Sport Nation in Auckland has unveiled a brand-new, state-of-the-art broadcast studio that includes a variety of solutions and technologies from Lawo and Densitron.

Professional Audio & Television (PAT) designed and delivered the technical backbone for the studio that combines a cutting-edge audio infrastructure with intuitive studio control and a sleek new look for multiplatform broadcasting.

Sport Nation is a dedicated sports radio and digital media platform based in Auckland, New Zealand that broadcasts live shows, podcasts and video content. The new studios strengthen Sport Nation’s radio operations and its ability to create content across multiple platforms – from live radio and social media to on-demand video and television.

At the heart of the new installation are Lawo’s diamond radio consoles. The 18-fader desks offer motorized precision, high-resolution displays and flexible configuration options that provide operators and presenters with customizable workflows.

These consoles are supported by Lawo’s Power Cores, which provide the DSP horsepower and extensive I/O to handle mixing, routing and audio processing across the facility. For maximum flexibility, the studios also feature Lawo’s VisTool touchscreen interfaces and crystal Clear virtual consoles, enabling intuitive control and remote-ready operations from any workstation, Lawo reported.

Studio control and branding feature a Densitron IDS system, which manages everything from studio signage and lighting to clocks, countdowns and camera triggers. To give presenters fast and tactile control, Densitron ProDecks were installed, allowing on-air talent to adjust microphones, headphones and talkback channels instantly, without breaking the flow of a live show.

Behind the scenes, PAT designed and delivered the technical backbone that ensures the new studios are future-ready. Arista switch fabric now underpins the IP infrastructure, providing resilient, high-bandwidth connectivity. And iHSE KVM systems give operators seamless, low-latency access to critical computers and applications from anywhere in the facility.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this project and the collaboration with Professional Audio & Television and its manufacturers,” explained Michael Tompkins, head of technology at Entain Media, the operators of Sport Nation. “Having a trusted local technology partner on the ground in New Zealand who understands both our requirements and the solutions has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth and successful implementation.”

Riccardo Ball, radio host and executive producer at Sport Nation, added that "Mike, Steve and the crew at PAT have done an amazing job in our new studios, such an upgrade to our previous facilities. Not only does it look killer but it enables us to create content that wouldn’t have been possible before. The content we're creating, and the technology solutions we're using are on-par with any studio anywhere. Seamless integration between traditional radio, social media and even TV content, is now possible. This is huge for the brands we represent in New Zealand."

For PAT, the project is another milestone in their ongoing collaboration with Entain. “This project represents yet another chapter in the highly successful collaboration between Entain and PAT,” explained Mike Heard, head of technology at PAT. “We are proud to have supported Sport Nation with world-class technology and services that will enhance their broadcasting capabilities for years to come.”

CRAWLEY, U.K.—Densitron has announced that it will be showcasing its latest HMI and control system innovations at Booth 605 at the NAB Show New York. Highlighted products include the North American debut of the 2RU Haptics product, the new Jogdial encoder and their signature Control Panel Suite, which includes a complete range of solutions, ready to be used out of the box.

The products on display continue Densitron's focus at trade events in 2023 on supplying broadcast manufacturers and systems integrators (SIs) with modular solutions that can be easily incorporated into new and upgraded products. 

As part of that effort, the provider of display, touch-based interfaces and specialized ODM+ outsourced product design and development for broadcast manufacturers will be showing its flagship IDS Control System and Control Panel Suite of finished products at the NAB Show New York. 

Those products can be white-labelled by manufacturers to accelerate product development, or made available to SIs and end-users to enhance their studio operations. Powered by ARM or X86 processors, the panels can be used out of the box, while also offering the comprehensive configurability afforded by touch technology. All control panels can be deployed with Densitron’s control technology or loaded with the customer’s own preferred software.

“At NAB Show New York we will be underlining our ability to provide solutions that help broadcast manufacturers reduce their own R&D burdens and free up valuable resources to concentrate on core activities,” explained Pete Semerak, senior vice president of product at Densitron. “Making the decision to work with Densitron allows you to benefit from our reliable, highly-developed supply chain and talented engineers and manufacturing team, as well as superb bespoke solutions that combine the best of our intellectual property with your specifications and requirements.”

