LONDON—Open Broadcast Systems has announced that BBC World Service has selected its decoders for IP television distribution.

Robert Webber, senior distribution manager, BBC International Services explained that they needed "to deliver reliable IP video to BBC World Service partners in various locations across the world. Open Broadcast Systems decoders were flexible enough to deliver and monitor reliable IP video to our global partners, whilst meeting local needs.”

In several regions, the decoders were installed by Open Broadcast Systems’ network of local partners, with local knowledge and skillset, enabling rapid implementation across multiple regions. The decoders support a wide range of IP video protocols including SRT, RIST and Zixi.

The high-quality, low-latency IP decoders are designed with a small form factor, allowing for easy global deployment to deliver flexible, reliable, and cost-effective decoding for distribution across the BBC World Service network to its global rebroadcast partners.

“Delivering content across the globe comes with a number of significant challenges for broadcasters. Software-based solutions provide the flexibility to deliver content reliably over IP,” said Kieran Kunhya, founder and CEO of Open Broadcast Systems. “This, coupled with the local knowledge and expertise to ensure seamless implementation, was a key factor for BBC World Service TV.”

Open Broadcast Systems will be exhibiting at 2026 NAB Show from April 18 to 22 on booth W2217.

For more information, visit https://www.obe.tv/

READING, Pa.—Miri Technologies has unveiled the V410 live 4K video encoder/decoder for streaming, IP-based production workflows and AV-over-IP distribution, which will make its world debut at ISE 2026, Feb. 3-6, in Barcelona, Spain.

Designed with an emphasis on usability, the V410 combines intuitive user interfaces with rich functionality, robust connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, and flexible format support.

“Encoding and decoding should be about more than just formats and features,” Ryan Brenneman, co-founder and chief technology officer at Miri, said. “An easy and efficient user experience is just as important as specifications. The Miri V410 encoder/decoder is designed to be simple enough for less-technical users and volunteers but offers deep enough controls and advanced capabilities to delight experienced producers and media engineers.”

The Miri V410 is user-configurable as an encoder or as a decoder. It can encode one live 4K Ultra HD output at 60 frames per second or two simultaneous 2K QHD (2560x1440) channels. As a decoder, the device can decode two 4K Ultra HD streams concurrently from most supported source formats. Video input and output connections include HDMI, 3G-SDI and USB interfaces with embedded audio support.

For live streaming, the V410 can encode or decode H.264 or H.265 in a wide range of protocols, including SRT, RTMP, RTMPS, HLS, TS over UDP and RTSP. For video-over-IP applications, the V410 can encode NDIHX2 or NDI HX3 and decode both formats as well as NDI High Bandwidth. In encode mode, the V410 can even transcode from NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX2 or NDI HX3 IP inputs to streaming formats and protocols.

Miri will also offer ISE attendees a sneak peek at upcoming V410 support for the emerging OMT (Open Media Transport) open-source protocol.

The Miri V410 includes an intuitive, browser-based web interface and an LCD screen with front-panel menu and shortcut buttons for easy monitoring and control. A large tally light ring around the top of the unit and dedicated front-panel VU meters provide instant visibility of tally status and audio levels. The front of the unit also has a headphone jack.

The V410 features built-in Wi-Fi 7 to maximize wireless performance as well as dual Gigabit Ethernet connections, providing multi-LAN connectivity or redundancy, with Power over Ethernet (PoE) supported on one of the ports. The V410 can also be paired with Miri's g X510 dual-cellular bonding router.

See Miri at ISE stand 4G550.

More information is available on the company’s website.

PARIS—Vitec is getting involved in space, as the company announced that it has collaborated with NASA to provide IPTV technology to monitor and maintain equipment on the Orion spacecraft that will be used for human missions to the moon and Mars.

IPTV technology brings enhanced capabilities that allow for video technology to be “the eyes” for NASA as to any potential problems, Vitec says.

“NASA needed a decoder that could be compatible with video feeds coming from sophisticated—but proprietary—on-board IP cameras developed by NASA and its contractors to capture video in space,” said Richard Bernard, senior product manager, Vitec.

