OTTAWA—Ross Video has acquired LAMA, a Dutch-based developer of advanced audio production software known for its innovative live mixing solutions. The acquisition significantly strengthens Ross Video’s audio solution set and core audio technology, while bringing in a highly experienced team in audio-focused solutions, the company said.

“We are excited to welcome the LAMA team to Ross,” said Jeff Moore, Executive Vice-President & Chief Marketing Officer of Ross Video. “Ross Video has built its legacy on giving our customers everything they need to connect with their audiences. This acquisition extends our audio capabilities, both on-premises and in the cloud.”

LAMA’s software is designed to streamline live audio workflows, whether operated by seasoned audio engineers or streaming content creators. Built for speed, flexibility, and integration, it supports use cases ranging from live broadcasts and esports to corporate events and streaming. Its features address connectivity, mixing, and mix automation with a modern, software-defined approach.

Proven in real-world use, LAMA powered Eurosport’s Olympic Games Paris 2024 and enabled SK Gaming to simplify esports audio with NDI integration.

“LAMA was built to challenge the traditional complexities of live audio,” said Ewan Cameron, Co-founder and CCO of LAMA. “Joining Ross Video allows us to keep innovating while expanding access to our technology through a trusted global brand.”

With LAMA, Ross customers will gain access to fully integrated audio mixing tools that complement their existing video workflows, removing silos and streamlining production, according to the company.

“We’re always listening to our customers, and they kept telling us how impressed they were with LAMA’s intuitive approach to audio mixing,” said Nigel Spratling, Vice President of Production Switchers at Ross Video. “When we took a closer look, it was clear LAMA had built something truly special: technology that’s modern, efficient, and aligned with the needs of today’s operators.”

LAMA’s software will be on display at the Ross Video booth 8.B91 during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15 at the RAI Amsterdam.

WALTHAM, Mass.—Zixi, a provider of the video delivery technology over IP announced today that it has been acquired by Boston-based software private equity firm Clearhaven Partners for an undisclosed amount.  

Founded in 2006, Zixi provides end-to-end software solutions to more than 1,400 customers and 400+ integrated partner offerings to enable reliable broadcast-quality video delivery over any IP network for broadcasters, enterprises, OTT video providers, sports leagues and franchises, service providers, cable operators and telcos worldwide. Zixi clients include Amazon Prime Video, AWS Elemental Media Connect, FOX, Fubo, MLB, Net Insight, NHL, Paramount, Roku, SKY, Univision, Wurl, YouTube TV and hundreds of additional leading media and entertainment organizations globally, the company said. 

Zixi’s cloud-based ZEN Master live video orchestration and telemetry control plane enables global monitoring of all live streaming activity across connected Zixi nodes, complex workflow automation and advanced video and stream analytics delivering actionable insights. The company says its Zixi Enabled Network “is the largest ecosystem of global third-party partner offerings empowering customers to seamlessly deliver over 20,000 live linear channels and millions of live events with rapid deployment speed and extreme scale in over 120 countries.”

Clearhaven Partners is a Boston-based private equity firm founded in 2019 to focus exclusively on enterprise and B2B software investments. The company said it “will work closely with Zixi to support the Company’s continued innovation, customer-focused culture and scalability on its way to achieving next era growth and success.”

Other video-focused companies in Clearhaven's portfolio include cloud provder Wowza and Sundaysky, a developer of video SaaS technology. 

“Partnering with Clearhaven, an investor group with a great deal of expertise scaling software companies and with a unique video thesis, is a natural fit for Zixi and one that will enable us to double down on product innovation, set the highest standards for serving our valued, worldwide customer base and ensure our business achieves next level scale and scalability,” said Gordon Brooks, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Zixi. “As we enter our next stage of growth and innovation, we're delighted to partner with Clearhaven to pursue the significant opportunities in our market.”

No management changes have announced. 

