between consoles.
The Lawo mc²36 was designed as a universal
console with the focus on its ease of use. The
console geometry combines with integrated
displays and controls to provide an ideal solution
to meet the demands of a variety of applications.
The 21.5-inch full HD touchscreens work hand-in-
hand with the touch-sensitive colour-illuminated
rotary encoders to provide intuitive operation.
Even though the mc²36 is ready-to-go on
delivery, it is not limited to a fixed configuration.
Any aspect of the console can be adapted to
meet specific user’s needs. All production data
can be saved on a USB stick and transferred
to another console, a facility that is particularly
valuable in rental applications.
Among the mc²36’s other features are
Loudness Metering (for broadcast purposes,
and also for visual monitoring of microphone
groups), Listen Sense (for offline modification
of channel parameters like EQ or dynamics
with pre-listen of settings before switching
them online), Audio-follow-Video
(allowing automated fades
from one camera to
another with associated
audio channels), Upmix/
Downmix (from stereo to surround
and back), Automix (automatic adjustment
of the Ievels of active and inactive
microphones, while maintaining a constant
ambient level), Remote Desktop (for integration
of multiple external PCs with third-party
solutions into the console’s user interface),
mxGUI (allowing offline configuration and
advance show preparation), full channel strip
customisation (allowing users to re-arrange the
order of all DSP modules, including channel
direct outputs, meter point, fader and aux
sends), Reveal function (automatic input
sorting of VCAs).
mc²36
6 Best of Show IBC2014
Lawo
October 2014
Best of Show 7
October 2014
W ith the increase in global live
production events, more and more
broadcast facilities are looking for
increased power in smaller footprints, and
failsafe systems with increased redundancy
protection. This was well illustrated with the
systems Studer supplied for
the broadcasts of the recent
FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil,
and the Commonwealth
Games in Glasgow.
To this end, this past year
we focused on delivering
a new mixing and routing
system, the Studer Infinity
Series. At the heart of the
system is the Infinity DSP
core, which uses CPU-based
processors to provide huge
numbers of DSP channels
for large-scale, high-resolution audio processing
and mixing. This is the world’s first x86 based
core with a direct built-in AoIP interface
based on the market’s new AES67
interoperability standard.
Thanks to the Infinity Core, it becomes possible
to process more than 800 audio channels in a
single CPU-based board, providing a scalable
system, faster development of new signal
processing designs, huge channel counts, full
system redundancy without a single point of
failure, and the possibility of running third-party
algorithms. To manage the huge volumes of
data, it required a new high capacity digital audio
interface called A-Link. This fibre-based audio
interface uses a 3Gb data rate to offer
1,536 audio channels per connection. A new
PCI express card is fitted with 12 A-Link interfaces
capable of over 10,000 inputs and 10,000
outputs offering the huge I/O interface counts
required today. We believe this new Infinity
signal processing engine will prove to be a
significant milestone
in the development of
digital audio consoles
and become a standard
in the years ahead.
We now have
more than 800
channels in this DSP
engine; in comparison
with the DSP of the
mid-1980s, we now
process twenty times
the number of channels
in a sixteenth of the
space using one tenth of the power. Now
that’s progress.
The Infinity Core is available in 200, 400
and 800+ channels. For more information
on the Infinity Core, visit www.Studer.ch.
Infinity CoreStuder by Harman
For further information contact:Gurpreet Purewal
+44 (0) 20 7354 [email protected]
Peter McCarthy+44 (0) 20 7354 6000
New for ISE 2015launches
Submit your product entries from 03rd November www.bit.ly/NewBayAwards
Exhibitors can enter their products via the following brands:
Best of Show IBC2014 9
WINNERS
October 2014
The Blackmagic Studio Camera HD and
Studio Camera 4K are Micro Four Thirds
(MFT) interchangeable-lens broadcast
cameras designed to work seamlessly with
video switchers as integrated components
of a live production workflow. Inside the
incredibly tough and lightweight magnesium
alloy body, the Blackmagic Studio Camera
features the world’s largest viewfinder (10-inch),
long duration four-hour battery, talkback, tally
indicators and phantom powered microphone
connectivity as well as built-in optical fibre and
6G-SDI connections that let you connect to a
live production switcher using a single cable.
The optical fibre connection is bi-directional and
carries HD or Ultra HD video with embedded
audio, talkback, tally and remote camera control.
The addition of a new CCU-style camera
control to our ATEM Software Control means
users can control black, iris and focus settings
on the Blackmagic Studio Camera from any
ATEM production switcher, and when a more
refined and creative look is needed, you can
expand the interface to access a primary
colour corrector, providing lift, gamma and gain
controls in the full YRGB colour space.
Built-in talkback on the Blackmagic Studio
Camera allows camera operators and crew to
communicate during the course of a production.
In addition, the studio camera also supports
the tally SDI standard used on Blackmagic’s
ATEM range of live production switchers: tally
lights illuminate automatically on the front for
talent, and a light above the viewfinder for the
operator, so that cast and crew can always see
which cameras are live.
Because the cameras feature an MFT mount, it
gives customers a choice to use high-quality photo
lenses for smaller set-ups or fixed camera use in
churches and universities, and then use broadcast
ENG lenses for larger scale live productions using
an MFT to B4 lens mount adapter.
Customer Raymond Dulieu, CEO of
Freecaster, commented: “The Blackmagic
Studio Cameras have completely simplified
our workflow, thanks to the built-in talkback
feature, which we now rely on for all of our live
productions. The large viewfinder makes it easy
for each of the operators to line up a shot and
ensure they are precisely positioned, which is
really important when live-streaming events.”
Studio Camera HD and Studio Camera 4K
Blackmagic Design
Lawo used IBC2014 to introduce the mc²36
audio console, a universal all-in-one mixing
desk, with a comprehensive feature set for
use in broadcast, theatre, house of worship, live
and install applications, and offering outstanding
value for money.
Its compact size, DSP micro-core (with
internal 512x512 port audio matrix) and
integrated I/O make the new console an
ideal choice for permanent installations with
limited space and for rental companies with
an eye on transportation considerations. And,
as it is natively equipped with RAVENNA/AES67
technology, the mc²36 integrates seamlessly
into IP infrastructures.
These standout features combine with
essential broadcast features like high DSP
channel count, uncompromised audio quality,
reliability, and fast touchscreen operation for
unprecedented ease of use. And for operational
security, the mc²36 not only has
redundant power supplies but also
DSP redundancy.
The console’s interfaces
include 32 mic/line
inputs,
32 line
outputs,
eight digital
AES3 inputs, eight
digital AES3 outputs, eight GPIO ports, one MADI
(SFP) port, three RAVENNA/AES67 channels, and
a headphone jack. In addition to onboard I/O,
a MADI tie-line connection and three RAVENNA/
AES67 audio-over-IP ports provide future-proof
connectivity for up to 384 external inputs and
outputs, offering in a total capacity of 496
physical inputs and outputs.
The mc²36 is also fully prepared for intelligent
networking with other mc²36 /56/66 consoles,
and can be operated in combination with Lawo
Nova audio routers, giving instant access to
thousands of audio channels. Lawo mc² consoles
provide intelligent mechanisms, including
user-rights management, to allow input sharing
between consoles.
The Lawo mc²36 was designed as a universal
console with the focus on its ease of use. The
console geometry combines with integrated
displays and controls to provide an ideal solution
to meet the demands of a variety of applications.
The 21.5-inch full HD touchscreens work hand-in-
hand with the touch-sensitive colour-illuminated
rotary encoders to provide intuitive operation.
Even though the mc²36 is ready-to-go on
delivery, it is not limited to a fixed configuration.
Any aspect of the console can be adapted to
meet specific user’s needs. All production data
can be saved on a USB stick and transferred
to another console, a facility that is particularly
valuable in rental applications.
Among the mc²36’s other features are
Loudness Metering (for broadcast purposes,
and also for visual monitoring of microphone
groups), Listen Sense (for offline modification of
channel parameters like EQ or dynamics with
pre-listen of settings before switching them online),
Audio-follow-Video (allowing automated fades
from one camera to another with associated
audio channels), Upmix/Downmix (from stereo
to surround and back), Automix (automatic
adjustment of the Ievels of active and inactive
microphones, while maintaining a constant
ambient level), Remote Desktop (for integration
of multiple external PCs with third-party solutions
into the console’s user interface), mxGUI
(allowing offline configuration and advance
show preparation), full channel strip customisation
(allowing users to re-arrange the order of all DSP
modules, including channel direct outputs, meter
point, fader and aux sends), Reveal function
(automatic input sorting of VCAs).
mc²36
WINNERS10 Best of Show IBC2014
Lawo
October 2014
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 11
The multiplicity of channels is reshaping the
media landscape, and putting pressure on
distribution networks, including professional
IPTV systems. In order to be able to deliver a
large number of channels to their staff or visitors,
organisations increasingly need robust and flexible
gateways that process a variety of inputs/outputs.
By launching its new range of AvediaStream
TVgateways, Exterity simplifies the delivery of video
over IP, while ensuring that content streamed on
the corporate IP network is fully secure through
support for CA and HDCPv2 encryption.
The g44xx series has been developed to
help businesses incorporate live TV as part of
their enterprise IPTV offering. These TVgateways
enable network administrators to manage
multiple broadcast streams and devices
simultaneously. The g44xx TVgateway series can
ingest DVB-C/C2/T/T2/S/S2 broadcast streams
from eight multiplexers via eight tuners in a single
blade, freeing up rack space in server rooms,
significantly reducing power consumption and
making it the highest-performing professional
IPTV distribution range on the market.
Multicast and Unicast options allow for
easier channel creation and delivery via a
single device, enabling organisations to
leverage their corporate IP network to distribute
all video content, effectively limiting their
cabling requirements while ensuring that their
staff and visitors receive a high quality of
service without disrupting the other
communications on the IP network, such
as emails and instant messaging.
A specialist in professional IPTV, Exterity
has deployed its flexible and robust systems
in various verticals including the airport,
broadcast, corporate, hospitality and venues
markets. The Exterity IPTV system is an integral
part of the AV installation at ABC (Australia),
the Arena Amazonia (Brazil), where matches
were held during the World Cup, the BBC
(UK), Best Western Hotel Olive (Bahrain),
Le Grand Stade de Lille (France),
Wimbledon, and more.
AvediaStream TVgateway g44xx Series
Exterity
October 2014
At IBC2014, Aspera launched its new
Auto-scaling Transfer Platform that
automatically scales and expands
transfer capacity of Aspera server software in
cloud infrastructure, providing media companies
the ability to expand high speed transfer
capacity direct to cloud storage as needed and
leverage the most cost-effective infrastructure.
Companies can control and predict ingest,
delivery, and distribution times, regardless
of media volumes, infrastructure distance,
or network quality.
Built directly into the core Aspera transfer
software stack, the Aspera Auto-scale Platform
automatically matches the actual transfer
capacity with the transfer demand in realtime,
based on user-defined criteria. As transfer
throughput demand increases, the software
automatically adds new server instances,
moves highly utilised servers out of availability,
and as demand subsides, releases and spins
down excess servers. This avoids over- or
under-provisioned scenarios, ensuring both
smooth delivery of video content and the most
efficient utilisation of the cloud resources. The
system is fault tolerant to multi node failures and
functions independently of the particular cloud
infrastructure provider, with first versions available
for IBM Softlayer and Amazon AWS.
The auto-scale platform is complemented
by Aspera ScaleDB, a new scale out data store
for distributed, high throughput collection,
aggregation and reporting of all transfer
performance statistics and file details across the
auto cluster, and cluster-wide transfer reporting
through a new generation REST API. Customers
can query this API to create audit-based reports
on transfer history for the entire cluster, and to
verify delivery SLAs.
In addition to supporting fast file transfer in
and out of cloud storage, the platform’s new
FASPStream APIs allow third party applications
to transport live video over global internet
WANs in realtime with predictable speeds,
enabling live and near live production on
remote cloud systems, such as scale-out video
processing, transcoding and distribution. Built
on the Aspera FASP transport technology, a
high-speed, distance neutral alternative to TCP,
the FASPStream maintains a predictable rate
over even the most difficult WANs (with high
latency and packet loss) such as international
long haul and wireless data connections. The
APIs are available as software libraries (C++) and
as local socket-style interfaces for applications
in C#, Java, and C++. At IBC, Aspera and
EVS announced an integrated platform that
utilises the Autoscale Transfer Platform and the
FASPStream and FASP bulk transfer APIs for high
quality live and near live streaming on the cloud
for sports broadcasting.
Auto-scaling Transfer Platform
WINNERS12 Best of Show IBC2014
Aspera
Best of Show IBC2014 13
WINNERS
October 2014
The Glensound CUB is a two-channel digital
mixer, with audio interfacing to iPhones and
smart devices. As smart devices are being
used increasingly by broadcasters for live reporting
using IP codec apps such as LUCI Live or simply
with Skype, and using them as their portable
recording device, they have been left with the
problem of interfacing. Broadcast connections
do not easily work on smartphones. There are
interfaces available, but these have been largely
semi-pro studio-based units.
Glensound’s intention with the
CUB was to provide the interface
that would enable connection
of existing professional microphones
with a compressor/limiter, and provide
interfacing for the monitoring using
standard 6.35mm headphone
sockets. The CUB would then also
allow simple digital connections to the device so
that it is a permanent reliable interface to use with
the popular apps now, while remaining the main
interface as apps are updated and change.
The future of IP coding and recording will
be software-based. It will be low cost and be
updated or superseded regularly. The hardware
does not need to change, so the CUB can
be the constant. Outside of the smart device
interface, the CUB is a two-channel digital mixer
with two inputs and two outputs.
The inputs are on three-pin XLR sockets. These
are mic/line/48V switchable with independent
compressor/limiters. Each input can be switched
to output 1, output 2 or both. In this way, the
inputs can be two separate sources or a stereo
input, or a single commentator to both outputs,
with a local producer just on one output.
The ON AIR buttons for each input are also
programmable allowing use as a talkback
unit or
different commentary
modes (latching, momentary, cough, route to
alternate output, and so on).
There are two separate, multi-impedance
headphone amplifiers presented on 6.35mm jack
sockets. The audio to these headphone amps
is supplied via an on-board headphone mixer.
There is a channel that is the mix of all inputs, and
two further channels (USB audio return A and B).
Each of these can be separately routed to left
ear/right ear, or both. This allows combinations of
use whether the CUB is being used in a talkback
mode, as a commentary unit, or as a foldback
monitor for a stereo source.
There are also two local outputs on three-
pin XLR sockets. These can be configured as
required. They could be loop through of the
inputs, direct outs of the USB returns, inputs 1 and
2 could be mixed and sent to output 1 while USB
return 1 and 2 could be mixed and sent out
of output 2. Any combination
is allowed via simple USB
connection and change of the
configuration file.
There are two USB audio
connections. A side-mounted
mini USB connects to a PC or
non-Apple smartphone, effectively
allowing the CUB to be used as a USB
sound card. There is also a flush mounted USB
a-type plug sunk into the top panel.
All cable options are provided with the CUB,
along with power supply, shoulder strap and
carrying case. The CUB is the first unit to provide
all these features as required by broadcasters
for interfacing to smartphones. The result of
all the innovations is a high quality yet small
and portable audio interface for reporting,
commentating, talkback and recording.
CUBGlensound
October 2014
Lawo used IBC2014 to introduce the mc²36
audio console, a universal all-in-one mixing
desk, with a comprehensive feature set for
use in broadcast, theatre, house of worship, live
and install applications, and offering
outstanding value for money.
Its compact size, DSP micro-core (with
internal 512x512 port audio matrix) and
integrated I/O make the new console an
ideal choice for permanent installations with
limited space and for rental companies with
an eye on transportation considerations. And,
as it is natively equipped with RAVENNA/AES67
technology, the mc²36 integrates seamlessly
into IP infrastructures.
These standout features combine with
essential broadcast features like high DSP
channel count, uncompromised audio quality,
reliability, and fast touchscreen operation for
unprecedented ease of use. And for operational
security, the mc²36 not only has redundant
power supplies but also DSP redundancy.
The console’s interfaces include 32 mic/line
inputs, 32 line outputs, eight digital AES3 inputs,
eight digital AES3 outputs, eight GPIO ports, one
MADI (SFP) port, three RAVENNA/AES67 channels,
and a headphone jack. In addition to onboard
I/O, a MADI tie-line connection and three
RAVENNA/AES67 audio-over-IP ports provide
future-proof connectivity for up to 384 external
inputs and outputs, offering in a total capacity of
496 physical inputs and outputs.
The mc²36 is also fully prepared for intelligent
networking with other mc²36 /56/66 consoles,
and can be operated in combination with Lawo
Nova audio routers, giving instant access to
thousands of audio channels. Lawo mc² consoles
provide intelligent mechanisms, including
user-rights management, to allow input sharing
between consoles.
The Lawo mc²36 was designed as a universal
console with the focus on its ease of use. The
console geometry combines with integrated
displays and controls to provide an ideal
solution to meet the demands of a variety of
applications. The 21.5-inch full HD touchscreens
work hand-in-hand with the touch-sensitive
colour-illuminated rotary encoders to provide
intuitive operation.
Even though the mc²36 is ready-to-go on
delivery, it is not limited to a fixed configuration.
Any aspect of the console can be adapted to
meet specific user’s needs. All production data
can be saved on a USB stick and transferred to
another console, a facility that is particularly
valuable in rental applications.
Among the mc²36’s other features are
Loudness Metering (for broadcast purposes, and
also for visual monitoring of microphone groups),
Listen Sense (for offline modification of channel
parameters like EQ or dynamics with pre-listen of
settings before switching them online), Audio-
follow-Video (allowing automated fades from
one camera to another
with associated audio
channels), Upmix/
Downmix (from
stereo to surround
and back),
Automix (automatic adjustment of the Ievels
of active and inactive microphones, while
maintaining a constant ambient level), Remote
Desktop (for integration of multiple external PCs
with third-party solutions into the console’s user
interface), mxGUI (allowing offline configuration
and advance show preparation), full channel strip
customisation (allowing users to re-arrange the
order of all DSP modules, including channel direct
outputs, meter point, fader and aux sends), Reveal
function (automatic input sorting of VCAs).
mc²36
14 Best of Show IBC2014
Lawo
Best of Show IBC2014 15
October 2014
Born from the most flexible and sonically
transparent audio interface and providing
the same RAVENNA/AES67 connectivity
as its father, Hapi is both the perfect primary
interface for smaller systems as well as the
ultimate accessory for a system using Horus
where control room I/O is required. Able to
carry the same AD8D/AD8DP and DA8/DA8P
analogue cards that fit in the Horus option slots
and connect to any RAVENNA or AES67 network,
the HAPI provides a more cost-effective solution
than the Horus without having to make a
single compromise in quality.
Using RAVENNA (AES67 compatible), Hapi
is able to provide flexible connectivity of
every single input and output across standard
networks, using off-the-shelf network equipment.
The future is most definitely networked audio,
and Hapi provides it today. It is designed to fit
into hard-to-reach places. So, Hapi comes with
the same web-browser based control interface
allowing any web-enabled device to access
all the parameters of each Hapi unit over
the network. It can be synchronised to video
input (black burst or tri-level HD), word clock,
network (PTP), AES-EBU, ADAT, SPDIF, MADI
or internal clock. It can also serve as
network grandmaster (PTP).
Hapi is a perfect solution for control room
I/O in RAVENNA-connected studios. Mac and
PC users now have access to one of the most
sonically impressive mic preamps and A-D/D-A
interfaces the audio industry has ever seen. Using
dedicated RAVENNA/AES67 drivers, users of any
software on either the Mac or PC platform are
able to use HAPI as their I/O solution.
For recording set-ups, where smaller amounts
of inputs or outputs are needed in a variety of
locations around the room, Hapi provides a
cost-effective solution.
With analogue option cards that match a
level of quality never heard of before (no pun
intended) and one of the only converters ever
to be known for ‘not having a sound at all’, Hapi
is able to provide just the right amount of I/O
without pushing budgets too far.
Hapi has just enough analogue and digital
I/O and a comprehensive set of referenced sync
options, including LTC/MTC and video reference,
all connected using nothing more than a
simple Cat-5E/Cat-6 cable. And, matched
with the IRIS Networked Post System, Hapi
provides a professional I/O solution for the
truly networked post studio.
HapiMerging Technologies
October 2014
Sony’s UWP-D series brings a host of
features specifically designed to fit
seamlessly with compact camcorders and
interchangeable lens cameras. As a compact
and professional quality product series, it can be
used in all settings, and is particularly well suited
to ENG field production and DSLR filming.
Available in three packages – UWP-D11:
URX-P03 portable receiver and UTX-B03 belt-
pack transmitter, UWP-D12: URX-P03 portable
receiver and UTX-M03 Handheld microphone
and UWP-D16: URX-P03 portable receiver and
UTX-B03 belt-pack transmitter and UTX-P03
plug-on transmitter – with all components also
available separately, there is a choice between
using a belt-pack transmitter, handheld wireless
microphone or a 48V phantom power plug-on
transmitter alongside the portable receiver. With
wide frequency coverage of up to 72MHz it also
achieves excellent mobility, covering up to
33 TV channels across Europe.
Sound quality and stable reception are
critical, and Sony’s newly developed Digital
Audio Processing ensures high-quality sound,
optimising a constant range over time between
the transmitter and receiver. The True Diversity
Reception system within the UWP-D means that
while typical wireless microphone systems are
subject to radio frequency (RF) signal dropout,
the UWP-D series protects against this. Using
two receiving antennae, each with RF circuits,
the stronger signal is always selected for
output automatically, thereby achieving
highly stable reception.
Using the SMAD-P3 MI shoe adapter, audio
signals can be transmitted from the portable
receiver directly to the camera with no
connecting cables. The camera can also power
the portable receiver, eliminating the need
for additional batteries. With the MI shoe, the
camera can control the ON/OFF power of the
receiver, unifying power management.
Setting up the UWP-D with the easy-to-use
automatic channel setting mode saves time, and
its infrared (IR) sync capability allows the receiver
to transfer the frequency to the transmitter easily.
Other functions within the UWP-D series include
the micro-USB on all components for external
power supply or for recharging Ni-MH batteries,
which is ideal for powering units for a long period
of time even directly through the camcorder
power via micro-USB.
Personal user preferences are also taken into
account, as though the handheld microphone
is supplied with a dynamic cardioid capsule, the
interchangeable head ensures it can also be
used with other capsules from Sony and from
other manufacturers.
UWP-D series with SMAD-P3 MI shoe
16 Best of Show IBC2014
Sony
Best of Show IBC2014 17
WINNERS
October 2014
The Encore digital FM transmitters are the
latest incarnations of the NAB ‘Pick Hit’
award-winning V2 transmitters from BW
Broadcast. The Encore is not a product upgrade;
this is box-fresh innovation taken to new heights.
The Encore digital transmitters use direct digital
synthesis of the FM carrier for unprecedented
performance. Like the V2 line, the Encore line
includes a full-blown, multiband DSP audio
processor, slide-in power supplies, gold clamp
transistor technology,
web browser remote
control, alarms,
triggers, logging,
silence detection
switching, alerts, and more.
Encore builds upon the V2 line with fully digital
modulation, which supports Single Frequency
Networks locked to GPS sync signals. The RDS
encoder is fully UECP-compatible, with multiple
ports, allowing dynamic data services, RT+ song and
title, and traffic management data services. The
transmitter is completely future proof through a slide-
in exciter/audio bay, which enables broadcasters to
upgrade the transmitter to HD radio.
Peace of mind is ensured for engineers through
market leading audio backup. There is internal
and external audio backup from internal
memory, USB thumb drives and audio-over-IP
streams. Through the use of sixth generation
LDMOS transistor technology, we are upping
efficiencies to new extremes and slashing dollars
from your electricity bills.
We know that engineers expect more from
their hardware investments these days. The
Encore digital transmitters support SNMP, Telnet,
Serial, HTTP API and a fully HTML5 web remote
that is fully mobile-optimised and compatible.
It even supports BW Broadcast’s Virtual rack
portal, which removes the need for router
configuration or port forwards when setting
up or monitoring the transmitter.
With the introduction of the new Encore line,
BW Broadcast continues to set the standards
for FM transmitters. The BW Broadcast Encore
transmitter line features a direct to channel DDS
digital exciter; multiband DSP audio processing
with MPX over AES/EBU input; GPS SYNC for SFN
applications; and gold clamp LDMOS transistor
technology for maximum AC to RF efficiencies.
For simplified maintenance and increased
reliability to offer ultimate peace of mind,
the line has a slide-in audio and exciter card;
slide-in power supplies, with redundancy
option; gold clamp LDMOS transistor
technology;
audio backup
from internal and
external memory
and internet
streams; configurable triggers and alarms with
email alerts; telemetry system compatibility;
advanced diagnostic logging; and
rebroadcast hijack protection.
Integration of broadcast technology makes
the Encore the most cost-effective transmitters
on the market. The system offers multiband DSP
audio processing; MPX over AES/EBU input to the
DDS exciter; UECP compatible RDS encoder; HD
radio upgradeable; and RF Power scheduler.
Encore FM Transmitter
BW Broadcast
The BW Broadcast Vertus translator is a single
box completely digital FM to FM, and AM to
FM translator solution. Through combining a
digital exciter with a digital receiver, we have been
able to offer the customer an easier-to-use, higher
performance and more economical gap-filler
and translator solution than anything else on the
market. The Vertus is available in 300W and 600W,
with each model capable of full power control
from a tenth of maximum to full maximum output.
The adaptive IF DSP filtering, first debuted in
the BW Broadcast award-winning RBRX1, is able
to pull-in distant stations and have rebroadcasts
sounding clearer and cleaner than any other
solution currently available. Digitally demodulating,
enhancing in DSP and re-modulating with direct-
to-channel digital modulation, has significant
noise reduction benefits. Like the RBRX1, the
Vertus employs patented stereo-enhancing noise
reduction for outstanding stereo separation, even
in very difficult conditions. The highly selective
receiver has no problem with pulling-in weak and
distant stations, even when on a transmitter site
with high levels of RF. The dual antenna inputs
provide additional benefits by reducing multipath
to even lower levels than can be achieved with a
single antenna receiver.
In addition to the dual FM reception
capability, the Vertus can also receive and
translate AM radio stations. The DSP enhanced
processing inside the Vertus includes audio
frequency enhancement for AM to FM
rebroadcasts, increasing the bandwidth and
quality of the AM broadcasts that are being
translated to FM. For the first time ever, AM can
sound better than FM in a similar way to
spectral band replication can enhance low
bitrate audio streams.
Built upon the Encore FM transmitter platform,
the Vertus can also function as a standalone
direct-to-channel DDS FM transmitter, or switch
to standalone mode should a rebroadcast signal
fail. The audio backup facilities of the Vertus
include fallback to FM or AM frequencies, or
vice versa, in addition to the Encore platform-
powered MP3 and Shoutcast stream backup
options. A GPS sync option is provided for single
frequency network applications, and RDS can
be translated or locally adjusted to suit the
requirements of the gap filler/translator. Full anti-
hijack facilities are included as standard.
Through the integration of several pieces of
broadcast equipment into one box, it is possible
to save considerable sums of money. Integrated
processing, RDS, and telemetry significantly reduces
the complexity of one’s broadcast air chain, and
increases performance at the same time.
Peace of mind is critical to radio station
owners and their engineers. That’s why all BW
transmission products have slide-in and quick-
change parts. Diagnostic logging, alarms, and
email alerts are there to keep you informed. The
DDS exciter, audio processing, and audio backup
facilities keep your signal clean and compliant,
and more importantly ‘on the air’ should you lose
your main audio programme feed. You can even
plug in a spare power supply to a redundancy
power supply slot in the translator.
Vertus Translator
WINNERS18 Best of Show IBC2014
BW Broadcast
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 19
WINNERS
October 2014
The DB Elettronica range of Mozart FM
transmitters features revolutionary Magnetic
Sound Enhancer (MSE) technology,
which ensures high quality audio. The Mozart
transmitters are significantly reduced in terms
of size and weight, which has a beneficial
impact on logistics, reducing transport costs,
consumption/efficiency, maintenance and
easy access to all parts of the transmitters,
and affordability.
The Mozart has a signal-to-noise-ratio of
about -80dB and can be controlled remotely
via the web/SNMP and/or via SMS. It is possible
to check and to set operating parameters via
remote control through web pages using a
standard web browser (no proprietary software
needs to be installed) or via SNMP; or using a
common mobile phone. The firmware is remotely
upgradeable with the possibility to return to the
previous configuration.
It also features the capability of switching
power supplies with oversized power factor
control to increase the efficiency of the AC
transmitter and guarantee a greater reliability;
an enhanced cooling system to ensure a lower
operating temperature of the RF part and
improve the working point of the transistors;
high frequency stability over short and long
periods guaranteed by the circuit Digital Phase
Lock Loop; and user-friendly interface with
visualisation of the parameters and main settings
with LEDs and on LCD display.
Mozart 3000DB Elettronica
We at DEVA are enterprising, extremely
driven and hardworking professionals,
passionate about what we do.
Our expertise, built on almost two decades of
work in the broadcast industry, inspired us to
reach a whole new level of proficiency, where
technology and innovation work together.
It was the real-world knowledge of
broadcasting equipment that led DEVA in every
step of the DB6000 FM and digital radio audio
processor’s creation. It represents cutting-edge
design, which meets cutting-edge engineering,
built to obtain the perfect balance between
power and performance.
By continuously developing new features
and capabilities for our devices, we have
managed to enhance the DB6000 even
further by integrating a DSP-based stereo
encoder that assures a precise MPX signal with
advanced peak control and two independently
configurable composite MPX outputs. We have
also added an industry-first: a built-in IP audio
player supporting MP3, AAC+ and PCM audio
formats. Another complementary feature is the
fully dynamic RDS/RBDS encoder.
The ultra-low latency DSP-based design
guarantees broadcasters’ control over the most
important sonic parameters and assures clean,
artefact-free audio. The processing includes
dual stage wideband AGC with ‘intelligent’
gating, multiband adjustable range equaliser,
sophisticated multiband peak limiter and
advanced distortion controlled pre-emphasised
final clipper. Thus, DB6000 will guarantee
you perfect sound quality, regardless of the
source material.
DB6000 combines unique merits contained
in a single product, fallback function included.
If silence in the main (default) audio input is
detected, the DB6000 will automatically switch
to the fallback input, which can be any of
those utilised by the device. Most importantly,
DB6000 is the industry’s first audio processor to
have an independent backup audio source –
fresh audio will always be delivered by the
built-in audio player. An email notification will
be sent immediately upon a change in the
main audio input, thus allowing your technical
support team to react instantly. The backup
content is easily updated via any PC, using
a standard FTP client. The fallback function
also works the other way: when the signal at
the default input is restored the DB6000 will
automatically switch back to it. All silence
sense parameters are user-defined.