Vitec worked with NASA to develop video decoders that are compatible with proprietary and open standards workflows. A result of this work was Vitec being able to adjust stream capture module capabilities to manage a range of feeds used for the Orion missions under different conditions and circumstances.

Vitec also claims that its hardware decoding platform ensures that video frames can be decoded and rendered on industry video standard outputs, such as HDMI or SDI, at any frame rate, frame resolution or bitrate for distribution with those working on the Orion mission at the space center.

For more information, visit www.vitec.com.  

MONTREAL—Matrox is releasing its new Monarch EDGE 4K/multi-HD encoder and decoder, which is designed to help with next-level remote production (REMI) workflows.

Monarch EDGE is able to deliver low-latency 4:2:2 10-bit video at resolutions up to 3840x2160p60 or quad 1920x1080p60 over a standard one Gigabit Ethernet network. The platform includes next-generation connectivity, like 12G-SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 over 25 GbE connections, while also supporting MPEG-2, RTSP and SRT streaming protocols. It also features tally signaling and talkback functionality for two-way communication.

With the Monarch EDGE, users can transport up to four synchronized HD-/3G-SDI camera feeds or a single 12G-SDI signal with glass-to-glass latencies as low as 100 ms, Matrox says.

The platform’s compact design enables two units to fit into a single 1RU rack space. There are also two encoder options: the 4:2:0 8-bit H.264 encoder version for OTT programs or the 4:2:2 10-bit H.264 encoder model for broadcast productions.

The Monarch EDGE is now available. For more information, visit www.matrox.com.  

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Oct. 3, 2019 – Cobalt Digital will showcase a number of its card-based solutions for openGear® frames, including its new 9992-DEC Series of HEVC/AVC/MPEG-2 decoders, at NAB Show New York (Booth N531), which runs Oct. 16-17 at the Javits Center. As part of its continued adoption of RIST, the Reliable internet Stream Transport protocol for low-latency video transport over the internet, Cobalt will also demonstrate SafeLink, an openGear solution that uses a RIST wrapper to protect multiple transport streams through existing encoding/decoding infrastructure. Plus, the company is announcing a new feature for its 9904-UDX-4K up/down/cross converter and image processor to simplify HDR content contribution and distribution.

A companion technology to the company’s 9992-ENC Series of encoders, the flexible 9992-DEC Series is designed to meet the most stringent requirements for today’s broadcasters. It supports up to 4K resolution with a full complement of audio decoding capabilities. Plus, its pay-as-you-go licensing means users only pay for required features when needed. The series includes the 9992-2DEC dual-channel decoder, as well as the 9992-DEC-4K-HEVC with single-channel 4K or dual-channel 2K and support for H.265.

“Our new 9992-DEC joins our popular 9992-ENC to create a complete transport solution for broadcasters at whatever resolution they need,” said Chris Shaw, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Cobalt Digital. “With its support for 5.1 audio, the 9992 Series is a cost-effective solution for contribution-level transmission.”

Cobalt will also demonstrate its new SafeLink software, which protects the transport of live video and audio data over unsecure networks. Through the use of the RIST protocol, SafeLink eliminates video glitches and provides reliable video transport, even in live production environments that may experience network delay. SafeLink supports a variety of compression standards – including MPEG-2, AVC, and HEVC – and up to eight discrete transmit and receive paths. The software can be installed on most computers or Cobalt’s openGear OG-PC-x86 platform, and is controlled through Cobalt’s DashBoard control and monitoring application.

For HDR content, the new SL-HDR Decoder feature for the 9904-UDX-4K provides SDR-to-HDR conversion using SL-HDR technology, which allows broadcasters to distribute SDR and HDR content over the same signal. Once an SDR signal has been processed through Cobalt’s SL-HDR Encoder, the SL-HDR Decoder software uses the metadata within the signal to reconstruct an HDR picture for compatible devices. The technology is similar to the card’s Technicolor HDR Intelligent Tone Management option, but with a scaled down feature set.

