IBC2011, which takes place from 9 to 13 September in Amsterdam, is the
premier European event for professionals engaged in the creation, management
and delivery of entertainment and news content. Among the 48 000+ attendees
from more than 140 countries expected to attend, will be a large contingent of
South African broadcast engineers. Here is a sneak preview of just some of the
technologies that will be
at IBC.
AJA Video
Designed as a miniature field recorder for creating “ready-to-edit’ professional
digital video, AJA Video’s Ki Pro Mini records Apple ProRes 422 (including HQ, LT
and Proxy) direct from any SDI or HDMI camera. Mounted and connected to your
camera, Ki Pro Mini records the ProRes footage to affordable Compact Flash
media, instantly ready to edit when connected to a Mac. Unifying the different
formats employed by broadcast cameras, Ki Pro features AJA’s powerful
hardware up / down / cross-conversion and captures ProRes direct to removable
Storage Module media. RS-422 and machine control capabilities make Ki Pro a
compact file-based VTR replacement. Extensive I/O ensures integration with all
your other production gear is seamless.
Avid
Avid Interplay provides workflows and applications that streamline ingest
processes and make the most efficient use of your investment in encoding,
server and production systems and personnel. Interplay supports a wide variety
of HD and SD ingest devices, MXF or QuickTime file wrapping, and any
compression format. All content can be easily found and reused, and can be
annotated manually or automatically at any time, allowing you to maximise the
return on previous media.
Interplay excels at coordinating and accelerating the collaborative editing
workflow of tens or hundreds of team members who can work on the same
projects at the same time. Interplay Production integrates directly and deeply
with editorial processes, and its project-aware client applications enable users
located anywhere to find, shot-list and annotate media and contribute to
projects in real time. A range of background media services handle media
movement, transcoding, proxy generation and Web Service APIs enable a rich
vendor partner ecosystem
Blackmagic Design
DaVinci Resolve 8 is a major new update to the world’s most advanced colour
correction tool that is used on more Hollywood feature films, commercials and TV
shows than any other system. It is available free for download from the
Blackmagic Design website for all DaVinci Resolve users.
New features include multi layer timeline support with editing, and XML import
and export with Apple Final Cut Pro 7 and Adobe Premiere Pro. DaVinci Resolve 8
includes OpenCL processing to allow use on Apple iMac and MacBook Pro
computers. New advanced processing tools have been added for real time noise
reduction, curve grading, advanced multi point stabilisation as well as automatic
stereoscopic 3D image alignment.
DaVinci Resolve 8 also supports the Avid Artist Color, Tangent Wave and JL
Copper control panels plus offers ALE export to relink graded DNxHD files back
into Avid editors.
The new XML import and export combined with the multi layer timeline allows
complex sequences from Apple Final Cut Pro 7 and Adobe Premiere Pro to be
imported, colour graded and then exported directly back into Final Cut Pro 7 or
Premiere Pro, with all the new graded shots, and the layer structure, intact. If
the edit is changed, DaVinci Resolve 8 will automatically relink all the clips so the
grades are preserved. Editing can also be performed inside DaVinci Resolve 8,
and clips adjusted and relocated.
Crystal Vision
Crystal Vision will showcase its latest modular interface products at IBC. Safe
Switch-L 3G provides clean and intelligent 2 x 2 switching between two 3Gb/s,
HD or SD sources, with a full frame store synchroniser on each input allowing it
to correct for any timing difference – resulting in no disruption to the output
picture when a switch takes place. Ideal for planned maintenance switches to
manually re-route a good signal around broken equipment, it can also be used
as an intelligent emergency transmission switch by engineers who do not want
to restrict themselves to timed inputs, with the option of selecting from 16
different video and audio fault conditions to automatically trigger the switch.
Up-Down-S 3G is a synchronising up/down/cross converter with the picture
quality that broadcasters standardise on and the ability to perform two different
conversions simultaneously between 3Gb/s, HD and SD sources and give out co-
timed dual outputs. To keep the output valid at all times Up-Down-S 3G has two
synchronisers downstream of the converter – one in the 3G/HD path and one in
the SD path.
DHD
DHD developed the 52/XC Core as the new central DSP and logic unit for all
Series 52 devices. The configurable and powerful DSP system of the 52/XC
provides sufficient resources for meeting the highest requirements. This
specialised, rock solid hardware does all the audio and logic processing in the
system, and all of that in a 1 U housing. It is completely silent – there are no
fans, no moving parts and there is no PC inside.