All DEVA Broadcast products are designed
for user-friendly operation, and the DB6000
comes with a very clean, intuitive and well-
organised user interface. It allows easy set-up
and full control via the front panel and remote
control access via TCP/IP. The HTML5-based
web interface allows the unit to be accessed
remotely through iOS, Android or any other
mobile device.
The DB6000, which is fitted with an extensive
set of factory presets of the device, optimised
for popular radio formats and several user-
defined presets, provides great processing
power for music while it also enhances speech
to perfection. An exceptionally clean audio is
invariably achieved without compromise, at
an affordable price.
DB6000 FM and Digital Radio Audio Processor
WINNERS20 Best of Show IBC2014
DEVA Broadcast
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 21
WINNERS
October 2014
The Radio Explorer II Mobile FM Radio
Analyzer is a full-featured device designed
to cater to all market requirements. The
highly innovative dual DSP-based mobile tool
is compact, affordable, and easy-to-use and
evaluates the FM broadcast band congestion
and stores all important radio broadcast
parameters in a log file.
The built-in FTP system allows downloading
and managing of the files through DEVA Device
Manager software. The fully DSP- based FM
radio frontend tuner utilises the
latest technologies in the DSP
processing of the FM signal.
This device is the perfect
solution for field surveys and
on site monitoring of station
complete signal. With just a click
on the button, Radio Explorer
turns into an excellent tool
for analysing signal strength
and quality after repairs or
set-up of new equipment. This
cost-effective device can measure RF level,
MPX deviation, left and right audio levels, RF
field strength, RDS, and pilot injection levels. All
measurements are visualised on an easy-to-read
OLED graphical display.
Designed for signal surveillance on the
field where the listeners are. There are two
campaign modes. Radio Explorer II can be
set to measure automatically one or multiple
preselected frequencies (up to 50); RDS PI/RBDS
call campaign up to ten stations can be chosen.
Radio Explorer II will automatically detect the
frequency used. While the campaign is running,
the chosen stations will be monitored; Radio
Explorer II will automatically switch between the
variable frequencies during movement.
When the campaign is over, using Windows
software that is supplied free of charge, the
log files can be converted into KMZ format and
visualised in Google Earth. Such functionality is
irreplaceable when current information of the
FM broadcast band congestion and coverage is
needed. As an addition, the log file can also be
exported and saved as a transitional format for
future analysis.
The band scan mode guarantees realtime
live visualisation of either the FM band or a
particular predefined part of it with down
to 10kHz resolution. Radio Explorer II can be
controlled through:
The built-in web server — a standard web
browser can be used to monitor its status
or to make some adjustments. iOS and
Android devices are also supported. The
main screen of the web interface shows all
mandatory parameters represented as LED
bar graph readings;
The free of charge DEVA Device Manager
Software — the easy-to-use interface
allows quick and easy connection to the
device. The dedicated module ensures the
efficient management of all the device’s
logs and displays;
Plus, the very intuitive user interface with OLED
screen, front panel navigational and soft
buttons ensures an easy usage of the
device’s built-in features.
Supporting both RDS/RBDS standards and
measurement units, the Radio Explorer II is a
suitable choice for broadcast engineers
from all around the world. The device offers
various bar graphs, data plots, histograms;
therefore meeting the expectations of the
most demanding broadcasters.
Features include a fully
DSP-based FM radio frontend;
an FM band spectrum
analyser; dual antenna ports;
selectable IF bandwidth;
MPX, pilot, RDS deviation
meters and RF field strength;
built-in stereo decoder; stereo
presence detection; left and
right demodulated audio
level meters; RDS and RBDS
decoder; RDS/RBDS stream
BER meter; powerful dual DSP-based core;
built-in 50-channel GPS receiver; and front
panel OLED graph display.
The system’s intuitive application interface
features SNMP for adjustments and control;
full control and monitoring via LAN and USB
connection; easy-to-use web interface;
maintenance via DEVA Device Manager
software; measurement results visualisation in
Google Earth; accurate front-panel metering for
local use; headphone output with front panel
level control; RF and RDS measurements; FM/
RDS/RBDS data logger; three general purpose
outputs; built-in FTP server for easy downloading
of the log files; and robust, custom-made metal
case for high RF immunity.
Radio Explorer II Mobile FM Radio Analyzer
DEVA Broadcast
Merlin PLUS, the 1RU IP codec with six
connections in every box, is a 1U
codec designed to manage multiple IP
remotes over the full range of wired and wireless
IP networks. This greatly reduces rack space
requirements at the studio and delivers excellent
value for money.
The Merlin PLUS codec now supports up to six
simultaneous connections to other codec brands
supporting the EBU N/ACIP 3326 standard. This
builds upon the codec’s ability to deliver up to six
simultaneous outside broadcast connections with
Tieline codecs and Report-IT. Merlin PLUS now
delivers unprecedented flexibility for connecting
to a wide range of other
codec brands over SIP.
Merlin PLUS connects with
any SIP-enabled IP codec
brand supporting the EBU N/
ACIP tech 3326 standard. It
also supports mandatory EBU
N/ACIP 3326 algorithms like G.711, G.722, MPEG-
1 Layer 2 and 16-bit PCM, as well as optional
algorithms including LC-AAC, HE-AAC, AAC-LD,
AAC-ELD and aptX Enhanced.
Merlin PLUS has dual Gigabit Ethernet ports,
dual internal power supplies, audio silence
detection and IP network backup solutions to
ensure you are always on-the-air. The rear panel
features two XLR in/outs and a DB-25 audio in/
out expansion connector, allowing a total of six
balanced analogue or digital in/outs.
Tieline was one of the first broadcast codec
manufacturers to integrate I3P EBU Tech 3347
specifications for IP intercoms into its Merlin and
Merlin PLUS audio codecs. Now, Tieline’s Merlin
PLUS audio codec is the first to support up to
six I3P-compliant intercom streams. Merlin PLUS
supports sending six full-duplex intercom streams
to a single device, or to six separate devices at
different remote sites.
Merlin PLUS also delivers unprecedented
flexibility by being capable of two simultaneous
bidirectional mono or stereo remote connections
with a separate bidirectional IFB connection for
each remote site.
Now available with POTS, ISDN and IPAdd an ISDN or POTS module to Merlin PLUS
for connection backup, or to integrate with
existing infrastructure as you transition to IP.
Automated network failure detection provides
switching to a backup IP LAN connection or
an alternative transport such as ISDN or POTS if
required. Merlin PLUS codecs equipped with both
modules can connect over IP, SIP, ISDN, and POTS
simultaneously in different coding formats.
Improved compatibilityTieline was the first codec manufacturer
to support both IPv4 and IPv6 (dual stack)
protocols, so broadcasters can be assured that
they have made a smart investment for the
future. New features in Merlin PLUS include the
ability to encode six simultaneous streams of
audio using Opus. Tieline has also added aptX
enhanced compatibility over ISDN with other
ISDN codec brands.
Over IP, Merlin PLUS also includes low delay
and cascade-resilient aptX enhanced encoding,
as well as the full AAC suite, Opus, MPEG
Layer II, MP3, Tieline Music and MusicPLUS,
G.722 and G.711.
SmartStream PLUS saves more moneyAs an IP audio pioneer, Tieline was the first major
codec manufacturer to integrate SmartStream
features such as Automated Jitter Buffer
management, Forward Error Correction (FEC) and
error-concealment techniques in all IP codecs.
Tieline believes high performance and
rock-solid reliability is an
essential part of each and
every broadcast and delivers
its renowned SmartStream and
SmartStream PLUS software for
free in Merlin PLUS.
Codec managementUse a web browser graphical user interface to
remotely configure and control the codec from
any location over the internet, or use Tieline’s
Codec Management System (CMS), to manage
your entire network of IP codecs remotely.
WheatNet-IP codec version availableMerlin PLUS with WheatNet-IP has a purpose-
built rear panel, which provides a LAN interface
for interfacing seamlessly with the WheatNet-
IP Environment. Wheatstone Corporation’s
Navigator software lets you customise sources
and destinations as you would with other system
components. This codec is also compliant with
the AES67 AoIP interoperability standard.
Merlin PLUS
WINNERS22 Best of Show IBC2014
Tieline
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 23
WINNERS
October 2014
At IBC2014, WorldCast Systems launched
the APT SureStreamer, a brand new
product that will enable broadcasters
currently using single port IP audio codecs to
reduce their costs or increase the reliability of
their system, and even achieve both.
Background to launchAPT’s SureStream technology was first
launched on the company’s audio codecs
back in 2011 and has been winning industry
awards and delighting broadcast engineers
(and their accountants) ever since. It
essentially allows the broadcaster to use
inexpensive IP links and maintain professional,
broadcast-grade audio quality and reliability.
SureStream was previously only available on
APT’s own IP audio codecs, but now, with
the launch of the new APT SureStreamer, it
can be made available to those operating IP
audio codecs from any manufacturer. It offers
particular benefit to those with existing
single port IP codecs.
Target marketMany broadcasters with these older or entry-level IP
audio codecs face the choice of either paying for
a managed IP service that provides performance
guarantees, or exposing their audio content to the
unreliable and unpredictable nature of the public
internet. Adding the APT SureStreamer into their
network enables them to achieve the quality and
reliability of a managed service (or that of a T1/E1
link) without the associated cost. It also allows them
to do so without the need to completely renew
their existing hardware codec infrastructure.
How the SureStreamer worksThe APT SureStreamer is an add-on device, which
sits between the existing IP audio codec and
the network, allowing the user to ‘SureStream’
their audio content between locations. Using
either two separate wired internet connections
or one wired, one wireless (ie DSL plus 3G/4G),
the APT SureStreamer allows the broadcaster to
send the same audio content over divergent
paths for increased redundancy. In addition,
the highly sophisticated stream generation and
re-sequencing engine of SureStream further
increases the robustness and reliability of the
connection. Overall, the system ensures that
one perfectly seamless, reconstructed stream is
produced by the decoder, and that any drop-
outs or interruptions to any of the constituent
connections have no effect on the final playout.
The benefits of SureStream technologyWith DSL charges costing on average five to
ten per cent that of an E1 line, the cost benefits
of operating two public internet connections
versus one synchronous link are clear. However,
an open internet link will not inherently deliver
the ‘five nines’ reliability and crystal clarity that
broadcasters would expect from an E1 link.
SureStream technology enables broadcasters
to achieve consistently high audio quality
with no dropouts and no jitter. The output
can even remain seamless when one of the
contributory links suffers a complete loss of
connection. In addition to the cost and quality
benefits, SureStream also uniquely enables
the latency of the signal to remain consistent,
which is particularly useful for remote broadcast
applications and local content insertion.
SummaryThe APT SureStreamer makes SureStream
technology available to a much wider audience
by enabling those with existing audio codecs
to take advantage of this multi-award-winning
technology without the cost of codec
hardware renewal.
APT SureStreamer WorldCast Systems
The BW Broadcast Ariane Encore is the latest
incarnation of this iconic audio leveller. With
its predecessors previously winning Radio
World NAB Cool Stuff and Radio Magazine NAB
Pick Hit awards, the latest version of this easy-to-
use and transparent leveller has a lot to live up to.
How do you improve upon an audio
processor that is perfect? You struggle. Our
engineers took some of the most challenging
programme material and reworked the backend
processing code to take the new Ariane to a
higher altitude of audio processing.
Its pioneering window-gating freezes the
processing when the audio dynamics are within a
certain range. Combined with a carefully chosen
multiband topology that puts equal energy into
each of its bands for a uniquely natural sound,
the Ariane Encore continues to deliver ‘only when
needed’ dynamic range control that is known
worldwide for being inaudible. Should the user
want it, its matrix sum and difference mode can
inject life back into programme material, while
taking care to not over-process the sound.
The Ariane is as close to a trained mastering
engineer on a fader as you are going to get. You
can trust it to pre-process and add life to legacy
processors or web streams, or you can
sit back and let it unobtrusively protect STL
links and satellite feeds.
We know that engineers expect more from
their hardware investments these days. The
new Ariane is not just super sexy; it’s also future-
proofed. It’s been built on BW Broadcast’s new
Encore platform, taking this double-award-
winning utility processor to new heights. It’s an
audio switcher, an audio backup device, a
remote control and monitoring solution, and so
much more. The Ariane Encore sounds great out of
the box and offers the flexibility to customise your
sound easily with the factory and user presets that
can be controlled locally and remotely. It retains
legacy features, such as stereo, matrix (sum and
difference) and dual mono modes, front panel
bypass buttons and power loss relays for the audio.
With the Ariane Encore, one will never have
dead air, with plan B audio backup from the
internal memory card, external USB keys and
Shoutcast internet streams. There are even audio
fallback switching options for the analogue
audio and AES/EBU digital audio inputs.
It also allows users to stay in control from
anywhere with any device, with mobile
device-aware HTML5 browser remote control
and monitoring which fully supports the iPhone,
and to stay in-the-know with event logging
and notifications by email, SNMP, to local
memory, and more. It is possible to set it and
forget it with its one-minute remote control set-up
using BW Broadcast’s virtual portal functionality,
which removes the need for router configuration
and port forwards. VRP supports remote control
of one to 1,000 BW broadcast products from
one web login. No gateways, IPs or ports to
remember. The system also slots effortlessly into
your broadcast infrastructure with software
configurable alarms and triggers, which open up
endless remote control and telemetry possibilities.
It’s been eight years since BW Broadcast’s
Scott Incz took former chief engineer of Z100
David Reaves’ original analogue Ariane product
and created the Ariane sequel digital leveller
for Reaves’ then company TransLanTech.
Although BW Broadcast has been the designer
and manufacturer of the sequel since 2005,
2013 saw the company take ownership of
the Ariane brand completely. The Ariane
Encore is the first Ariane manufactured
with BW Broadcast’s colours and livery.
Ariane Encore
24 Best of Show IBC2014
BW Broadcast
October 2014
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 25
The BW Broadcast
RBRX Encore is the
latest incarnation of
this iconic rebroadcast
receiver. With its
predecessor, the RBRX1, previously winning
a Radio World NAB Cool Stuff award, the
latest version of this benchmark product has
a lot to live up to.
Setting the standardBack in 2010, the RBRX1 set the standard
for others to follow with its on-board audio
backup, stereo regeneration and dynamic
DSP demodulation. Through its continued
integration of Sony DSP demodulation circuitry,
BW Broadcast has again brought out a product
in the RBRX Encore, which is unmatched by
any other product in the marketplace. The NXP
dynamic digital filtering, Sony’s patented noise
reduction technology, and BW Broadcast’s
audio processing deliver analogue FM stereo
separation that customers rave about and the
competition can only dream about.
If that wasn’t enough, BW Broadcast has
added second tuner compatibility to the unit,
offering full diversity reception from its two
antenna inputs. We have also added options for
AM allowing the RBRX Encore to be used as an
AM to FM gap-filler/translator solution.
There are also options available for HD, DAB
and DAB+ reception, making the RBRX Encore
the only full complete analogue and digital
professional multi-standard rebroadcast receiver
and tuner on the market.
Audio like never before The sound is cleaner than ever before due to
further enhancements to the built-in DSPX
audio limiter and stereo generator. The RDS
Encoder capabilities have increased so
now there are more monitor and decode
facilities for those that wish to use it as an
analyser or monitor.
The demodulated audio can also be
streamed over IP to remote locations, which is
invaluable for radio engineers who are out of the
coverage zone but want to make adjustments
or listen to the unit’s reception.
Peace of mind for station owners and engineers
has been increased through upgraded audio
backup facilities. The audio can now be stored
as MP3 and AAC files on both the internal
memory and external USB sticks. The RBRX Encore
also supports decoding of audio-over-IP streams
for backup purposes.
Future-proof engineering We know that engineers expect more from their
hardware investments these days. The RBRX
Encore has been built on BW Broadcast’s new
Encore platform, which takes it far beyond
being just a tuner. It’s an audio switcher, a stereo
generator, an RDS encoder, an audio backup
device, a remote control, a monitoring solution,
and so much more. The RBRX Encore supports
SNMP, Telnet, Serial, HTTP API and a fully HTML5
web remote that is fully mobile-optimised and
compatible. It even supports BW Broadcast’s
Virtual rack portal, which removes the need for
router configuration or port forwards.
BW Broadcast RBRX EncoreBW Broadcast
DB7007 is a second-generation digitally
tuned FM re-broadcast receiver. Featuring
premium tuner performance, stereo
and RDS re-encoding, the system is for the
most demanding broadcasters. Continuously
supplementing new features to our devices,
DEVA has enhanced DB7007 to be a smarter and
fully functional unit, equipped with two highly
selective DSP-based FM tuners.
Thanks to the built-in monitoring system, upon
audio loss at the inputs, DB7007 will not only notify
the maintenance staff, but will also automatically
switch to the second back-up RF station. In case
a failure of the second station is detected, the
DB7007 will shift to the incorporated IP Stream,
MP3/AAC back-up audio source player. It is
essential that the backup sources priority is
user-defined. The audio files and playlists can
be uploaded in the device’s internal memory
directly from your PC, via any FTP client. When the
signal at the default input is restored, the DB7007
will automatically switch back to it. Depending
on your preferences, several types of alarm
notifications are utilised — email, SNMP and SMS
(via the optional GSM modem).
The DB7007 has an easy-to-read, high-
resolution OLED graphical display, front panel
alarm indicators and ultra-bright bar graphs
with up to 40 LED segment indicators that allow
reading at a glance of the MPX, and left and
right audio and the RF level. The RF (IF) signal is
digitised as soon as it enters the device and all
signal processing is then made through
DSP algorithms, thus guaranteeing
measurement reproducibility over time. The IF
bandwidth filters guarantee unprecedented
signal selectivity, while solving the difficult
adjacent-channel problem. DEVA advanced
DB7007 will measure all-important parameters
of the FM transmission.
Additionally, the RDS information contained
in the processed MPX signal is easily visualised
and represented as RDS/RBDS data and detailed
RDS/RBDS statistics. The utilised band analyser
function presents an overview of all available FM
signals, plus the RF signal strength. Scans can be
performed within any section of the FM band in
four different frequency steps. The generated
spectrum diagram visualises the relation
RF level versus frequency.
Adhering to the underlying principle of all
DEVA products to be as user-friendly as possible,
the DB7007 can be also easily controlled through
the built-in web server — you can use a standard
web browser to monitor the status or to make
any adjustments (iOS and Android devices are
also supported); the supplied free of charge
DEVA Device Manager software or alternatively,
through the intuitive user interface.
The DB7007 features two independent DSP-
based digital FM tuners; dual-antenna ports with
built-in RF attenuator; selectable wide range IF
filter bandwidths; FM Band 87.1 to 108.1 MHz basic
spectrum analyser; built-in DSP-based stereo
re-encoder; advanced SNMP Ver.2C support;
professional AES/EBU, SPDIF and optical digital
audio outputs; wide angle, easy-to-read OLED
display; intuitive navigation menu; selectable de-
emphasis; realtime audio programme streaming;
remote listening via optional GSM modem; and
Apple and Android device support.
The system also features SNTP for automatic
sync of the built-in clock; RDS and RBDS decoder
with BER metre; TCP/IP remote monitoring and
control via SNMP and web interface; alarm
dispatch via email, SMS, SNMP and GPO; multi-
format backup IP audio player (three separate
sources); built-in backup MP3 player; lots of
storage for over 24 hours of non-repeating audio
playback; adjustable min/max alarms for RF, pilot,
left and right audio levels; adjustable min/max
alarms for MPX and RDS; digital volume control
of all audio sources; complete status reporting
with SMS via optional GSM modem; protected
access to the device settings; balanced
analogue audio; outputs on XLR connectors; USB
communication interface for local connectivity;
headphone output with front panel level
control; easy and intuitive Windows application;
firmware updates will ensure improved operation;
accurate front-panel metering for local use;
restore factory parameters option; and easy
installation and set-up.
DB7007
26 Best of Show IBC2014
DEVA Broadcast
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 27
October 2014
DB9009-RX is DEVA’s second-generation
IP audio system. This new addition to
DEVA Broadcasting tools is affordable,
easy-to-use and comes with more features
than ever before. The powerful DSP processor
accomplishes the decoding process in realtime.
Supporting all the mandatory formats for this
high class equipment, HE-AAC versions 1 and 2,
MPEG-1 Layer 3 compressed audio streams and
lossless uncompressed PCM stream, the DB9009-
RX can be used for a wide range of professional
audio applications: broadcast, internet radio,
studio to transmitter link and VoIP.
This sophisticated
device is also
available in a
version with fully
digital, DSP-based
stereo and RDS encoder module. The encoder
module utilises two (or three) outputs. The first
one is for the MPX and the second for the RDS or
pilot. Through the RS-232 port, this device could
be easily transformed from an Ethernet to a serial
redirector, enabling quick integration of the
existing audio systems to the internet.
This cost-effective, yet highly professional
device impresses with its new custom-made
laser cut aluminium sheet case, OLED graphical
display and intuitive navigation menu. The easy-
to-read display and navigation menu allow easy
status monitoring of the audio levels (visualised
in bar graphs), connection information and
configuration. The soft button indicators placed
on the bottom side of the OLED display are used
for navigation through the menus, quick access
to the parameters, modes, functions and for
altering of their values.
Utilising several types of backup sources, the
DB9009 will immediately switch between the
sources (IP Audio Client, Icecast Source Client
Injection, RTP, MP3 player) and return to the
main one, with no user intervention when the
audio is restored. Depending on your needs,
the sequence of the backup audio sources
can be easily changed. The audio content for
the MP3 player is recorded on the internal 2GB
SD card. The backup files can be managed
remotely through the built-in FTP server, using
any FTP client. Yet another impressive addition
to the DB9009 features is the low latency
realtime protocol (RTP) connection support.
Fully compatible with any online radio system,
including the Icecast and Shoutcast, this
affordable device is the perfect sound solution
for long distance audio transfer, for both wired
and wireless networks.
Providing top-quality signal over public IP
networks and even connections behind NATs
and Firewalls, DB9009 delivers undeviating
audio unaffected by the non-persistent network
conditions and without the need for user
interference. The DB9009 MPX over IP audio
solution features excellent audio performance;
easy-to-read OLED graphical display; intuitive
navigation menu; high-quality HE-AAC (v.1 and
v.2) and MPEG-1 layer 3 codecs; 32 kHz, 44.1 and
48 kHz sample rates support
The system, which supports all standard
bitrates and VBR is Shoutcast/Icecast compatible
TCP/IP stream client; Icecast source client
compatible; and RTP audio compatible. It is
able to switch to another source in the event
of a connection or audio loss and is fitted with
backup audio player with a 2GB SD card, five
LEDs and phone
output for quick
diagnostics,
IP address
pronunciation
at start-up (through the headphones), three
general-purpose outputs, and an Ethernet to
RS-232 redirector.
It features full control and easy set-up with
any web browser; configuration and monitoring
via SNMP Ver.2C, UPnP for easy discovery in local
networks; built-in stereo MPX generator and RDS
encoder; fully digital 32-bit DSP stereo encoder;
adjustable pilot, L-R, RDS phases; built-in MPX
limiter; selectable pre-emphasis; digital stereo
encoder with pre-emphasis, AGC and equaliser;
digitally adjustable pilot and RDS injection levels;
fully digital synthesis of the RDS signal;
fully dynamic RDS encoder; and one MPX
and one RDS/pilot output.
DB9009 MPX DEVA Broadcast
The SmartGen 6.0 UECP Compatible RDS/
RBDS Encoder with LAN, USB and RS-232
connectivity from DEVA Broadcast is
manufactured to meet the highest standards in
broadcasting. The encoder provides everything
broadcasters need at a competitive price.
SmartGen 6.0 comes with simple and reliable
programming software (SmartGen RDS/RBDS
Encoder Manager) and a password protected web
interface for remote connection. The local (RS232,
USB) and remote (TCP/IP, UDP/IP) interfaces permit
fast and full integration of the RDS/RBDS encoder
to the station’s other functions, including message
streams for digital radio and webcasting. The LCD
(2x40) text display and intuitive navigation menu are
used for on-site navigation through the menus, quick
access to the parameters and the functions and
for altering of their values. In addition, the display
visualises the incoming raw data from the station.
The need for highly accurate time source is
met by the SNTP as well as by the built-in GPS
module. The GPS technology that is implemented
allows for the synchronisation of the unit with UTC
and makes sub-second timekeeping possible
and easy to achieve.
Another impressive feature of SmartGen 6.0
is the SNMP agent software component, which
reports information via SNMP to one or more
administrative computers (managers). SmartGen
6.0 complies with SNMPv2C. The SNMP traps
function or email notification on user-defined
alerts is also available.
SmartGen 6.0 is supplied with two separate
outputs: one for RDS+MPX, and one for RDS only.
The two general-purpose inputs have user-
defined functionality, allowing easy integration
of SmartGen 6.0 to the station’s needs. The four
general-purpose outputs are also user-defined
and allow easy management of external
devices, when needed.
Based on the latest RDS technology, SmartGen
6.0 guarantees a fully digital synthesis of the RDS
signal with excellent quality and spectral purity.
This advanced device is a cost-effective solution
for sending TMC, EWS services and song tagging
via the supported RT+ function. The device can
‘parse’ scrolling text, automatically breaking the
phrases into word groups.
Supporting all RDS Applications, in conformity
with the European CENELEC and the United
States NRSC standards, SmartGen 6.0 is fully
compatible with UECP EBU SPB490 Version 7.05.
In line with the latest technology, SmartGen 6.0
provides proven and reliable hardware
for 24/7/365 operation.
SmartGen 6.0 RDS/ RBDS Encoder
28 Best of Show IBC2014
DEVA Broadcast
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 29
WINNERS
October 2014
Accedo VIA is a state-of-the-art
application solution, which enables
operators, media companies, and
broadcasters to launch full-featured
multiscreen services quickly and efficiently
across multiple connected platforms,
including PCs, mobiles, tablets, smart TVs, and
game consoles. With the emergence of new
application platforms, the universe of devices
is extremely complex, and user behaviour is no
longer identical across devices. Accedo VIA
has been launched to solve that complexity for
Accedo’s customers, which are experiencing
both technical challenges of multiplatform
delivery, as well as editorial challenges, where
different platforms may require different
promotions, messages and consumer bundling.
Accedo VIA solves the technical challenges,
meaning operators, media companies,
and broadcasters can instead concentrate
on creating a unique and compelling user
experience for their customers.
Together with leading partners, including
DivX, Elemental, Movideo, MPP, NexStreaming,
NXP Software, Ooyala, PayWizard, thePlatform,
Verimatrix, Vimond, VisualOn and Xstream,
Accedo is creating a flexible and attractive
solution to our customers’ requirements of a best
of breed, integrated application experience.
Accedo VIAAccedo
The new ConeXia intercom system from
AEQ-KROMA represents a leap forward and
a new concept with regards to intercom
systems as it becomes a global audio solution.
ConeXia has the capacity of up to 1024 x
1024 cross-points and is based upon a modular
system of audio I/O cards, but what really makes
ConeXia special is the possibility to integrate
intercom and broadcast audio sources into
the same matrix, with 48 KHz 24 bits sampling.
Further the system can be built for 100 per
cent redundancy when catering for really
critical operations. ConeXia is also compatible
with all AEQ-KROMA intercom panels, and
expands the interface options with almost any
telecommunications interface including ISDN,
telephone, GSM. Multi-channel audio transport is
a standard with both MADI or IP.
ConeXia’s modular structure allows a user to
tailor the system to his or her needs. A variety of
different audio I/O cards can be chosen and will
also determine the system’s port distribution.
One of the ConeXia system’s main
advantages is the possibility of integrating
broadcast and intercom audio into the same
matrix. The intercom system benefits from the
broadcast audio quality and performance:
48 KHz 24 bit sampling and processing
AES/EBU audio ports
100 per cent redundant matrix
Multichannel audio interfaces
Compatible with commentary unit
The fusion of both worlds allows you to
integrate all the available audio sources and
eliminates the need to manage two different
and unrelated audio systems
ConeXia provides all kinds of interfaces
for terminal and matrix interconnection,
implemented by means of cards that are
installed into the main BC2000 frame or intercom
interface frames TR7000 and TR5000.
Among the multichannel audio interfaces,
AES 10 MADI protocol is offered (through coax.
or optical fibre), and 1,024 channels proprietary
protocol on optical fibre. It is also possible to
integrate conventional or GSM calls in the system,
or interconnect systems and terminals using ISDN
lines or IP connections (LAN, WAN, etc.).
The wide variety of intercom terminals,
together with the additional functions found in
broadcast audio matrixes, enable the design of
very solid audio systems with up to 1,024 audio
sources, including:
Rack-mounted and desktop user terminals
Wired or wireless beltpacks
Virtual panels in PCs or Android/
Apple devices
Party-Line subsystems (EasyNET)
CCU audio
Microphone audio
Mixing consoles
Commentary positions
The interfaces for multichannel audio allow for
the design of systems distributed among several
venues and provide each system user with any
of the audio channels available in the whole
installation. The possibility to link matrixes and
terminals using IP connections adds another
option to the system design so it can be adapted
to any possible situation.
ConeXia intercom system
WINNERS30 Best of Show IBC2014
AEQ-KROMA
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 31
WINNERS
October 2014
Capable of shooting at 4K/UltraHD and
2K/HD resolutions, CION is AJA’s new
professional production camera features
an ergonomic design and offers in-camera
recording directly to the Apple ProRes family of
codecs, including 12-bit 444, for pristine image
capture. Enabling today’s growing demand
for high frame rate support, CION allows users
to output 4K raw data at up to 120fps via four
3G-SDI outputs and can record directly to AJA
Pak SSD media at up to 60fps.
The camera embraces a familiar, tested
form and ergonomic layout. It includes a built-in
shoulder mount, standard connectors in logical
positions and a PL lens mount for compatibility
with industry-standard lenses. When recording
in HD or 2K, the image is oversampled from the
full 4K sensor, retaining focal length as well as
providing a vibrant and detailed image. A built-in
filter combines an optical low pass filter (OLPF)
to eliminate unwanted aliasing and moir with
an infrared (IR) cut filter to produce appropriate
colours. Additionally, a back focus adjustment
enables the sharpest
image possible
to be produced.
Several 3G-SDI and
HDMI outputs come
included, which are
simultaneously active
and supply the signal to
a variety of 4K/Ultra HD
and 2K/HD monitors.