Cobalt has also announced new ordering options for the 9904-UDX-4K that combines all the Technicolor HDR options. The +HDR-TCHCLR and HDR-TCHCLR-4K options provide access to all three available firmware builds, including ITM, SL-HDR Encoder, and SL-HDR Decoder.

About Cobalt Digital
Cobalt Digital Inc. designs and manufactures award-winning edge devices that help live video production and master control clients transition to IP, 4K, HDR, the cloud, and beyond. As a founding partner in the openGear® initiative and proud member of SMPTE, Cobalt also offers a best-of-breed interoperability platform that simplifies technological adoption. Distributed through a worldwide network of dealers, system integrators, and other partners, Cobalt Digital products are backed with a five-year warranty. Learn more at www.cobaltdigital.com.

AMSTERDAM—Teradek will showcase its new Prism 4K HEVC encoder/decoder during IBC 2019, Sept. 13-17, at the RAI Amsterdam. The rack-mountable solution for broadcast, live production and Pro AV applications is the first in a new line of codecs, the company said.

Prism’s 2RU chassis can house up to nine blades, each of which supports up to eight channels of audio and is capable of four simultaneous 1080p60 video feeds. The unit can encode and decode up to 4Kp60 video with 10-bit 4:2:2 image sampling.

Offering redundant power and network connections, Prism’s genlock input provides frame sync on decoder outputs. The unit supports a wide variety of streaming protocols, including MPEG-TS, RTP and RTMPS, in addition to SRT and Zixi, Teradek said.

Prism can be connected to Teradek’s IP video management and production platform Core. Doing so, enables users to configure, route, transcode and record IP video streams in the cloud.

The company is planning a near-term release of software to enable support for REMI remote production workflows.

Teradek plans to make Prism available in the fall, and the company is pricing the unit at $2,990 for the 2RU chassis, $1,990 for the 1RU chassis and $2,990 each for the encoder and decoder cards.

“When we began development of Prism, we spent a lot of time working with our customers to produce a solution that would help them transition to a 4K workflow in a cost-conscious manner,” said Nicol Verheem, CEO of Teradek. “To achieve this, we built our platform from the ground up, using a completely new encoding technology stack and a new design philosophy that is better aligned with what our customers are looking for from a next-gen encoder.”

More information is available on the Teradek website.

See Teradek at IBC 2019 stand 12.E65.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Aug. 13, 2019 – Cobalt Digital will showcase its card-based 4K and HDR workflow solutions for openGear® frames next month at IBC2019 in Amsterdam (Stand 10.B44). Product highlights will include its new decoders and encoders, RIST Main Profile, bi-directional SDR/HDR conversion solution for live production, and new multiviewers and distribution amplifiers. Plus, the company will debut a new 12G openGear router and RIST gateway solution.

The new 9992-DEC Series of HEVC/AVC/MPEG-2 decoders for openGear frames will be introduced at the show. Like the company’s 9992-ENC series of encoders, the flexible 9992-DEC features pay-as-you-go licensing, so users only pay for required features when needed. Designed to meet the most stringent requirements for today’s broadcasters, the 9992-DEC supports up to 4K resolution and offers a full complement of audio decoding capabilities. The series also includes the 9992-2DEC dual-channel decoder, as well as the 9992-DEC-4K-HEVC with single-channel 4K or dual-channel 2K and support for H.265.

Earlier this year, Cobalt was one of several companies to receive an Emmy® Award for its collaborative work on ARQ, the underlying technology powering RIST. At IBC, Cobalt will debut support for the RIST Main Profile, which adds features such as encryption (DTLS or PSK), tunneling, NAT traversal, point-to-multipoint distribution, low bit rate optimization, and reliable ST-2110 transport.

New advancements in HDR at the show include a complete end-to-end HDR workflow within Cobalt’s 9904-UDX-4K up/down/cross converter. Utilizing Technicolor’s suite of HDR tools, which can be bundled into a single ordering option, the 9904 can generate dynamic metadata when converting from HDR to SDR and back to HDR, preserving the full HDR picture information.