The 52/XC Core provides enough processing power for even the most
demanding applications. If necessary, it can handle an audio matrix of
2000×2000 signals as a router.
All Series 52 control modules are supported by the 52/XC Core.
Also new at DHD is its latest modular compact mixing console 52/SX. This price-
optimised mixer is ideal for On-Air studios, audio workstations and smaller OB
vans at radio and TV stations.
Harris
The Harris Selenio media convergence platform will make its first European trade
show appearance at IBC. Harris will illustrate how Selenio empowers system
architects to integrate baseband and broadband signal types within the same
cost-effective infrastructure. It will report on how this sophisticated media
convergence platform is already providing efficient solutions to real-world
convergence challenges within broadcast and electronic media operations
worldwide.
Harris will also demonstrate new products, features and applications in many of
its core areas of expertise in broadcast and production, including: servers,
storage and editing, routers and multiviewers, signal processing, transmission,
automation and digital asset management, targeted advertising, and test and
measurement.
“For many years, industry observers have talked up media convergence. At IBC
we will show that already we are delivering on the promise of a new and
radically different approach to this challenge,’ commented Richard Scott, senior
vice president, global sales and services, for Harris Broadcast Communications.
JVC
JVC Professional will demonstrate innovative 4K and 3D products at IBC. The
company has developed the world’s first large-scale integration (LSI) chip for
high-speed processing of HD video, an integral part of the next generation of
JVC camcorders. The prototype was launched at this year’s NAB show and will
be demonstrated live at IBC.
Also on the JVC stand will be its first professional 3D camcorder – the GY-HMZ1.
This features an integrated 3D twin lens design, enabling simultaneous
recording of left and right images in full 1920 x 1080 resolution. There is a new
32′ 3D display for medical and broadcast use, a 24′ 3D production monitor and
an upgraded IF-2D3D1 image processor, now with positive and negative image
reproduction. There are also additions to the DT-V range of professional
production monitors, with two new 17′ and two new 21′ monitors.
JVC’s ProHD tapeless camcorder range includes the shoulder-mount GY-HM750,
with simultaneous recording to two SDHC cards for an instant backup or client
copy, and the versatile GY-HM790 camera, with its innovative design that
provides exceptional performance in both studio and ENG applications. The GY-
HM790 will also be shown with the FS-790 optical fibre solution. JVC will also
demonstrate the powerful TV-TOOLS digital signage software.
Orad
New to IBC is Orad’s PlayMaker’s support for tapeless workflow with the export
and import of video footage to and from NLE systems. Also new is the PlayNet
module, allowing file sharing between servers. PlayMaker provides high quality
synchronised replay and smart editing tools for game highlights. It offers 8 I/O
channels, super slow motion support and huge ingests capacity.
ProSet, Orad’s high end virtual studio solution, provides a powerful dimension to
any virtual studio production. The system offers an interactive graphics module
which enables the encore to interact with the graphic elements. Orad’s IBC
presentation will rely on its new version of Xync infrared tracking with free
camera movement.
Quantel
Quantel will display the latest developments for its broadcast, post and
Stereo3D product range on show at IBC. Enterprise sQ SD/HD news/sports
production systems are relied on by many leading broadcasters around the
world to maintain their competitive advantage. A number of important workflow
enhancements will be on show as well as Mission 2, Quantel’s second
generation integrated MAM.
QTube is Quantel’s revolutionary remote access and editing workflow solution. It
removes the geographical limitations on working with media, allowing users to
work with content from anywhere. QTube automatically and securely makes all
content available – work in progress, finished clips, new recordings – and
enables access to them all within seconds from anywhere via the internet.
Expect exciting new QTube developments at IBC.
The Pablo high-end color correction and finishing system for 2K, 4K and
Stereo3D is also on show. At IBC the emphasis is on new Stereo3D tools, new
color tools and integration enhancements for the latest digital capture devices.
New Pablo PA developments make it an even more capable assist station for
Pablo owners and everyone
else too.
Ross Video
Ross Video’s Vision Series high-end production switcher family marks another
industry first with the addition of selectable user layouts for its unique internal
MultiViewers. Vision series production power has been further enhanced with
the addition of the new 8-keyer MultiDSK module, doubling the layering power of
programme outputs.
Introduced at NAB 2011, the new Carbonite mid-size switcher series has
received awards and accolades confirming its highly affordable ground breaking
design. The Carbonite series offers 1 and 2 MLE variants with 16 or 24 inputs
and an unmatched feature set. At the heart of Carbonite is the new Multi-
Definition 2RU production engine.