CION’s intuitive user
interface can be easily
managed from the operator-side with menu
parameters that are remotely configurable via
a web interface and can be accessed through
any web browser via a LAN connection. A sleek
chassis formed of magnesium makes CION
lightweight yet strong, while integrated steel
rosettes allow for mounting of industry-standard
accessories such as handgrips and handle
extensions directly to the camera body.
Key CION features Sensor: 4K APS-C sized CMOS sensor with
an electronic global shutter. twelve-stops of
dynamic range
Recording Formats and Resolutions:
Apple ProRes 4444, Apple ProRes 422
(HQ), Apple ProRes 422, ProRes 422 (LT) and
Apple ProRes (Proxy); 4K (4096x2160), Ultra
HD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x1080), HD
(1920x1080). 2K and HD are hardware
scaled from the full 4K sensor for
high-quality over-sampled images and
retention of field-of-view
Media: record to AJA Pak SSD media
available in 256GB and 512GB capacities.
Transfer via Thunderbolt or USB3 with optional
AJA Pak Dock. Complete 10-bit and 12-bit
workflow from HD to 4K
Raw Support: output AJA Raw via 3G-SDI at
up to 4K 120 fps or via Thunderbolt at up to
4K 30 fps
Lens Mount: industry standard PL mount
4x 3G-SDI/HD-SDI outputs (4K/Ultra HD/2K/HD)
2x 3G/HD-SDI monitor outputs with
overlay support
1x HDMI output offering support for 4K and
Ultra HD or scaled 2K/HD
1x HDMI output for 2K/HD
2x mic/line/48v XLR analogue audio inputs
1x USB connector
1x 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection
1x Mini TRS headphone jack
1x Thunderbolt connector
Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) and IR cut filter:
an integrated OLPF reduces unwanted
moir effects while retaining vital image detail.
The infrared (IR) cut filter produces high
quality colours within the image by
blocking unwanted light wavelengths
Back Focus Adjustment: the mechanical
calibration of the distance between
lens and sensor allows finely tuned
adjustments to ensure the sharpest
image quality possible
User interface: via operator side panel
display, control knob and buttons or via LAN
connection using a web-browser; no software
installation required.
CION cameraAJA Video Systems
At IBC2014, Aspera launched its new
Auto-scaling Transfer Platform that
automatically scales and expands
transfer capacity of Aspera server software in
cloud infrastructure, providing media companies
the ability to expand high speed transfer
capacity direct to cloud storage as needed and
leverage the most cost-effective infrastructure.
Companies can control and predict ingest,
delivery, and distribution times, regardless
of media volumes, infrastructure distance,
or network quality.
Built directly into the core Aspera transfer
software stack, the Aspera Auto-scale Platform
automatically matches the actual transfer
capacity with the transfer demand in realtime,
based on user-defined criteria. As transfer
throughput demand increases, the software
automatically adds new server instances,
moves highly utilised servers out of availability,
and as demand subsides, releases and spins
down excess servers. This avoids over- or
under-provisioned scenarios, ensuring both
smooth delivery of video content and the most
efficient utilisation of the cloud resources. The
system is fault tolerant to multi node failures and
functions independently of the particular cloud
infrastructure provider, with first versions available
for IBM Softlayer and Amazon AWS.
The auto-scale platform is complemented
by Aspera ScaleDB, a new scale out data store
for distributed, high throughput collection,
aggregation and reporting of all transfer
performance statistics and file details across
the auto cluster, and cluster-wide transfer
reporting through a new generation REST API.
Customers can query this API to create audit-
based reports on transfer history for the entire
cluster, and to verify delivery SLAs.
In addition to supporting fast file transfer
in and out of cloud storage, the platform’s
new FASPStream APIs allow third party
applications to transport live video over global
internet WANs in realtime with predictable
speeds, enabling live and near live production
on remote cloud systems, such as scale-out
video processing, transcoding and distribution.
Built on the Aspera FASP transport technology, a
high-speed, distance neutral alternative to TCP,
the FASPStream maintains a predictable rate
over even the most difficult WANs
(with high latency and packet loss) such as
international long haul and wireless data
connections. The APIs are available as
software libraries (C++) and as local socket-style
interfaces for applications in C#, Java, and
C++. At IBC, Aspera and EVS announced
an integrated platform that utilises the
Autoscale Transfer Platform and the FASPStream
and FASP bulk transfer APIs for high quality
live and near live streaming on the cloud
for sports broadcasting.
Auto-scaling Platform
WINNERS32 Best of Show IBC2014
Aspera
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 33
WINNERS
October 2014
DaVinci Resolve is an Emmy award-winning
colour correction platform being used
by more than a million users worldwide;
whether that’s on the latest Hollywood blockbuster
such as X-Men: Days of Future Past or the latest
television drama, commercial or music video.
DaVinci Resolve 11 is a major upgrade and
saw more than 70 new editing features added,
including dual monitor support and familiar
professional tools such as dynamic JKL trimming,
audio crossfades and fully customisable
keyboard shortcuts for faster editing.
It also now has a new spline curve keyframe
editor integrated into the edit timeline, which
positions keyframes directly under each clip and
in context with the clip. You can also add and
animate Open FX plug-ins directly in the timeline
as well as use plug-ins for transitions.
There is also a new collaborative workflow toolset
in DaVinci Resolve 11 which allows an editor and
multiple colourists to work on different workstations,
sharing the same timeline and working in tandem
as they complete shots. Another advantage of the
enhanced editing features is the better round trip
collaboration with Apple Final Cut Pro X.
Colour correction features have been upgraded
in DaVinci Resolve 11, including new color grading
controls that are designed for photographers who
are moving into cinematography. There is also a
new camera RAW palette featuring highlight and
shadow recovery, mid tone detail, colour boost,
saturation, lift, gain and contrast.
Major Hollywood feature films including
Skyfall, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,
The Grand Budapest Hotel and
InBetweeners 2, while episodic TV series
including Peaky Blinders (BBC), Denmark’s
Borgen and French crime drama Les Limiers,
have all been finished on Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve 11Blackmagic Design
Objective QoE Content Extractor is a
server-based system that provides
objective video and audio monitoring of
MPEG-2, h.264/MPEG-4 and h.265/HEVC streams,
integrating monitoring of realtime streams and
OTT services within a unique web browser-based
remote video-wall capability providing full view-
anywhere visual status information.
In its latest version, seen for the first time
at IBC2014, the VB288 features onboard AES
decryption, which means that the VB288 can
provide full content extraction and packet
inspection at any point, anywhere in the delivery
chain, even when the signal is encrypted at
the encoder stage. Operators can inspect
massive numbers of content services, with
dependable metrics and alarming on objective
parameters that affect QoE.
The VB288 has several important advantages
over the previous generation of content
extraction tools. These include a Remote Video
Wall (RVW) capability, which allows monitoring
staff to oversee large numbers of channels
simultaneously, from any remote location,
through a standard web browser, without the
additional hardware normally needed for video
wall capabilities. The VB288 technology lets
users configure the RVW across multiple browser
windows, and customise the display to include
different sets of information to suit the exact
requirements of each monitoring scenario. In
addition to the visual display of the extracted
content for any combination of linear TV and
OTT streams, the display can show loudness
monitoring graphs, microTimeline with colour-
coded status bars and data from the central
VBC controller-server, OTT chunk download
graphs, and global timezone clock widgets, and
many other forms of data. The result is a richly
informative and very adaptable monitoring tool.
Although the VB288 is a server-based product,
Bridge Technologies devoted a lot of care to
making it very simple to install and get running.
It has an embedded feel setup procedure and
requires almost no OS skill or knowledge; this
makes it easy for video engineers, rather than
IT specialists, to install it. Set up for OTT services
simply requires entry of the URL for each stream
to be monitored: the VB288 then provides
the same status information as for a realtime
broadcast video stream, including thumbnails,
audio decoding, and an array of alarms
together with specific alarms for OTT errors such
as misalignment of different profiles within the
stream. The RVW capability is easy to set up too,
with a new Preview window that allows users to
pre-flight different configurations of data display.
The VB288 benefits from Bridgetech’s
sophisticated display-layer technologies such
as the MediaWindow graphical data view.
The VB288 takes these technologies to another
level, presenting highly complex datasets with
a visual metaphor that lets people understand
what’s happening and act on it without requiring
specialist expertise in interpreting the data
themselves. This brings simplicity and clarity to
the monitoring of huge datasets, and makes the
VB288 an outstanding tool for decision-making.
VB288 Objective QoE Content Extractor
WINNERS34 Best of Show
Bridge Technologies
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 35
WINNERS
October 2014
EditShare unveiled XStream EFS at IBC2014.
The newest member of the company’s
shared storage product line, XStream EFS
is a powerful distributed, scale-out file system
designed from the ground up for in-place, online
editing in media intensive environments. XStream
EFS hardware makes efficient use of precious
rack space. A single XStream EFS system can
start as small as 128TB and scale up to many
petabytes. All XStream EFS systems offer multiple
layers of redundancy that can tolerate the failure
of many hard disks, including the failure of an
entire node.
How it performsXStream EFS was developed with audio and
video editing in mind. Scrolling across your NLE
timeline is smooth, even when you have many
layers of audio and video. Because each node
is itself in a RAID configuration, you get the
speed you need for high-bandwidth editing of
uncompressed HD, 2K and 4K.
How it scalesPerformance expands linearly
with each node you add to
the system. Expanding an XStream
EFS system is as simple as adding a new empty
node and clicking on a few buttons. The core
EFS processor redistributes data until each node
has roughly the same amount of free space.
Because the redistribution process happens in
the background, XStream EFS is fully usable, and
when the expansion operation completes, your
system is bigger and faster than it was before.
No matter how big you make your EFS system,
you will always still have just one logical volume
(or namespace as it is often called). That means
you will never have to split up your files onto
multiple logical volumes just because they
don’t all fit on one.
How is XStream EFS different?Unlike generic scale-out NAS systems that are
aimed at users such as banks and research
organisations, XStream EFS was designed from
the ground up specifically to meet the needs of
video, film and audio production.
XStream EFSEditShare
At IBC2014, Ericsson unveiled Ericsson
MediaFirst, the realisation of its vision for
the future of cloud-driven TV experiences
where TV is on any device and the experience
evolves with the consumer.
At the core is the Ericsson MediaFirst TV
Platform, a software-defined,
media-optimised platform for
the creation, management
and delivery of next generation
pay TV. The new end-to-
end cloud-based platform
embraces all content sources
and delivery networks,
equipping operators to deliver
the most cutting-edge large
scale video services to the
billions of devices forecast to
be connected by 2020.
Ericsson MediaFirst TV
Platform is based on an
open and standards-based
approach and architected to
be cloud agnostic, enabling
delivery on public and
OpenStack private clouds.
Supported by a unified
backend that empowers rapid
release cycles, the platform delivers seamless
deployment capabilities for operators while
enabling innovative viewing experiences for
consumers. Key features include:
True TV Anywhere: Ericsson MediaFirst TV
Platform brings together the best of traditional
pay TV and over-the-top content with the
same user experience across all devices –
from navigation to accessing content –
creating a seamless multiscreen experience
from mobile screens to TVs.
Personalised experience: users can create
their own profiles or share user profiles with
other household members and receive
tailored recommendations and content
feeds based on data, including user viewing
history and trending content. Through
personal device recognition, the TV
recognises the viewer’s device and
dynamically customises the experience.
Easily discover and enjoy: with unified search
that integrates all types of content, viewers
can easily find their favourite content across
live, video on-demand, time-shift and OTT
content. An intuitive user experience
complete with voice commands creates a
fast and fluid browsing experience, allowing
users to watch more and scroll less.
Agile operator portal: services and user
experiences are configured through a
single operator dashboard
portal, simplifying operations
for pay TV service providers.
The operator portal, powered
by a unified backend and
supplemented by a set of
application programming
interfaces (APIs) for easy
integration, enables rapid
innovation and reduces time
to market to develop and
deploy new services
seamlessly across all devices.
The robust analytics in
the operator portal provides
realtime consumer insights
into drivers of revenue such as
campaign performance and
user engagement. This will
enable significant operational
and cost efficiencies for pay
TV operators, from refining
content offerings based on user behaviour,
to maximising transaction revenues through
dynamic pricing models.
The introduction of Ericsson MediaFirst
will provide TV operators the ability to deploy
industry leading TV services, where consumers
will be able to experience a truly ubiquitous
TV service regardless of end-user device
or access spot.
Ericsson MediaFirst TV Platform
WINNERS36 Best of Show IBC2014
Ericsson
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 37
WINNERS
October 2014
In the world of high-speed acquisition for
instant replay, the LDX XtremeSpeed (LDX
XS) from Grass Valley, a Belden Brand, comes
packed with features that make this the most
cost-efficient advanced imaging camera for live
sports production. This first-ever handheld ultra-
motion camera provides sports directors and
producers alike with seamless system integration
into live production workflows, the flexibility to
move their ultra-motion cameramen close to
the action to capture stunning live shots and the
same high performance and features as the LDX
Series of advanced imaging cameras.
The market for high-speed cameras is divided
between the live super slow-motion cameras with
3X speed and the ultra-motion cameras with up
to 20X speed, which require completely different
workflows. The LDX XS, with up to 6X speed
(1080i or 720p), is the first imaging system that
provides higher than 3X speeds in a standard
live broadcast camera package, offering users
a cost-efficient solution to integrate an ultra-
motion camera system into their live production
workflows. The LDX XS also delivers technology
that can combine standard 1X operation along
with up to 6X speeds, with an instant time-to-air
workflow including full support of the 3X super
slow-motion workflow.
The LDX XS captures precision at high frame
rates with high sensitivity, delivering instant
time-to-air outputting all captured frames to
the eXchangable Control Unit (XCU) and replay
server instantaneously without a cumbersome
double-action memory buffer in the camera.
This makes all the difference between bringing a
shot to air and missing the moment completely.
All images are externally recorded in realtime,
so they can be used at any time. This is a unique
benefit, as ultra-motion cameras on the market
today can only provide images downloaded
from the loop recorder inside the camera
head for later use.
The LDX XS integrates seamlessly in a multi-
camera operation and behaves like any other
LDX camera which makes matching cameras
an easy job. The LDX XS is controlled in the same
intuitive way as all Grass Valley LDX cameras in
a given production. All system components like
operating controls, RefleX SuperXpander, and
viewing solutions can be used with the LDX XS,
thereby bringing high-quality infrastructure to the
ultra-motion segment. It also comes packaged
with the unique AnyLightXtreme flicker reduction
system that assures no irritating light flicker,
caused by artificial lighting that occurs in replays.
This unique feature also enables the use of ultra-
motion under challenging lighting conditions.
The LDX XS also integrates with a digital
transmission solution, which is the new XCU
XtremeSpeed XF Fiber base station that shares
the same XCU cradle with all XCUs for the
complete LDX line. This extremely flexible and
unique XCU concept allows changing any
regular camera position into an ultra-motion
camera position in less than a minute.
LDX XtremeSpeedGrass Valley
W ith the increase in global live
production events, more and more
broadcast facilities are looking for
increased power in smaller footprints, and
failsafe systems with increased redundancy
protection. This was well illustrated with the
systems Studer supplied for
the broadcasts of the recent
FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil,
and the Commonwealth
Games in Glasgow.
To this end, this past year
we focused on delivering
a new mixing and routing
system, the Studer Infinity
Series. At the heart of the
system is the Infinity DSP
core, which uses CPU-based
processors to provide huge
numbers of DSP channels
for large-scale, high-resolution audio processing
and mixing. This is the world’s first x86 based
core with a direct built-in AoIP interface
based on the market’s new AES67
interoperability standard.
Thanks to the Infinity Core, it becomes possible
to process more than 800 audio channels in a
single CPU-based board, providing a scalable
system, faster development of new signal
processing designs, huge channel counts, full
system redundancy without a single point of
failure, and the possibility of running third-party
algorithms. To manage the huge volumes of
data, it required a new high capacity digital audio
interface called A-Link. This fibre-based audio
interface uses a 3Gb data rate to offer
1,536 audio channels per connection. A new
PCI express card is fitted with 12 A-Link interfaces
capable of over 10,000 inputs and 10,000
outputs offering the huge I/O interface counts
required today. We believe this new Infinity
signal processing engine will prove to be a
significant milestone
in the development of
digital audio consoles
and become a standard
in the years ahead.
We now have
more than 800
channels in this DSP
engine; in comparison
with the DSP of the
mid-1980s, we now
process twenty times
the number of channels
in a sixteenth of the
space using one tenth of the power. Now
that’s progress.
The Infinity Core is available in 200, 400
and 800+ channels. For more information
on the Infinity Core, visit www.Studer.ch.
Infinity Core
WINNERS38 Best of Show IBC2014
Studer by Harman
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 39
WINNERS
October 2014
Today’s video content and service providers
want to offer consumers a superior
entertainment experience, including
advanced new services like multiscreen delivery.
However, their architectures generally lack
the flexibility, speed, and scalability to do so
economically and efficiently.
Harmonic’s VOS resolves this problem by
providing a common media processing platform,
simplifying workflows and maximising flexibility for
the deployment of broadcast and multiscreen
services. Leveraging the broad capabilities of the
VOS architecture, Harmonic’s Electra XVM offers
the industry’s first fully converged, broadcast-
ready, virtualised media processor. The software-
based Electra XVM transforms content playout,
distribution, and multiplatform service delivery
by integrating realtime encoding, high-quality
branding and graphics, and transport stream
playout for broadcast and multiscreen services,
providing video content and service providers
with unparalleled function integration, increased
operational flexibility, and unlimited scalability.
BenefitsDesigned to operate on common hardware
platforms in IT data centre environments,
VOS optimises the computing power of
contemporary Intel-based servers to host
a robust set of dynamically deployable
application modules.
Operating virtually in IT data centre
environments, Electra XVM can scale up or down
to accommodate peaks in demand based on
capacity and functional requirements across
all video services. As software operating across
virtual machines in one or multiple data centres,
Electra XVM provides significant savings in rack
space, ports, power and cooling, lowering a
provider’s operating costs.
At the heart of Electra XVM is the VOS
encoding module, the Harmonic PURE
Compression Engine. An advanced encoding
technology that supports SD and HD MPEG-2,
MPEG-4 AVC and HEVC codecs over CBR,
VBR and ABR encoding schemes, the Harmonic
PURE Compression Engine powers Electra
XVM with superior video quality at minimum
bandwidth. Electra XVM can scale up or down
based on required functions, formats, codecs
and encoding schemes to accommodate
peaks in demand across both broadcast and
multiscreen services.
Electra XVM includes integrated video
graphics and branding to bring new
levels of workflow efficiency to the video
transmission chain. Drawing upon the
advanced functionality of Harmonic’s
Spectrum ChannelPort integrated channel
playout system, this capability also preserves
video quality by removing the need to inject
baseband components into the IP workflow.
Transport stream playout capabilities include
channel origination, linear ad insertion, and
SCTE automation control.
Key benefitsBusiness agility: operating under the VOS
virtualised architecture enables a much quicker
service deployment, allowing video content and
service providers to stay competitive within an
ever-changing marketplace.
Scalability: under VOS, adding storage or
server capacity is easy. Video content and
service providers can seamlessly scale up
their infrastructure without compromising the
availability of their existing video services.
IT economics: VOS brings significant
CAPEX and OPEX savings to video content
and service providers by enabling the use
of COTS blade servers in the physical
infrastructure.
VOS-based Electra XVMHarmonic
Hitachi Kokusai Electric has developed
the SK-UHD4000, a broadcast 4K Ultra
HDTV camera system which can
use the 2/3-inch B4 mount lenses used in
conventional HD broadcast cameras.
The use of standard HD lenses with the
SK-UHD4000 eliminates the need for special
conversion adapters, and allows broadcasters
to use existing lenses and shoot video in
4K resolution. The 4K Ultra HDTV camera
system is designed to provide solutions to the
challenges of live outside sports broadcasts,
such as sensitivity and depth of field. The
newly developed 2/3-inch MOS sensor makes
it possible to produce video images with high
sensitivity and high resolution.
The company promises a number of key
features, including direct installation of B4
lenses for conventional HD broadcast
cameras; handling and operability on par
with existing HD broadcast cameras; high
quality video in 4K resolution; and a small
2U-size 4K camera control unit.
The SK-UHD4000 also boasts low power
consumption; the amount of power consumed
by the camera head having been reduced
to 38W, which is equivalent to the
power consumption of a 1080pHD
broadcasting camera.
SK-UHD4000
WINNERS40 Best of Show IBC2014
Hitachi
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 41
WINNERS
October 2014
Mocha Pro by Imagineer Systems is the
Academy Award-winning visual effects
software package built on Planar
Motion Tracking technology, an image analysis
engine designed to reduce artist-driven, manual
post production tasks such as match moving,
rotoscoping, object removal, clean plate
generation and image stabilisation.
Recently released and upgraded with
new innovations for post production, the new
mocha Pro version 4 offers groundbreaking
native Stereo 3D (S3D) workflow capabilities,
advanced support for Python scripting and
complimentary workflows with popular editing
and VFX systems such as Adobe Creative Cloud,
Final Cut Pro, The Foundry NUKE, Autodesk
Flame and Smoke.
mocha Pro 4’s new stereoscopic workflow
adds unique stereo 3D support to planar
tracking, rotoscoping, object removal and 3D
camera solving. It adds the ability to work on
uncorrected, native stereo 3D footage, allowing
users to quickly analyse differences between
right and left camera streams. Support for Python
scripting allows facilities to further customise
their workflows, integrating mocha Pro 4 deeper
into their content management systems for
broadcast or visual effects pipelines.
The customisable keyboard shortcut
interface on mocha Pro 4 allows users to edit
and save keyboard layouts to match industry
standard shortcuts such as Adobe After Effects
or The Foundry’s Nuke. New exports and format
handling includes improved motion tracking
exports to Nuke and Flame, multi-layer mask
exports to Flame and new mask tracking
support for Adobe Premiere Pro CC. Premiere
editors can now paste mocha’s animated roto
masks directly to their timeline for advanced
isolation, blurring and colour correction tasks.
mocha Pro 4’s improved user interface and
high-resolution retina display support enhances
the end user experience.
The upcoming release of mocha Pro 4.1
incorporates even more powerful new features
and improvements, including:
New format support: mocha Pro now supports
RED Dragon 6K footage and OpenEXR2
New ‘open spline’ export: Export animated
open mask splines to Adobe After Effects CC
and The Foundry’s NUKE
Improved features and support for Autodesk
Flame and Smoke users: Users can now export
multiple animated mask layers to Autodesk
Flame or Smoke in one Gmask file. Added
support for Flame and Smoke 2014 will
enhance user experience
Improved 3D Camera Solving: Get more
accurate solves in order to export 3D camera
data to users’ favourite modelling and
animation packages including Maya and
Maxon Cinema 4D
Python Scripting: Load and run Python
commands within the mocha user interface
Feathered Remove support: Use feathered
edges on splines for object removal
Edge width subtraction: Add or subtract an
edge width in Edge Properties
Enhanced Linear Controls for Parameter
fields: Drag anywhere inside a field when
using Linear Controls; also includes new use
of Shift or Control modifiers to increase or
decrease mouse sensitivity
Since last year’s IBC, Imagineer’s mocha Pro
has made its mark on feature films including The
Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Amazing
Spiderman 2 and Edge of Tomorrow, and on
notable episodic television series such as The
Walking Dead and Real Humans.
mocha ProImagineer Systems
Lawo used IBC2014 to introduce the mc²36
audio console, a universal all-in-one mixing
desk with a comprehensive feature set for
use in broadcast, theatre, house of worship, live
and install applications, and offering outstanding
value for money.
Its compact size, DSP micro-core (with internal
512x512 port audio matrix) and integrated I/O
make the new console an ideal choice for
permanent installations with limited space and
for rental companies with
an eye on transportation
considerations. And, as
it is natively equipped
with RAVENNA/AES67
technology, the mc²36
integrates seamlessly into IP
infrastructures.
These standout features
combine with essential broadcast
features like high DSP channel
count, uncompromised audio quality,
reliability, and fast touchscreen operation for
unprecedented ease of use. And for operational
security, the mc²36 not only has redundant power
supplies but also DSP redundancy.
The console’s interfaces include 32 mic/line
inputs, 32 line outputs, eight digital AES3 inputs,
eight digital AES3 outputs, eight GPIO ports, one
MADI (SFP) port, three RAVENNA/AES67 channels,
and a headphone jack. In addition to onboard
I/O, a MADI tie-line connection and three
RAVENNA/AES67 audio-over-IP ports provide
future-proof connectivity for up to 384 external
inputs and outputs, offering in a total capacity of
496 physical inputs and outputs.
The mc²36 is also fully prepared for intelligent
networking with other mc²36 /56/66 consoles,
and can be operated in combination with Lawo
Nova audio routers, giving instant access to
thousands of audio channels. Lawo mc² consoles
provide intelligent mechanisms, including
user-rights management, to allow input sharing
between consoles.
The Lawo mc²36 was designed as a universal
console with its focus on its ease of use. The
console geometry combines with integrated
displays and controls to provide an ideal solution
to meet the demands of a variety of applications.
The 21.5-inch full HD touchscreens work hand-in-
hand with the touch-sensitive colour-illuminated
rotary encoders to provide intuitive operation.
Even though the mc²36 is ready-to-go on
delivery, it is not limited to a fixed configuration.
Any aspect of the console can be adapted to
meet specific user’s needs. All production data
can be saved on a USB stick and transferred
to another console, a facility that is particularly
valuable in rental applications.
Among the mc²36’s other features are
Loudness Metering (for broadcast purposes,
and also for visual monitoring of microphone
groups), Listen Sense (for offline modification
of channel parameters like EQ or dynamics
with pre-listen of settings before switching
them online), Audio-follow-Video (allowing
automated fades from one camera to
another with associated audio
channels), Upmix/Downmix
(from stereo to surround
and back), Automix
(automatic adjustment of
the Ievels of active and inactive
microphones, while maintaining a constant
ambient level), Remote Desktop (for integration
of multiple external PCs with third-party
solutions into the console’s user interface),
mxGUI (allowing offline configuration and
advance show preparation), full channel strip
customisation (allowing users to re-arrange
the order of all DSP modules, including channel
direct outputs, meter point, fader and aux
sends), Reveal function (automatic input
sorting of VCAs).
mc²36
WINNERS42 Best of Show IBC2014
Lawo
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 43
WINNERS
October 2014
Dual functionality: The EVO.Live is the first
console that can switch between live
and post production modes at the
touch of a button.
Configurable: EVO.Live is available in chassis,
table-top or in-surface consoles, 12 to 60 faders,
and scaleable processing and I/O. It also can be
used in a dual-operator configuration.
Exceptional price performance: EVO.Live
features Fairlight’s FPGA-based Crystal
Core engine
that delivers high
channel and bus
counts, low latency
and exceptional
audio quality.
Beyond
mixing: Enhanced
production with tools
such as sound FX
play-out, multitrack
recording and
playing, external
device control
and full timecode
capabilities.
Customised
for you: The control surface includes dynamic
Picture Keys that can be configured to control
virtually any console function.
Based on Fairlight’s leading edge audio
processing and control surface technologies,
EVO.Live is a powerful console that offers
integrated HD video and multitrack audio
recording. What makes EVO.Live exceptional is its
ability to switch between live and post production
modes at the touch of a button, so that staff
engineers can use the desk for audio sweetening
when it isn’t needed for on-air applications.
“EVO.Live is truly unique,” said Fairlight’s
CTO Tino Fibaek. “By combining Live and
post production capabilities in a single console,
we have succeeded in delivering a product that
is more flexible and more cost effective than
any other large format live broadcast console
on the market. EVO.Live customers will get
a much better return on their investment
because they are effectively getting two
consoles in one.”
EVO.Live’s compact, modular design creates the
perfect mixing environment. The console can be
used in a dual-operator configuration with each
engineer having independent access to separate
fader sets, channels and monitor controls.
EVO.Live incorporates Fairlight’s integrated
control surface technology featuring unique
Picture Keys that self-label instantly for each task
performed. These display the right commands
and functions at the right time, ensuring a much
faster workflow and giving users much better
control of their events.
EVO.Live also features Fairlight’s FPGA-based
Crystal Core engine that delivers high channel
and bus counts, low latency and exceptional
audio quality. The console additionally provides
advanced surround sound mixing capabilities,
off-line preparation via laptop, a built-in sound
effects cart machine and control extensions to
lighting systems, third-party DAWs and sound
library databases. EVO.Live is available in
different standalone chassis sizes, as
well as surface-
mounted and
table-top
configurations, from
12 to 60 faders.
The ergonomic
integrated control
surface design
with touch screen
TFT monitors offers
immediate access
to all critical
live functions
with excellent
visualisation. An
optional second
hot-swappable
FPGA based engine with dual-input power
supplies gives redundancy and further
enhanced system reliability.
“EVO.Live delivers huge benefits in terms
of productivity gains, reliability and value
for money,” Fibaek added. “By taking the
console architecture that we use for our
post production desks and creating a
variant to suit live broadcast applications,
we have created an incredibly powerful
mixing and editing system that customers can
use all of the time.”
EVO.LiveFairlight
The NVIDIA Visual Computing Appliance
(VCA) is a turnkey appliance equipped
with eight high-end NVIDIA GPUs to
dramatically accelerate ray tracing, enabling
users to interact with computer models of
such high visual fidelity that it can eliminate
the needs for physical 3D prototypes. The
scalable, network-attached GPU appliance
is engineered and built by NVIDIA and
designed solely to provide designers and
artists with the fastest and easiest way to create
photorealistic images of their creations. It
enables interactive performance so that users
can work with a scene in realtime rather than
waiting minutes or hours for rendered images
to come back.
The level of speed and photorealism allows
users to study light and reflections to catch
hidden flaws, for instance on a digital car model
or building interior. The NVIDIA VCA offers native
support of NVIDIA’s Iray renderer plus support
for Chaos Group’s V-Ray RT and Autodesk’s
3ds Max, plus support for Autodesk Maya,
McNeel Rhino, Trimble SketchUp, and
Bunkspeed coming later in 2014. Its network
connectivity makes it simple for IT managers to
provide high-performance rendering on
demand, while still being easily accessible to
anyone on the network who needs a
performance boost.
NVIDIA VCA is being nominated for bringing
a simple turnkey solution to a daunting problem,
allowing artists and designers to truly achieve
photoreal, realtime renders of the most complex
scenes and models.
Visual Computing Appliance
WINNERS44 Best of Show IBC2014
NVIDIA
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 45
WINNERS
October 2014
At IBC2014, Piksel unveiled Piksel Mosaic,
a proof-of-concept application offering
a seamlessly integrated content
experience for the individual, which is time,
location and device-aware.
The rapid rise of connected devices on a
global scale has created several challenges for
consumers. Finding the right content at the right
time, regardless of which device is being used,
can be a complex and frustrating process.
