S.I. Support From Cache Media

For a systems integration specialist, the difference between a successful and profitable installation and a less than satisfactory one is often down to the choice of supplier and equipment and the after sales support available.

To start with, a good supplier will ensure that their products make the system Integrator's bidding process as easy as possible. This involves making sure that the products fit easily into the system Integrator's database and that prices are kept up to date.

Cache Media is a supplier of mini cameras, servers and monitors to system integrators throughout the UK and Ireland which sell their systems and expertise around the world. Managing Director Stuart Cameron explained: "Our products have been integrated into Systems in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa and beyond. In fact, once we sold a 360 Systems Server to an Integrator for a project in Mongolia."

During the bid process, it is imperative the supplier gives the SI fast and accurate answers to any questions and, since projects are often months or years away, it is important that they know about development roadmaps. Once the SI bid is successful, it is then vital to deliver fully tested products on time and to make sure that they are fully supported. To this end, Cache Media has a long and successful record and can invoice in Sterling, Euros or Dollars.

Amongst the range of products supplied by Cache Media is the server range from manufacturers Hardata, 360 Systems and DVEO. The following is a typical schematic of a typical Hardata server system.

Hardata products are easy to use and work with straight out of the box and they embrace good workflow practices. The above system shows a 2 channel ingest system, with MAM/Storage and a playout server. These systems are based on software modules developed entirely by Hardata, that integrate with enterprise-grade hardware specially adapted by DELL. This ensures high stability and long-term global support. The Hardata Smart Flow Ecosystem provides solutions for high availability broadcast requirements including media asset management, workflow automation and remote control.

All models feature dual redundant hot-swap power supplies and hot-swap RAID 6 drives. The system can withstand failure of up to two disks simultaneously without losing functionality. A dashboard with an alert system includes a comprehensive report generator and status updates for the system.

From 360 Systems come servers which are in use for a wide variety of applications from HD studio backgrounds to time delay. The Maxx 1200 HD has 3 channels of HD output that can be perfectly synced for accurate playback to say 3 projectors or large monitors.

Thirdly, DVEO is best known for the variety of their servers. For example, the DVEO Gearbox can take up to 12 HDSDI inputs, transcode to H.264 and then stream the output at say 6 mbit/s and provide a disk for the client to take away. A typical application is for sports analysis where the game is streamed live and the client wants to have a removable drive so as to analyse the game in more detail after the event. DVEO are also well known for their ASI products and easy to use encoders such as the DVEO Sparky.

For System Integrators, the Marshall range of monitors came with rack ears and so are easy and quick to mount, light in weight and yet at the same time offering excellent picture quality and feature set. The IMD monitors come with a built in UMD that dynamically follows the router. Marshall were one of the first companies to offer this functionality and it followed extensive R&D carried out in the UK. The MD series offers a modular approach in that a DVI, HDMI or 3G/HDSDI module can be added. Marshall also have an extremely useful Test Pattern Generator for SD/HD and 4K use. Whilst generating test patterns it can also be used to extract, save and re-call EDID data. This means that it can quickly resolve problematic interconnection issues and is capable of emulating any device to which it is connected.

Rising stars in the world of monitors; Bon Electronics, also produces a range of excellent studio monitors including a 25” OLED monitor with advanced software and the ability to accept 3D LUT from Light Illusion.

Finally, Marshall is also exciting many system integrators with their new range of mini cameras and switchers. Over the past 18 months, Marshall have developed an impressive range of POV, Mini cams and PTZ cameras. The CV 500M2 is a de facto small camera with HDSDI output and they are widely in use. The smallest POV camera is the CV 150M - this is roughly the size of thumbnail yet gives superb pictures that are particularly good with fast motion and are used in International motor-racing.

The CV 200M is a lipstick camera which is also waterproof. All of the cameras in the range output 1080i/50 as well as 1080P 50 and also have a composite output. The latest addition is the CV 620 PTZ broadcast camera. For system integrators, the cameras can easily be integrated into systems using other Marshall components such as the new range of switchers including the VSW 2200 seamless switcher, the VAC 11 SU3 HDSDI to USB 3 converter and the camera controllers such as the VS PTC 50 and the VS PTC 150.

The schematic below shows the 2200 seamless switcher in action.

For further information on Cache Media and its product range, please contact Stuart Cameron on freephone 0800 033 6666 or visit the website www.cache-media.com.

Image: A typical Hardata server system.

This article is also available to read at BFV online.