Cobalt continues to develop its popular 9971 Series of multiviewers, adding dual outputs and user controls. Delivering uncomplicated monitoring of asynchronous 4K and HD signals, all three models accommodate a variety of signals and applications. All models also include HDMI outputs for economical viewing on consumer-grade 4K monitors. One-button template presets simplify setup, but users can also create and save customized layouts. Up to five 9971 can be installed in one 2 RU openGear frame – and multiple cards in a cascaded chain can provide multiviewer layouts of up to 64 sources.

The new 9915 Series of DAs support 4K 12G-SDI sources and allow for copper runs long enough to reach most equipment within master control. One of four models in the series, the 9915DA-4x16-XPT-12G, includes four input channels that can be crosspoint-routed to 16 DA outputs in several configurations. Up to 10 cards can be installed in one openGear frame, allowing for up to 40 channels of input and distribution to up to 160 outputs.

“Broadcasters now accept 4K as the production norm, and Cobalt has an extensive menu of openGear-based solutions for studios and mobile production,” Chris Shaw, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Cobalt Digital. “Our products provide flexible and affordable ways to process, monitor, and distribute 4K and HDR content.”

Other products at the Cobalt booth will include a new 12G-SDI openGear routing card with a 12x12 routing matrix. Designed to fit into legacy frames, the card helps customers use 4K islands cost effectively. Demonstrating leadership of RIST technology, Cobalt is also launching SafeLink, an openGear solution that can take in multiple transport streams and provide a RIST wrapper to protect video links between two points.

About Cobalt Digital
Cobalt Digital Inc. designs and manufactures award-winning edge devices that help live video production and master control clients transition to IP, 4K, HDR, the cloud, and beyond. As a founding partner in the openGear® initiative and proud member of SMPTE, Cobalt also offers a best-of-breed interoperability platform that simplifies technological adoption. Distributed through a worldwide network of dealers, system integrators, and other partners, Cobalt Digital products are backed with a five-year warranty. Learn more at www.cobaltdigital.com. 

AMSTERDAM—Part of an expansion to its range of video compression technology, MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions will present its new MD9200 range of encoders and decoders to the international audience at IBC 2019.

Meant to work for linear broadcast/production and streaming media workflows, the MD9200 is an effort by MultiDyne to extend its reach into the signal processing chain. The series of encoders and decoders are available as stand-alone desktop configurations and as part of the openGear card module form factor. While all versions of MD9200 are designed to provide strong bandwidth efficiency while maintaining signal integrity and visual quality, the openGear modules are compatible with MultiDyne’s entire openGear community or infrastructure products for a broader reach.

The encoder models of the MD9200 enable secure streaming from one to many destinations, supporting a mix of streaming protocols. Each independent encoder can accommodate unique frame size, frame rate, video/audio codecs and data configurations, as well as being able to independently encode HD and SD streams separately at high and low bit rates from a single SDI input.

With the decoders, both optimize 1080p AVC (H.264) and 1080i MPEG-2 compression, with optional support for high bit-rate 2160p HEVC (H.265) UHD streams. The openGear decoder can house up to 20 decoding modules in a single 2RU openGear chassis for signal decompressions to SDI and HDMI. The standalone MD9200-DEC can do the same for point-to-point streaming.

“The MD9200 series brings MultiDyne firmly into the compression world, which gives our core customers compelling end-to-end options to encode, compress, transport and deliver live HD, 4K and 8K content when paired with our fiber transport systems,” according to MultiDyne President Frank Jachetta.

MultiDyne is now shipping the MD9200 series. The products will be on display during IBC 2019 at booth 11.D40.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2018 NAB Show, JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, unveiled a broad range of new products, including the CONNECTED CAM,  which provides for what the company calls "a complete news-over-IP workflow solution in the field." 