In the modern home, user behaviour has
become fragmented: we may reach for our phones
in the morning for the time and the weather, switch
to our computers at work for the latest trending
content, and get our evening entertainment fix in
front of the TV. Time, place, and device form factor
are increasingly driving the content decision.
Piksel Mosaic has been designed to take
the pain out of content discovery by offering a
hyper-personalised service to the individual.
The app unites all forms of content in one
simple browsing experience, using a tile-based
interface which retains a consistent look and
feel playing to the individual strengths of the
device used: TV, smartphone, laptop, desktop
or tablet. Piksel Mosaic is built on context-based
recommendations, intuitively pushing content to
the user based on an understanding of what the
user likes to access, when, and on what device.
Piksel Mosaic’s underlying infrastructure allows
the app to evolve as the individual’s content
preferences and habits change, monitoring and
remembering every user action. In effect, the app
creates an all-encompassing, integrated ecosystem
which allows the user to access video content,
email, social media and other personal information
on all of their connected devices through a single
access point. This holistic ecosystem means content
owners, distributors, aggregators and brands can
retain viewers for all of their content interactions
throughout the day in one environment, driving
deeper engagement and opening up a raft of
targeted advertising possibilities.
The Mosaic ecosystem relies on a high-quality
RESTful API for client-server communications,
allowing the solution to understand the user,
the device, the location and some additional
attributes. Based on this, the server can apply
the best service, layout and experience to the
user. Mosaic also has the ability to capture every
user’s key press, in order to build an accurate
picture of behavioural patterns and therefore
correctly predict what the user will want to
consume, based on their context.
The app is based on the Piksel Palette
modular infrastructure, which is flexible,
extendable and future proofed; designed
for the agile ingest of content sources and
delivery to more devices.
Piksel MosaicPiksel
Don’t let social media overwhelm you.
The broadcast landscape is dotted
with complex, costly systems that push
you straight into the deep end. Yet the road to
monetisation and tangible benefits is unclear.
Pixel Power’s Buzz is the smart entry point for
adding social media to your broadcast. Engage
with and take the measure of your audience,
reliably moderate contributions from Twitter
or other social media streams then seamlessly
integrate the content within your Pixel Power
graphics workflow for effortless, automated
on air display. Buzz is the social media
management you need to build engagement
and develop a proper business strategy.
Buzz software is a natural extension of your
graphics workflow that requires no special
technical skill to operate. In fact, its interface
was designed with non-technical staff in
mind and training requirements are minimal.
Multiple social media feeds are displayed for
the user within a single, integrated display.
Moderation, modification and approvals
can be handled with ease from local or
remote desktops using a simple user interface.
With a single click, approved output
automatically populates existing graphics
templates driven by any installed Pixel Power
graphics playout system.
Buzz enables:
Single click publication and insertion to
on-air templates
Review, edit and approve content with ease
Consolidate multiple social media feeds
within one display
Keyword search to discover trends and
relevant contributions
Track topics so valuable contributions
get attention.
Buzz
WINNERS46 Best of Show IBC2014
Pixel Power
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 47
WINNERS
October 2014
StorNext’s Pro Storage Solutions are
designed to enable the newest high-
performance digital workflows and drive
higher levels of efficiency for broadcasters
and post production facilities. Users today
face tremendous challenges building storage
infrastructure that supports the latest 4K
workflows, more camera formats and a greater
number of delivery options.
StorNext Pro Solutions offer post production and
broadcast professionals the fastest, easiest and most
complete shared high-performance storage for
complex collaborative workgroups. Whether you
are building a 4K post production studio, refreshing
an existing Xsan deployment, or standing up a
new broadcast facility, StorNext provides a storage
solution for your high-volume workflows. As complete
integrated workflow storage solutions, they are ready
to deploy in your fibre channel and IP network.
Each StorNext Pro Solution is designed to
match the specific workflow needs of broadcast
and post production facilities:
StorNext Pro 4K meets demands of 4K media
workflows from ingest to production to
delivery with the flash-based metadata
performance of the StorNext M445 SSD
Metadata Appliance and scalability of the
StorNext QXS-1200 RAID Storage
StorNext Pro Studio combines the StorNext
M441D Metadata Appliance with the
StorNext QXS-1200 RAID Storage to make it
easier to refresh or enhance existing Apple
Xsan deployments by providing a high-
performance, scalable and 100 per cent Xsan
compatible solution
StorNext Pro Workgroup takes media
production a step further to include
multi-platform content delivery. A StorNext
M662XL Metadata Appliance offers
high-speed Windows and Linux IP connectivity
for transcode and proxy acceleration, plus
StorNext QXS-1200 RAID Storage for high-
volume content production
StorNext Pro Production supports workflow
storage spanning content production to
content library management. It includes the
StorNext M662XL Metadata Appliance,
StorNext QX-1200 RAID Storage, integrated
Windows/Linux review stations, proxy and
transcode servers, plus a StorNext AEL500
LTO-6 library to support LTFS acquisition,
delivery, and archive.
Included with all StorNext Pro Solutions is StorNext
Connect, offering an easier way to manage
StorNext environments. StorNext Connect allows
you to connect all your StorNext resource
storage, CPU, memory, network interconnect,
in an intuitive graphical view. You can shorten
the time it takes to deploy or upgrade a StorNext
environment, identify problems before they
affect users, and reduce the risk of downtime
or degraded performance by eliminating
error-prone manual tasks.
StorNext Connect enables you to install StorNext
software through an easy, self-guided interface;
download software and upgrade your StorNext
clients and servers from a single screen; restart
clients and servers and check status
on automated tasks from a single screen;
and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks
with realtime activity, performance and
usage graphs.
For StorNext installations that include tape-
based digital libraries, you can view realtime
status and historical trends, drill down into archive
media statistics, both tape and disk. You can
determine how much of the tape media in
your digital library is being used and how much
of archived content has been vaulted, both
currently and showing historical trends.
StorNext Connect 1.0 will be included with
all StorNext Pro Solution purchases starting
in October 2014.
StorNext ConnectQuantum
The RTW TM3-Primus is a multifunctional
audio measurement unit featuring
unbalanced RCA type 2-ch analogue
and digital (SPDIF) interfaces. The unit is powered
by a USB mains supply or the USB connection
direct from a PC.
The unit supports all widely used PPM
and TruePPM measurements and scales.
Provided Loudness standards are: ITU
BS.1770-3/1771-1, ATSC A/85, EBU R128, ARIB,
OP-59, AGICOM, CalmAct. Level and loudness
display with bargraph type or numerical
readout plus MagicLRA type. Other instruments:
PPM, moving coil, correlator, RTA, vectorscope,
numerical and chart, display with 4.3-inch
touchscreen. With a budget-friendly price,
the TM3-Primus is an advanced addition to
the TouchMonitor range that is ideal for a
variety of entry-level applications across
multiple markets. The TM3-Primus is equipped
with everything needed for loudness and audio
metering, including frequently used standard
instruments and parameters that provide
supreme quality.
As an ultra-compact and low-cost
TouchMonitor version, it is equally suited for
professional use in minor or secondary workflows
for broadcasting, music and voice recording and
video editing. In addition, it offers a new quality
solution for non-commercial use in small radio
environments or podcasting. Like other models
from the award-winning TouchMonitor series,
the TM3-Primus comes with a highly intuitive and
user-friendly touchscreen interface that simplifies
system handling even for operators without
background knowledge.
WINNERS48 Best of Show IBC2014
October 2014
TM3-PrimusRTW
Best of Show IBC2014 49
WINNERS
October 2014
Achallenging, yet much sought
after solution to subtitling
live web video has been
developed by Screen Systems – one
example is of a linear broadcast
simulcast on the web. In a live web
video the player cannot correctly
report the current play position within
the video, since this differs for each
viewer depending on when they
are ‘switched on’.
Additionally, each viewer may
choose to pause or rewind live video
stream (if this feature is provided).
Screen has therefore developed a
different synchronisation mechanism,
while still using image-based subtitles
from a separate server.
In Screen’s solution, some low
bandwidth timing information is
added to the video stream and used
to synchronise subtitles to the frames
of video the viewer is watching. The
script at the viewer’s device can
obtain the current frame’s time value
from the video stream and use it to
determine when subtitles should be
displayed from the subtitle server.
An advantage of the Screen solution
is that the same general mechanism
of image-based subtitles held on
a separate server can be used for
consistent broadcast quality subtitling
of both VoD and live web video.
iOS, Android and in-browser
are all supported.
Web/OTT LIVE SubtitlingScreen Systems
We’re always talking to industry
professionals and customers to find out
what we can do to make their working
lives easier. The :pulse is the culmination of a lot
of these conversations.
This autumn, we’re releasing the ultimate
production and camera accessory — a single box
solution to streamline production workflows. It’s
our most advanced, feature-packed and future-
proof piece of long range RF and WiFi enabled
timecode and metadata technology yet. The
:pulse was unveiled for the first time at IBC2014.
Key features include:
Super accurate timecode and genlock
Zero drift between units using long range RF
Full metadata exchange to iPad using WiFi
3D friendly
Full wireless camera control
Why do we believe the :pulse is Best of Show IBC2014? Managing director, Paul Scurrell explained: “With
the :pulse we wanted to create the ultimate
production and camera accessory to offer
unparalleled flexibility in any shooting situation, in
the smallest possible package. We’ve crammed
a lot into the :pulse with the aim to make it the
hub for generating, syncing and sharing all
production metadata. It truly is the pulse of a
production. The multiple interfaces provided
by the :pulse will allow connectivity to many
cameras, sound recorders and accessories
in the future.”
More detail on the productFirst and foremost, use the :pulse to generate
Timecode Buddy’s signature brand of super
accurate timecode and genlock. Then there’s
the ability to sync with all other Timecode
Buddy units on location with zero drift via a
long range robust RF transceiver and use the
integrated WiFi to share all of this information
(timecode and metadata) to iPads using the
Timecode Buddy: app, MovieSlate app and
Adobe LiveLogger app.
But we didn’t stop there. The :pulse has a
built-in Ethernet/WiFi bridge plus a two-port
Ethernet switch, so you can attach two
network enabled cameras to one unit
(particularly relevant for 3D rigs). It’s also
been designed to support the latest camera
protocols including LANC, USB and a serial
communications port.
The :pulse was designed to be the perfect
partner to the ARRI Alexa. Use the Timecode
Buddy: pulse to facilitate remote control of an
ARRI Alexa camera and lens motor from the
MovieSlate app and Timecode Buddy: pulse
app, wirelessly via WiFi. Start/stop recording;
move lens motors and pre-set witness marks;
monitor camera media; monitor camera status
and access other settings and metadata.
And at the same time, share all metadata
to the app’s shot log history to produce
detailed export reports.
In addition to the core technical
functionality, Timecode Systems has also
packed in a whole range of user-friendly features
to give users the best possible experience.
First of all, it is small (94mmx67mmx23mm). It
also has a high-resolution OLED display, flexible
mounting methods, USB2.0 host or device and
multiple powering options.
Timecode Buddy :pulse
WINNERS50 Best of Show IBC2014
Timecode Systems
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 51
WINNERS
October 2014
Secure video distribution to
connected devices is a major
challenge for service providers
today. Viaccess-Orca’s Connected
Sentinel Player is a new multiplatform
media player available for Android and
iOS tablets and devices that include
digital rights management (DRM)
for premium VoD and live content.
Using the Connected Sentinel Player,
service providers can distribute content
securely to set-top boxes (STBs), tablets,
smartphones, and PCs with a very short
time to market.
The Connected Sentinel Player
provides best-in-class security for any
device and increases service providers’
revenue streams by enabling them to
support a variety of business models
including live TV, subscriptions, on-demand
streaming and download, rental, electronic sell-
through (EST), and more. Leveraging adaptive
streaming protocols such as MPEG-DASH,
Microsoft Smooth Streaming, and HLS (HTTP Live
Streaming), service providers can deliver the
optimal video quality to subscribers while taking
into account varying network conditions
and device types.
The Connected Sentinel Player was launched
in June 2014 based on the successful acquisition
of Discretix’s Secure Player business. More info
can be found at http://www.viaccess-orca.com/
security/connected-sentinel-player.html
Key features and benefits:With Viaccess-Orca’s Connected Sentinel
Player, service providers can immediately
expand their market reach to address the
massive subscriber base of smartphones
and tablets. By providing compatibility with
Android 2.3 and above, and iOS 5.0 and
above operating systems, the Connected
Sentinel Player enables service providers to
deliver content to any Apple iOS or Google
Android device. Viaccess-Orca’s Connected
Sentinel Player can easily be integrated with
a service provider’s existing application and
GUI. By supporting Android Play and iOS iTunes
markets, which are widely popular with today’s
consumers, the media platform allows a
quick and easy deployment.
Other innovative features and
benefits include:
Wide video format and streaming protocol support: The Connected Sentinel Player supports
all popular A/V formats and
streaming protocols for live and
VoD content, including HLS,
Smooth Streaming, and
MPEG-DASH.
Superior video playback, optimised for mobile devices: Progressive download and local
playback are available for MP4,
envelope MP4, and clear and
protected ISMV.
Full localisation support with subtitles and multi-audio: The Connected Sentinel Player
supports closed captions and
subtitles according to industry
standards, such as CEA 608/708,
WEBVTT, ISMT embedded
(Smooth Streaming), and others.
It also supports multiple audio
tracks. This allows service providers
to make content available to as many
people as possible, in more than one
language.
Robust security for quick content owners’ approval: All components of the Connected
Sentinel Player are protected with secure
storage, encryption functions, sensitive
code and data obfuscation, and code
integrity checks. These technologies
enable service providers to disable the
application and revoke all content
licenses in case of abuse or hacking.
Advanced security features include:
device rooting and jailbreaking
detection, output protection, level
control, and application personalisation
and registration.
Connected Sentinel PlayerViaccess-Orca
Vislink and TVU Networks have joined
forces to revolutionise the microwave
and satellite newsgathering environment
by providing broadcast teams with more
flexibility than ever before. The pair have
developed the first of its kind, holy trinity of
broadcast equipment; combining cellular, IP
and microwave transmission technology in
one unique, compact backpack that delivers
reliable, live, HD video picture quality on the go.
Given that TV stations increasingly require
more video production but have fewer people
to do so, the TVUPack TM8200 powered by
Vislink hybrid technology is the perfect solution.
Mobile, lightweight and small, the pack can be
up and running in just 20 seconds. Its one-button
operation makes the capturing and transmission
of live video fast and easy.
Using TVU’s Inverse StatMux technology to
aggregate all transmission connections, the
TVUPack lets news broadcasters transmit live
video streams from a remote location back
to the newsroom using any (and all) 3G/4G,
microwave, satellite, Ethernet, wireless and
even Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
connections simultaneously, dynamically
aggregating all connections for maximum
transmission throughput.
And now, Vislink’s hybrid microwave is
completely integrated into the TVUPack which
allows broadcasters to support a full IP workflow
for control, management and video content
of their microwave and cellular applications
from the studio. Unlike competing products,
the TVU/Vislink device automatically adjusts to
a new connection being added or an existing
connection being removed whilst providing
a continuous and seamless transmission. The
live video stream is never disrupted as the
TVUPack automatically recognises any new
connections and automatically shifts transmission
if a connection is removed or lost, offering a
complete hybrid IP workflow for broadcasters.
Naoki Yazawa at Nippon Television Network
Corporation can speak from experience when
it comes to the TVUPack, and commented,
“For a global news organisation, the ability to
deliver live video from any location at any time
is essential. TVUPack enables our correspondents
to not only report on breaking stories, no matter
where they happen, but to report on them in
interesting and innovative ways.”
Vislink’s RF capabilities are second to none
in the broadcast industry. Chris Brandrick, sales
director at Broadcast RF stated:
“Vislink’s range of RF video transmission hardware
allows Broadcast RF to provide for the most
demanding and high profile television events
across the world. Whether it’s the FIFA World Cup,
the London Marathon or the Wimbledon Tennis
Championships, we can rely on Vislink hardware
to provide reliable high quality feeds from the
ground or air.”
By integrating Vislink’s hybrid microwave, the
overall product offers resilient transmission in all
environments even when transmitting from a
moving vehicle.
TVUPack TM8200 is a unique offering that goes
far above and beyond the capabilities of its
market competitors and offers a solution to one of
the biggest challenges confronting broadcasters:
the demand to provide consistently high quality
footage that caters for today’s increasingly
content-hungry viewers while supporting a
seamless migration for a hybrid IP workflow utilising
simultaneous transmission technology.
TVUPack TM8200 powered by Vislink hybrid technology
WINNERS52 Best of Show IBC2014
Vislink/TVU Networks
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 53
October 2014
The high performance ARRIS ME-7000
converged video compression platform
provides multi-codec support with SD/HD/
Ultra HD encoding and transcoding plus
multi-screen delivery for IPTV, cable and satellite
applications. It brings forward the latest ASIC-based
compression technologies coupled with ARRIS video
PVP (Perceptual Video Processing) pre-processing
software enhancements to provide a future-proof,
modular platform that will support changing needs
without the need to upgrade platforms. The ME-
7000 provides a flexible and easily upgradeable
system with cost saving, low power per channel to
provide simultaneous multi-format outputs in any
environment. Key features include:
Best video quality using the latest
ASIC-hardware combined with ARRIS PVP2
software enhancements
Fully modular, flexible platform for easy
scalability and upgradeability
Multi-codec (MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, HEVC),
multi-format support with SD/HD/Ultra HD
encoding and transcoding
Multiscreen delivery for IPTV, cable, and
satellite applications
Multiple input types: SDI/HD-SDI/3G-SDI, ASI, IP,
RF, mezzanine
Encoding/transcoding capacity of up to 24
HD or 96 SD channels per 1RU chassis
CBR, CF-CBR, MBR, VBR and Statistical
Multiplexing modes
Digital audio encoding, transcoding and pass
through modes
Dual, hot-swappable power supplies, fan
trays; and autonomous chassis redundancy
for 24/7 operation
Improved video compression efficiency, through
the use of dedicated programmable silicon
designed for multi-codec compression, lets
operators deliver a better experience to their
subscribers. For equivalent bitrates, the ME-7000
offers high quality video, at higher resolutions,
than current technology. Alternatively, operators
can deliver more streams in the same bandwidth
with equivalent video quality, important for
bandwidth-constrained environments.
The ME-7000 is available in a high-availability
1RU package. There are three application
module slots that allow encoding, transcoding
and multi-bitrate functions to scale from small
systems to larger systems. The unit comes
standard with 10Gb Ethernet ports for input/
output and management control. Optionally,
eight SD/HD-SDI uncompressed inputs can also
be included with the first application module.
The dense channel capability of the platform
also provides operational savings by requiring
less rack space and reduced power and cooling
requirements per channel.
The ME-7000 is designed for 24/7 operation
with dual, hot-swappable, power supplies, dual
fan trays, and available chassis redundancy using
1:1 or N:1 autonomous control and redundancy
software. In addition, the platform includes an
embedded Java based GUI for easy drag and
drop configuration and management along
with XML configuration over HTTPS. EMS support is
available through an SNMP MIB for alarms.
The ME-7000 converged video compression
platform provides unmatched video
compression efficiency for the highest quality
pictures at all bitrates. Dedicated encoding/
transcoding hardware, using the latest
compression silicon designs and software
techniques, delivers incredible density, saving
valuable space and power.
Designed for 24/7 operation, the ME-7000 is
the best choice for service providers delivering
multi-format video services to their subscribers.
ARRIS ME-7000 converged video compression platform
ARRIS Group
The ASTRA 1x1 sets a new standard for the
form and function of professional LED
panels. This next generation, daylight to
tungsten tunable colour model was years in
the making, and every design element was
meticulously researched and crafted.
Following the Litepanels tradition of a one
square foot form factor, the ASTRA 1x1 Bi-Color
offers a light output that is up to four times
brighter than the company’s original 1x1 panel
and high CRI. The ASTRA 1x1 panels are designed
with select premium quality surface mount LEDs
that are paired with custom designed TIR optics.
Tightly binned LEDs and fine-tuned optics provide
the ASTRA 1x1 with higher intensity, a longer
throw, and a wider effective beam spread than
low-cost LED panels. This allows the ASTRA panel
to compete with strong exterior light sources or
illuminate a large area with a single fixture.
This fixture offers a tunable Bi-Color output,
allowing users to adjust colour from daylight to
tungsten as needed. The ASTRA’s high CRI LEDs
have also been formulated to consistently deliver
accurate colour temperatures and visually
pleasing colour reproduction.
Proper thermal management is the key to
maintaining the long life and colour accuracy of
LED fixtures. To meet these demands, Litepanels
ASTRA 1x1 offers both passive and active cooling
modes. The passive cooling mode provides a
completely silent operation, while the active
cooling mode enables an ultra-quiet fan
module and double light output. An internal
microprocessor monitors the temperature,
minimises fan speed, delivers smooth dimming
from 100 per cent to 0 with no noticeable colour
shift, and ensures a flicker-free performance at any
frame rate or shutter angle. With the addition of an
optional communications module, the brightness,
colour temperature and cooling mode of the
fixtures are all controllable via DMX512 protocol.
Redefining the look of LED panels, the ASTRA
1x1 employs a modern, modular design. This
includes a field replaceable fan module and
the optional RJ45 DMX module with an LCD
menu and function display. The unit’s manual
controls are ergonomically designed for
ease of use, ensuring that a user can easily
identify the dimming controls, colour controls,
and power status.
The ASTRA 1x1 fixtures are produced with
aluminium I-beam core construction to provide
maximum durability and superior thermal
management, and also feature integrated
aluminium accessory mounting points and lens/
filter rails. The high impact, durable resin end
caps feature downward angled exhaust vents
designed to direct air flow away from the fixture,
minimising obstructions and helping to prevent
foreign materials entering the panel.
The ASTRA 1x1 features a curved yoke design
with a wide, unobstructed tilt range, dual
integrated cable guides, and a combination
yoke mounted power supply with a 3-pin XLR
locking power connector and optional Gold
Mount or V-Mount battery plates.
We are confident we have produced an LED
panel that is changing the way LED lighting is
used by broadcasters and content producers
today, while still remaining highly affordable.
Astra 1x1 Bi-Color
54 Best of Show IBC2014
Litepanels
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 55
October 2014
According to recent research by
ProSieben Sat.1 Group, 95 per cent
of viewers are engaging with multiple
screens while watching TV, transforming the
way consumers interact with programming and
providing both threats and opportunities for
broadcasters looking to retain audience interest.
Civolution’s Automatic Content Recognition
(ACR) technology SyncNow gives tablets,
smartphones or smart TVs the ability to ‘know’
what content is being watched so the device
can automatically deliver complementary
and fully synchronised content associated with
the programme, enabling viewers to access
other applications and social media, driving
up viewing figures and pulling customers into
branded virtual spaces.
SyncNow second screen uses inaudible
tags in content sound to identify the TV
channel and content being watched
automatically, as well as synchronise content
and companion screen apps. It handles
delays between different transmission networks
and supports time-shifted viewing, as well as
the identification of premium VoD archives
and legacy content.
Broadcasters, TV and film makers, app developers
and advertisers rely on Civolution’s technologies
to help drive viewership, collect usage data and
track individual TV patterns to produce unique
insights for targeting, retargeting and enhancing
customer relationships.
SyncNow second screen has been deployed
in over 40 applications around the world and is
an integral part of CBBC’s Gory Games,
the Horrible Histories play-along app;
Channel4’s Horse Tracker app for the Grand
National as well as apps for international
broadcasters such as France’s M6, TF1, Italy’s
SuperTV and TV3 Ireland. It has been
enhanced to work in TV programmes,
theatre movies, radio, shopping centres
and live outdoor concerts.
SyncNow is reshaping the TV media and
advertising landscape: rather than thinking
about ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ screens,
SyncNow makes all screens equally important.
The continued convergence of the TV and
web is seeing increased interest from
broadcasters, operators and advertisers
striving to create the future of TV.
SyncNow second screenCivolution
The LKEY-SQZ squeeze back keyer was
nominated because it is unique. It offers
the highest quality picture squeeze and
picture-in-picture effects combined with
three-layer keying all in a low-cost modular
product. LKEY-SQZ was originally developed for
a major broadcaster
which required the
highest quality picture
squeeze and could find
no alternative product
already on the market.
The LKEY-SQZ squeeze
back keyer is ideal for any
applications where the
programme needs to be
resized or repositioned
for another layer of
video to be displayed.
Typical applications
would be squeezing the
end credits to preview
the next programme,
squeezing a presenter to
allow room for additional
graphic material (such as
sports scores or weather
graphics) or picture-in-
picture type applications such as news interviews.
Why is it special? Because LKEY-SQZ uses
sub-pixel processing, an excellent de-interlacer
and an advanced algorithm to ensure
extremely smooth movement from one size to
another. This is particularly important on moving
text that can be very demanding, LKEY-SQZ will
ensure there is no distortion to the text during
the picture squeeze. Working with 3Gbps, HD
and SD video sources, LKEY-SQZ includes a simple
DVE and can smoothly resize the main video both
horizontally and vertically, reposition it on the
screen and put it inside another input or coloured
border. Graphics or text generated by an external
device can then be keyed on top of and around
the squeezed picture. The video can transition
back to full size or to another size or position as
required. Masks can be used to force areas of
background or foreground video which may
otherwise be hidden by the key layer,
while key gain, offset and opacity controls allow
the intensity of the key to be adjusted. Line
synchronisers will correct incoming signals up to
one line apart in timing, with the output video
timed to either one of the inputs or to an external
analogue reference. Various fades are available:
it is possible to fade the
key, fade the squeeze on
and off or fade to black.
LKEY-SQZ can
perform a sequence
of operations using
full timeline control
of events including
squeeze position, size,
rate of movement and
key fade rate.
LKEY-SQZ is a
100mmx266mm module
which fits in the standard
Crystal Vision frames
available in 2U, 1U and
desk top box sizes, with
up to six boards fitting
in 2U. Relay bypass
protection is available.
Using a dedicated
unit to provide a
squeeze back or picture-in-picture effect results
in the highest possible quality.
LKEY-SQZ removes the need to use a full
vision mixer to provide a squeeze back,
and is also useful for those who have a
mixer which does not include this squeeze
back functionality.
LKEY-SQZ
56 Best of Show IBC2014
Crystal Vision
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 57
October 2014
Digital Media Systems addresses the
urgency for high-performance temporal
conversion head-on with a suite of
advanced software technologies included
within the Dalet AmberFin platform, which was
launched at IBC2014.
AmberFin Advanced Adaptive Temporal
Transform Toolbox (AT)3 provides a unique
collection of tools to suit all types of temporal
transforms. Joining the already released
AmberFin ACC is a new GPU-accelerated
motion-compensated frame rate conversion
tool: Cinnafilm’s award-winning Tachyon.
Transcodes are central to all file-based
processes in the creation of domestic, web
and international versions. Different temporal
transforms are required for each version type.
(AT)3 provides the toolkit to address these
applications. For example, filmic material
that has been mastered at 30i requires ACC
(Advanced Cadence Correction) technology
to transform it for optimum domestic and web
delivery. Whereas international versioning, for
example taking European content at 25i and
converting it to 29i for US broadcast, requires
high-quality motion-compensated conversion.
(AT)3 provides the set of tools that allows media
facilities to choose the tool that is best suited for
a particular piece of media and conversion.
Directly addressing this issue, Dalet has
combined the world-class expertise of AmberFin
and Cinnafilm in frame rate conversion, scaling
and deinterlacing to create an automated,
reliable industrial transcoding platform that
works at the highest performance for domestic,
international and internet delivery.
Given that broadcasters now source and
distribute on a global basis and have to deal
with content at many different frame rates, fast,
high-quality frame rate conversion is central to
many file-based workflows. With the introduction
of more and higher frame rates, this is likely to
be increasingly critical for many customers in the
future. Dalet customers can look forward to new
tools being added to (AT)3 in the near future.
Dalet AmberFin launched its implementation
of the GPU-accelerated frame rate conversion
technology, in partnership with Cinnafilm, at IBC,
delivering fast, high-quality, motion-compensated
frame rate conversion. The combination also
yields a four-times reduction in the amount of
hardware broadcasters need to purchase, install
and maintain, and includes a fully featured
transcoding and format conversion toolset.
The increasing demand for file-based
standards conversion for international
program exchange is a cost of doing business
for broadcasters. By bringing together the
quality and ease of use of the Dalet AmberFin
transcoding platform with the precision and
speed of Cinnafilm’s Tachyon technology, the
cost of operations can be positively transformed.
Launched in April as the first tool in (AT)3,
AmberFin ACC is a fast, CPU-based technology
for correcting mixed or broken cadence material.
Alongside Tachyon’s GPU-accelerated
standards conversion at IBC, the Dalet AmberFin
platform was shown with the latest updates,
including integration with Dalet Galaxy, state-
of-the-art US film-to-television conversion, and
seamless workflows for application specifications
such as the UK’s DPP.
(AT)3Dalet
The DMON-6S is a new low cost one
to six channel multi-viewer with the
following features:
Robust aluminium case with easy-to-use LCD
and button control system
Custom layouts with various standard layouts
Fast switching between inputs using
full-screen scaling
Selectable output format in both full-screen
multi-viewer mode
Low latency buffering for each input allowing
non-synchronous inputs
Linked (3G/HD/SD)-SDI and HDMI outputs
6 x (3G/HD/SD)-SDI inputs with auto detection
(26 formats supported in total)
6 x (3G/HD/SD)-SDI active loop copies of
each input
Each window is independent of the others,
allowing any 3G/HD/SD format of any frame
rate to be displayed simultaneously
Variable aspect ratios per window
In Pass-Through mode the selected input
is passed through to both the (3G/HD/
SD)-SDI and HDMI outputs
32 GPI and RS422/485 on 37-pin DSUB
for dynamic tallies
USB port for control and firmware
updates
Metal Thread Locking DC Power
Socket
DMON-6S
58 Best of Show IBC2014
Decimator Design
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 59
October 2014
The MD-HX is a new low cost miniature
3G/HD/SD)-SDI/ HDMI cross converter with
the following features:
Combines several converters for the price of
one (eg, SDI to HDMI, HDMI to SDI, Down Up
Cross Converter, etc)
Robust aluminium case with easy-to-use LCD
and button control system
Simultaneously converts HDMI and/or SDI to
HDMI and/or SDI
Includes the same Down Up Cross Converter
from the multi-award winning MD-DUCC,
allowing either the HDMI or SDI input to be
scaled and/or frame rate converted to the
required standard
4 x (3G/HD/SD)-SDI outputs, that allow it
to be used as a one to four distribution
amplifier. Output pair 1 can either be a
copy of the SDI input (default) or the same
as pair 2
The audio pairs in the SDI and HDMI outputs
can be rearranged as required
USB port for control and firmware updates
Metal Thread Locking DC Power Socket
MD-HXDecimator Design
October 2014
The new d:screet Necklace Microphone
is a unique body worn plug-and-play
microphone solution. The mic
features DPA Microphones’ d:screet 4061
omnidirectional miniature capsule in a soft
rubber necklace offering fast, repeatable
and ‘do-it-yourself’ mounting. Designed for
mounting by non-technicians, the necklace is
the perfect choice in a reality show setting
and for other situations when convenient
mounting and consistent output are the
primary requirements.
