WHITTLESFORD, U.K.—At the 2022 NAB Show, Crystal Vision has announced that it will be showing its latest processing software apps for its MARBLE media processor hardware, all of which can work with IP, with SDI or with both IP and SDI at the same time. 

The functionality offered by these apps – which support ST 2022, ST 2110 video and 31 different SDI standards including 1080p – includes chroma keying, linear keying, video delay, profanity delay, color correction, legalizing, picture-in-picture and fail-safe switching, the company said. 

This support for multiple signal formats simplifies the SDI to IP upgrade, while also making the apps perfect for mixed SDI and IP installations as well as fully IP or fully SDI environments, the company said. 

During the show, Crystal Vision will also be discussing how the software-based MARBLE platform makes it easy to create custom products to solve problems using SDI or IP video.

Visitors with an interest in virtual production will be able to see the new M-SAFIRE real-time chroma keyer software app – the industry’s first and only IP chroma keyer which can also be used with SDI, or with both IP and SDI simultaneously for hybrid systems. 

The M-SAFIRE offers Crystal Vision’s best picture quality to date, with a noise-free key as well as numerous tools to optimize the picture including advanced clip processing, color correction, edge shrink, color spill processing, lighting compensation and shadow processing, the company reported. 

M-SAFIRE’s two quad split multiviewers facilitate setup by allowing four of the processing stage signals to be viewed simultaneously along with the ability to zoom into any area. The key can be faded up and down, while internal and external masks can be used to force areas of foreground or background – making it easy to linear key a logo or add virtual objects or sports graphics. The M-SAFIRE offers enhanced system timing features, being the company’s first chroma keyer to include reference redundancy, PTP as a timing source and ten frames of delay on the output as well as on the input, the company said. 

Crystal Vision will also be demonstrating its new M-CLEANIT IP/SDI profanity delay software app, designed to prevent the broadcast of unwanted or offensive video or audio material. 

The cover options include clean switching to two different video sources or a web page, blurring the video, showing black or blue or color bars, muting individual audio channels and switching to another audio source. 

To give the operator time to react, the M-CLEANIT allows an IP or SDI live content stream to be delayed by up to 600 frames, which is 24 seconds in 1080i50, 20 seconds in 1080i59.94, 12 seconds in 720p50/1080p50 and ten seconds in 1080p59.94. With intuitive control from a smart button box, separate reaction controls to event and restore and a fixed multiviewer output allowing the operator to monitor everything that is happening, the M-CLEANIT's flexibility allows it to be fully customized for any workflow, the company said. 

A number of additional MARBLE software apps will also be available for demonstration on Booth C4415 during the show. 

These include two keyers designed for IP and SDI channel branding and graphic overlay applications. The M-KEY is a traditional linear keyer, while the M-WEBKEY keyer can key a web page onto a video stream for those seeking to save money along with an easier workflow. 

The M-PIP is a cost-effective solution for IP or SDI playout applications that need one or two picture-in-picture boxes to be inserted into the main program. Providing up to 32 seconds of video delay, the multi-channel M-VIVID range can be used to match any short or long system delays in IP, SDI or mixed installations. Its Y stretches make the M-COCO-2 IP/SDI color corrector and legalizer particularly suited to correcting the contrast on in-shot monitors, with its built-in test pattern generator ensuring an easier workflow. 

The M-SAFESWITCH-2 IP/SDI fail-safe routing switch is ideal for planned maintenance switches or as a very sophisticated auto changeover switch and can select from ten different fault conditions – including the recently-added audio missing or silent – to automatically trigger a switch, the company said. 

During the 2022 NAB Show between April 23 - 27, 2022 in Las Vegas, Crystal Vision will be demonstrating these and other products at Booth C4415.

More information can be found at www.crystalvision.tv

WHITLLESFORD, U.K.—Crystal Vision will show the best-of-breed video processing software apps, all of which work with IP, SDI or both at the same time, for its MARBLE media processor hardware, the company said.

The apps, which support SMPTE ST 2022, ST 2110 and 31 different SDI standards, including 1080p, offer functions, such as chromakeying, linear keying video delay, profanity delay, color correction, legalizing, picture-in-picture and fail-safe switching.

The functionality offered by these apps – which support ST 2022, ST 2110 video and 31 different SDI standards including 1080p – includes chromakeying, linear keying, video delay, profanity delay, color correction, legalizing, picture-in-picture and fail-safe switching.