Tactile control and haptics constitutes another major element of Densitron’s development work, and this will also be well-represented at NAB, the company said. 

Making its North American debut, the new 2RU Haptics product provides a ‘building block’ HMI that can be incorporated into vendors’ own designs. Presented to a rapturous reception at IBC 2023, the product’s success confirms the popularity of touch technology’s feedback and confirmation of its benefits across broadcast media, Densitron reported. 

Finally, Densitron will present its Jogdial encoder following a positive response at IBC and the NAB Show earlier this year. Available in both 1 and 2 knob forms, the Jogdial enhances the tactile experience for Densitron’s 2RU rack-mounted range, providing a vital new component in ongoing efforts to enrich the tactile experience of future sets.

“This event is an invaluable meeting point for customers, including those on the East Coast, and a welcome opportunity to present our latest innovations in control and haptics,” said Mark Price, senior vice president of Densitron Broadcast Sales. “This year, we expect it to help us both consolidate existing partnerships and establish new ones with manufacturers in North America. It will also serve as a touchpoint for us as we begin to chart a course that leads to the NAB Show in Las Vegas next April.”

Densitron will exhibit on Booth 605 at NAB Show New York.

TORONTO—Canadian Broadcasting Corporation will soon deploy a Densitron IDS control system along with between 25 and 30 TFT touchscreens at its Toronto facility to enable control and messaging similar to the capabilities used at the CBC Montreal studios.

The deployment is the latest step in a technology relationship the broadcaster initiated with Densitron five years ago, the company said.

“Along with its flexibility of integration into new and existing infrastructures, the combination of Densitron IDS and TFT touchscreens has long provided us with the reliable and flexible approach to studio and production messaging and display that we require at CBC,” said CBC/Radio Canada chief engineer Lysanne Pinard.

In 2018, CBC tackled how to equip its Montreal facility with a control and display solution that delivered countdowns, timers and other studio messages to talent and production personnel, Densitron said.

The broadcaster learned of Densitron’s IDS Control System during a visit to BBC’s at-the-time new Broadcasting House in London. That encounter showed the broadcaster it was possible to digitize the entire messaging process and bring the information and display elements into a unified whole, it said.

CBC deployed the IDS control system later that year and developed a close collaboration with Densitron in the process. A Lawo VSM control system and Ember+ control protocol underpinned the deployment, enabling CBC to have a fully networked-based infrastructure that used IDS for all essential messaging, including: on- and off-air countdowns; studio status and alert messaging via the Ember+ control protocol; a production timer to the spec needed for different radio and TV operations; and display of program and room scheduling information on panels outside studios, the company said.

Based on its success in Montreal and relationship with Densitron, CBC now is preparing to deploy in Toronto.

“We have developed a really good partnership with the team at Densitron, and we look forward to continuing that when we begin work on a similar deployment in Toronto,” said Pinard. 

More information is available on the company’s website.

CRAWLEY, U.K.—Densitron, a provider of display, touch-based interfaces and specialized ODM+ outsourced product design and development for manufacturers, will be using the 2023 NAB Show to feature a number of new solutions and unveil a new targeted structure for its businesses that the company say will speed up innovation and improve the support it offers clients. 

Mark Price, senior vice president of sales at Densitron, said that the new structure is designed to resonate with all of its sales channels, including those companies seeking an expert collaborator in the exciting but resource-intensive area of HMI and control systems technology. “As more and more manufacturers focus on software solutions, we provide access to innovation in hardware products so they don’t have to undertake internal product development in that area,” he said. “We also provide access to leading manufacturing and supply chain management processes so that customers can outsource non-core activity, allowing them to retain internal resources and maintain a clearer focus on proposition development.”

The company’s revised structure acknowledges the increasingly complex and rapid nature of product development throughout the broadcast industry. The sheer volume of choice in terms of new solutions means that it’s more important than ever to provide concise messaging about products and services to customers and end-users. For manufacturers, the rise of technology trends such as HMI (Human Machine Interaction) means there is a greater need to involve third-party specialists so they can free up internal resources to focus on core proposition development, the company explained. 

Densitron’s new business structure delivers on these requirements by delineating four main propositions and the channels to which they will be directed. 

One of these is Control Panels – including the flagship IDS Control System. It will be targeted towards broadcast manufacturers, systems integrators and end-users. 