The d:screet Necklace Microphone comes in
three colours (black, white, and brown) and two
lengths (47cm or 53cm (18.3in or 20.9in).
Industry leading sound qualityWith very low noise and an extremely high
sensitivity, the d:screet Miniature Mics offer the
most clear, transparent, and natural sound
available on the miniature mic market. The
mics are capable of handling up to 154dB
peak before clipping, and with a linear
response and low distortion and an extremely
large dynamic range, they sound great no
matter the application.
Flexibility and wireless adaptivityWith eminent sound quality and adapters available
for all pro wireless systems, the d:screet Necklace
Mic is the obvious choice for any application
requiring a big sound and a small footprint and
with our line of adapters the d:screet Necklace Mic
is compatible with all pro level wireless systems.
d:screet Necklace Microphone
60 Best of Show IBC2014
DPA Microphones
Best of Show IBC2014 61
October 2014
At this year’s IBC, Elemental demonstrated
Elemental Cloud 2.0, a Platform as
a Service (PaaS) that automatically
provisions and dynamically scales video
processing resources that can be seamlessly
integrated with on-site infrastructure.
Video providers can integrate Elemental
Cloud within a hybrid ground-cloud workflow
for adding system redundancy, managing
spikes in demand, or delivering multiscreen
video services. Elemental Cloud offers feature
parity to Elemental on-premise equipment to
ensure identical video, audio and metadata
outputs, whether they’re processed on the
ground or in the cloud.
The new 2.0 release introduces powerful
new features including live-to-VoD workflows,
HEVC encoding, MPEG-DASH adaptive
bitrate streaming, DRM and content
security enhancements, integration with
ground-based appliances, and a faster, more
streamlined interface.
New consumer devices, delivery technologies
and government regulations are inundating
the market and existing video operations are
becoming strained by evolving requirements
and fluctuating demand. Video providers are
reluctant to make substantial investments in
technology without having a clear idea of how
much infrastructure to provision. Elemental Cloud
2.0 offers the flexibility needed.
Some video providers have chosen Elemental
to build video processing and delivery systems
entirely in the cloud. One of the more notable
examples is the BBC iPlayer, the largest video
on-demand (VoD) service in the UK, with 7
million users per day. The BBC Video Factory is
the iPlayer’s new cloud-based content delivery
platform using Elemental Cloud for video
processing. Elemental Cloud has enabled the
BBC to speed up the recording and delivery
of live programmes. With the older on-premise
system, iPlayer users had to wait between
eight to ten hours before viewing a previously
broadcasted live programme. Today, live
broadcast recordings are available on demand
within 20 minutes of airing.
Another interesting Elemental Cloud customer is
Access Digital Entertainment, an online retailer
of filmed entertainment offering download-to-
own, video-on-demand (VoD) and UltraViolet
services through proprietary brands in Australia,
the UK and continental Europe. Elemental Cloud
provides Access Digital Entertainment with rapid
provisioning of video processing systems to
convert content libraries in support of
time-compressed service launches.
Upon completion, resources can be
immediately scaled down, allowing the
company to precisely align video processing
capacity with ongoing monthly release
schedules. Access Digital Entertainment plans
to use Elemental Cloud to expand its streaming
services across Europe with the upcoming
launch of WowHD.tv.
Elemental Cloud 2.0 was shown at IBC with a
live-to-VoD application in a broadcast workflow
using HEVC as a contribution format to reduce
network bandwidth requirements. Adaptive
bitrate outputs were streamed to the showfloor
with catch-up TV capabilities.
The demonstration also featured cloud-
bursting scenarios, where peaks in video
processing demand are automatically absorbed
using elastic resources.
With Elemental Cloud 2.0, Elemental is driving
the industry forward and towards a future
where video providers can use software and
cloud video processing to not just adapt to
change, but to lead it.
Elemental Cloud 2.0Elemental Technologies
Broadcasters and content providers can
stream live and on-demand multiscreen
video using a variety of adaptive bitrate
(ABR) formats including HLS, HDS, Microsoft
Smooth Streaming and MPEG-DASH. However,
supporting all of these protocols can require
vast amounts of storage as multiple versions of
the same video content needs to be created for
each ABR format.
Elemental Delta greatly reduces
storage requirements by arranging the
multiscreen delivery workflow in a more
efficient manner. Instead of storing
multiple versions of the same content,
Elemental Delta packages live and
VoD assets in realtime to address any
type of content request, from any type
of device. Elemental Delta just-in-
time packaging is a far more efficient
process of delivering multiscreen video
from any source to any device.
By integrating content encryption
and support for leading DRM
technologies including AES-128,
PlayReady, Adobe Access, Verimatrix,
SecureMedia, Conax, Irdeto, Piksel and others into
just-in-time packaging, Elemental Delta is also able
to ensure full control over content securitisation
across the entire delivery workflow. Elemental
Delta can ingest pre-encrypted content and keep
it encrypted at rest on the storage repository.
Elemental Delta’s unique ability to combine
encryption and decryption with just-in-time DRM
wrapping greatly simplifies asset delivery and
ensures that service-level agreements with content
owners are maintained throughout.
By combining just-in-time packaging, origin,
and content protection functions into a single
server unit, Elemental Delta removes a large
degree of multiscreen system design complexity
by transforming any input into to any output.
Elemental Delta’s powerful capabilities
include generating live-to-VoD services based
on existing file-based content or live sources.
Elemental Delta supports a variety of time-shifted
services including start-over and catch-up TV,
nPVR, delayed TV, pause TV, and VoD asset
creation from linear feeds through on-the-fly
re-segmentation, manifest manipulation and
stream personalisation.
For monetising content, Elemental Delta
includes an open-ended API supporting standard
XML/REST commands for third-party ad server
integration. Elemental also supports a number
of ad insertion standards including SCTE-35,
Adobe Primetime and HLS ad markers. Ad
insertion features built into Elemental Delta
include ad removal, blackout management,
and personalised ad-insertion.
Elemental Delta features a highly intuitive
user interface, which includes live video
previews of each live channel or VoD
asset being packaged and streamed
along with a comprehensive set of
content analysis tools. The Elemental
UI not only allows for system-wide
management of a multiscreen
delivery workflow, but also for deep
analysis of issues that may arise out
of consumer viewing trends which
can then be used for improved
programming and more precise
monetisation targeting.
In order to ensure high availability,
Elemental Delta includes redundancy
at every stage of content delivery
including support for redundant
encoders synced to the primary encoder’s GOP
splits. Redundant Elemental Delta servers ensure
uninterrupted live-to-VoD processing and just-in-
time packaging. By including full redundancy
of ingest, storage, and delivery, Elemental Delta
can support even the most demanding of
multiscreen services.
Delta was officially announced and
demonstrated at this year’s IBC show.
Elemental Delta Video
62 Best of Show IBC2014
Elemental Technologies
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 63
October 2014
ENENSYS Regional Emergency Warning
System (rEWS) is a receiver-agnostic
technology providing video-based
emergency warnings of dangerous weather
events and natural disasters on a regional
basis for DVB-T2 networks.
Providing TV-based emergency warnings on
a regional basis is a primary requirement across
many countries and regions around the world.
But using receiver-based methods is complex,
requiring special receiver software in order to
display the emergency alert and even then they
only support audio, text and graphics.
Alternatively, using a standard middleware
like HbbTV or MHEG-5 means the alert display is
implemented as an application but this requires
additional receiver cost and comprehensive
receiver conformance testing. Middleware solutions
are also limited to audio, text and graphics.
ENENSYS has addressed this need with rEWS,
a technologically elegant and cost-effective
solution for digital terrestrial (DVB-T and DVB-T2)
networks, including those with multiple regions
where only one region needs the warning. By
using broadcast TV channels to convey the
warning message across all TV channels in a
region (or nationally) at the same time, rEWS
avoids the need for special receiver software.
ENENSYS rEWS is a video-based solution that
overcomes these limitations. The emergency alert is
delivered as a TV service, using standard broadcast
video and audio. When an alert is triggered, all
normal programming is interrupted and replaced
with the emergency alert service, which is usually
provided by the government disaster coordination
centre. As the alert message is standard video
and audio all basic set-top boxes and iDTVs can
receive the warnings without modification and, in
addition, the alert message can use video as well
as audio, text and graphics.
This means any receiver will play the
warning immediately. Alerts can be broadcast
from selected transmitters only for regional
coverage. rEWS is available as part of all
ENENSYS regionalisation solutions, including
content regionalisation solutions (T2Edge with
PLP substitution feature) and within ENENSYS
OneBeam solution.
Regional Emergency Warning System
ENENSYS
With more content available to more
video enabled devices than ever
before, maximising video delivery over
available bandwidth and multiple networks is vital
to the success of current and future consumer TV
experiences. In order to maximise the value of
content in this increasingly competitive TV market,
major broadcasters and TV service providers
must use the most reliable and technologically
advanced solutions to deliver the necessary video
quality that consumers demand.
In response to this increasing momentum of
change in the TV delivery industry, Ericsson has
invested significantly in its first video processing
chip (ASIC) to provide greater efficiencies for
TV service providers in content delivery and
to ensure consumers receive the best possible
quality viewing experience. Enabling the
broadest capability in the industry on a unique
single platform, Ericsson’s video processing chip
offers powerful compression performance across
the entire video delivery chain, from content
acquisition through to delivery to the home.
At IBC2014, Ericsson launched the next
application of its ground-breaking in-house
developed professional video chip, featuring a
programmable design to allow the addition of
features which specifically serve the needs of
the contribution and distribution (C&D) market.
Ericsson’s chip now offers a complete set of
tools for the most demanding C&D applications,
including multiple low-latency processing modes,
4:2:2 sampling and 10-bit precision, to enable the
highest possible video quality and deployment
density, all in a powerful software-programmable
engine designed to withstand the processing
power needed to deal with higher bitrates.
The latest version of the solution introduces
product support for new technologies
fundamental to the future of the C&D
market, including both the HEVC compression
standard and the new DVB-S2X satellite digital
broadcasting standard, which was ratified
in February 2014.
Ericsson continues to be a market leader in
this sector, with the highest rate of deployment
for C&D encoding and decoding equipment,
including its highly popular Digital Satellite
News Gathering (DSNG) encoders. Its unique
video processing chip offers the necessary
performance to enable the highest possible
video output, as well as the flexibility of a
software programmable engine.
Ericsson’s record of innovation in the area
of C&D is unrivalled and by including
these specific features within the software
programmable chip, the company is enabling
TV service providers to increase functionality,
efficiency and commercial opportunity to
transform video delivery.
Ericsson’s long history of delivering
pioneering video compression technology
has most recently been recognised by a fifth
Emmy award for technological excellence
in the Standardisation and Productisation of
JPEG2000 Interoperability.
Ericsson Professional Chip for C&D
64 Best of Show IBC2014
Ericsson
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 65
October 2014
In Ericsson’s vision of the Networked Society
there will be 50 billion connected devices
by 2020, 15 billion of which will be video
enabled. The proliferation of these devices,
combined with consumer willingness to
pay for high quality, TV Anywhere content,
means that video processing is becoming
increasingly challenging.
At this year’s IBC, Ericsson launched the latest
application of Ericsson Virtualized Encoding, the
industry’s first unified software solution designed
specifically to solve many of the issues and
complexities operators face today in multi-
platform, multiscreen TV delivery. It guarantees
best-in class performance on all infrastructures,
regardless of the platform running the algorithms,
enabling service providers to deliver and
manage a multitude of content across more
formats and screens.
Ericsson Virtualized Encoding decouples
the operational aspects of video processing
from the platforms utilised to run the algorithms.
This enables TV service providers to quickly
deploy the technology improvements most
suitable for their business needs without having
to compromise on a technology choice of
hardware or software, to guarantee best
compression performance and picture quality.
With a unified interface for all system component
blocks, service providers can ensure operational
efficiency by reducing integration from weeks
to hours, minimising training, support and risk.
The solution is resource-aware, meaning the
infrastructure can be easily expanded and
services rapidly deployed, while optimising
equipment investment.
Ericsson Virtualized Encoding has the ability to
encode in MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC and HEVC, to
enable the delivery of services ranging from SD
to higher quality and differentiating services such
as HD and up to true 4K UHDTV at 60p and 10-bit
precision. It also provides a clear path to future
infrastructure updates, enabling the deployment
of additional resources and technologies
and the inevitable platform upgrades as
performance demands increase rapidly, all in a
seamless migration path without changes to the
existing operations. This gives TV service providers
a huge advantage at a time when consumer
demands are evolving quickly, while meeting
the enormous pressures in the industry to respond
with newer, better services.
Crucially, Ericsson Virtualized Encoding can
be implemented across the full spectrum of
processing platforms from high performance
dedicated programmable hardware such
as Ericsson’s video processing chip, GPU-based
servers on premise, software, or potentially video
processing solutions deployed in the cloud. The
infrastructure can also be easily expanded,
which ensures the highest and best utilisation of
all equipment investment at all times.
By drawing upon its video compression
leadership, which spans more than two
decades, Ericsson has harnessed its engineering
research and development expertise to bring a
new approach to a complex question. Ericsson
Virtualized Encoding is a further step in giving
its customers the tools they need to deliver
successful TV Anywhere services for now and
the foreseeable future.
Ericsson Virtualized EncodingEricsson
Ten years ago, at IBC2004, Forbidden
Technologies launched the revolutionary
Forscene cloud video platform and promptly
became a pioneer of professional cloud-based
post production, years before the term ‘cloud’
became mainstream and before YouTube was
founded. As such, Forscene met an initially
disbelieving audience. Frame-accurate editing in
a web browser? Through firewalls and on locked-
down computers, with video and its metadata
accessible when connected to the internet?
Forbidden proved that it was not only
possible, but also quite effective. The company
rapidly expanded the Forscene platform to
encompass not just editing, but review, logging,
and publishing, forming integration partnerships
with third-party suppliers in order to add greater
functionality and compatibility. This year brought
integrations with the Microsoft Azure cloud
platform and Sony wireless cameras.
Forscene came to global prominence when
Google chose to use it during the 2012 Summer
Games in London. Google relied on Forscene
to collaborate with editors in NBC’s New York
headquarters on all web and mobile output for
the games. Forscene users edited, finished, and
published more than 3,000 hours of HD content
from around 70 incoming live video feeds.
Forscene has now handled more than 5
million hours of professionally shot content,
making it the world’s most successful professional
cloud post production platform.
Forscene users have come to expect that the
platform will be available from anywhere and on
any device, so that users can access tools and
footage securely wherever there is an internet
connection. They know that by simply logging
in to a Forscene account via the internet,
the intuitive web interface will let them view,
comment, log, rough cut, edit, and even publish.
This summer, Forbidden made it even easier
to access and use Forscene. After three years of
technology development and testing, Forbidden
launched a Forscene app for both Android and iOS.
The Forscene app also allows users to log in
to their accounts from their Android devices or,
more importantly, their iPads, which have long
been popular with media professionals.
The Forscene app gives iPad users another
tool for connecting with the Forscene cloud on
the go. Logging in on a tablet via Wi-Fi or mobile,
users can tag clips, perform rough cut edits,
and upload and download clips, making it
easier to prepare video for full editing in Forscene
or other nonlinear editing systems. Doing this
preparation ahead of time makes the entire post
production process more efficient and less costly.
Forscene for iPad also gives professional editors
an opportunity to experience the platform
for the first time.
Knowing the industry’s love affair with the
iPad, making Forscene available in the Apple
App Store was a key operational objective for
Forbidden. With Forscene for iPad, media makers
now have access to Forbidden’s market-leading
cloud-based video platform and post production
solution anywhere, anytime, without sacrificing
performance or functionality, so producers,
directors, editors, and others in post production
can eliminate the inconvenience of being
separated from their projects.
Forscene for iPad and Android
66 Best of Show IBC2014
Forbidden Technologies
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 67
October 2014
GV STRATUS Playout from Grass Valley, a
Belden Brand, is a new, globally scalable
and truly cloud-based Software as
a Service (Saas) for control and monitoring of
channel playout from any location equipped
with an internet connection. This revolutionary
new playout platform enables more streamlined
operations to address rapidly evolving broadcast
business requirements.
GV STRATUS Playout service runs on
Microsoft’s Azure platform-as-a-service,
enabling broadcasters to meet high
demand while ensuring high availability
and low latency. It uses the power of the
cloud to house the controls of the playout
system while providing the advantage
of allowing content owners to maintain
full control over their content. Providing
complete integration with traffic systems,
the solution includes comprehensive
monitoring of playout devices, missing
media reports, thumbnails of channel
outputs and status updates.
Because it employs a hybrid cloud
approach, the customer retains control of the
location and movement of their broadcast
media. Elements such as media preparation and
asset management can, however, remain on-site
rather than cloud-based. This eliminates not only
the potential security concerns of relinquishing
control of valuable assets, but also the costs of
moving content to/from cloud-based storage.
GV STRATUS Playout is part of a system that
includes Grass Valley’s Densité SSP-3801 solid
state playout (SSP) card installed at the edge
to handle HD/SD content playout. Switching
and probing are managed by the GV STRATUS
production platform. The SSP cards have no
moving parts and integrate with the system using
open-standard web service protocols.
Designed for broadcasters who produce regional
variations of their main channel, GV STRATUS
Playout handles replacement of commercial
content, localised programme material,
local languages and replacements for
blacked-out programming.
Ideal for broadcasters challenged by
the costs of providing content variation via
conventional satellite or cable distribution,
GV STRATUS Playout provides a high degree of
flexibility to insert local content at the edge,
creating localised programming without
requiring an expensive additional satellite feed.
It also provides the ability to add local graphics
and branding, and replace both short- and
long-form programming.
In a typical GV STRATUS Playout
installation, schedule management and
control are provided by the service,
and media called for by local schedule
variations is moved to the network edge.
There, the SSP playout cards are used to
insert the content into the main channel
feed before it is passed to the downstream
system. Each SSP card runs a playlist and
the cards can be configured as main and
backup channel pairs, or as a single-
threaded playout chain.
GV STRATUS Playout uses a powerful
hierarchy-based method of representing
channels and schedules. Hierarchies could
be a simple master slave relationship for
1+1 redundancy through to complex tiered
relationships for regionalisation use cases. For
example, with a playout system that feeds two
regions, each including several cities, a change
made to the playlist at the regional level will
propagate down to the city level, whereas
changes made at the city level will only affect a
single playout device.
GV STRATUS PlayoutGrass Valley
October 2014
Enterpise is a unique handheld portable
realtime analyser of Streaming IP and ASI
based services encoded as MPEG-2, H264
(MPEG-4 part 10) and others, with an intuitive
graphical control interface. It is intended to cater
for the huge increase in internet streaming traffic
that needs a convenient compliance tool that
can ensure services can be
successfully decoded by
consumers. It has a small,
ruggedised, hand held
portable tablet-like
enclosure with a built-in
high resolution 11.6-inch,
16:9 split screen viewing capable touchscreen.
The Enterprise is a complete integrated
package designed to work as a system for
decode, analysis and trend. It’s not a single
purpose device that requires multiple dongles.
The Enterprise is not only used for stream
analysis, but also to perform:
Record
Playback
IP packet capture
Monitor audio and display bar graphs
FTP/SSH/SERIAL PORT all integrated into
one platform
Rack mountable for MCR use in realtime
LINUX based for professional grade use,
not windows
OTT adaptive bitrate
HEVC decode
Sat RF DVB S/S2 etc
Trending of the monitored service
HDSDI on the roadmap
Enterprise Tablet handheld IP and ASI-based services analyser
68 Best of Show IBC2014
Hamlet Video
Best of Show IBC2014 69
October 2014
New at IBC2014, Harmonic’s Ellipse 3102 and
Ellipse 3202 contribution encoders optimise
the production and delivery of high-value
video services. The Ellipse 3202 encoder is the
industry’s first DSNG encoder with an integrated
modulator that supports both the new DVB Carrier
ID (DVB-CID) standard for reducing interference
between satellite signals, and the new DVB-S2X
specification for improving performance of DVB-S2
satellite digital broadcasting.
The Ellipse 3102 and Ellipse 3202 offer a range
of advanced capabilities, including 4:2:2 10-bit
encoding of 1080p60 content and dual power
supplies. Designed to provide operators with
excellent video quality, efficiency, flexibility, and
reliability at a competitive price point, the Ellipse
3102 and Ellipse 3202 are the ideal solution for a
variety of broadcast contribution applications.
When used with Harmonic’s ProView
integrated receiver-decoders (IRDs), the
Ellipse 3102 and 3202 encoders provide
broadcasters with a complete contribution
and distribution solution.
BenefitsHarmonic’s Ellipse 3102 and Ellipse 3202 offer a
range of technical and business benefits including:
Improved QoS and lower costs: The Ellipse
encoders are the industry’s first DSNG
encoders with an integrated modulator
that supports the new DVB-CID standard
for reducing interference between satellite
signals, and the new DVB-S2X specification for
improving performance of DVB-S2 satellite
digital broadcasting. By providing DVB-CID
support, the Ellipse encoders enable
broadcasters to quickly identify interfering
carriers and respond to interference to
improve quality of service and reduce
operating costs. The DVB-S2X specification
brings significant efficiency gains to
broadcasters, including higher modulation
schemes, smaller roll-off factors, and
improved filtering
Increased flexibility and workflow efficiency:
The multiformat, multicodec Ellipse encoders
support SD, HD, and MPEG-2 and MPEG-4
AVC, providing broadcasters with a highly
flexible solution that delivers the highest levels
of workflow efficiency
Exceptional video quality: The new Ellipse
3102 and 3202 encoders feature 3G SDI
inputs to support the compression of 4:2:2
10-bit 1080p60 content for contribution
applications where pristine video quality
is essential
Scalability: The license-based encoders offer
a scalable migration path, bringing
operational flexibility and business continuity
to broadcasters
Future-proof solution: By supporting the
next-generation DVB-CID and DVB-S2X
satellite industry standards, the Ellipse 3202
encoder provides broadcasters with a future-
proof solution
Broad application support: Harmonic’s Ellipse
3102 encoder offers simultaneous IP and
DVB-ASI outputs as a standard feature,
making it ideal for fixed-line contribution over
IP or telco networks (eg, sports, stadiums, etc)
The Ellipse 3202 features all basic output
interfaces, including ASI and IP, as well as
an integrated DVB-S/S2/S2x modulator with
simultaneous IF and L-band to further optimise
workflow efficiency and increase cost savings
for live news and events applications
Utilising the versatile encoders, operators can
easily move from one deployment to another
Compact size: The compact, 1RU Ellipse
encoders fit perfectly in DSNG vehicles,
teleports, and flyaway packages operating
on the C, Ku, and Ka bands, simplifying
installation and use
Dual power supplies: The inclusion of
optional dual power supplies ensures
increased reliability and content protection,
which is especially important for
contribution applications
Ellipse 3102/3202 contribution encoders
Harmonic
At IBC2014, Mariner showcased its Mariner
Vu Software Defined Monitoring solution
for IP Video. By providing more data
sources, Mariner Vu allows service providers
to pinpoint the root cause for degradation of
service, arming their network operations team,
help desk, and field technicians with powerful
tools to manage end-to-end IP video quality.
It offers a clear understanding of the viewing
experience by delivering insight in realtime to
the operational stakeholders who influence and
assure the customer experience. The ability to
isolate network, content, or service problems
rapidly helps reduce mean time to repair
service, truck rolls, and set-top box swaps
and ensures a more cost-effective broadband
and IP video service.
Vu Software Defined Monitoring solution for IP video
70 Best of Show IBC2014
Mariner
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 71
October 2014
Hapi is the new RAVENNA/AES67
Networked Audio Converter. Following
the highly successful Horus, Hapi uses the
same key converter components. The two option
slots allow considerable I/O flexibility but at a
significantly reduced price to Horus.
CoreAudio and ASIO drivers plus the web
browser interface allows Hapi to be controlled from
any personal computer, tablet or smartphone,
regardless of the DAW software programme.
Hapi started shipping late June and has already
notched up well in excess of 100 orders.
HapiMerging Technologies
At IBC2014, MultiDyne demonstrated
significant new features for its SilverBACK
family of camera-mounted fibre
transport solutions, including a new operator
control panel that offers intuitive, user-friendly
controls and displays.
The SilverBACK family now includes four
models: the flagship SilverBACK-II; the SilverBACK-
II-IL for multicamera production; the SilverBACK-II-
4K-L, a feature-rich model that includes Ethernet
support and a video option for viewfinder or
monitor viewing in the field, enabling camera
operators to turn any 4K camera into a true Ultra
HD multicamera production; and the SilverBACK-
II-4K, a low-cost model without the viewfinder/
monitor viewing option, designed to support
traditional film-style productions.
Ultra HD support can be added to any existing
SilverBACK system through a simple upgrade,
enabling customers to deliver a state-of-the-art
4K television experience cost-effectively. Utilising
MultiDyne’s award-winning SilverBACK solutions,
users can seamlessly transmit any camera signal,
including Ultra HD video, HD-SDI video, audio,
intercom, control data, GPIOs, tally and power,
over a single hybrid copper and fibre cable.
The SilverBACK transport system features an
elegant, compact case, measuring just over one
inch thick with a simple intuitive user interface,
making it the ideal solution for a wide range of
applications, including digital camera, sports,
ENG, D-SNG and multicamera studio. A JUICE
power supply can be added to support camera
distances of up to 50m.
SilverBACK
72 Best of Show IBC2014
MultiDyne
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 73
October 2014
Net Insight’s Nimbra VA 220 video
appliance enables fast and
cost-efficient media transport over
the internet, combining the powerful media
protection capabilities of the company’s
previous Nimbra VA 210, with built-in
state-of-the-art high performance MPEG4-AVC
encoding and decoding.
The Nimbra VA 220 offers media operators
significant cost savings and faster service
deployment by using the latest compression and
unique deployment options and a high-density
multifunctional video processing platform for
MPEG-4 AVC encoding or decoding of up to
four parallel SD or HD channels. Its interface
conversion between baseband video and IP
according to SMPTE2022 ensures a perfect fit in
all network environments.
In addition to MPEG-4 AVC encoding, the
Nimbra VA 220 provides a number of unrivalled
integrated video processing and transport
features to further lower operational costs and
simplify service deployment, and offers a unique
solution for live media transportation which
meets the demands of new live contribution and
distribution models for sports contribution, news
gathering and niche content contribution and
makes more content available for a broader
audience in a profitable way.
Nimbra VA 220Net Insight
The software suite meets the need of
broadcasters by addressing each part of
the production and broadcast workflow,
allowing users to record, edit, or prepare content
for broadcast and distribution.
With a SQL database, this high-performing
solution provides a robust multimedia asset
management system with a full complement
of production tools. It features modules for
acquisition, archiving, audio and video
editing, commercial and music production,
newsroom systems, scheduling, broadcasting,
and administration.
Thanks to its SOA architecture and HTML5-
based user interface, Media Assist is adapted
for use on any mobile platform. This solution
enables journalists to manage, share, publish and
broadcast their audiovisual content anywhere at
anytime on any device.
Media Assist
74 Best of Show IBC2014
NETIA
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 75
October 2014
NVIDIA’s next-gen Quadro GPU lineup
delivers an enterprise-level visual
computing platform with up to twice the
application performance and data-handling
capability of the previous generation, giving
professionals in media and entertainment,
design and engineering, medical imaging,
oil exploration, and more unparalleled power
and performance to complete even the most
challenging tasks. As models become more
complex and higher resolutions become standard,
NVIDIA Quadro dramatically increases both
graphics and compute performance to help users
maintain efficiency with performance in leading
applications such as Adobe CC, Autodesk Design
Suite, and Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 40 per cent
faster (on average) than the previous generation.
The new lineup (including the K5200, K4200,
K2200, K620 and K420) also introduces brand
new features to enable more flexible and
collaborative workflows, including the ability
to harness GPU power remotely on mobile
devices via NVIDIA’s GRID technology, or to
switch easily from local GPU rendering to cloud-
based offerings using NVIDIA Iray, extending
the concept of visual computing from just a
graphics card in a workstation to graphics across
connected environments.
NVIDIA’s next-gen Quadro GPU lineup
has been nominated for its combination
of performance and innovation, offering a
truly new approach to visual computing as
businesses address workplace mobility, the
cloud, and big data.
Quadro has long been the leading choice
for creative and engineering professionals,
and the new lineup is already earning rave
reviews from users and making new workflows
a possibility, including the first ever 6K feature
pipeline for the film Gone Girl.
next-gen QuadroNVIDIA
Ultra 4K Tool Box
76 Best of Show IBC2014
OmniTek
October 2014
UHD TV video analyser, test signal generator
and multi-format converter from SD to
12G-SDI for single link 4K/60, featuring eye
pattern and multi-band jitter measurement, line
scope, data view, pixel zoom view, timing bars,
image view, 4K gamut, ANC decode, HDMI i/o
and DisplayPort monitor connections, interactive
signal flow chart, moving test sequences, SMPTE
test patterns, SDI jitter insertion, import/export
local and web-based control and much more.
Best of Show IBC2014 77
October 2014
The TAG has a hardened
aluminium shell and is unique in
offering a range of interfaces
from composite up to SD-SDI, HD-SDI,
3G-SDI and optical support via the
built in SFP cage. With SFP for optical
being installed just about everywhere
these days, the TAG will be a huge
bonus for those engineers testing
broadcast infrastructures whether
they be copper or fibre.
Among the interfaces, composite analysis
and generation has been included for those
regions supporting the transition between
analogue and digital switchover. The SFP cage
is principally for optical infrastructure testing
(single and dual SFP modules) however the cage
can support a range of SFPs as they become
available. Reference input with waveform view
and a very useful reference generator output
has also been included.
On the audio side the TAG provides a D
connector providing both balanced analogue
audio and AES I/O. AES waveform display allows
visual check for levels and reference lock.
PHABRIX has worked closely with Dolby to
provide support for Dolby E, Dolby D and Dolby D
plus for the TAG and this along with
other advanced options can be
added at a later stage if required.
The TAG is easy to handle fitting in
one hand leaving the other free
to attach cabling.