The company will make the global debut of M-SAFIRE, a real-time chromakeyer software app. It can be used simultaneously with SDI and IP in hybrid systems.

The MARBLE media processor’s powerful GPU processor allows the M-SAFIRE to generate a noise-free key, which is fundamental in creating a believable virtual reality. It allows output video, output key, keyed foreground and keyed background to be viewed simultaneously and makes it possible to zoom into any area.

Crystal Vision also will make in-person demos of its M-CLEANIT IP/SDI profanity delay software app. The solution offers clean switching to two different video sources or a web page, blurring the video, showing black or blue or color bars, muting individual audio channels and switching to another audio source. To give the operator time to react, the M-CLEANIT allows an IP or SDI live content stream to be delayed by up to 600 frames.

The company will also show M-COCO-2, an IP/SDI color corrector software app. In addition to its RGB gain, RGB lift, YUV gain, YUV lift, Video gain, Chroma gain, Chroma hue and RGB Gamma adjustments, the M-COCO-2’s Black Stretch and Highlights Stretch tools are useful for correcting the contrast on brightly lit on-set monitors where the studio lighting has been set to suit the people in shot.

Crystal Vision will also discuss how the MARBLE platform can be used to create custom products to solve specific problems related to using SDI and IP.

See Crystal Vision at the 2021 NAB Show in booth C9922.

More information is available on the company’s website.

WHITTLESFORD, U.K.—Crystal Vision has released M-CleanIt, the company’s profanity delay system that’s equally suited for IP and SDI environments.

Customizable for any workflow, M-CleanIt protects against video and audio profanity, offering a number of solutions, including clean switching to two different video sources or a web page—an HTML-based cover image or animation, blurring video, showing black or blue or color bars, muting individual audio channels and switching to another audio source. It is also possible to clean switch to the undelayed program, jumping ahead in time from the offensive content. Video and audio cleaning techniques can be combined, the company said.

All cleaning features can be configured and individually controlled, making it simple to customize M-CleanIt for each production. 

M-CleanIt gives operators time to react to an incident whether in an IP or SDI live stream. It offers up to 600 frames of delay—24 seconds in 1080i50, 20 seconds in 1080i59.94, 12 seconds in 720p50 and 1080p50 and 10 seconds in 1080p59.94 environments, it said. 

The M-CleanIt software app runs on the Marble-V1 media processor hardware, a card offering a powerful CPU/GPU processor as well as SDI and 10GbE IP network interface connections, which are housed in the Vision frame, the company said.

The company recommends using M-CleanIt with the SBB-4 smart button box with four big momentary buttons set to Mute A, Blur B, Switch to B and Switch to C by default. The box can be customized, it said.

Other control methods are available, including via the VisionWeb Control web browser software and the JSON and ASCII protocols, which can be used together with the SBB-4.

M-CleanIt also supports confidence monitoring by enabling one of its two outputs to show the Monitor output, which allows the user to monitor everything happening by simultaneously showing the Live Source A video, Cleanit Out video, Delayed Source A video, Source B video, Source C video, Event pending tally and Event active tally. Live Source A audio is also monitored, the company said.

Besides working in SDI environments, M-CleanIt supports IP workflows, including SMPTE ST 2022-6 and 2022-7. Support for SMPTE ST 2110 video, audio and data is planned for early 2021. The solution can also be used to integrate SDI into an IP environment or vice versa.

More information is available on the company’s website.  

WHITTLESFORD, U.K.—Crystal Vision has released M-PIP, a picture-in-picture device designed for IP and SDI playout applications.

M-PIP, a software app that runs on Crystal Visions Marble-V1 media processor hardware, allows two input flows to be sized and positioned in advance and then layered over either the third input flow or an internal matte generator. As a dedicated double-box generator, M-PIP provides picture-in-picture functionality as well as having the ability to add extra capability to a standard playout or studio system.

Up to two boxes can be inset on the program or matte background, either by selecting the required foreground flow source or by using preset recall. Controls are available to independently size and position the two boxes on the screen, as well as to manipulate the size and position of the images inside those boxes. 

A colored border, or edge softness, can be applied to the boxes. The boxes can also be faded up and down, while the background can be faded out to black. There are 16 presets that can be used to create and store different looks for the boxes and then can be recalled through Crystal Vision’s ASCII or JSON protocols, or by using VisionWeb control software.

Each of M-PIP’s three inputs has an individual test pattern generator. There is also built-in scaling for use with mixed input flow formats. The two independent outputs can show the composite picture or any of the input flows.