The focus for the remaining three propositions – display screens, HMI modules and ODM products – will be on broadcast manufacturers, to whom Densitron will highlight its unique ability to partner on product development and supply the latest display & control technologies, including solutions based on haptics and tactile control, the company explained. 

At the show, Densitron will introduce two major new offerings targeted at broadcast manufacturers and systems integrators at NAB 2023. 

The first of these, a design & build service called ODM+, involves Densitron taking over the full hardware product lifecycle from customers – from design to manufacturing and supply – so that they can release internal resources to focus on more strategic projects. Meanwhile, the second new service sees Densitron making the best of its HMI technology available for incorporation as a sub-assembly into third-party manufacturer products.

Visitors to the Densitron booth will also have the opportunity to access exclusive private demonstrations of several new technologies at NAB 2023. 

Price explained that there will be an emphasis on the latest control surfaces that incorporate the best of Densitron’s HMI technology into products available off the shelf for purchase or white labeling.

“We’ll present some of the innovative building blocks we are developing, such as our Tactila and Haptics solutions that provide a crossover from existing mechanical technologies to the more innovative use of HMI,” he said. “By implementing these solutions it’s possible to retain the all-important reassurance of a physical response to each touch, as well as utilizing the multiple benefits of HMI. We are expecting a lot of interest in these private demos, so we encourage visitors to book in advance of the show.”

Densitron is exhibiting at Booth C1286 at the 2023 NAB Show, which will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 15 to 19 April.

CRAWLEY, U.K.—Densitron, a provider of Human Machine Interaction (HMI) and display technology, has announced that it will be showcasing its latest UReady universal control surfaces, the IDS (Intelligent Display System) platform and a number of other technologies during the 2022 NAB Show, which is scheduled for April 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

“NAB marks our first major tradeshow in some time, and we are looking forward to being able to finally offer live demonstrations and showcase product developments and new integrations to our innovative control and display solutions,” Simon Jones, CEO of Densitron said. “We keenly anticipate meeting with both existing and potential new customers on the booth and look forward to seeing you in Vegas!”

Densitron will also be showing IDS integrations with BirdDog NDI cameras, Polecam’s AutoPod+ unit and Densitron’s new Multiviewer+ solution, developed in collaboration with Bridge Technologies.  

As it showcases a number of technology innovations from the past few years when attending in-person trade shows were not possible, Densitron stressed that the IDS platform remains the cornerstone of the company’s range and that it continues to expand its reach in broadcast and media applications where powerful display control and ease of integration are essential requirements. 

Densitron has also been extending its lines of control surfaces and IDS device drivers, and its latest developments in both product areas will be presented at NAB.

Specific products being showcased at the Densitron booth (C7418) will include the 1- and 3-row versions of the popular UReady 2RU universal control surface. 

Featuring a total of 18 and 54 buttons respectively, the new variations benefit from full Ethernet connectivity as well as Densitron’s X86 CPU architecture and an Intel Premium Processor N Series (N2400) with 1.1 GHz and 4GB RAM. 

Also on display from the UReady range will be a version of the 2RU universal control surface with an embedded ARM processor; the 1RU Single Monitor and 2RU Dual Monitor products; and the 4RU 19” rackmount ready TFT display with capacitive touch.

In addition, NAB visitors will be able to view a number of Densitron’s other leading monitor solutions, among them TFT displays in four key sizes (21.5”, 28.5”, 15.6”, 23.8”). There will be a chance to find out more about the Tactila family of tactile objects – which includes the Tactila Development Kit for the creation of custom control surfaces – and the opportunity to get up-close to products from Densitron partners, including Polecam’s AutoPod+ remotely operated programmable telescopic elevation unit, SKAARHOJ’s PTZ Fly compact camera controller with three-axis joystick, and NDI cameras from BirdDog.

Densitron will be exhibiting at the C7418 book during the 2022 NAB Show, which is scheduled for April 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 

More information can be found at www.densitron.com

CRAWLEY, U.K.—Densitron has expanded the offerings for its UReady 2RU universal control surface, officially launching new one- and three-row variations with buttons for versatile control.