The TAG benefits from PHABRIX’s
advanced TCP/IP remote control
connection allowing the instrument
to be controlled via any standard
web browser. Additional data such
as screen grab (bmp) and advanced logging can
be easily transferred from the instrument situated
anywhere within a facility connected by Ethernet.
A lithium polymer battery provides two hours
of untethered operation and the instrument can
be mains powered while being recharged as a
background task. Talk of a PAG battery mount for
the TAG is also under development.
TAGPHABRIX
October 2014
The ProMAX Platform Portable is a
revolutionary portable server that is set to
establish an entirely new product category
by enabling mobile collaborative workflows for
on-set video production and post production.
Platform Portable allows creative groups
to connect their existing attached storage
devices and transform them into a simple but
sophisticated shared editing environment. By
leveraging customers’ existing storage devices,
Platform Portable offers an affordable
bridge between the ‘Sneaker-
Net’ style workflow (using
attached storage)
to more efficient
connected workflows
available with shared
storage systems.
Platform Portable features a simple but
powerful web interface that delivers a shared
editing experience, comparable to many larger
and more expensive storage systems. With media
asset management (MAM) and automated
system maintenance built in, Platform Portable
is a highly effective and affordable shared
workflow solution for smaller workgroups. The
Platform Portable answers the call for a
shared editing system with supreme
mobility to effortlessly travel from studio to
locations and back.
At 18”x12”x2.5”, it’s lightweight and small
enough to take on a plane, in a car, to anywhere
you need to shoot and produce video. Its
rugged steel construction is designed to perform
in tough outdoor environments and every
Platform Portable comes with a shock absorbent,
protective travel bag. Platform Portable is cross-
platform compatible (OSX, Windows, Linux)
and supports all common attached storage
interfaces including Thunderbolt, USB, FireWire,
SAS and eSATA. It also reads all common file
systems including, HFS+, FAT32, and NTFS.
Platform Portable’s network connections
include up to 6 x 1GbE or 10GbE ports to
connect clients, two Onboard Gigabit LAN
Controllers, and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. Storage
expansion ports include two Thunderbolt 2.0,
four USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, two FireWire 800, and
one eSATA. ProMAX Platform Portable can be
configured with an optional built-in 2TB SSD
storage module featuring two 1TB drives in
RAID-0 for fast access to media. The Platform
Portable base configuration will have an
MSRP of around $5,995 before options for
network connectivity or on-board
storage are added. Platform
Portable’s functionality
mirrors the merging of
production and post
processes, blending
workflow capabilities
and features to fit the
needs of creative teams ranging from DITs, to
on-set production groups of DPs, editors, graphic
artists and animators. For shooting live events
and creating packaged content that requires
immediate turnaround for social media, web and
PR, Platform Portable delivers a collaborative
editing experience enabling creative groups to
work smarter and finish projects faster.
ProMAX Platform Portable
78 Best of Show IBC2014
ProMAX
Best of Show IBC2014 79
October 2014
Quantum Leap Technology has
introduced its 55-inch Grade 1 OLED
Reference Monitor as part of the new
ODS (Orion Display Solution) product range.
Reference monitors are not designed for showing
high quality video; they are designed as a critical
analysis tool for evaluating and measuring
artefacts and colour. This new technology
monitor has been introduced to the broadcast,
film, and post production industry due to the
many benefits of OLED properties.
OLED panels are based on organic materials
that are self-emitting with the luminance level
directly controlled by current adjustment.
The advantages of OLED panels are quite
significant and include:
Excellent deep ‘Black Level’ due to omission
of ‘back light’ and the emissive properties
of the OLED
Interlace signals are displayed as an interlace
picture by inserting the black line without I/P
conversion processing
Excellent viewing angle -89~89(H), -89~89(V)
resulting in constant colour reproduction
irrespective of viewer or multiple viewers
sitting positions when utilised in a monitor
stack of an OBs or control room. Viewing
angle is ~ + - 60 per cent before a colour shift
Ultra-fast response time (under 10 micro
seconds) reducing smear and motion
artefacts caused by fast motion video or
quick camera ‘panning’ (faster than a CRT)
Environmental temperature change has no
effect on response time for ‘location’ shooting
Excellent ‘contrast’ and ‘wide dynamic’
properties enabling high quality reproduction
of video containing sparkle/twinkle footage
Because OLEDs do not require backlighting,
they consume much less power than LCDs
(most of the LCD power goes to the backlighting)
Excellent wide colour gamut that complies
with the broadcast standard, EBU, SMPTE-C
and sRGB accurately
12-bit driver circuitry for smooth gradation
of colour shading.
55” Grade 1 OLED Reference Monitor
Quantum Leap Technology
October 2014
Since the launch of the first highly efficient
R&S THU9 high-power transmitter in
September 2011, Rohde & Schwarz
has introduced new models in the family of
transmitters. They have up to 46 per cent
efficiency, the highest on the market. The new
transmitters installed so far have already helped
to save more than 70,000MWh of electricity
compared with previous installations. Compared
with the annual consumption of the Amsterdam
RAI centre with all its trade fairs and other events,
including major shows such as IBC, this would
supply RAI with electricity for 3.8 years. This
corresponds to a 40,000-ton reduction in CO2
emissions. In addition to being environmentally
beneficial, the transmitters permit radio and
TV network operators to cut energy costs and
decrease maintenance and rental costs over the
entire transmitter lifecycle.
The savings were achieved by the following
product range:
R&S THV9 high-power TV and DAB transmitter
R&S TMV9 medium-power TV transmitter
R&S THU9 high-power TV transmitter for the
UHF band
R&S TMU9 medium-power TV transmitter for UHF
The current generations of transmitters from
many manufacturers typically consume four
to five times more energy than they output.
The new R&S Tx9 transmitter generation
makes terrestrial broadcasting of TV signals
considerably more efficient. In Doherty
operation, the transmitters attain efficiency
values of up to 38 per cent for COFDM and
up to 42 per cent for ATSC, including the
cooling system. In the VHF band, efficiency
values as high as 46 per cent for COFDM
TV and DAB are possible. This saves a
great deal of energy and significantly
reduces CO2 emissions.
In Doherty operation, users can save up to
50 per cent of energy costs compared with
conventional transmitters. In order to achieve
maximum efficiency, Rohde & Schwarz has
revolutionised Doherty technology with its R&S
Tx9 transmitter generation. For the first time, the
formerly narrowband Doherty architecture has
been implemented in broadband amplifiers.
This simplifies spare part provisioning in large
transmitter networks with many individual
frequencies by reducing the number of different
amplifiers that need to be kept on hand.
The MultiTX concept also makes it possible to
save a great amount of space at the transmitter
site. MultiTX involves integrating multiple transmitters
into a single rack. In combination with the liquid
cooling system, this helps reduce the amount of
space required. The new generation’s compact
design yields the highest power density available
on the market and is ideal for transmitter sites
requiring high output power in very tight spaces.
The liquid cooling system additionally reduces
space requirements at transmitter sites by as much
as 40 per cent compared with conventional air
cooling systems. Only cooling hoses have to be
installed. MultiTX systems with liquid cooling can
achieve space savings of as much as 80 per cent.
All in all, R&S Tx9 transmitters help network
operators to save costs, produce less CO2 and
reduce their energy costs for transmitters by
up to 50 per cent, making network operation
more economical.
R&S Tx9 transmitter family
80 Best of Show IBC2014
Rohde & Schwarz
Best of Show IBC2014 81
October 2014
SIS LIVE’s innovative ManPak leads the way
in the next generation of Ku and Ka band
VSAT terminals. The tripod style satellite uplink
is simple to assemble requiring no tools. Satellite
acquisition is very straightforward with an easy to
understand graphical system or via an additional
auto-point system, allowing you to be on the satellite
in minutes. Uplink control is also via an intuitive GUI
or optional clip-on auto-point package. Users need
no technical knowledge, do not need to be trained
satellite engineers and require only a couple of
hours training to use the system.
The ManPak features an integral wireless
camera receiver providing a wire free link from
camera to satellite. This system allows a user to
operate a camera up to 1.5km from the uplink
unit, with a small COFDM transmitter fitted
onto the camera, video is sent to the receiver
located within the uplink unit. The uplink terminal
can then transmit the video to a satellite. The
integration of an optional COFDM receiver brings
together two technologies often used together
into a single package.
For broadcasters the SNG market is the target
as the integral COFDM link is invaluable when
getting the camera into the heart of the action.
The uplink system could be set up on a hotel
balcony, safely out of harms way, the system
retransmitting the live video from camera to a
satellite, with no decoding/recoding required.
For the military and governmental users we
have optional connectivity for a high grade
encryption device, allowing secure transmissions
to be carried out.
ManPak is available in a range of sizes, all
packaged in IATA compliant cases allowing the
equipment to be carried as standard luggage
on commercial flights. The case is designed
to protect the equipment in transit and to
take the treatment that equipment in the field
encounters, so is robust and waterproof.
ManPak is a solution like no other on the market
that combines several different technologies into
one simple and easy to use product, reducing
cost and weight and increasing usability.
Our designers have considered every aspect
of the design in detail:
Ergonomics: ManPak can be assembled and
operated by gloved hands
Cost efficient: reduced material cost and
capability of transmitting on low cost Ka
Band capacity
High stability: tripod has an adjustable broad
base ensuring low centre of gravity
Rapid deployment: no tools required, quick
release fixings and a minimal number of
loose parts
Durability: unit is constructed from non-ferrous
materials; aluminium alloy, composite
and stainless steel, to minimise corrosion
and wear
Reliability: all parts of the design have
been duty cycle tested and undergone
environmental testing
Aesthetics: minimal silhouette with
matt/silk trim and finish to minimise
undesirable reflections
Many companies offer the individual
component parts, but none have been
able to produce an all-encompassing
solution such as the ManPakT.
ManPakSIS Live
The UWP-D wireless microphone series,
combined with the SMAD-P3 Multi
Interface (MI) shoe, unites functionality
with outstanding sound performance. Newly
developed Digital Audio Processing - which uses
DSP (digital sound processing) - provides high
quality sound, underpinned by the exceptionally
stable audio signal handled by the True Diversity
receiver (URX-P03), which enables drop-out free
transmission. This is all housed within a compact,
lightweight and robust metal chassis.
The SMAD-P3 MI shoe adapter creates a
wireless connection with the UWP-D Series,
eliminating the need for any connecting cables
between the receiver and camera in use.
Detailed description Sony’s UWP-D series brings a host of features
specifically designed to fit with compact
camcorders and interchangeable lens cameras.
As a compact and professional quality product
series, it can be used in all settings, and is
particularly well suited to ENG field production
and DSLR filming.
Available in three packages, with all
components also available separately, there is
a choice between using a belt-pack transmitter,
handheld wireless microphone or a 48V phantom
power plug-on transmitter alongside the portable
receiver. With wide frequency coverage of up
to 72MHz it also achieves excellent mobility,
covering up to 33 TV channels across Europe.
Sound quality and stable reception are critical,
and Sony’s newly developed Digital Audio
Processing ensures high quality sound, optimising a
constant range over time between the transmitter
and receiver. The True Diversity Reception system
within the UWP-D means that while typical wireless
microphone systems are subject to radio frequency
(RF) signal dropout, the UWP-D series protects
against this. Using two receiving antennae,
each with RF circuits, the stronger signal is always
selected for output automatically, thereby
achieving highly stable reception.
Using the SMAD-P3 MI shoe adapter audio
signals can be transmitted from the portable
receiver directly to the camera with no
connecting cables. The portable receiver can
also be powered by the camera, eliminating the
need for additional batteries. With the MI shoe,
the camera can control the ON/OFF power of
the receiver, unifying power management.
Setting up the UWP-D with easy-to-use
automatic channel setting mode saves time, and
its infrared (IR) sync capability allows the receiver
to transfer the frequency to the transmitter easily.
Other functions within the UWP-D series include
the micro-USB on all components for external
power supply or for recharging Ni-MH batteries;
ideal for powering units for a long period of time
even directly through the camcorder power
via micro-USB.
Personal user preferences are taken
into account too, as though the handheld
microphone is supplied with a dynamic cardioid
capsule, the interchangeable head ensures it
can also be used with other capsules from Sony
and from other manufacturers.
Notes Available packages in the UWP-D Series
UWP-D11 – URX-P03 portable receiver and
UTX-B03 belt-pack transmitter
UWP-D12 – URX-P03 portable receiver and
UTX-M03 handheld microphone
UWP-D16 – URX-P03 portable receiver and
UTX-B03 belt-pack transmitter and UTX-P03
plug-on transmitter.
UWP-D series with SMAD-P3 MI shoe
82 Best of Show IBC2014
Sony
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 83
October 2014
Loudness Pilot, the dedicated multiple stereo
Loudness controller for TV, radio and mobile,
is the perfect solution for broadcast stations
that need hassle-free mono and stereo loudness
control. At a highly competitive price point, you
can deliver great-sounding, Loudness-compliant
audio in dual stereo.
In other words, it’s the Loudness solution for
local and regional broadcasters: cost-effective,
easy to use and tailored for mono and stereo.
Loudness PilotTC Electronic
Tedial, the leading independent MAM
technology solutions specialist, unveiled
its new Media Exchange Platform
(MEP) at IBC2014.
The multiscreen explosion means that
broadcasters and telcos are faced with an
unprecedented and often unpredictable
increase in the amount of media they have to
exchange with each other. These exchanges
take place during the production and post
production processes and when packaging
for delivery to multiple platforms. Undertaking
thousands of drag-and-drop operations every
day using fixed folders is inefficient and makes
little sense at a business level. It’s no longer
enough to simply move thousands of media files
over IP quickly and securely. Now broadcasters
and telcos are also faced with the challenge of
how to automatically manage and monitor the
sheer amount of media and metadata being
exchanged every day with their multiple media
partners 24/7/365. Adapting typical broadcast
processes or relying on simple IP accelerators
and transcoding is not scalable or cost-effective
Tedial’s new MEP is designed from the ground
up to help content producers, broadcasters,
pay-TV operators, service providers and telcos
work collectively on their media securely
and efficiently. This enables the real-world
complexities of multimedia content exchange
and packaging to be streamlined, whilst still
using standard third-party IP managers and
cloud-based storage and distribution solutions.
Broadcasters and telcos can provide their
media partners in multiple locations with easy
and secure access to all media and related
rights and contracts information throughout
the content production lifecycle (such as
programme making, news, co-production,
promos, etc). Tedial provides a central media
exchange platform with automated workflows
to deliver to multiple sites and third-party systems,
removing the unnecessary complexity that is
now a reality for many organisations across many
desktops and departments. MEP maximises the
re-use and minimises the re-working of material
and allows large media assets to be moved
efficiently making use of Tedial’s centralised
management capability without the need for
extensive IT support.
Tedial’s MEP also provides global monitoring
of media exchange processes using live
dashboards and business reports that allow
service providers and telcos (pushing content)
and distribution platforms (pulling content) to
exchange media automatically.
Typical back-end processes that Tedial
streamlines prior to media exchange include:
checking content locations and workflow
status, checking where content has been sent
from, applying transcodes, adding subtitles and
checking quality.
Additional MEP features include:
Integration with customers, local PAM systems
– media and metadata
Manages the multiple physical versions,
audio languages, subtitles and other
ancillary information
Intuitive Tedial content enrichment tools for
adding search tags, editing, cataloging,
subtitles and languages
Automatic packaging of content and
metadata for downstream delivery.
Media Exchange Platform
84 Best of Show IBC2014
Tedial
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 85
October 2014
Thomson Video Networks’ ViBE XT1000
Xtream Transcoder is an all-new high-
density video transcoder for live content.
The ViBE XT1000 supports up to 54 HD channels
or 180 SD channels with transcoding from
any format to any format including MPEG-2
and MPEG-4/AVC, making it ideal for linear
broadcasts on cable, IPTV, DTH, and DTTV
services as well as multi-screen delivery. As a
crucial addition to Thomson Video Networks’
Behind Every Screen strategy, the ViBE XT1000
joins the company’s other industry-leading ViBE
compression solutions in providing customers
with every key capability they need to deliver
a profitable and successful multi-platform
convergent video delivery solution.
The ViBE XT1000 provides a dense and
scalable solution for operators to launch new
turnaround services rapidly and cost-effectively.
By offering up to 50 per cent more transcoding
density than competitive products, the ViBE
XT1000 offers the ideal compromise of cost and
compression performance in non-premium
channel lineups. Housed in a highly resilient
2RU platform equipped with hot-swappable
redundant components, the ViBE XT1000
offers industry-leading reliability through load
balancing and built-in redundancy powered
by Thomson Video Networks’ MediaFlexOS
video operating system.
Beyond audio and video transcoding, the
product offers state-of-the-art features including
VBR statistical multiplexing/CBR/ABR output,
logo and text insertion, subtitle management,
and audio loudness control as well as WebTV
scrambling and packaging (Apple HLS, Microsoft
HSS and MPEG DASH). Behind Every Screen is a
unified and intelligent video delivery approach
that combines on-premise and cloud-based
resources to support broadcast as well as
multi-screen services.
Behind Every Screen brings together the
latest ingest, branding, ad insertion, encoding/
transcoding, and packaging technologies to
provide an all-encompassing video infrastructure.
The approach provides dense transcoding for
turnaround services via the ViBE XT1000 together
with premium encoding capabilities, all delivered
through a combination of video-optimised
hardware appliances, software-based encoders
running on lower-cost and generic physical
servers, virtualised servers, a cloud infrastructure,
or some combination of the four. As a result,
network operators benefit from the advantages
of virtualisation and cloud computing without
having to abandon quality of service, SLAs,
video quality, and any of their other critical
operational standards.
The ViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder was
featured at IBC2014 along with the other
components in the Thomson Video Networks
Behind Every Screen solution.
ViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder
Thomson Video Networks
October 2014
TVLogic, designer and manufacturer of
LCD and OLED high definition displays,
exhibited two new field production
monitors, two 24-inch broadcast models and
two 4K displays at NAB2014 that incorporated
a host of innovative features for digital cinema
and broadcast production. TVLogic combines
the latest in flat-panel technology with its
advanced video processing designs to
provide reference displays that meet the
demanding requirements of broadcast,
production, post production, digital signage
and multi-viewer applications. The ten
new models will join TVLogic’s multi-award
winning range of professional
video monitoring solutions.
Lum-300
86 Best of Show IBC2014
TVLogic
Best of Show IBC2014 87
October 2014
The TMV Series is a 4K multi-viewer system
that displays up to 24 inputs of 3G/HD/
SD-SDI signals on a single 4K screen. The
output module provides four 3G/HD-SDI output
(3840x2160) and one HDMI and SDI monitoring
output (1920x1080). Equipped with video-
processing chips in each channel, the TMV
Series supports four times higher output resolution
(3840x2160) than HD multi-viewer systems. With
perfect size and design for rack mounting with
1RU height, the TMV Series supports up to six
input blocks and one block can support up
to four SDI input channels.
The TMV Series can be controlled remotely using
Ethernet, GPI/O and RS422 communication
port and provides various layout, size and
position of each image. The controlling software
programme for the TMV Series will be provided
for easy display layout configurations.
TMV SeriesTVLogic
October 2014
ScheduALL Portal is a web-based platform
for transmission customers to book OU
feeds online, in realtime, directly into
the seller’s ScheduALL system. Portal uses
straightforward, interview-style questions to
establish a customer’s requirements (ie time,
source, destination, quality of service, etc) and
provide the appropriate booking and pricing
options. Portal automatically tracks, manages,
and bills all of the customer bookings and
integrates them into the seller’s ScheduALL
financial management system.
Presently, transmission feeds bookings are
handled manually, requiring companies to
call, email, or fax one another (often multiple
times) to complete the order. These arduous
procedures cost organisations time, energy, and
money, and often lead to duplicate bookings
and scheduling conflicts. Portal eliminates all of
that, and since available inventory is displayed
and booked in realtime, bookings can be
made quickly, effectively, and without fear of
conflicting bookings made by other buyers.
Portal’s wizard-like interface assesses the
buyer’s needs without requiring in-depth
technical knowledge. All of ScheduALL’s
deep conflict resolution functionality and
technical compatibility checking happen in the
background in order to offers the appropriate
booking and pricing options. This increased
accessibility coupled with flexibility in users’
technical expertise heightens booking efficiency
for companies on tight deadlines. Organisations
no longer need to rely on the availability of a
network engineers to set up their transmissions.
Manual booking procedures and reliance of
technical experts often leads to unsold network
capacity, and manually seeking out buyers is
often costly and time-consuming. ScheduALL
Portal resolves this inefficiency and minimises
this spoilage by enabling companies to easily
sell online, allowing them to maximise their
sales potential and increase the percentage of
inventory used. Increased availability also gives
customers more options and greater flexibility.
ScheduALL Portal further streamlines end-to-
end contribution booking management using
ScheduALL’s unique, industry-acclaimed LINK
functionality. After customers create bookings
with Portal, the ScheduALL Chorus interoperability
platform automatically triggers communication
with third-party systems to drive routers, build
transmission circuits, and deliver data to
content movers. This allows for ‘schedule-once’
efficiency, automating the entire end-to-end
process from booking to transmission. Operators
no longer need to chase a detached paper trail
to monitor and manage the booking process.
The ScheduALL credo is to drive efficiency,
cost-savings, and simplicity through the
monetisation of all operations. ScheduALL
Portal revolutionises the OU booking process
by seamlessly integrating it with ScheduALL’s
overall financial visibility over costs, contracts,
pricing and billing. Portal’s realtime availability,
costing, billing and revenue-tracing informs
all operational decisions for both the provider
and the customer. This forward-facing
revenue producer dramatically increases
efficiency, eliminates human error, and
streamlines workflow.
ScheduALL Portal
88 Best of Show IBC2014
VizuALL
Best of Show IBC2014 89
October 2014
WorldCast Systems exhibited its
Audemat DVB-T/T2 Monitor at IBC2014,
which combines signal monitoring for
DVB-T and DVB-T2 in one flexible and future-proof
solution. For broadcasters managing a transition
between these two technologies or who wish
to protect their investment if migration is a
possibility in future, the Audemat DVB-T/T2 is
an attractive solution.
Key featuresThe Audemat DVB-T/T2 is a comprehensive
solution featuring audio/video streaming,
automatic scanning, MPEG services monitoring,
freeze pictures, network delay, TS recording and
T2-MI monitoring and analysis.
Signal and data monitoringAble to monitor up to 20 channels via its RF
receiver and one via an ASI input, the Audemat
DVB-T/T2 Monitor allows you to track the
realtime status of your signal 24/7/365. You
can sequentially monitor a set list of DVB-T
and/or DVB-T2 channels as well as performing
monitoring of Single Frequency Networks.
With a built-in Spectrum Analyzer and
customisable parameters to trigger alarms,
a user will receive instant notification of any
out-of-tolerance condition.
Realtime and recorded meaurementsThe Audemat DVB-T/T2 can perform realtime
measurements and record logs for 30 days to
enable performance tracking and historical analysis.
The measurements are displayed graphically for
easy interpretation and you can generate a report
on the specific channels of interest. The Transport
Stream Template Monitoring enables the user to
compare the TS Structure of their channel to a user-
defined reference and generate an alarm when
the performance differs from that expected.
Picture controlIn addition to measurements, the Audemat
DVB-T/T2 also provides realtime streaming to your
desktop so you can see exactly what the viewer
is seeing at any point in the broadcast. This also
allows you to analyse changes and problems
from the viewer’s perspective.
Powerful yet simple controlThe Audemat DVB-T/T2 can be controlled
locally or remotely with the intuitive software
supplied and is compatible with any
SNMP-based management system. It also
provides the ability to access, configure
and control other co-located equipment
at the transmitter site with remote control
over TCP/IP.
ApplicationsAudemat DVB-T/T2 enables monitoring as well
as picture control and remote control at many
stages throughout the digital TV broadcast
chain: the MPEG stream coming from the studios,
the T2MI signal generated by the gateway
(for DVB-T2), the RF broadcast from the site,
the SFN reception, etc.
Combining RF receivers, GPIOs and
powerful software applications, Audemat
DVB-T/T2 is the ideal system for centralised
monitoring of all relevant information at
the transmitter site. In addition to alarm
management, it also enables troubleshooting
with remote access to the unit remotely
for realtime measurements, commands
and streaming.
It can provide QoS monitoring for broadcasters
and service providers and is also frequently used
by regulation authorities to check broadcasters’
compliance with regulations.
Audemat DVB-T/T2 is an innovative,
professional yet affordable platform offering
comprehensive monitoring and control to
broadcasters working in DVB-T and/or DVB-T2.
Combining both technologies in a single platform
ensures that no extra expense will be required
should their DVB-T network migrate to
DVB-T2 in future.
Audemat DVB-T/T2 monitorWorldCast Systems
Xstream MediaMaker is a modular cloud
based video management system, offering
industry leading flexibility, scalability and
usability, allowing customers to ingest, manage,
monetise, encrypt, encode and deliver multiscreen
OTT and TV Everywhere solutions.
Xstream MediaMaker optimises efficiency
by automating workflow from ingest to playout.
And, as its fully customisable and scalable, it can
be configured to match and evolve with the
clients’ needs. Clients can simplify and manage
their workflow, enabling them to take control
of their business model. The flexibility of Xstream
MediaMaker and the proven API architecture
allow clients to integrate Xstream MediaMaker
into their existing technical platforms like CRM,
broadcast systems, IPTV middleware or CMS.
Key features: Xstream provides the market’s most
comprehensive and scalable suite of OTT and
TV Everywhere products and services for both
Live and video on-demand (VoD)
Modular based architecture allows our clients
to apply the modules they need into their
existing in-house solution or other third
party solution
The in-built Shop and Payment module meets
advanced needs of worldwide OTT
deployments involving AVoD, SVoD, TVoD, SMS
payments, vouchers, all with multi-language
and multi-currency support
Ingest module automates the
time-consuming process of importing content
from multiple providers
White Label solution provides a rapid
deployment option to smart TVs and
other devices
The newest technology which will change the
way OTT video workflows is automated, is a
loading dock service, for preparing and sorting
content from multiple third-party systems before
it is presented to the ingest process. It is a
supply chain for OTT video, creating an efficient
supply chain integration for all video files and
metadata, from multiple providers, resulting in
a more efficient, automated and transparent
workflow for OTT and TV Everywhere.
Other key features in Xstream MediaMaker:
Modular based architecture allows clients to
apply the modules they need into their
existing in-house or other third party solution,
or use the entire end-to-end solution to create
a complete ‘Netflix like’ solution
Inbuilt Shop and Payment module provides
a comprehensive suite of tools for building,
customising and managing business models
on all platforms
Next generation ingest module: Cloud-based
and customisable, the ingest module meets
the demand for a cost-efficient solution
that simplifies and accelerates the process of
dealing with large volumes of video content
and metadata from multiple content providers
Device Management: The Device Management
module is empowering VoD solutions with a set of
rules to protect and control the access to media
streams from whatever device, anytime, as well
as a set of proven APIs. The Device Management
module is pre-equipped with many useful
functionalities and rules such as:
Realtime monitoring of connected devices
Access to user and usage history data
Manageable auto registration and
deregistration policy
Support for family accounts
Configurable number of concurrent streams
per account and per video
From Ingest API, metadata management,
encoding, cross domain control, encryption,
business model management, user usage
analytics, business status reporting, and
multiple platform distribution, Xstream
MediaMaker has it all.
Xstream MediaMaker
90 Best of Show IBC2014
Xstream
October 2014
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 91
WINNERS
The high performance ARRIS ME-7000
converged video compression platform
provides multi-codec support with SD/
HD/Ultra HD encoding and transcoding plus
multi-screen delivery for IPTV, cable and satellite
applications. It brings forward the latest ASIC-
based compression technologies coupled with
ARRIS video PVP (Perceptual Video Processing)
pre-processing software enhancements to
provide a future-proof, modular platform that
will support changing needs without the need
to upgrade platforms. The ME-7000 provides
a flexible and easily upgradeable
system with cost saving, low
power per channel to
provide simultaneous
multi-format outputs in
any environment. Key
features include:
Best video quality using the latest
ASIC-hardware combined with ARRIS PVP2
software enhancements
Fully modular, flexible platform for easy
scalability and upgradeability
Multi-codec (MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, HEVC),
multi-format support with SD/HD/Ultra HD
encoding and transcoding
Multiscreen delivery for IPTV, cable, and
satellite applications
Multiple input types: SDI/HD-SDI/3G-SDI, ASI, IP,
RF, mezzanine
Encoding/transcoding capacity of up to 24
HD or 96 SD channels per 1RU chassis
CBR, CF-CBR, MBR, VBR and Statistical
Multiplexing modes
Digital audio encoding, transcoding and pass
through modes
Dual, hot-swappable power supplies, fan
trays, and autonomous chassis redundancy
for 24/7 operation
Improved video compression efficiency,
through the use of dedicated programmable
silicon designed for multi-codec compression,
lets operators deliver better experience to
their subscribers. For equivalent bitrates, the
ME-7000 offers high quality video, at higher
resolutions, than current technology.
Alternatively, operators can deliver more
streams in the same bandwidth with
equivalent video quality, important for
bandwidth-constrained environments. The ME-
7000 is available in a high-availability
1RU package. There are three application
module slots that allow encoding,
transcoding and multi-bitrate functions to
scale from small systems to larger systems. The
unit comes standard with ten Gigabit Ethernet
ports for input/output and management control.
Optionally, eight SD/HD-SDI uncompressed inputs
can also be included with the first application
module. The dense channel capability of the
platform also provides operational savings by
requiring less rack space and reduced power
and cooling requirements per channel.
The ME-7000 is designed for 24/7 operation with
dual, hot-swappable, power supplies, dual fan trays,
and available chassis
redundancy using 1:1
or N:1 autonomous
control and redundancy
software. In addition, the
platform includes an embedded
Java based GUI for easy drag and drop
configuration and management along with XML
configuration over HTTPS. EMS support is available
through an SNMP MIB for alarms.
The ME-7000 converged video compression
platform provides unmatched video compression
efficiency for the highest quality pictures at
all bitrates. Dedicated encoding/transcoding
hardware, using the latest compression silicon
designs and software techniques, delivers
incredible density, saving valuable space and
power. The ME-7000 is the best choice for service
providers delivering multi-format video services
to their subscribers.
ARRIS ME-7000 converged video compression platform
ARRIS Group
Aspera has launched its new Auto-scaling
Transfer Platform that automatically
scales and expands transfer capacity of
Aspera server software in cloud infrastructures,
providing media companies with the ability to
expand high speed transfer capacity direct-
to-cloud storage as needed and leverage the
most cost-effective infrastructure. Companies
can control and predict ingest, delivery, and
distribution times, regardless of media volumes,
infrastructure distance, or network quality.