The GY-HC900 “CONNECTED CAM” broadcast camcorder features three 2/3-inch CMOS image sensors for full HD imagery, as well as enhanced connectivity. When paired directly with the optional ProHD Dockable Bridge or via Wi-Fi with any ProHD Bridge unit, the new GY-HC900 allows on-air talent to conduct a two-way interview with return video while streaming live to air without any external boxes or backpacks. It is JVC’s first camera featuring a new communications engine that optimizes both image processing and IP performance. The engine enables simultaneous recording, low latency streaming, and simultaneous decoding for return video and IFB. Latency can be as low as 500ms for both outgoing and incoming video.  

The GY-HC900’s complete IP workflow includes streaming performance up to 20 Mbps and built-in Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz/5GHz) with dual external antennas. The camera also features Zixi error correction with automatic repeat request (ARQ) and SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for reliable transmission.

Beyond ENG, the GY-HC900 also targets high-end EFP and studio fiber applications. It works with the FS-900 camera module, which attaches seamlessly to the camera via a 68-pin interface, and feeds 3G-SDI signals, control, audio, sync, and intercom to a base station via fiber.

ENHANCED 4KCAM

JVC also launched two new 4K cameras at the show. Designed for enhanced single-camera production, the GY-HM250U and GY-HM250SP both feature built-in streaming with Wi-Fi and 4G LTE-connectivity providing live access to Facebook Live, YouTube, and other CDNs. The cameras also work as part of JVC’s S.L.I.M. multi-camera production system, which uses the RM-LP100 remote camera control as a CCU for JVC IP-capable cameras.

The GY-HM250U integrates lower-third and full-screen titling without an external CG or production switcher for both recorded or streamed video output. Lower-third graphic overlays may be generated and controlled using a tablet, smartphone or other browser-equipped device, and logos or icons can be uploaded and displayed in the lower-third of the recorded video. With the in-camera storage for up to 50 .JPG or .PNG graphics, such as team logos or religious icons, users can manually advance the full-screen graphics, or present them as slideshows with user-defined timing during production.

Also joining the 4KCAM product line is the GY-HM250SP, which adds sports-specific score overlays, while a third new model, the GY-HM180U offers 3G-SDI and live 4K via HDMI output, only without built-in streaming or graphics. The GY-HM250SP’s score overlays—for football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, and volleyball—can be placed in various screen positions. Scores can be updated using an external Wi-Fi connected smartphone or tablet, or real-time scoreboard data delivered automatically via wireless connection to a Sportzcast Scorebot integrated with the venue’s scoreboard.

Both new 4KCAM models feature 4:2:2 recording for 4K/30p and 4K/24p and a 4K/60p HDMI output; a tele-macro shooting mode for greater focusing on close objects; and a new Zero Config function that provides automatic, one-click configuration when the camera joins the same LAN as other cameras. All three models record footage in a variety of file formats and frame rates, including up to 120fps slow motion, to economical Class 10 SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

PROHD DECODER

When paired with JVC IP-enabled cameras, the new JVC BR-DE900 ProHD decoder provides bandwidth-efficient, error-free streaming over any IP network. When paired with the JVC BR-800 ProHD Broadcaster streaming server, the BR-DE900’s H.264 codec—and integrated Zixi or SMPTE 2022 Pro-MPEG stream protection technologies—enable broadcast-quality video to be delivered anywhere over public networks.

Designed for field use and fly packs, this low-latency appliance supports H.265 and H.264 compression standards with versatile A/V connectivity for ENG field reports and other video-over-IP applications. It also enables reliable HEVC decoding or H.264 streams up to 10-bit 4:2:2 1080p/60, with bit rates up to 50 Mbps, and dual 3G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, and composite connectivity.

PRODUCTION SWITCHER

Also new is the ProHD Studio 4000 compact live production and streaming studio. Also available as the ProHD Studio 4000S for sports production, the self-contained, four-channel system includes a complete control room solution for smaller, budget-conscious facilities. 

The ProHD Studio 4000 includes four SD/HD-SDI inputs, four IP stream inputs, and four NDI inputs. An additional HDMI/NDI input with keying can capture an external screen, so users can include content from a smartphone or PowerPoint presentation. Users can record the program output and the streaming output, along with simultaneous ISO recording of all cameras, directly to the ProHD Studio 4000.

