Our Old Friend IBC... (Part 2)

Continued from Part 1...

EVS (8.A96) - celebrating 20 years in live production - will focus on four key technology and business priorities, and match these to upgraded solutions for the sports, entertainment, news and media markets.
In the area of mastering file-based media workflow and making the most of media assets EVS fields the OpenCube Server and its new IPDirector automated workflow tools. The first offers media workflow solutions with an extended range of MXF file generation, advanced MXF file interoperability, IMF support, and the management of ancillary data (closed caption, subtitling) throughout the entire production and archive chain.
IPDirector is a toolset for automated archive and production workflow operations. The Melt feature offers automated playlist creation of all key actions (clips) created during live operations and transfers to archive, post or offsite production along with the log sheet and original metadata.
In the area of working more productively, easing production operations and introducing effective remote production tools, EVS has the web-browsing interface C-Cast Xplore. This gives the user immediate access to live multi-camera recording feeds and clips on XT3 servers. Live production tools based on the new XT3 platform give production teams on-the fly media control capabilities based on a set of live control panels dubbed MultiReview, LSMConnect and Epsio Zoom. For reaching more audiences during live transmission, EVS has the new C-Cast multimedia delivery tools. For transitioning to future workflows. there are the new XT3 & XS servers.

Cooke Optics (11.D10) will add to its range of Anamorphic lenses. Look for the 25mm and 135mm lenses dues to ship at the end of the year and see previews of the 180mm and 300mm lenses due in 2015. In addition, Cooke will add a 21mm lens to both the miniS4/i range and the 5/i series. Cooke also plans to include sensors for the forthcoming /i Squared Technology metadata system in all new Anamorphic/i, 5/i and S4/i lenses. The inertial system, developed by Cooke with support from The Pixel Farm and Codex, builds on the current /i Technology protocol supplying position and orientation data, in addition to lens data, to aid post-production work, particularly where VFX are involved.

Custom Consoles (8.A20) will have its latest Media Wall, the Module-R control room furniture, its EditOne desks and the System Two multi-element furniture at the show.
Media Wall is a multi-screen mounting system. The main improvement is narrower front-to-back depth (now 500 mm). Cable management is now along a PVC tray and all wiring is fully concealed and can enter or leave the structure at any desired point. The EditOne desks, developed for use in video editing suites, broadcast graphics areas and audio studio control rooms, use sculpted MDF support panels rather than metal legs. SystemTwo consists of the S2-01B desk and S2-02B shelf, both being electrically adjustable in height from 660 to 1,250mm.

ATG Danmon (8.B51) specialises in file-based workflow solutions that typically match the AmberFin iCR to the ATG range of AQC partner solutions and file delivery solutions. It offers workflow-design, project planning, equipment installation, software-configuration, commissioning, documentation, on-site training plus ongoing support and maintenance services, and was in the vanguard of companies that pioneered the transition from videotape to the file-based technology.

Gearhouse Broadcast (10.B39) will have an updated model of its live production OBLite HD trailer. The refinements have centered on build and production workflow, but the amazing thing is that it is capable of a seven- or eight-based production and operation crew.
OBLite features eight Hitachi Z-HD6000 camera channels. The main operational upgrade sees the production workflow redesigned using Ross Video's new openTruck blueprint, ensuring increased efficiency, video quality and the ability to quickly reconfigure the trailer for different events.
Additionally, Ross Video's Carbonite vision mixer, NK Series routing system and glue elements have been implemented from its openGear platform, as well as the powerful and compact LAWO V_pro8 1U video processor. The structural updates are to include a new, lighter chassis, built-in retractable door steps, a load-bearing roof with operator safety harness and anti-slip surface, waterproof mouse holes for cable runs, stabilisation jacks and flush door locking mechanisms.
All external units have been encased and a new internal cooling system has been installed, while the illuminated tailboard has been redesigned with separated power units. Lastly, OBLite now includes a new LED lighting array as well as ECE 104 compliant reflective tape and 'On Air' lights. Changes to the interior layout also allow for two 6-channel HD EVS XT server positions.

HHB Communications (8.D56) will share its booth with its audio post subsidiary Scrub, and the co-exhibitors TC Electronic, Dynaudio, Mogami and Roland.
With the DPP file-based delivery target of October 1 imminent, compliance with the EBU R128 loudness standard is an extremely relevant subject for IBC visitors, so HHB will be exhibiting the latest loudness metering and correction technologies in hardware and software for acquisition, production and transmission from vendors including TC Electronic, Wohler, Dolby and NUGEN Audio. HHB and Scrub staff will be on hand to talk through the loudness rules, audio over IP, ATMOS, digital consoles, MADI, microphones and loudspeakers, plus the latest on Avid Everywhere.

Snell (8.B70) will major on product innovations for live TV, IP routing and play out automation. The new technology offerings will include powerful Media Biometrics, configurable switcher control, and next-generation IP routing. The new XS platform enables software processing in the real-time IP streaming world. It builds on Snell's partnership with Cisco to offer a practical vision for IP streaming in production, all based on standard off-the-shelf hardware.
At IBC, Snell will show IP streaming in action across a range of formats and devices, all with clean switching using a standard Cisco switch. The Quasar XS provides high quality up-and-down conversion and is the first product in the new line. Media Biometrics will be a hot subject because is expected to drive a revolution in production system efficiency. Basically, it enables systems to automatically and reliably identify media streams. The Kahuna Maverik, Morpheus Play out automation (with new after burner option), and the UHD-4K down converter will be other things to spot, and Snell will show a beta version of ICE OD, is a software-only version of the ICE Channel-in-a-Box. The essentials are all there – video server, master control, graphics and captioning in a scalable, software-only solution, capable of running on generic servers or cloud-hosted virtual machines.

Trilogy Communications (10.A29), famed as a provider of intercom systems and SPG units for studios, mobile production, play out and post will have a completely redesigned virtual control panel, now available for PCs, laptops, phones and tablets in either wired or wireless configurations. It allows everyone to join the conversation, simply and cost effectively. The second attraction involves the deep integration of L-S-B's Virtual Studio Manager with Trilogy's distributed matrix intercom Gemini, thanks to the recent successful implementation of the Ember+ protocol. Other products to spot will be a matrix-based intercom and the Mentor XL, a master reference generator that includes a GPS option board to enable operation with traditional active GPS antennas.

George's article is also available to read in BFV online.

(IT/JP)