The UReady 2RU Control Surface, Ethernet Connectivity, X86 Platform, Triple Row Buttons features 54 total buttons, divided into three rows of 18, with each button having an array of 54x54 pixels. The new control surface uses MVA technology for wide-angle symmetric viewing.

The UReady 2RU Control Surface, Ethernet Connectivity, X86 Platform, Single Row Buttons provides a single row of 18 buttons on the bottom of the unit, with the touchscreen located at the top.

Both units are packaged in a 2RU 19-inch rack metal chassis, with Densitron’s X86 CPU architecture and a software ecosystem that supports deployment in demanding environments, including broadcast studios and telecommunications facilities.

For more information, visit www.densitron.com.  

OSLO, Norway—Densitron’s new four-unit, rack-mountable Multiviewer+, based on Densitron’s Intelligent Display System (IDS), features support from Bridge Technologies. Multiviewer+ incorporates a Densitron UReady 4RU touchscreen 19-inch monitor and Bridge Technologies’ VB440 monitoring probes using the Widgets API.

The Multiviewer+ unit can control multiple third-party systems for applications like broadcast lighting, camera positioning and signal routing. Its IDS Core software enables allows for the integration of the UReady and VB440 technology. This allows the unit to monitor and analyze high bitrate broadcast media traffic.

The VB440 IP probe is built to comply with SMPTE ST 2110 and ST 2022-6 media IP requirements, which lets production teams survey all layers of media transportation on an IP network and facilitate quick resolution of potential problems. When integrated into Multiviewer+, VB440 allows the system to display two, three or four comfort monitoring screens in conjunction with various monitoring elements, like waveform or other types of data.

“As pandemic conditions continue and mean smaller deployments for studio-based and outside broadcast projects, we believe that this very powerful, compact and easy to use solution will resonate with production teams everywhere,” said Simon Jones, CEO of Densitron.

For more information, visit www.bridgetech.tv.  

CRAWLEY, U.K.—Densitron has debuted a quartet of new touchscreens for its Intelligent Display System (IDS) range that provide both control of IDS and third-party broadcast systems.

The four touchscreens include the 6.6-inch IDS TS6.6, with a 1440x240 pixel array with 222 PPI resolution; the 10.1-inch IDS TS10.1, which incorporates an IPS TFT with 1200x1920 resolution display and control unit; the 2x 6.6-inch IDS TS13.2, which also features IPS TFT with 2x 1440x240 displays providing 222 PPI resolution; and the 16.3-inch IDS TS16.3, with IPS TFT 1920x285 resolution.

All of the new touchscreens run IDS software to display information and alerts about the users’ broadcast systems. They feature multitouch displays and can be deployed to provide ergonomic network control. There is connection to the IDS network via Ethernet. The monitors can be used for tasks like production and off-set timing, clocks and tally information and live visual feedback.

Densitron also announced the end-point R7 SBC for use with IDS products. R7 incorporates a high-performance AMD Embedded System-on-Chip (SOC) design with dual core @ 1.2 GHz processing and 4 GB inbuilt memory. It also has multiple I/O options and 32GB storage.

For more information, visit www.densitron.com. 

CRAWLEY, U.K.—Densitron has announced two additions to its UReady lineup of control and monitoring products, the UReady 4RU 19-inch Rack Control and Monitoring Surface and the UReady 2RU Control Surface powered with the X86 Platform.

The 4RU unit provides a 16.9-inch high resolution (1920x624) display, which allows for multiple video picture monitor and audio level displays to be presented side-by-side. A TFT display with capacitive touch allows 4RU to be deployed as an interactive signal interface, with USB for touchscreen and Display Port, DVI and VGA for video signals. Densitron says the 4RU can be used for signal and picture monitoring, as a control system with multitouch PCT or a combination of both.

The 2RU model includes a display with 1920x285 pixels and an optically-bonded capacitive touchscreen. The unit is capable of wide-angle symmetric viewing, allowing it to work in broadcast, telecommunications and other networked control and monitoring environments. The embedded X86 architecture and software ecosystem is based on the Intel Apollo N4200 Quad Core processor, while 2RU’s GPU is based on Intel’s Gen9 architecture supporting DirectX12, providing Ethernet connectivity and support for Linux and Windows 10.