Built directly into the core Aspera transfer
software stack, the Aspera Auto-scale platform
automatically matches the actual transfer
capacity with the transfer demand in realtime,
based on user-defined criteria. As transfer
throughput demand increases, the software
automatically adds new server instances,
moves highly used servers out of availability,
and, as demand subsides, releases and spins
down excess servers. This avoids over- or
under-provisioned scenarios, ensuring both
smooth delivery of video content and the
most efficient use of the cloud resources. The
system is fault tolerant to multi node failures and
functions independently of the particular cloud
infrastructure provider, with first versions available
for IBM Softlayer and Amazon AWS.
The auto-scale platform is complemented
by Aspera ScaleDB, a new scale out data store
for distributed, high throughput collection,
aggregation and reporting of all transfer
performance statistics and file details across the
auto cluster, and cluster-wide transfer reporting
through a new generation REST API. Customers
can query this API to create audit-based reports
on transfer history for the entire cluster, and to
verify delivery SLAs.
In addition to supporting fast file transfer in
and out of cloud storage, the platform’s new
FASPStream APIs allow third party applications
to transport live video over global internet
WANs in realtime with predictable speeds,
enabling live and near live production on
remote cloud systems, such as scale-out video
processing, transcoding and distribution. Built
on the Aspera FASP transport technology, a
high-speed, distance neutral alternative to TCP,
the FASPStream maintains a predictable rate
over even the most difficult WANs (with high
latency and packet loss) such as international
long haul and wireless data connections. The
APIs are available as software libraries (C++) and
as local socket-style interfaces for applications
in C#, Java, and C++. At IBC, Aspera and EVS
announced an integrated platform that uses
the Autoscale Transfer Platform and the
FASPStream and FASP bulk transfer APIs for high
quality live and near-live streaming on the
cloud for sports broadcasting.
Auto-scaling Transfer Platform
WINNERS92 Best of Show IBC2014
Aspera
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 93
WINNERS
October 2014
Blackmagic Design’s range of Ultra HD 4K
ATEM switchers are the most technically
advanced and affordable broadcast
quality live production switchers currently
available. There are a range of models available,
the largest of which is the ATEM 2 M/E Production
Studio 4K. Announced at NAB 2014, this new
switcher cost US$1,000 less than the model it
replaced, but features a better design, many
more inputs and support for Ultra HD.
It features 20 independent 6G-SDI inputs, each
with its own frame synchroniser, which can handle
SD, HD or Ultra HD 4K video sources, providing
operators with a huge amount of flexibility. The
switcher also offers upstream and downstream
keyers, transitions, audio mixing, DVE and a
media pool for graphics. Furthermore, it includes
six auxiliary outputs for ISO recording and clean
feeds, or to manage multiple simultaneous live
feeds for multi-screen live events.
Like all of Blackmagic 4K capable switchers, the
ATEM 2 M/E has the ability to live AUX switch during
a production using the 5-inch display and keypad
on the ATEMs front panel while the switcher’s
compact 2RU size can also save on space.
A dedicated down-conversion from UHD 4K
to HD is included, providing an HD-SDI output
from all 4K programme mixes when the
switcher is operating in Ultra HD formats, but
a regular HD programme feed is needed,
and it does that without using an AUX while
also eliminating the need for additional
conversion hardware.
The ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K is
already in use on high profile live productions
throughout Europe, including major music
festivals such as Vieilles Charrues and Rock en
Seine while broadcasters including Sky News UK
and London Live have also integrated the 2 M/E
4K switcher into their facilities.
“Live production is the fastest way to
generate massive amounts of Ultra HD content
quickly and live events offer some of the
most exciting sources for entertainment,” said
Blackmagic CEO and founder Grant Petty. “We
think even the largest broadcaster will find that
the new ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K has
all the features and inputs they require for large
complex live production jobs!”
Earlier this year a live production workflow
featuring the ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio
4K was used to broadcast the 2014 10MILA,
one of Europe’s biggest and most watched
orienteering competitions. Organiser
Tiomilakavlen Association challenged
production company TVPRO with improving the
experience for participants and spectators alike.
Now in its 50th year, the competition follows
multi-person teams through day and night
relays as they attempt to navigate to different
locations in unfamiliar terrain.
Tasked with creating a more spectator
friendly arena featuring two giant screens and
a live stream of the full competition, TVPRO also
produced a two-day programme for national
broadcaster Swedish Television (SVT).
“(One) groundbreaking feature for us is the
ability to control the six auxiliary output sources
using a touch panel keypad and screen on the
front of the ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K,”
said TVPRO technical director David Thåst. “In
the past we would normally have to provide the
technical operations manager with dedicated
matrix output, however now they can simply use
a single AUX to monitor and, if necessary, live
AUX switch, during a production.”
ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K
Blackmagic Design
The all-new Cobalt 9970-QS 3G/HD/SD-
SDI/CVBS Quint-Split Multi-Image Display
Processor integrates five discrete 3G/HD/
SD-SDI or CVBS inputs onto a single 3G/HD/SD-SDI
quint-split output, with each input image being
flexibly inserted into the output image area.
The 9970-QS features fully-flexible layouts using
one-button templates, or custom layouts using
easy to use sizing/positioning custom controls that
can be saved to user presets. A master output
up-down-cross convert scaler provides scale-to
HD or 3G SDI formats for the combined multiviewer
output. Advanced graphics such as user identify
text, PiP input video format, audio meter bars, tally/
UMD, reticules, and timecode can be burned
independently (CEA 608/708) into any PiP with
full user attributes control. User-configurable
Quality Check allows
subjective criteria such
as black/frozen frame
or audio silence events
to propagate an
on-screen alarm/alert
to the output image
(such as alert text
burn-in or border alert
highlighting).
The openGear
card-based form
factor of the 9970-QS
provides scalable,
easily integrated multi-image functions for
the 20-slot frame with easy to use DashBoard
remote control. Each PiP input is provided its
own independent timing alignment controls
with lock to reference, allowing asynchronous
inputs to be directly accommodated. An HDMI
output (with audio embedding) allows direct
feed to a monitor.
The 9970-QS is a totally integrated openGear
card enabling full user DashBoard GUI, or OGCP-
9000 Remote Control Panel use. In turn offering
remote control full status and control access
locally, or across a standard Ethernet network.
Tally can be communicated by GPI, Ethernet
or serial interfaces.
In consideration of all user and operational
requirements, the 9970-QS includes a full range
of features offering flexible input compatibility
with mixed formats on inputs that can be
automatically sized and output in a combined
output scaled to the desired broadcast
SD/HD/3G format.
The framesync can also convert raster format
between 29.97/59.94 and 30/60 formats.
The low power and high density design of less
than 18W per card enable multiple cards to be
installed into the Cobalt Digital HPF-9000 frame.
Multiple cards can be cascaded to provide
expanded PiP muxing.
Both ARC set up and borders are easily
configurable along with per-PIP audio
meter overlays up to 16 channel embedded
audio.The unit can provide prioritisation for
Timecode processing and filtering, convert
between specific SMPTE embedded-video
or audio LTC, with output/burn-in Timecode
using selected format. Also it enables quad
independent burn-in Timecode, Closed
Caption, user identity text string insertion,
and router source. Outputs from the 9970-QS
include two DA of 3G/HD/SD-SDI and HDMI
with audio embed, and also four-channel
AES audio outputs.
The 9970-QS Quint Split Multiviewer
extends the ever growing range of cards for
openGear, providing another quality product
for end-users in both production trucks and
studio environments.
9970-QS 3G/HD/SD-SDI/CVBS Quint-Split Multi-Image Display Processor
WINNERS94 Best of Show IBC2014
Cobalt Digital
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 95
WINNERS
October 2014
The Crystal Vision LKEY-SQZ is a unique
product, which offers the highest quality
picture squeeze and picture-in-picture
effects combined with three-layer keying, all
in a low-cost modular product. LKEY-SQZ was
originally developed for a major broadcaster
who required the highest quality picture squeeze
and could find no alternative product already
on the market.
The LKEY-SQZ squeezeback keyer is ideal for
any application where the programme needs
to be resized or repositioned for another layer
of video to be displayed. Typical applications
would be squeezing the end credits to preview
the next programme, squeezing a presenter
to allow room for additional graphic material
(such as sports scores or weather graphics)
or picture-in-picture type applications such
as news interviews.
Why is it special? Because LKEY-SQZ uses
sub-pixel processing, an excellent de-interlacer
and an advanced algorithm to ensure extremely
smooth movement from one size to another. This
is particularly important on moving text which can
be very demanding. LKEY-SQZ will ensure there is
no distortion to the text during the picture squeeze.
Working with 3Gbps, HD and SD video
sources, LKEY-SQZ includes a simple DVE and can
smoothly resize the main video both horizontally
and vertically, reposition it on the screen and
put it inside another input or coloured border.
Graphics or text generated by an external
device can then be keyed on top of and
around the squeezed picture. The video can
transition back to full size or to another size or
position as required.
Masks can be used to force areas of
background or foreground video which may
otherwise be hidden by the key layer, while
key gain, offset and opacity controls allow
the intensity of the key to be adjusted. Line
synchronisers will correct incoming signals up to
one line apart in timing, with the output video
timed to either one of the inputs or to an external
analogue reference. Various fades are available:
it is possible to fade the key, fade the squeeze
on and off or fade to black.
LKEY-SQZ can perform a sequence of
operations using full timeline control of events,
including squeeze position, size, rate of
movement and key fade rate.
LKEY-SQZ is a 100mmx266mm module
which fits in the standard Crystal Vision frames
available in 2U, 1U and desk top box sizes,
with up to six boards fitting in 2U. Relay bypass
protection is also available.
Using a dedicated unit to provide a squeeze
back or picture-in-picture effect results in the
highest possible quality. LKEY-SQZ removes
the need to use a full vision mixer to provide
a squeeze back, and is also useful for those
who have a mixer which does not include this
squeeze back functionality.
LKEY-SQZCrystal Vision
The DMON-6S allows viewing of up to six
video streams on one screen on both
pre-set and customisable layouts while the
MD-HX allows you to up, down and cross-convert
SDI and HDMI signals. The DMON-6S is Decimator
Design’s new low-cost one to six-channel
Multiviewer with the following:
Robust aluminium case with easy to use LCD
and button control system
Custom layouts with various standard layouts
Fast switching between inputs using
full-screen scaling
Selectable output format in both full-screen
and multi-viewer mode
Low latency buffering for each input allowing
non-synchronous inputs
Linked (3G/HD/SD)-SDI and HDMI outputs
6 x (3G/HD/SD)-SDI inputs with auto detection
(26 formats supported in total)
6 x (3G/HD/SD)-SDI active loop copies of
each input
Each window is independent of the others,
allowing any 3G/HD/SD format of any frame
rate to be displayed simultaneously
Variable aspect ratios per window
In Pass-Through mode the selected input is
passed through to both the (3G/HD/SD)-SDI
and HDMI outputs
32 GPI and RS422/485 on 37-pin DSUB for
Dynamic Tallies
USB port for control and firmware updates
Metal thread locking DC power socket
DMON-6S
WINNERS96 Best of Show IBC2014
Decimator Design
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 97
WINNERS
October 2014
HotShot, an instant audio playback
package, is a complete hardware
appliance with a full-screen interface.
It is quick to learn, easy to use and flexible
enough for any broadcast application.
HotShot2 is ENCO’s all new audio playout and
clip management package for television studio
production, master control, remote production,
and stage events. It provides instant access to
audio assets anywhere locally or on the network
via a searchable database that supports a
virtually unlimited number of audio files and
audio types. New features include more
flexible audio transferring, instant trimming and
cueing mechanism, more powerful reporting,
and a new backlit button box that shows
actively-playing cuts on its eight banks of
70 buttons. HotShot2 is available now as a
turn-key package with support for stereo and
surround sound applications.
HotShot2 audio playout and clip management package
ENCO Systems
Evertz's EXE is a video/data service routing
platform that features up to 46Tbps of
switching capacity and supports 2304 10GE
ports per single chassis. The EXE is at the core
of Evertz’s 10GE Software Defined Video
Networking (SDVN) solution.
In 40RU, the EXE can switch 13,800 video
services, eclipsing anything available today. The
EXE has been carefully designed to handle the
demands of live Ultra HD 4K and 8K video, and
make the switching of video over Ethernet not
only possible but as reliable and deterministic
as a traditional SDI router.
Through its intelligent utilisation of extreme
bandwidth switching the EXE Platform will
allow service operators to make use of their
10GE/100GE IP-Ethernet network. Evertz’s SDVN
solution with EXE provides scalability, highly
efficient workflows, and a reduction in capital
and operational costs.
EXE 46Tbps video service routing platform
WINNERS98 Best of Show IBC2014
Evertz
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 99
WINNERS
October 2014
The Hamlet Enterprise Tablet series of
portable stream analysers have been
engineered to provide realtime analysis
of streaming IP and ASI-based services encoded
as MPEG-2, H.264 (MPEG-4 part 10) and many
other compression formats. The tablet presents
an intuitive graphical user touch interface
allowing for dynamic configuration with user-
definable presets developed on a portable and
handheld architecture.
Enterprise is a unique
handheld portable
realtime analyser
of streaming
IP and
ASI-based
services
encoded
as MPEG-2, H.264
(MPEG-4 part 10) and others, with an intuitive
graphical control interface. It’s intended to
cater for the huge increase in internet streaming
traffic that needs a convenient compliance
tool that can ensure services can be
successfully decoded by consumers. It is
a small, ruggedised, handheld portable
tablet-like enclosure with a built-in high
resolution 11.6-inch, 16:9 split screen viewing
capable touchscreen.
The Enterprise is a complete integrated package
designed to work as a system for decode, analysis
and trend. It’s not a single purpose device that
requires multiple dongles. Enterprise is used not only
for stream analysis but also to perform:
Record
Playback
IP packet capture
Monitor audio and display bar graphs
FTP/SSH/SERIAL PORT all integrated into
one platform
Rack mountable for MCR use in realtime,
LINUX based for professional grade use,
not windows
OTT adaptive bitrate
HEVC decode
Sat RF DVB S/S2 etc
Trending of the monitored service
HDSDI on the roadmap.
Enterprise Tablet handheld IP and ASI-based services analyser
Hamlet Video
Imagine Communications has unveiled its
Magellan SDN Orchestrator, an overarching
software control system for managing hybrid
baseband and IP networks, ensuring a smooth
transition to an IP-based future. By facilitating
the integration of baseband and IP, the
Magellan SDN Orchestrator protects existing
infrastructure investments, allowing customers
to maintain operational and workflow integrity
in a hybrid environment, while on the path to
an all-IP network.
Incorporating the Magellan SDN Orchestrator
control layer into a hybrid network allows
the entire bit flow to be software-defined,
significantly improving the way valuable,
high-quality video is managed throughout the
broadcast facility. This delivers complete visibility
of the entire network, offering a management
view for optimal operational monitoring of hybrid
signals. The Magellan SDN Orchestrator enables
predefined workflows through commercial
off-the-shelf (COTS) IP switches, providing
professional broadcast performance for all
connections. And by leveraging data centre-
grade COTS switching technology, the Magellan
SDN Orchestrator enables media companies to
ride the improving cost/performance curve of
the IT industry, while facilitating on-ramps and off-
ramps between legacy and IP networks.
The Magellan SDN Orchestrator also enables
the integration of physical operator control
panels and traditional routing control devices,
including automation systems, multiviewers,
master control panels and other devices in the
facility. More than 100 third-party systems have
integrated with industry-recognised Imagine
Communications control
protocols, easing the way for
any facility to begin a phased
addition of IP technology into
its workflow with the Magellan SDN Orchestrator.
Using dynamic signal-flow connections and
managing signal mappings, addressing and
translations between legacy protocols and IP,
the Magellan SDN Orchestrator ensures the
dual-environment workflow is never disrupted
during migration. With that, media companies
have the assurance they require to make the
transition to IP, and are able to focus on creating,
managing and delivering content more easily
and economically than ever before.
Developing and introducing this innovative
solution is yet another way Imagine
Communications is leading the industry
in providing a bridge to next-generation
infrastructures. From the earliest demonstrations
of IP transport of television signals to the
development of the latest SMPTE standards,
Imagine Communications is involved in every
step of the media industry’s migration to IP.
Product features include:
Supports and provides a control framework
for IP/SDI/ASI hybrid networks
Presents a unified control environment
for operations
Manages IP switching and connectivity using
existing workflow controls and practices
Allows media companies to use their own
choice of COTS IP switches and benefit from
the declining cost curve of the IT industry
Leverages flexibility, scalability and efficiency
in next-generation IP-based systems
Features a mix of physical and virtual
processing functions
Controls and monitors the virtual plant,
providing operational visibility
Offers compatibility with automation, tally,
multiviewer, and other devices in the facility
Enables rapid deployment and scaling of
operational workflows
Facilitates the transition to an all-IP future by
allowing concurrent and transparent
operations across legacy and IP networks.
Magellan SDN Orchestrator
WINNERS100 Best of Show IBC2014
Imagine Communications
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 101
WINNERS
October 2014
At IBC2014, MultiDyne demonstrated
significant new features for its SilverBACK
family of camera-mounted fibre
transport solutions, including a new operator
control panel that offers intuitive, user-friendly
controls and displays.
The SilverBACK family now includes four
models: The flagship SilverBACK-II; the SilverBACK-
II-IL for multicamera production; the SilverBACK-II-
4K-L, a feature-rich model that includes Ethernet
support and a video option for viewfinder or
monitor viewing in the field, enabling camera
operators to turn any 4K camera into a true Ultra
HD multicamera production; and the SilverBACK-
II-4K, a low-cost model without the viewfinder/
monitor viewing option, designed to support
traditional film-style productions.
Ultra HD support can be added to any
existing SilverBACK system through a simple
upgrade, enabling customers to deliver a
state-of-the-art 4K television experience cost-
effectively. Utilising MultiDyne’s award-winning
SilverBACK solutions, users can seamlessly transmit
any camera signal, including Ultra HD video, HD-
SDI video, audio, intercom, control data, GPIOs,
tally and power, over a single hybrid copper
and fibre cable. The SilverBACK transport system
features an elegant, compact case, measuring
just over one inch thick with a simple intuitive user
interface, making it the ideal solution for a wide
range of applications, including digital camera,
sports, ENG, D-SNG and multicamera studio. A
JUICE power supply can be added to support
camera distances of up to 500m.
SilverBACKMultiDyne
The ViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder is a
new high-density video transcoder for live
content. The XT1000 supports up to 54 HD
channels or 180 SD channels with transcoding
from any format to any format including MPEG-
2 and MPEG-4 AVC, making it applicable for
linear broadcasts on cable, IPTV, DTH, and DTTV
services, as well as multiscreen delivery.
As a crucial addition to Thomson
Video Networks’ Behind Every Screen
strategy, the ViBE XT1000 joins the
company’s other industry-leading ViBE
compression solutions in providing
customers with every key capability
they need to deliver a profitable and
successful multi-platform convergent
video delivery solution.
The ViBE XT1000 provides a dense and
scalable solution for operators to launch new
turnaround services rapidly and cost-effectively.
By offering up to 50 per cent more transcoding
density than competitive products, the ViBE
XT1000 offers the ideal compromise of cost and
compression performance in non-premium
channel lineups. Housed in a highly resilient
2RU platform equipped with hot-swappable
redundant components, the ViBE XT1000
offers industry-leading reliability through load
balancing and built-in redundancy powered
by Thomson Video Networks’ MediaFlexOS
video operating system.
Beyond audio and video transcoding, the
product offers state-of-the-art features including
VBR statistical multiplexing/CBR/ABR output,
logo and text insertion, subtitle management,
and audio loudness control as well as WebTV
scrambling and packaging (Apple HLS,
Microsoft HSS and MPEG DASH).
Behind Every Screen is a unified and intelligent
video delivery approach that combines on-
premise and cloud-based resources to support
broadcast as well as multi-screen services.
Behind Every Screen brings together the latest
ingest, branding, ad insertion, encoding/
transcoding, and packaging technologies to
provide an all-encompassing video infrastructure.
The approach provides dense transcoding for
turnaround services via the ViBE XT1000 together
with premium encoding capabilities, all delivered
through a combination of video-
optimised hardware appliances,
software-based encoders running
on lower-cost and generic
physical servers, virtualised servers,
a cloud infrastructure, or some
combination of the four. As a result,
network operators benefit from the
advantages of virtualisation and
cloud computing without having to abandon
quality of service, SLAs, video quality, and any of
their other critical operational standards.
The ViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder was
featured at IBC2014 along with the other
components in the Thomson Video Networks
Behind Every Screen solution, and the product
will be commercially available this year.
ViBE XT1000 Xtream Transcoder
WINNERS102 Best of Show IBC2014
Thomson Video Networks
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 103
WINNERS
October 2014
TVUPack with Vislink’s integrated hybrid
microwave IP technology simultaneously
aggregates microwave bandwidth
with multiple cellular data connections.
The system supports up to six 3G/4G/LTE
connections as well as 2 or 7GHz microwave.
The solution is the first to offer Vislink microwave
transmission functionality in a backpack,
sending video signals up to four times farther
than COFDM/DVB-T.
Vislink and TVU Networks have joined forces
to revolutionise the microwave and satellite
newsgathering environment by providing
broadcast teams with more flexibility than ever
before. The pair have developed the first of
its kind holy trinity of broadcast equipment;
combining cellular, IP and microwave
transmission technology in one compact
backpack that delivers reliable, live, HD video
picture quality on the go.
Mobile, lightweight and small, the pack can
be up and running in just 20 seconds. Its one-
button operation makes the capturing and
transmission of live video fast and easy.
Using TVU’s Inverse StatMux technology to
aggregate all transmission connections, the
TVUPack lets news broadcasters transmit live
video stream from a remote location back
to the newsroom using any (and all) 3G/4G,
microwave, satellite, Ethernet, wireless and
even Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
connections simultaneously, dynamically
aggregating all connections for maximum
transmission throughput.
Vislink’s hybrid microwave is completely
integrated into the TVUPack which allows
broadcasters to support a full IP workflow for
control, management and video content of
their microwave and cellular applications
from the studio. The TVU/Vislink device
automatically adjusts to a new connection
being added or an existing connection
being removed whilst providing a continuous
transmission. TVUPack automatically recognises
any new connections and automatically
shifts transmission if a connection is removed
or lost, offering a complete hybrid IP workflow
for broadcasters.
Naoki Yazawa at Nippon Television Network
Corporation, commented: “As a global news
organisation, the ability to deliver live video from
any location at any time is essential. TVUPack
enables our correspondents to not only report on
breaking stories, no matter where they happen,
but to report on them in interesting
and innovative ways.”
Chris Brandrick, sales director at Broadcast RF
added: “VISLINK’s range of RF video transmission
hardware allows Broadcast RF to provide for the
most demanding and high profile television events
across the world. Whether it’s the FIFA World Cup,
the London Marathon or the Wimbledon Tennis
Championships, we can rely on VISLINK hardware
to provide reliable high quality feeds from the
ground or air.”
By integrating Vislink’s hybrid microwave,
the overall product offers resilient transmission
in all environments even when transmitting from
a moving vehicle.
The TVUPack TM8200 is a unique offering that
goes above and beyond the capabilities of its
market competitors, and offers a solution to one of
the biggest challenges confronting broadcasters
today: the demand to provide consistently high
quality footage that caters for today’s increasingly
content hungry viewers while supporting a
seamless migration for a hybrid IP workflow utilising
simultaneous transmission technology.
TVUPack TM8200 powered by Vislink hybrid technology
Vislink/TVU Networks
The modular iON is a monitoring platform
that enables broadcasters to perform
signal monitoring of baseband and
stream-based signals anytime, in any way, from
anywhere. Empowering users to access, control,
and manage a virtually unlimited range of signals
and associated data remotely from any
web-enabled PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet
device, with video and audio content streamed
in realtime, the highly customisable platform
offers unprecedented versatility and scalability.
Supporting a range of monitoring interfaces,
including baseband, ASI, IP, and RF, the iON
platform addresses the demands of past,
present, and future signal monitoring models and
formats. The modular platform evolves alongside
users’ business and engineering needs, enabling
highly efficient monitoring of both baseband and
stream-based signals and presenting monitored
content in a browser for convenient review.
Built on a base chassis capable of high bitrate
processing, iON can handle large numbers of
channels within a very small footprint. The 1RU
housing features redundant power and multiple
card slots linked via an intelligent high-speed
bus and a DSP/controller card.
While the DSP elements of the controller offer
the ability to process both baseband A/V inputs
and file-based sources including DVB-ASI or
IP-TV streams, a variety of low-cost cards enable
users to add I/O and functionality according to
their needs. The system’s GUI can be accessed
either via remote monitoring devices, a web
browser, or via a custom local panel equipped
with the knobs and screens typical of traditional
monitoring devices. In combination, these
features allow the iON to provide capabilities for
both local and remote monitoring of baseband
and stream-based formats on a highly scalable
platform. Designed from the start to be remotely
operated, the platform brings video, data, and up
to 64 audio channels onto smartphones, tablets,
and laptops via its device-independent web-
based GUI. Instead of relying on monitors scattered
throughout a plant, engineers can leverage this
powerful platform to view and hear any stream at
any point within their facilities from anywhere. Rather
than take trained eyes and ears out of the equation
or limit monitoring of material to a single location,
iON makes audio, video, and data available over
standard LAN and a secure web network.
Because engineers no longer need be
inside an equipment room to have a good
understanding of what is going on with the
broadcast network, it becomes possible for them
to centralise global network operations and
reduce their operating expenditures. Multiple
iON chassis can be located globally yet form
a single monitoring system. By monitoring the
alarm output either with the iON GUI or taking
XML alarms out into a third-party NMS, users can
address alarms by streaming a live proxy of the
broadcast signal and examining the realtime
impact of any issues on broadcast content.
In short, iON facilitates operators’ shift away
from just one box, one location, and one
body, giving them access to any input — on
connected devices used anywhere — via an
intuitive monitoring interface.
Modular iON monitoring platform
WINNERS104 Best of Show IBC2014
Wohler Technologies
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 105
October 2014
The new ConeXia intercom system from
AEQ-KROMA represents a leap forward
and a new concept in regards to intercom
systems as it becomes a global audio solution.
ConeXia has the capacity of up to 1024 x
1024 cross-points and is based upon a modular
system of audio I/O cards, but what really makes
ConeXia special is the possibility to integrate
intercom and broadcast audio sources into
the same matrix, with 48 KHz 24 bits sampling.
Further, the system can be built for 100 per
cent redundancy when catering for really
critical operations. ConeXia is also compatible
with all AEQ-KROMA intercom panels, and
expands the interface options with almost any
telecommunications interface including ISDN,
telephone, GSM. Multichannel audio transport is
a standard with both MADI or IP.
ConeXia’s modular structure allows a user to
tailor the system to his or her needs. A variety of
different audio I/O cards can be chosen and will
also determine the system’s port distribution.
One of the ConeXia system’s main
advantages is the possibility of integrating
broadcast and intercom audio into the same
matrix. The intercom system benefits from the
broadcast audio quality and performance:
48 KHz 24 bit sampling and processing
AES/EBU audio ports
100 per cent redundant matrix
Multichannel audio interfaces
Compatible with commentary unit
The fusion of both worlds allows you to
integrate all the available audio sources and
eliminates the need to manage two different
and unrelated audio systems
ConeXia provides all kinds of interfaces
for terminal and matrix interconnection,
implemented by means of cards that are
installed into the main BC2000 frame or intercom
interface frames TR7000 and TR5000.
Among the multichannel audio interfaces,
AES 10 MADI protocol is offered (through coax
or optical fibre), and 1,024 channels proprietary
protocol on optical fibre. It is also possible to
integrate conventional or GSM calls in the system,
or interconnect systems and terminals using ISDN
lines or IP connections (LAN, WAN, etc.).
The wide variety of intercom terminals,
together with the additional functions found in
broadcast audio matrixes, enable the design
of very solid audio systems with up to 1,024
audio sources, including:
Rack-mounted and desktop user terminals
Wired or wireless beltpacks
Virtual panels in PCs or Android/Apple
devices
Party-Line subsystems (EasyNET)
CCU audio
Microphone audio
Mixing consoles
Commentary positions
The interfaces for multichannel audio allow for
the design of systems distributed among several
venues and provide each system user with any
of the audio channels available in the whole
installation. The possibility to link matrixes and
terminals using IP connections adds another
option to the system design so it can be adapted
to any possible situation.
ConeXia intercom systemAEQ-KROMA
The new QS700 Series broadcast monitors
from AEQ-KROMA come with the Quad-
Split function integrated in the monitor. The
range embrace monitors in the sizes of
18.5, 24 and 46-inch.
This second generation Series of Quad-Split
broadcast monitors from AEQ-KROMA are fitted
with ten video inputs; eight BNC (auto-detecting)
video inputs that admit multi-standard analogue
signals, SD-SDI and HD-SDI and two DVI-I inputs.
This allows for the monitor to operate as a video
pre-selector of several signals with the ability
to simultaneously visualise four different signals.
The Quad-Split monitors have the option to
convert four of the eight BNC inputs into four
Active Loop Outputs for the four remaining BNC
inputs from the Menu Software.
New tools have been included to assist
in signal monitoring, such as independent
waveforms for Y, Cb and Cr, vectorscope and
histogram, displayed in different colours for a
quick identification of each function. The QS7000
Series can be used to monitor both analogue
and digital audio thanks to its integrated audio
de-embedder. It is possible to monitor the Vu-
meters for the 16 audio channels of each video
signal on-screen, applying a wide range of
measuring scales of your choice. It is also possible
to monitor the audio through the built in speaker
or through the headphones output located on
the front of the equipment.
In addition to the standard Quad-Split mode
with four identical windows, there are different
layouts available with several combinations of
sizes and positions. One main large window can
be combined with three smaller signals on both
sides, on the top or the bottom. This way,
it is possible to achieve a composition
with various monitors that simulates a
multiscreen system, with the notable
difference that a system built with the
QS7000 Series will be using independent
processors for each signal and thus not
introducing any delay or image degradation
when presenting the signal.
Each of the video signals can be presented with
different Tallys and dynamic IMD (in-monitor
display) either manually programmed or using
the TSL protocol to keep the different video
signals correctly identified. It is also possible
to decode the embedded VTIC of
the signal and display this in different
areas of the monitor.
One of the main features of this series of
broadcast monitors is the management software
– KROMA Monitor Controller. Each monitor is
equipped with an Ethernet connector. This
allows the setting up of a network including all
the monitors in the system and to have realtime
control over the system configuration. Any of the
monitor features can be remotely controlled and
logged for each monitor in the system.