Additional features of the M-PIP include a framestore synchronizer timed to an external Black and Burst or tri-level syncs analog reference of PTP, with failover options; 10 frames of flow input video delay; 10 frames of flow output video delay; and comprehensive SDI, IP and PTP monitoring information to generate SNMP traps. It also enables SDI to IP upgrade and can be used in mixed SDI and IP installations or fully IP and fully SDI environments.

For more information, visit www.crystalvision.tv.  

WHITTLESFORD, U.K.—Crystal Vision has introduced its M-WEBKEY webpage keyer that is meant to assist with the creation of broadcast graphics by keying a webpage on to an IP or SDI video stream over using video sources for the key and fill signals like traditional linear keyers.

According to Crystal Vision, M-WEBKEY is lower cost, offers an easier workflow, simplifies the network, efficiently uses resources and helps to find suitable operators.

M-WEBKEY uses HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, AJAX, XML and JSON to add still and animated on-screen text and graphics as well as data-driven graphics. The software app runs on the Marble-V1 media processor hardware, which features CPU/GPU processor and both SDI and 10GbE IP network interface connections.

With M-WEBKEY, users can allow the video input or a matte color to be set as a background source, with the specified webpage providing the overlaid foreground source as well as the key signal that defines the graphic’s location and transparency. M-WEBKEY will render the webpage at the correct resolution and frame rate for the video signal and then key the graphic on to the video. Webpages can be accessed remotely, with two DNS servers available via the 10GbE network interface ports, or can be stored internally in the Vision 3 frame.

Users can utilize M-WEBKEY with IP (SMPTE ST 2022 and ST 2110 video), with SDI or with both IP and SDI simultaneously. It also has a gateway functionality that can be used to integrate SDI into an IP environment and vice versa. Its IP to IP transition functionality can be used for network address translation, protocol conversion, unicast to multicast address conversion and the creation of media firewalls. IP flows can be separated and protected across up to four bi-directional 10GbE SFP+ network interfaces.

Additional features of M-WEBKEY include the ability to fade up and down, crops to force areas of background or foreground, a framestore synchronizer, 10 frames of video delay and signal status monitoring. There is a flexible choice of software and hardware control options, including VisionWeb Control web browser software and complimentary SNMP.

Crystal Vision is now offering the M-WEBKEY software app for purchase. For more information, visit www.crystalvision.tv.  

WHITTLESFORD, England—A trio of new IP gateways are now being shipped by Crystal Vision, all of which are compatible with both ST 2110 and ST 2022 video.

The Crystal Vision IP gateways—M-GWSDIIP-6, M-GWIPSDI-6 and M-GWIPIP-6—are software apps running on the Marble-V1 media processor hardware that are designed for transporting uncompressed video over 10GbE IP networks. IP inputs and outputs are individually selectable between ST 2022 and ST 2110, allowing the gateways to be used with both protocols, including at the same time if required.

The M-GWSDIIP-6 and M-GWIPSDI-6 gateways are meant for integrating SDI into an IP environment and IP into an SDI environment. The M-GWIPIP-6 is an IP to IP translator app for when different IP areas are connected together. Each gateway features six channels and have flexible internal routing, removing the need for additional distribution amplifiers and routing switches.

All three gateways are now available for purchase.

For more information, visit www.crystalvision.tv.

AMSTERDAM—When it comes to production needs, Crystal Vision may just have an app for that now. The company plans to showcase a series of new software apps designed for its Marble-V1 media processor hardware that can offers services that include video delay, synchronization, color correction, IP to IP processing and gateways; different versions of the apps are available for those working in IP, SDI or mixed SDI/IP environment.

Eight of the apps that Crystal Vision is unveiling at the conference are video delays. They are available with different numbers of channels (single or dual) and delay lengths as well as SDI, IP or both SDI and IP connectivity; all include a framestore synchronizer. The Vivid1-IP and Vivid2-IP app offer IP connectivity with the apps handling single (Vivid1-IP) and dual (Vivid2-IP) channel IP video delay. Then there are the single-channel Vivid1-SDI and dual-channel Vivid2-SDI that introduce as SDI video delay to the Vision frame system while offering an upgrade path to IP. The remaining four apps (Vivid1-SDI-IP, Vivid2-SDI-IP, Vivid1-IP-SDI and Vivid2-IP-SDI) work in mixed SDI/IP environments. All these apps can match any 3Gb/s, HD or SD extended delay systems, while the single-channel versions provide 800 frames of video delay and the dual-channel provides 400 frames of video delay.