“With our ever-growing UReady range, we have designed a series of solutions that augment core display and control functionality with superb capacitive touch control, high contrast ratio and high-resolution glass-estate,” said Bazile Petre, global product manager, HMI Solutions, at Densitron. “With these two latest multifaceted products ready for 4RU and 2RU rack-mounting, we expect to further expand our footprint in broadcast environments such as portable production units, OB vehicles, studios and control rooms.”

For more information, visit www.densitron.com.  

KENT, U.K.—Densitron has announced the hiring of Mark Brown to the position of director of sales and operations for the Americas.

In his new role, Brown will be tasked with expanding the global reach of Densitron’s control surfaces, control systems, monitors and displays, including exploring new markets for the Intelligent Display System platform, which combines hardware and software for broadcasters to connect, control and automate devices and activities in and around the studio.

Brown comes to Densitron after holding senior positions at QuickLogic, OKI Semiconductor and ChipX. He also has experience in sales at California Eastern Laboratories and served as the vice president of business development and sales at MMB Networks.

“Mark’s unique background and extensive relationships across the Americas will help bring Densitron’s game-changing control surfaces and control systems to new markets and customers,” said Simon Jones, managing director of Densitron. “We are hugely excited by the potential to raise awareness of our entire product range, and Mark will be an integral part of this next major stage of our development.”

For more information, visit www.densitron.com.  

KENT, England—Display, monitor and embedded computing technology provider Densitron is launching a new series of open and closed frame TFT displays with touchscreens in 13.3- and 21.5-inch models. The new products are expected to be used particularly for mixing desks.

The new Densitron displays are part of the company’s complete ecosystem. They feature a streamlined appearance that allows for customization, like being rotatable or being put at the end of a pole for easier viewing. The screens are HMI with multitouch capabilities that allow operators to update information on the display and manipulate sequencing.

With the 21.5-inch display, a half 4K monitor resolution (3840x1080) is available. It also provides a viewing angle of 178-degrees and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. For the 13.3-inch display, its resolution is 1920x1080, has a 178-degree viewing angle and an 800:1 contrast ratio.

LAS VEGAS—The 2019 NAB Show will be the grand entrance for the latest product from display technologies creator Densitron, as the company will premiere its UReady 16600, a rack-mounted HMI engine with USB interface. Designed for broadcast applications that cover portable production units to studios, the UReady 16600 is a high-resolution display with Capacitive Touch for interactive control.

The unit has an easy to mount housing and plug-and-play connectivity for Windows OS 7, 8 and 10. It is packaged in a single 1U, 19-inch rack metal chassis, while the 13.2-inch monitor offers 222 ppi resolution combined with backlight brightness and contrast, and IPS technology for an 85/85/85/85 symmetric viewing angle. Multiple audio level and video displays can be shown side by side, with the system providing a pixel ratio of 2880x240.

As part of the UReady range, the 16600 model comes with Projected Capacitive Touch standard, which allows for the device to be interactive. The unit can be operated 24/7, with a backlight offering a half-life of 50,000 hours.

Densitron will present the UReady 16600 at its booth, N4515, during the NAB Show. To register for the NAB Show, visit www.nabshow.com.

LAS VEGAS—Densitron, a U.K.-based developer of display, monitor and embedded computing solutions, is marking its U.S. debut with new advanced displays with high resolution, contrast and brightness, and the latest touchscreen technology at the 2018 NAB Show.

The company will feature 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch 4K monitors with a contrast ratio exceeding 1000:1; 1RU and 2RU rack-mounted solutions specifically designed for broadcast; and an 8-inch 2RU IPS TFT display that features exceptional 1600x480 resolution. It’s available with a Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) screen option, optically bonded, with or without haptic technology.

Dedicated to reducing time to market for new applications, Densitron will also feature an in-house-designed, single board computer with versatile, application-specific software. The company will also feature established products, such as 2.4-inch and 5-inch high-resolution TFTs, with or without touch panels, which offer ultra-wide viewing angles, high contrast ratio IPS panels and sunlight readable TFT displays.

Densitron will also acknowledge its new partnership with IPE Technologies, the designer and provider of hardware and software solutions to major U.K. and global broadcasters.

The 2018 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 9-12. Densitronwill be in boothC9032. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.

Read up on all of TVT's NAB Show Sneak Peeks and other 2018 NAB Show news here.