The QS7000 Series monitors are constantly
analysing the signals that are being shown on
screen and will detect any anomaly or issue in
regards to the signal, for example out of sync,
frozen frame, black picture or loss of audio. In
other words, a complete log of all system events
and alarms can be generated and made
available to the operators as required.
QS700 Series broadcast monitors
106 Best of Show IBC2014
AEQ-KROMA
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 107
October 2014
Capable of shooting at 4K/
Ultra HD and 2K/HD resolutions,
CION is AJA’s new professional
production camera that features an
ergonomic design and offers in-camera
recording directly to the Apple ProRes
family of codecs, including 12-bit 444, for
pristine image capture. Enabling today’s
growing demand for high frame rate
support, CION allows users to output 4K
raw data at up to 120fps via 4x 3G-SDI outputs
and can record directly to AJA Pak SSD media
at up to 60fps.
The camera embraces a familiar, tested
form and ergonomic layout. It includes a built-in
shoulder mount, standard connectors in logical
positions and a PL lens mount for compatibility
with industry-standard lenses. When recording
in HD or 2K, the image is oversampled from the
full 4K sensor, retaining focal length as well as
providing a vibrant and detailed image. A built-in
filter combines an optical low pass filter (OLPF)
to eliminate unwanted aliasing and moir with
an infrared (IR) cut filter to produce appropriate
colours. Additionally, a back focus adjustment
enables the sharpest image possible to be
produced. Several 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs also
come included, which are simultaneously active
and supply the signal to a variety of 4K/Ultra HD
and 2K/HD monitors.
CION’s intuitive user interface can be easily
managed from the operator-side with menu
parameters that are remotely configurable via
a web interface and can be accessed through
any web browser via a LAN connection.
Key CION features include: Sensor: 4K APS-C sized CMOS sensor with
an electronic global shutter. Twelve stops of
dynamic range
Recording formats and resolutions:
Apple ProRes 4444, Apple ProRes 422
(HQ), Apple ProRes 422, ProRes 422 (LT) and
Apple ProRes (Proxy); 4K (4096x2160), Ultra
HD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x1080), HD
(1920x1080). 2K and HD are hardware scaled
from the full 4K sensor for high quality
over-sampled images and retention of
field of view
Media: Record to AJA Pak SSD media
available in 256GB and 512GB capacities.
Transfer via Thunderbolt or USB3 with optional
AJA Pak Dock. Complete 10-bit and 12-bit
workflow from HD to 4K
Raw support: Output AJA Raw
via 3G-SDI at up to 4K 120fps or via
Thunderbolt at up to 4K 30fps
Lens mount: Industry standard
PL mount
4x 3G-SDI/HD-SDI outputs (4K/Ultra
HD/2K/HD)
2x 3G/HD-SDI monitor outputs with
overlay support
1x HDMI output offering support for
4K and Ultra HD or scaled 2K/HD
1x HDMI output for 2K/HD
2x mic/line/48v XLR analogue audio inputs
1x USB connector
1x 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection
1x Mini TRS headphone jack
1x Thunderbolt connector
Optical Low Pass Filter and IR cut filter:
An integrated OLPF (Optical Low Pass
Filter) reduces unwanted moir effects while
still retaining vital image detail. The infrared
(IR) cut filter produces high quality colours
within the image by blocking unwanted
light wavelengths
Back Focus Adjustment: The mechanical
calibration of the distance between lens and
sensor allows finely tuned adjustments to
ensure the sharpest image quality possible
User interface: Via operator side panel
display, control knob and buttons or via LAN
connection using a web-browser; no software
installation required.
CION cameraAJA Video Systems
One of the most critical challenges for
broadcasters today is arriving first on
the scene of a breaking news story and
being able to send live video coverage. Tough
competition between TV channels, combined
with the fact that consumers are demanding
news faster and on multiple devices, means that
broadcasters must have reliable, cost-effective,
and portable video uplink solutions at their disposal.
AVIWEST’s new DMNG Manager is a live video
contribution platform that enables control over
a wide range of newsgathering equipment
including DMNG transmitters, smartphones using
the DMNG APP, and DMNG Studio receivers,
allowing broadcasters to easily allocate resources
and route live video content for transmission
over 3G/4G cellular wireless, Wi-Fi, Ethernet,
and satellite networks. By streamlining DMNG
operations, the solution provides broadcasters
with significant time and cost savings.
Key features and benefitsPrior to AVIWEST’s DMNG Manager, handling
a large fleet of digital mobile newsgathering
devices was extremely complex. The DMNG
Manager transforms remote newsgathering by
enabling broadcasters and video professionals to
manage and control hundreds of devices with a
single tool. Through an intuitive, web-based user
interface, which can be installed through either a
cloud-based application or a headend solution,
the DMNG Manager brings simplicity, flexibility,
and efficiency to any news organisation.
Specific benefits include:
Resource Allocation: One of the unique
capabilities of the DMNG Manager is resource
allocation. Using the system, users can
route live streams and video files to dedicated
receivers to increase their operational efficiency
Advanced monitoring capabilities that simplify
newsgathering: Through the device’s geo-
location feature, operators can easily identify
the exact location of every field unit for
better management and easy troubleshooting.
In addition, the DMNG Manager indicates the
realtime system and performance of all
devices in the DMNG ecosystem so that
operators are aware of resource availability and
potential warnings
Fast remote set-up and configuration:
The DMNG Manager enables operators to
push a configuration file to several field units
simultaneously, thus speeding up a
broadcaster’s operations. Additionally, the
DMNG Manager provides access to the web
page of every connected field unit and
receiver, enabling easy remote control
Easy firmware upgrades: The DMNG Manager
can also be used as a central tool to manage
firmware updates of the field units. Firmware
upgrades to the DMNG Manager itself are
simple and affordable, providing users with a
cost-effective and future-proof solution
The DMNG Manager, with its powerful server
application, brings enhanced operational
efficiencies and cost savings to broadcasters,
allowing them to monitor and manage an
entire DMNG live video contribution system
using a single tool. The product dramatically
streamlines digital mobile newsgathering
operations, enabling the news crew to focus on
actual content without having to worry about a
complicated technical workflow.
DMNG Manager
108 Best of Show IBC2014
AVIWEST
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 109
October 2014
The MD-HX is a new low-cost miniature
(3G/HD/SD)-SDI/HDMI cross converter.
It combines several converters for the
price of one, for example SDI-to-HDMI,
HDMI-to-SDI, down, up, cross converter,
and is housed in an aluminium case
with an LCD and button control system.
It will simultaneously convert HDMI and/or
SDI to HDMI and/or SDI. The MD-HX includes
the same down/up/cross converter from
Decimator’s MD-DUCC, allowing either the
HDMI or SDI input to be scaled and/or frame
rate converted to the required standard.
Four (3G/HD/SD)-SDI outputs allow it to be
used as a one-to-4fourdistribution amplifier,
and the output pair one can either be a
copy of the SDI input (default) or the same
as pair two. The audio pairs in the SDI and
HDMI outputs can be rearranged as required.
There is a USB port for control and firmware
updates, and a metal thread-locking DC
power socket.
MD-HXDecimator Design
Elemental Live is the industry’s first software-
based HEVC video processing solution
capable of delivering live 4K UHD TV at
50 and 60fps with support for full frame 4K UHD
encoding. The 50/60p frame rate provides a
highly immersive viewing experience particularly
well-suited for live sports content. The action
and excitement of live sports viewed on a large
4K UHD display is a strong contender to the
stadium experience and opens up new market
opportunities for both home and public viewing.
At IBC2014, Elemental demonstrated
Elemental Live HEVC encoding capabilities for 4K
UHD TV. Elemental Live HEVC video processing
enables broadcasters to launch 4K UHD services
for online, satellite, cable and terrestrial television.
Workflows powered by Elemental Live HEVC
video processing preserve UHD picture integrity
and quality from source to screen.
Elemental will also demonstrate Elemental Live
HEVC video processing for multiscreen delivery
via the internet or an over-the-top (OTT) network.
Once packaged into the MPEG-DASH industry
protocol, live 4K p50/60 UHD video content can
then be distributed through a third party CDN
such as Akamai or Level 3, and delivered to
mobile devices or to the new generation smart
4K UHD TVs which include HEVC decoders.
As a software-defined video solution, Elemental
Live can be deployed on appliances, virtualised
machines and on cloud-based resources.
Elemental Live is software upgradable,
allowing video providers to benefit from new
HEVC encoding advances, including greater
bandwidth efficiencies and wider colour ranges.
Elemental Live HEVC encoding can be
performed alongside MPEG-2 and H.264
encoding. Video processing instances can be
scaled up and down at any time by taking
advantage of standard off-the-shelf hardware
and cloud-based resources. The flexibility of
Elemental software-defined video solutions
allows HEVC video processing to be deployed
into existing workflows without disrupting
ongoing services.
Elemental Live has already delivered a
number of key 4K UHD milestones. During the
2014 Sochi Olympics, Elemental worked with
NTV+, a Russian broadcaster, and Broadcom,
a supplier of HEVC decoding chips for set-top
boxes, to enable the world’s first 4K UHD HEVC
satellite transmission. At NAB 2014, Elemental
demonstrated the ability to deliver live 4K HEVC
UHD TV via CDN using the MPEG-DASH adaptive
bitrate (ABR) protocol. In May 2014, Elemental
Live was used to process a live 4K UHD HEVC
broadcast of the Vienna State Opera
production of Verdi’s Nabucco, featuring
Placido Domingo in the lead role.
During the 2014 World Cup, Elemental
Technologies and Broadcom partnered
again to support cable and satellite operator
Globosat in broadcasting three finals
matches during the tournament live
in 4K UHD. This and other industry firsts,
powered by Elemental Live HEVC video
processing, promise a bright future for
both HEVC and 4K UHD TV.
Elemental Live HEVC Video Processing for 4Kp50/60 UHD TV
110 Best of Show IBC2014
Elemental Technologies
October 2014
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 111
Landmark Express Cloud is a complete,
modular and scalable business solution
for the management of advertising sales,
planning, traffic, rights and scheduling processes
of today’s growing television operations. Imagine
Communications developed Landmark Express
Cloud to help small start-up channels and
expanding mid-sized broadcasters leverage the
world-class power of Imagine’s Landmark Sales,
Rights and Scheduling solutions for their own
sophisticated, yet smaller professional operations.
With lower TCO and a simplified configuration
focusing on key relevant business functions,
Landmark Express Cloud delivers exceptional
value, with support for multiple channels, multiple
currencies and multiple languages, in a cost-
effective, cloud-based system.
Now, small and mid-sized broadcasters have
the tools to drive sales revenues and manage
costs, while increasing productivity through
powerful scheduling features. The modular solution
combines key business functions in a standards-
based environment that uses the cloud and
virtualised computing capabilities, allowing media
companies to efficiently manage their businesses
across formats, delivery platforms and multiple
locations. This service-oriented framework can
optimise the infrastructure that media companies
already have, while providing a seamless
migration path to cloud-based, next-generation
media and playout.
With Landmark Express Cloud, growing
operations can leverage the functionality of the
proven Landmark solution, including
the ability to:
Create and deliver efficient ad sales
campaigns to drive increased
advertising revenue
Manage linear schedules to
create the perfect presentation
Control the playout schedule with
hands-on scheduling of promos,
commercials and all interstitial
events
Connect with operations through
simplified EPG Export, and
included ADC Playlist and As-Run schedules
Realise efficiency via integration that
enables programming, sales and traffic to
share scheduling data in realtime
Landmark Express Cloud allows channels to
focus on managing inventory, optimising sales
and managing rights and schedules — without
special expertise in configuration, testing,
security, back-ups and software updates.
Modular options allow customers to grow
capabilities as their business grows, without
additional data migration requirements. With
Landmark Express Cloud, today’s growing
operations have a powerful, yet efficient starting
platform along with enhanced flexibility to
launch new channels, scale to handle new
content, and deliver cross-platform services.
The key benefits are:
Manage the complete workflows of sales,
rights management and scheduling from a
single, secure cloud environment
Simplify the operational environment, as there
is no hardware/software to install, and far
fewer capital expenditures required to get up
and running
Eliminate the cost and demands related to
system maintenance, including database
back-ups, virus and threat protection, server
monitoring, OS patches, database
maintenance, etc.
Enjoy the security of knowing that product
and technical experts are managing their
mission-critical system
Provide failover services in the event of
a disaster
Realise the benefits of world-class service
delivery leveraging the Imagine
Communications Cloud Platform, including
greater scalability and impressive
uptime numbers.
Landmark Express CloudImagine Communications
Today’s video consumer has an increasing
array of alternatives now widely available
via the internet and over-the-top providers,
pressuring media companies to take aggressive
action to maintain market share and keep
viewers engaged with their content. In order to
protect and enhance their hard-won brands,
cost-effectively launch new channels and remain
competitive in an exploding multichannel world,
media companies are increasingly embracing the
power and flexibility available only from IP-based
technologies such as cloud playout.
Imagine Communications’ VersioCloud is
an advanced, fully IP-enabled, integrated
playout in the cloud platform that frees media
companies from the constraints of hardware-
centric networks. The industry’s only integrated
playout solution that is 100 per cent software
running on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)
IT platforms, VersioCloud is the latest evolution
of the industry-leading Versio platform,
encompassing disruptive new technology that
utilises all of the power and capabilities of Versio
– but in the cloud.
This pioneering solution allows media
companies to manage their entire video
channel operations virtually over public and
private clouds to quickly reach new markets,
introduce new channels, extend their brands
and effortlessly scale to realise new levels
of profitability. By integrating cloud-based
playout and hybrid baseband and IP transport,
VersioCloud enables comprehensive capabilities
to substantially improve playout and workflow
challenges, and to facilitate the migration to IP.
With VersioCloud, all of the traditional
integrated channel playout functions are now
cloud-enabled, including automation, branding,
graphics, and file server capabilities. This
profoundly improves the interactions between
content providers, distributors and networks,
affiliates, and video consumers by redefining the
technology required to originate, store, deliver
and monetise video content.
VersioCloud provides improved visibility that
optimises advertising playout, efficient methods
of disaster recovery, fast channel creation to
accommodate seasonal or one-time events,
the expansion of brands and content into new
markets and new geographies without requiring
brick-and-mortar facilities, and a pay-as-you-go
Platform as a Service (PaaS) model to greatly
lower the cost and time barriers to traditional
methods of establishing linear and OTT channels.
Media companies also have tremendous
flexibility in designing Playout in the Cloud
workflows by integrating VersioCloud with
Imagine Communications’ Zenium workflow
manager, an agile software engine that offers
full operational transparency and precise
control capabilities.
Key benefits:
Frees media companies from restrictions
imposed by geographies and facilities
Permits on-premises, private cloud and/or
public cloud deployments
Increases channel launch speed and
reduces infrastructure
Reduces both capital investment
requirements and ongoing operational costs
Integrates within traditional architectures in a
hybrid solution model
Optimises content management and
performance, and simplifies sharing and
rights management
Provides detailed, realtime insight into
all content-related activities throughout
the broadcast chain to optimise air-time and
advertising inventories.
VersioCloud
112 Best of Show IBC2014
October 2014
Imagine Communications
Best of Show IBC2014 113
October 2014
Lawo used IBC2014 to introduce the mc²36
audio console, a universal all-in-one
mixing desk, with a feature set for use in
broadcast, theatre, house of worship, live and
install applications.
Its compact size, DSP micro-core (with internal
512x512 port audio matrix) and integrated I/O
make the new console an ideal choice for
permanent installations with limited space and for
rental companies with an eye on transportation
considerations. And, as it is natively equipped
with RAVENNA/AES67 technology, the mc²36
integrates into IP infrastructures.
These features combine with essential
broadcast features like high DSP channel count,
uncompromised audio quality, reliability, and
fast touchscreen operation for ease of use. And
for operational security, the mc²36 not only has
redundant power supplies but also DSP redundancy.
In terms of connectivity, the console’s
interfaces include 32 mic/line inputs, 32 line
outputs, eight digital AES3 inputs, eight digital
AES3 outputs, eight GPIO ports, one MADI (SFP)
port, three RAVENNA/AES67 channels, and a
headphone jack. In addition to onboard I/O, a
MADI tie-line connection and three RAVENNA/
AES67 audio-over-IP ports provide future-proof
connectivity for up to 384 external inputs and
outputs, offering a total capacity of 496
physical inputs and outputs.
The mc²36 is also fully prepared for intelligent
networking with other mc²36/56/66 consoles,
and can also be operated in combination
with Lawo Nova audio routers, giving instant
access to thousands of audio channels. Lawo
mc2 consoles provide intelligent mechanisms,
including user-rights management, to allow
input sharing between consoles.
The Lawo mc²36 was designed as a universal
console with the focus on its ease of use.
The console geometry combines with tightly
integrated displays and controls to provide
an ideal solution to meet the demands of a
variety of applications. The 21.5-inch full HD
touchscreens work hand-in-hand with the touch-
sensitive colour-illuminated rotary encoders to
provide intuitive operation.
Even though the mc²36 is ready-to-go on
delivery, it is not limited to a fixed configuration.
Any aspect of the console can be adapted to
meet specific user’s needs. All production data
can be saved on a USB stick and transferred
to another console. This is an ability that is
particularly valuable in rental applications.
Among the mc²36’s many other features are
Loudness Metering (for broadcast purposes, and
also for visual monitoring of microphone groups);
Listen Sense (for offline modification of channel
parameters like EQ or dynamics with pre-listen
of settings before switching them online);
Audio-follow-Video (allowing automated fades
from one camera to another with associated
audio channels); Upmix/Downmix (from stereo
to surround and back); Automix (automatic
adjustment of the levels of active and inactive
microphones, while maintaining a constant
ambient level); Remote Desktop (for seamless
integration of multiple external PCs with third-
party solutions into the console’s user interface);
mxGUI (allowing complete offline configuration
and advance show preparation); full channel
strip customisation (allowing users to re-arrange
the order of all DSP modules, including channel
direct outputs, meter point, fader and aux
sends); and Reveal function (automatic
input sorting of VCAs).
mc²36Lawo
MACOM offers a portfolio of crosspoint
switches, cable drivers, equalisers and
reclockers that span a complete
HD-SDI signal chain for production and
broadcast equipment.
We demonstrated this industry-first solution at
our booth at IBC, and showcased our customer’s
solutions for the emerging 4K 60fps workflow.
MACOM develops solutions which optimise the
cost and performance of equipment that supports
SMPTE standards. Typical applications include serial
routing switchers, production switchers, master
control equipment and other broadcast video
systems which are driving the migration to 3G HD
transmission and emerging 4K UHDTV standards.
12G-SDI is the next data rate in the evolution
of the SDI standard. It is required in order to
support 4K video resolutions at 60fps over a single
coaxial cable, or optical fibre. In 2014, MACOM
introduced six new 12G-SDI products that are
the industry’s first complete chipset to support
12G-SDI applications.
Our M23544/M23554/M23564 family of 12G-SDI
equalisers are the industry’s first 12G adaptive
cable equalisers. They set the standard for 12G
reach, while supporting legacy data rates of 6G,
3G, HD and SD-SDI, as well as the MADI audio
standard. Containing an integrated reclocker
they ensure that the output jitter from the device
remains low across all cable lengths. This is critical
as the amount of jitter that a 12G-SDI system can
tolerate is one quarter that of a 3G-SDI system.
Our M23328/M23428 family of 12G-SDI cable
drivers are the industry’s first 12G cable drivers.
These new devices ensure that customers can
meet new 12G and 6G requirements for rise/fall
times and return loss. Like the cable equaliser
family, they support all legacy SDI data rates
and the MADI audio standard.
Our M23145 12G reclocker will reset the jitter
budget at 12G and also supports legacy SDI
data rates and the MADI audio standard.
The part features an integrated trace
equaliser and jitter detector, all contained
in a very small package.
These products expand on MACOM’s
leadership position in 12G-SDI which also includes
a wide portfolio of crosspoint switch solutions.
“Viewers are demanding 4K/UHDTV content to
show on newer panels,” said Russell Thomas,
product marketing director, high-performance
analogue, MACOM. “By releasing the industry’s
first complete 12G-SDI chipset to complement
our line of 12Gbps crosspoints, we are giving our
(OEM) customers all of the key building blocks
to construct 12G-SDI systems today which will
support 4K on a single link.”
MACOM and Blackmagic Design
collaborated to bring 12G-SDI solutions to
market earlier this year. Blackmagic selected
MACOM 12G-SDI devices for their new 4K
UHDTV conversion product.
“Consumers’ appetite for 4K D-Cinema and
UHDTV-1 content is growing at a tremendous
rate,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design.
“By using MACOM’s 12G-SDI products we are
able to demonstrate 4K60P solutions carried
over a single link to serve this new demand. The
performance and robustness of the MACOM
solution enabled us to be first-to-market with this
exciting product, using the 12G-SDI interface.”
MACOM 12G SDI Chipset
114 Best of Show IBC2014
MACOM
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 115
October 2014
TV3 SPORT in Denmark implemented
Primestream’s FORK Logger metadata-
tagging module within the FORK Production
suite. The path towards this new implementation
began when TV3 Sport started to contemplate their
transition to a tapeless HD workflow. An increasing
amount of the feeds were in HD, and their editing
platform needed to move forward to keep up. A
search for new tapeless production technologies
led TV3Sport to adopt the FORK Production Suite
from US manufacturer Primestream.
FORK Logger is a cross-platform logging
tool that empowers users to enrich their
media, whether live or recorded, with detailed
metadata and/or subclip highlights, quickly
and accurately. As the newest component in
the Primestream FORK Production Suite for Asset
Management and Automation, FORK Logger
increases the speed and flexibility of logging for
news, sports, and entertainment.
FORK Logger is designed to put metadata
into the clips a user makes. For example, TV3
SPORT is interested in having people log a
football game as it takes place, with a series of
buttons reflecting the primary action within a
match. When a goal takes place, you press the
button as soon as the goal happens, creating
what amounts to a sub-clip of the goal and 90
seconds of subsequent action. You can then
put in additional metadata about the clip. The
buttons are logically set-up so it brings up all the
options related to a goal.
What really differentiates this tool from others
is that, within the same GUI a user can have
the live feed and the proxy copy of the feed,
meaning that a user can work in realtime or
delayed by 30 seconds using the proxy.
FORK Production Suite now integrates with
data feeds from STATS. FORK Logger users
can start their sessions with pre-populated
placeholders that contain event data pulled
from the STATS feed. Working from these
populated placeholders enables users to avoid
manually entering data and increases the
accuracy of the descriptive information. STATS
service maintains up-to-the-minute roster and
player statistical information, enabling FORK
Logger users to get to work faster while remaining
updated with information.
FORK Ingest technology is available inside
of Logger’s User Interface to begin digitising a
live feed or existing media. FORK supports edit-
while-capture workflows with XDCAM, ProRes,
AVC-Intra, and others, while gaining the benefits
of the FORK MAM and automation platform
for media Ingest and Playout (I/O), logging,
tagging, proxy editing, workflow management,
and archiving. Editors can work in Avid Media
Composer, Apple Final Cut Pro and Adobe
Premiere Pro with full, two-way communication
of metadata and marker information.
Benefits include sharing content between
FORK and Media Composer without the need
for rewrapping or re-encoding either in native
Avid MXF OPAtom format or utilising AMA links,
as well as utilising the Advanced Authoring
Format (AAF) for sending clips, timelines
and markers from FORK to Avid Media
Composer. Finished media can be sent back
to FORK with metadata and markers. The
FORK Logger client runs on both Windows
and Mac OS.
FORK LoggerPrimestream
StorNext Pro Storage Solutions are designed
to enable the newest high-performance
digital workflows and drive higher levels of
efficiency for broadcasters and post production
facilities. Users today face challenges building
storage infrastructure that adequately supports
the latest 4K workflows, more camera formats
and a greater number of delivery options.
StorNext Pro Solutions offer the fastest, easiest
and most complete shared high-performance
storage for today’s complex collaborative
workgroups. Whether you are building a 4K post
production studio, refreshing an existing Xsan
deployment, or standing up a new broadcast
facility, StorNext provides a storage solution for your
high-volume workflows. As complete integrated
workflow storage solutions, they are ready to deploy
in your new or existing fibre channel and IP network.
Each StorNext Pro Solution is designed to
match specific workflow needs:
StorNext Pro 4K meets the demands of
modern 4K media workflows from ingest
to production to delivery with the flash-based
metadata performance of the StorNext M445
SSD Metadata Appliance and scalability of
the StorNext QXS-1200 RAID Storage
StorNext Pro Studio combines the StorNext
M441D Metadata Appliance with the
StorNext QXS-1200 RAID Storage to make it
easier to refresh or enhance existing Apple
Xsan deployments by providing a high-
performance, scalable and 100 per cent
Xsan compatible solution
StorNext Pro Workgroup takes media
production a step further to include multi-
platform content delivery. A StorNext M662XL
Metadata Appliance offers high-speed
Windows and Linux IP connectivity for
transcode and proxy acceleration, plus
StorNext QXS-1200 RAID Storage for high-
volume content production
StorNext Pro Production supports workflow
storage spanning from content production
to content library management. It includes the
StorNext M662XL Metadata Appliance,
StorNext QX-1200 RAID Storage to support
production workgroups, integrated Windows/
Linux review stations, proxy and transcode
servers, plus a StorNext AEL500 LTO-6 library to
support LTFS acquisition, delivery, and archive
Included with all StorNext Pro Solutions is StorNext
Connect, which offers an easier way to manage
StorNext environments. StorNext Connect allows
you to connect all your StorNext resources in an
intuitive user-friendly graphical view. With StorNext
Connect, you can shorten the time it takes to
deploy or upgrade a StorNext environment,
identify problems before they affect users,
and reduce the risk of downtime or degraded
performance by eliminating manual tasks.
StorNext Connect enables you to install
StorNext software through a self-guided
interface; download software and upgrade
your StorNext clients and servers from a single
screen; restart clients and servers and check
status on automated tasks from a single screen;
and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks
with realtime activity, performance and
usage graphs.
For StorNext installations that include tape-
based digital libraries, you can also view
realtime status and historical trends, drill down
into archive media statistics, both tape and disk.
You can also determine how much of the tape
media in your digital library is being used and
how much of your archived content has been
vaulted, both currently and showing historical
trends over time.
StorNext Connect 1.0 will be included with
all StorNext Pro Solution purchases starting in
October 2014.
StorNext Connect
116 Best of Show IBC2014
Quantum
October 2014
Best of Show IBC2014 117
October 2014
W ith cameras reducing in size and
portable systems becoming more
and more compact, Transvideo has
created a small 5-inch HD OLED monitor, which
is about the size of a smartphone and weighs
only 190 grams (0.4lbs). Built-in tools include a
high-resolution waveform monitor, a precise
vectorscope with a histogram of the luminance,
while an embedded recorder delivers dailies
in H.264 onto SD cards. You can take some
snap-shots and generate PDF reports including
camera and lens metadatas (ARRI and Sony
cameras carrying metadatas through HD-SDI
only). The StarliteHD OLED monitor has a rugged
construction, made up of avionics grade
aluminium, and low power consumption.
StarliteHD accepts many accessories, a
viewfinder adapter, several battery holders,
sun hoods, and more.
In addition, a new concept of
human interface uses the power of the
touchscreen panel and rids the user
of incomprehensible and endless
tiered menus.
Specifications summary 3G/HD-SDI input + reclocked output
5-inch OLED touch screen with wide colour
gamut (EBU)
Extremely lightweight: 190g/0.4lbs
5-44v DC power input through Lemo2 ‘mini’
Low power consumption
StarliteHD 5-inch OLED Advanced Monitor
Transvideo
WorldCast Systems exhibited its
Audemat DVB-T/T2 Monitor at IBC2014,
which combines Signal Monitoring for
DVB-T and DVB-T2 in one flexible and future-proof
solution. For broadcasters managing a transition
between these two technologies or who wish
to protect their investment if migration is a
possibility in future, the Audemat DVB-T/T2 is
an attractive solution.
Key featuresThe Audemat DVB-T/T2 is a comprehensive
solution featuring audio/video streaming,
automatic scanning, MPEG services monitoring,
freeze pictures, network delay, TS recording and
T2-MI monitoring and analysis.
Signal and data monitoringAble to monitor up to 20 channels via its RF
receiver and one via an ASI input, the Audemat
DVB-T/T2 Monitor allows you to track the
realtime status of your signal 24/7/365. You
can sequentially monitor a set list of DVB-T
and/or DVB-T2 channels as well as performing
monitoring of Single Frequency Networks.
With a built-in Spectrum Analyzer and
customisable parameters to trigger alarms, a
user will receive instant notification of any
out-of-tolerance condition.
Realtime and recorded meaurementsThe Audemat DVB-T/T2 can perform realtime
measurements and record logs for 30 days to
enable performance tracking and historical analysis.
The measurements are displayed graphically for
easy interpretation and you can generate a report
on the specific channels of interest. The Transport
Stream Template Monitoring enables the user to
compare the TS Structure of their channel to a user-
defined reference and generate an alarm when
the performance differs from that expected.
Picture controlIn addition to measurements, the Audemat
DVB-T/T2 also provides realtime streaming to your
desktop so you can see exactly what the viewer
is seeing at any point in the broadcast. This also
allows you to analyse changes and problems from
the viewer’s perspective.
Powerful yet simple controlThe Audemat DVB-T/T2 can be controlled locally
or remotely with the intuitive software supplied
and is compatible with any SNMP-based
management system. It also provides the ability
to access, configure and control other co-
located equipment at the transmitter site
with remote control over TCP/IP.
ApplicationsAudemat DVB-T/T2 enables monitoring as well
as picture control and remote control at many
stages throughout the Digital TV broadcast
chain: the MPEG stream coming from the
studios, the T2MI signal generated by the
gateway (for DVB-T2), the RF broadcast from
the site, the SFN reception, etc.
Combining RF receivers, GPIOs and
powerful software applications, AUDEMAT
DVB-T/T2 is the ideal system for centralised
monitoring of all relevant information at
the transmitter site. In addition to alarm
management, it also enables troubleshooting
with remote access to the unit remotely
for realtime measurements, commands
and streaming.
It can provide QoS monitoring for
broadcasters and service providers and
is also frequently used by regulation authorities
to check broadcasters’ compliance with
regulations.
Audemat DVB-T/T2 is an innovative,
professional yet affordable platform offering
comprehensive monitoring and control to
broadcasters working in DVB-T and/or DVB-T2.
Combining both technologies in a single
platform ensures that no extra expense will be
required should their DVB-T network migrate to
DVB-T2 in future.
Audemat DVB-T/T2 Monitor
118 Best of Show IBC2014
WorldCast Systems
October 2014