LONDON—Visual storytelling platform and extended reality (xR) solutions developer disguise has acquired broadcast data and content visualization solutions platform company Polygon Labs. Terms of the deal were not available.

“We are very proud and delighted to welcome Polygon Labs to the disguise team,” said disguise CEO Fernando Kufer. “This is a key turning point for both our user communities, partners and customers, and a huge step in our direction towards cloud and new media production workflows. The future is cloud-based remote collaboration, and our work with Polygon Labs will unlock a whole new level of productivity and connectivity for all our users.”

Polygon Labs offers a cloud-native platform and turnkey services used by CNN, Univision, The Weather Channel and TV Globo. Polygon Labs dynamically controls and delivers high-end Unreal Engine graphics with real-time data visualization via its cloud or on-prem solutions.

By adding Polygon Labs, disguise will build integrations that enable xR studios to have access to a wider range of broadcast workflows that empower remote production and cloud-based collaboration. Users of both disguise and Polygon Labs solutions will benefit from easy-to-manage, data-driven graphics workflows running fully native Unreal Engine as well as extended design and production capability for graphics, the company said.

“Over the years, Polygon Labs has helped some of the biggest broadcasters turn data into engaging stories through powerful graphics and data visualization. Joining forces with disguise will take us into the next chapter of accelerating our journey towards graphics production workflows in the cloud. Our shared vision and passion for delivering the most engaging visual experiences will help us empower our users with a much more comprehensive solution to deliver the world’s most engaging storytelling graphics,” said Polygon Labs CEO Grigory Mindlin.

Together the companies will work to build out an integrated workflow that offers users value across both platforms. Unified cloud-based data aggregation and graphics control with easy broadcast workflow integration is on the near-term product development roadmap, the company said.

A new disguise office and xR stage in New York City is due to open in Q3 2022. The Polygon Labs team will join disguise’s East Coast team there, it said.

More information is available on the disguise website.

TYSONS, Va.—Any attempts to acquire Tegna have been put on hold because of the market conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Tegna has reported.

Tegna acknowledged that it had received “four unsolicited acquisition proposals” recently. Tegna engaged with two of the parties, though did not identify them, but after the impact of the coronavirus both companies informed Tegna that they were ceasing discussions. Discussions did not take place with the other two companies because, per Tegna, they did not sign confidentiality agreements to enable due diligence and did not deliver any information on financing sources.

TV Technology had previously reported that Apollo Global Management, Byron Allen, Gray Television and the partnership of Najafi Companies and Trinity Broadcasting Network had made offers for Tegna. Gray Television had previously withdrawn its offer.

Tegna Chairman of the Board Howard Elias says that the explorations of these offers was about “opportunities to create value.” 

“The Board has been, and remains, willing to consider transactions that create compelling value, and our focus is on helping management navigate through an unprecedented environment,” said Elias.

Tegna said it does not intend to update its disclosure of this information.

CAMERAS

The NAB Show exhibit halls will see 4K and a few 8K cameras, as well as an array of specialty cameras.

ARRI will showcase its ALEXA LF 4K camera. Rather than miniaturizing pixels to deliver full 4K resolution from a Super 35 sensor, ARRI has chosen to put its proven “optimal” size pixels on a larger than Super 35 sensor.

BLACKMAGIC DESIGN will demonstrate its URSA Broadcast camera, designed for both studio programming and live production. URSA Broadcast works with existing B4 broadcast HD lenses, supports both HD and Ultra HD production. It features a 4K sensor, extended video dynamic range, traditional external controls and buttons, built-in optical ND filters, dual CFast and dual SD card recorder.

GRASS VALLEY will demonstrate its line of multiformat (HD/3G/4K UHD) and multispeed (1X/3X/6X) cameras that offer outstanding image performance, excellent light sensitivity, and the ability to use standard HD lenses. The newest camera, the LDX 86N Series, delivers native HD, 3G and 4K UHD images for the highest possible resolution and image clarity as well as full support for HDR with up to 15 f-stops.