IBC is the European debut of the CrossOver Solo compact switcher. Based on
the highly successful CrossOver 12, the Solo has the same features and
specifications; however the main electronics and signal I/O are combined with
the panel as a single unit.
Version 10 software for OverDrive, as well as a new OverDrive feature called
QuickTurn which provides automated web delivery, will be launched at IBC.
The XPression Project Server is a game-changing collaborative creation and
media distribution product that allows users to share projects and move media
within a facility or across an entire enterprise.
Sachtler
On display at IBC, Sachtler’s Cine DSLR is a professional fluid head for shooting
with digital SLR cameras with a video function that although suitable for very
lightweight camera set-ups, can also handle heavy lenses and accessories.
Sachtler will also exhibit its ENG / EFP fluid heads Video 18 S1 and Video 20 S1
and the renowned FSB fluid heads, as well as the Sachtler artemis modular
camera stabiliser systems (including Cine HD Pro and EFP HD SE). The artemis
range is suitable for independent video producers to major-market ENG or
sports crews and feature the patented Hot-Swap technology that provides an
uninterrupted power supply when changing batteries.
Telestream
Telestream has released three major new enterprise-class system management
products in the Vantage video workflow family: Vantage Enterprise Control,
Vantage Master Control, and Vantage Team Management. Telestream also
announced the release of Vantage 3.0 which adds support for a number of new
video and audio formats, wrappers and systems, and new video workflow
design and automation features. Vantage server-based software products
automate content ingest, transcoding, video file interoperability, video
production workflows, and multi-channel distribution for content owners,
creators, broadcast, cable and new media companies.
New Vantage Enterprise System Management products, Vantage Enterprise
Control and Vantage Master Control, provide scalability, predictability, and
resiliency for large-scale and mission-critical file-based video workflow
environments.
Thomson Video Networks
New from Thomson is the ViBE VS7000 video system, a fully integrated IP video
solution for convergent applications such as Web TV and over-the-top services
delivery, traditional IPTV, and IP / cable delivery. ViBE VS7000 combines all major
audio / video codecs, the latest adaptive streaming formats, and a resilient IT
platform for native redundancy and scalability.
Also new is the ViBE EM4000 Multichannel HD Encoder which incorporates a
substantially more powerful evolution of Thomson’s renowned Mustang
compression engine. The ViBE EM4000’s performance delivers significant
operational cost savings through better use of satellite or terrestrial bandwidth.
Thomson’s NetProcessor 9030/40 now includes a new DVB-T2 interface for a
more than 30% bandwidth enhancement, as well as MPEG-2/H.264
enhancements for splicing from a national feed to a regional programme in a
statistical multiplex without requiring rate-shaping. Combined with the Sapphire
MPEG broadcast server, it provides a comprehensive ad insertion solution. New
Sapphire features include frame-accurate clip editing enhancements, advanced
logo insertion features (support for H.264, new scheduling capabilities) and BXF
support.
ViewCast
A new ViewCast product at IBC is the Niagara 7550 which offers complete plug-
and-play capability to enable users to quickly capture and stream premium
quality audio and video to IP and mobile networks in multiple formats and at
multiple bit rates – all simultaneously. It accepts SD or HD video through its SDI
interface and can switch on-the-fly between HD or SD sources without having to
re-initialise the system. An SDI loop-out is also provided to facilitate workflow.
Like all professional-grade ViewCast streaming appliances, the Niagara 7550
comes standard with Niagara SCX which allows remote management of all the
key features of multiple units in the same easy-to-use interface, over the
network.
Osprey 260e and Osprey 460e video capture cards are ideally suited for
broadcasters, enterprises, governments and OEM system integrators looking for
high-quality, reliable solutions for webcasting, live streaming, podcasting, mobile
TV, video on demand and / or surveillance applications. Both the Osprey 260e
and 460e cards optimise the PCI Express (PCIe) bus architecture to unleash the
power of modern multi-core PC engines with unfettered access to all PC
resources.
Niagara SCX 6.4 is an enhanced version of the company’s powerful SCX
streaming media management software. Version 6.4 includes a number of
advanced features, including support for adaptive live encoding via Microsoft IIS
Smooth Streaming and PlayReady DRM support, updates to Akamai HD iPhone
and iPad streaming, improved MPEG-4 streaming, and presentation and security
enhancements for adaptive streaming