Unique features include automatic motion tracking for JVC KY-PZ100 PTZ cameras, as well as Zero Config, which provides automatic, one-click configuration of any IP-enabled JVC camera when it joins the same LAN as other JVC cameras. The ProHD Studio 4000 also includes an integrated remote control for JVC cameras, including full PTZ control for the KY-PZ100. For live sports production, the ProHD Studio 4000S adds automated multi-channel instant replay and slo-mo, as well as an integrated sports CG for scores and timers   

LCD MONITORS

To support today’s growing 4K workflows, JVC also introduced new DT-U and DT-G series LCD studio monitors that feature multiple 4K inputs, including 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI quad link, 4K/60p HDMI 2.0, and more, as well as display of four independent SDI sources in quad view mode.

Designed for critical video applications, the DT-U series provides native 4K-resolution with 10-bit color depth and HDR compatibility, while the more economical DT-G series converts 4K and 2K sources to full HD. Both offer zero latency image processing, remote control via a web browser, built-in auto calibration, color generator and calibration software, and support for user-uploaded 3DLUT cube files for color creation in post.

Available in the fall of 2018, the DT-U series includes: the 28-inch DT-U28U and 31.5-inch DT-U31U, which feature native 3840x2160 4K-resolution, LED backlight, wider color gamut and HLG HDR and PQ HDR display for more realistic imagery. And with sizes ranging from 17.3 to 27 inches, DT-G series monitors—including the DT-G17U, DT-G21U, DT-G24U and DT-G27U—support 4K/60p HDMI and 2K-SDI signals. Available this summer, the DT-G monitors feature an 8-bit panel with 10-bit signal processing and LED backlight, with the three largest models offering a 1000:1 contrast ratio.

AMSTERDAM— At the IBC Show, Vitec will debut its MGW Ace Decoder, a compact, professional-grade HEVC/H.265 decoder. Combined with the MGW Ace Encoder, the company says the appliances will provide the industry's first entirely portable, hardware-based, end-to-end 4:2:2 HEVC solution, delivering reliable, error-free, low-latency, and bandwidth-efficient streams suitable for IPTV, broadcast, and point-to-point applications. 

The MGW Ace Decoder delivers broadcast-quality decoding of HEVC streams up to 1080p60 4:2:2 10-bit. Connectivity options for the single-channel HEVC decoder include 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, separate SD-SDI, and composite outputs, which can be activated simultaneously. Targeting broadcast setups, the appliance offers two pairs of audio decode, carried over SDI/HDMI as well as separate analog balanced or unbalanced stereo audio and digital AES outputs. Feeds can be received from two configurable Ethernet ports to match any network topology.

Pro-MPEG and Zixi technologies are integrated into the decoder, offering one- and two-way error-correction protocols for broadcasting artifact-free over public networks securely and reliably. For point-to-point applications, when paired with MGW Ace Encoder, the solution provides a bandwidth-efficient, artifact-free video streaming solution over any network including the Internet. 

Its flexible FPGA architecture supports ongoing video improvements up to 4K60p, offering a “powerful future-proof solution,” the company said. "The MGW Ace Decoder is designed to support bandwidth-efficient H.265 streams, as well as legacy H.264 streams and up to 4K60p format in the near future, ensuring our customers can stay ahead of the game," said Richard Bernard, product manager at VITEC. 

Combined with the MGW Ace Encoder, the decoder is the ideal turnkey HEVC solution for delivering bandwidth-efficient H.265 streams for broadcasters, houses of worship, corporate IT, military units, and government agencies, reducing operational expenses and extending the reach of video services to remote destinations with bandwidth constraints. As part of the compact portable design, VITEC also offers a rackmount option to integrate the appliance into a 1U 19-inch rack.

VITEC will demonstrate the MGW Ace Decoder and MGW Ace Encoder portable solution, as well as the MGW Ace Decoder paired with the MGW Vision Encoder enabling 4K60p 4:2:2 point-to-point streaming at IBC2016 on stand 7.G16.