HITACHI KOKUSAI will showcase a firmware update for its SKUHD4000 Ultra HD Camera, allowing separate video shading adjustments for HDR/SDR outputs. The company will also unveil its CU-HD1300FT-S2 HDTV Camera Control Units with UHD/4K 12Gbps outputs.

IKEGAMI will show the UHK-435, a 2/3-inch 3-CMOS sensor, 4K/HD full studio camera and an updated, more compact and lightweight SHK-810 8K UHDTV camera developed in collaboration with NHK.

JVCKENWOOD will show its 800 Series camera connected directly to JVC’s ProHD Dockable Bridge, a wireless bonded IP uplink.

LUMENS INTEGRATION will introduce its VC-A50PN Full HD PTZ IP camera with support for NewTek NDI, allowing it to provide video, audio, PTZ control, tally and power over a single Ethernet cable.

MARSHALL ELECTRONICS will present its Marshall CV502-U3, a USB-powered, HD POV camera with an ultra-wide 126°-angle field-of-view lens, offering simple plug-and-play connectivity.

PANASONIC will introduce its AKUC4000 4K/HD high-speed studio camera, designed for live sports production and high-end event broadcast with high-speed 240fps. Also on display will be Panasonic’s entire NDI PTZ camera line-up: AW-HN38, AW-HN40, AW-UN70 and AW-HN130 as well as the AU-EVA1 5.7K handheld cinema camera.

RUSHWORKS will premier its 3n1 Multi-Function Video Camera, an HD-SDI PTZ with 20x or 30x lens and the ability to auto-track single targets.

SONY will show its CineAlta VENICE motion picture camera, capable of 6K resolution (6048x4032) in Full Frame mode. It features an industry first—a user-interchangeable sensor that requires removal of just six screws, enabling future upgrades and production flexibility. Sony will also showcase its FDR-AX700, NXCAM HXR-NX80 and XDCAM PXW-Z90 4K HDR Palm Cameras.

LENSES

ARRI, as part of its complete large-format acquisition system, will showcase its Signature Prime large format lenses. The lenses are purpose built to cover the larger-than-Super 35 sensor the camera utilizes.

CANON will showcase its CJ45ex9.7B and CJ45ex13.6B lenses, designed for use with broadcast cameras and featuring 2/3-inch sensors. The CJ45ex9.7B provides a high zoom ratio, while the CJ45ex13.6B provides the same zoom ratio and a long focal length.

COOKE OPTICS will feature its new S7/i Full Frame Plus lenses, the first purpose-built full frame lens set on the market, designed specifically to cover the emergent full frame cinema camera sensors up to the full sensor area (46.31mm image circle) of the RED Weapon 8K.

FUJIFILM will present its Fujinon UA24x7.8 lense, sporting a 24x zoom. At 8.6" (220.5mm) length and 4.4 pounds (1.98kg), it’s the smallest, lightest broadcast lens supporting 4K, according the company. Lenses zoom range is 7.8mm–187mm.

SIGMA CORP. OF AMERICA will showcase its Sigma 14mm T2 FF Cine Prime lens, which provides a fast T2 at this ultra-wide angle focal length for full frame sensors. The lens offers cinematographers the opportunity for robust cinematic expression.

CAMERA SUPPORT

In addition to cameras and lenses, shooters ranging from news photographer to motion picture cameramen need camera support equipment to add usability and utility.

TELEPROMPTERS

AUTOSCRIPT will highlight its all-new Intelligent Prompting family, together with new controllers and additional monitors. The system includes the EPIC-IP17 teleprompter displaying scripts sent over IP from WinPlus-IP prompting software.

CUESCRIPT will present its complete IP-based teleprompting system, future-proofed for an IP workflow, but included as standard are HD-SDI and Composite video connections that many studios still use, and USB or BNC CAN bus connectivity on all scroll controls also. Included in the system is CueiT Software, the CueB connectivity hub, and the CueScript PTZ Prompter and IP CSM Prompter Monitors.