Crystal Vision will have eight other apps on display that are tasked with color correction, and like the video delay apps are available in single- or dual-channel and can work in IP, SDI or a mixed environment. The apps are COCO1-IP, COCO2-IP, COCO1-IP-SDI, COCO2-IP-SDI, COCO1-SDI-IP, COCO2-SDI-IP, COCO1-SDI and COCO2-SDI. All eight apps include RGB gain, RGB lift, YUV gain, YUV lift, video gain, chroma gain, chroma hue and overall and individual RGB gamma adjustment.

All of the apps that have IP connectivity work with SMPTE ST 2022 with future upgrade to ST 2110 video.

In addition to the apps, Crystal Vision will display its new Cleanit video and audio profanity delay system, which allows for up to 20 seconds of delay for live content, and the Safari 3 real-time chroma keyer that supports resolutions from SD to 1080p.

Crystal Vision will be located at stand 2.B59 during IBC 2019, which will run from Sept. 13-17 in Amsterdam.

WHITTLESFORD, England—Hoping to help broadcasters stop having to put money in the swear jar, Crystal Vision has released its new Cleanit profanity delay system for both video and audio. Cleanit can delay a live stream for up to 20 seconds in HD, 10 seconds in 3Gb/s and 110 seconds in SD, allowing for operators to react to and prevent unwanted obscenities or offensive materials.

Based on the Crystal Vision Indigo range of modular products and frames, the Cleanit is available in multiple versions based on user requirements. Cleanit 1 and Cleanit 3 are both designed for video containing embedded audio, with Cleanit 1’s audio cover allows the operator to mute up to 16 channels of embedded audio to mask unwanted content. Cleanit 3, meanwhile, can mute up to 16 channels of audio as well as perform video freeze. Then there is the Cleanit 2 model, designed for video and discrete audio, with its audio cover allowing for audio mute of eight channels of 110 ohm AES or four channels of analog audio.

There is also a Cleanit Custom model for those who need additional functionality. This can cover tasks like the insertion of graphics or audio files, or clean switching to another source; adding extra video outputs and video inputs in different formats; synchronize the program; get additional delay; or use discrete 75 ohm AES or fiber input or output.

Cleanit can be run on the VisionWeb GUI from any browser running on any device in the same network. It can also be controlled through an SBB-4 smart button box, with four buttons to operate controls. Either way, the system’s functions can be operated manually or automatically.

Crystal Vision is now shipping the Cleanit units.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2018 NAB Show, Crystal Vision will have on hand its new MARBLE-V1 media processor hardware—a flexible video over IP platform—and its first six apps, including three for SMPTE 2110 and three for SMPTE 2022. The MARBLE-V1, which is a card housed in Crystal Vision’s new Vision 1 1RU frames, supports six bi-directional SDI connections, four 10GbE SFP+ network interface ports and eight bi-directional discrete AES stereo channels.

Crystal Vision's three SMPTE 2110 apps serve as IP gateways between SDI and SMPTE 2022 or 2110, and IP to IP translators for IP flows, including protocol conversion between SMPTE 2022 and 2110. The apps support AMWA NMOS IS-O4 for discovery and registration and IS-05 for device connection management.

The SDI6-IP-2110 IP gateway app, which encapsulates SDI to uncompressed IP, converts up to six HD/SD or three 3Gbps SDI input connections for output as SMPTE 2110 over 10GbE links. The second app, the IP-SDI6-2110 IP gateway, de-encapsulates SDI from uncompressed 10GbE IP, converting up to six HD/SD or three 3Gbps SDI output connections. The third app is the IP-IP-2110 IP to IP translator, which bridges SMPTE 2022 and 2110 protocols, among other features for solving IP challenges.

Crystal Vision will also show three SMPTE 2022 apps including the SDI6-IP-2022 gateway app, which encapsulates SDI to SMPTE 2022 IP; the IP-SDI6-2022 gateway app, which de-encapsulates SDI from 10GbE IP networks; and the IP-IP-2022 IP to IP translator app, which is ideal for any SMPTE 2022 application where network settings need to be changed, such as network address translation, multicast to unicast conversion and 2022-6 to 2022-7 protocol translation.

The 2018 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 9-12. Crystal Visionwill be in boothN2516. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.

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