TRIPODS & FLUID HEADS

LIBEC has added the AP-X adapter plate to its TH-X H fluid head and tripod system, providing more convenience and utility. The adapter plate design allows detaching the quick release plate with one hand while holding the camera with the other. The plate is also compatible with select Manfrotto and Sachtler heads.

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT will show its CompassX series (CX2, CX6, CX8, CX10 and CX18), featuring the company’s CB PLUS technology, delivering 16 positions of counterbalance in all models, providing accurate balance.

SACHTLER and VINTEN will demonstrate their jointly developed flowtech 75 tripod, featuring unique quick release brakes and easy adjust levers that enable camera operators to set up and begin using the tripod in an instant. The two brands will showcase a pair of optional flowtech accessories, a detachable carry handle and a compact and lightweight dolly. The flowtech 75 dolly features an integral carry handle and foot-operated brakes for smooth and easy operation.

CAMERA ROBOTICS

RUSHWORKS will demonstrate its PTX Universal PanTilt Heads, available in two sizes. They allow use of VISCA and DMX controllers to remotely control most cameras from AJA, ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Datavideo, JVC, Marshall, Panasonic, RED, Sony and others. Also new is the RUSHDOLLY for PTZ & PTX Production, a tiny but powerful self-propelled dolly that is designed to interface with PTZ and PTX cameras.

SHOTOKU USA will show its Enhanced ECI Automation Interface that brings efficiency and responsiveness to its TR-XT robotic camera control system. In addition to quick recall of pre-set camera positions during live broadcasts, enhanced ECI supports full joystick trim control to adjust and restore presets from automation systems or vision switcher panels.

TELEMETRICS will demonstrate its RCCP-1A Remote Camera Control Panel with reFrame Automatic Shot Correction, which intuitively and smoothly tracks the movement of on-air talent at a pace equal to that of a manned camera.

VINTEN will showcase its Vantage lightweight robotic head and and μVRC Controller. Vantage enables customers to choose the camera and lens that meet their requirements, and supports a wide range of pro-video camcorders from a variety of manufacturers. The μVRC is designed to complement the Vantage, giving the camera head even greater versatility and flexibility for enterprise video capture.

LIGHTING

When LED lighting was first introduced it provided energy efficient and high output illumination, but with an undesirable color cast. Today’s LED technology has arrived a near perfection of color rendering.

ARRI returns with its popular line of SkyPanel LED soft lights, including the new S360-C. The many creative features built into SkyPanels will be demonstrated through a lighting show in the ARRI booth at the top of every hour.

BB&S LIGHTING will introduce its Force 7 LED LEKO lighting fixture, which delivers 750W equivalent output while drawing just 165W at maximum, with 97 CRI. BBS will show 3- and 4-foot Pipeline Free lighting fixtures, which deliver 4,000 lumens at 98 TLCI in a rugged aluminum-backed cylindrical pipe.

CINEO will introduce its NBCUniversal LightBlade Series, a versatile production lighting system featuring reference-quality tunable white light combined with a separate Rec.2020 saturated color system.

DOPCHOICE will introduce its RABBIT-EARS, which allow users to gang a pair of Litepanels Astra fixtures to a DoPchoice light softening and shaping tool. The system provides fast mounting of Snapbags and Snapgrids.

FLUOTEC will introduce its Cinelight Studio Long Throw LED Panels, designed for use in high-altitude studios. The line features high >97 CRI-TLCI color rendering indexes and a concentrated 50-degree fixed light beam. Also featured are the Vegalux Auralux Studio LED Fresnels. The Auralux 200 provides a motorized zoom variable beam; the Auralux 100 sports a manual zoom. Both are available in Tungsten 3200K and Daylight 5600K.

FREZZI will feature its LED ProLight and Combo Filter, a bright, light and feature rich camera-top light. It includes a quick release head, articulating extension arm, integrated USB charge port and passthru PT connector for piggy-backing another accessories.

K5600 will demonstrate its Joker2, a newly designed variant of the company’s long established Joker line of lights. Advanced features include wireless dimming, plug-in ignition with tungsten option, improved braking mechanism, and quick swap lamp mount.

LITEPANELS will showcase Gemini, an accurate and versatile 2x1 soft panel lighting fixture. Gemini’s latest firmware upgrade allows for a variety of cinematic features such as emergency lights, Fire TV, and hue bursts that are fully customizeable and can be easily saved to presets. Gemini eliminates the need for color correction by offering full-spectrum white light that’s ideal for lighting talent and rendering exceptional color.

MATTHEWS STUDIO EQUIPMENT will demonstrate the K-Stacker, a soft light solution that turns Kino Flo LED panels and fluorescent fixtures into larger soft light sources.

PHOTON BEARD will introduce its Solo Kit, designed around the company’s PB80 LED redhead. The Solo Kit, with three light heads, supplies convenient lighting accessories including three light stands, a soft box, battery plates and a soft case. Also new is the Edukit, designed to provide a professional quality, affordable lighting kit for basic broadcast use.

BATTERIES AND POWER SUPPLIES

Battery and power supply makers continue to move their art forward with lighter weight, greater capacity batteries and faster chargers.

ANTON/BAUER will showcase its V-Mount Digital Battery Series, designed to power at 40 percent greater efficiency in a sleek, ergonomic design with an easy-to-read LCD display.

BHV BROADCAST, in the CueScript booth, will launch its Video Ghost dx, providing dc power, SDI video (ranging from SD to 4K) and a bidirectional data link over a single coaxial cable. The data link covers VISCA and Pelco protocols to drive PTZ cameras for fit-and-forget operation.

CORE SWX will premier its Nano-VBR98, designed for select Panasonic Camcorders such as the EVA. Also new is the Hypercore SLIM 98, which combines the compact design of the Hypercore SLIM HC8 with a 98Wh capacity and USB power output.

FREZZI will demonstrate its next iteration FLB battery, which features a new, built-in Power Tap connector to power lighting. It also sports an integrated USB charger port for smartphones and USB accessories. The FLB is available in 100Wh and 240Wh capacities, in both V-Mount and Anton-type mount.

PAG AMERICA will introduce its PAGlink PowerHub, which provides all outputs needed for camera accessories. Designed for use between two PAGlink Gold Mount batteries, it maintains continuous power to accessories while hot-swapping batteries. It features five ports for interchangeable D-Tap, Lemo, Hirose or USB output connector units. Also new is the PAGlink Micro Charger, an ultra-compact travel charging kit for PAGlink batteries. Gold Mount and V-Mount models are available.

NEW BERN, N.C.—Wheatstone Corp. announced that it has acquired the assets and intellectual property of Pacific Research & Engineering from GatesAir of Quincy, Ill. (formerly Harris Broadcast) for an undisclosed amount. The purchase includes audio consoles, the networking system, the furniture lines, all designs, trademarks, engineering files and tooling, effectively restoring the PR&E console brand under the Wheatstone umbrella.

PR&E is a console manufacturer dating back to the 1970s with more than $80 million in products and services sold globally.

“We have a respect for the PR&E brand that goes way back,” said Wheatstone CEO Gary Snow. “They were considered the MercedesBenz of consoles at one time, and today, the name PR&E still stands for quality. Our intention is to not only restore the PR&E brand, but to grow it and give existing as well as new customers the mobility to easily transition to IP networking.”

Wheatstone previously acquired Auditronics in March of 1999 and Audion Labs in October of 2015,and currently manufactures a complete line of broadcast studio products that includes Audioarts Engineering and VoxPro brand names, as well as Wheatstone IP audio networking, control surfaces,talent stations, audio processing for FM, AM and streaming, software applications, and other products developed and designed specifically for broa