LAS VEGAS—As the last two years have shown, camera technology moves forward despite the restrictions imposed by a pandemic. With more powerful and flexible features available for an expanding array of production demands, media professionals will find an abundance of new image acquisition tools on the exhibit floor.

Cameras
Sony will showcase an expansive lineup of powerful camera technology, including the Super 35mm HDC-F5500, which provides cinematic bokeh in a system camera form. Also featured, the highly sensitive PXW-Z750 4K HDR shoulder-mount camcorder, which shares Sony’s 2/3-inch global shutter technology.

Also debuting is the new VENICE 2, Sony’s flagship digital cinema camera, which features a new sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range, extreme low light sensitivity and natural skin tones.

Hitachi Kokusai will unveil the SK-UHD7000, its second-generation 4K Ultra HD broadcast and live production camera system. The SK-UHD7000 features three 2/3-inch, global shutter CMOS image sensors with native 4K resolution; a new prism design with expanded spectral range; dual 4K and HDTV workflow with separate controls for HDR and SDR; and support for standard B4 lenses without requiring an adapter.

Blackmagic Design’s new URSA Broadcast G2 is a next generation professional broadcast camera with a 6K digital film sensor that brings digital film quality to traditional and online broadcasters. The advanced 6144 x 3456 digital film sensor provides exceptional low light performance with dual gain ISO of up to +36dB and 13 stops of dynamic range. It includes H.265 and Blackmagic RAW file formats, Blackmagic Generation 5 Color Science, a USB-C expansion port and more.

The new EOS R5 C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, a hybrid, RF-mount 8K camera, will highlight Canon’s booth. The new camera showcases video formats and features from the company’s Cinema EOS line, alongside select still capabilities that have made the EOS R5 camera a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike. The EOS R5 C records non-stop, uninterrupted 8K/60Pii thanks to an active cooling system. 8K video delivers outstanding definition and realism with four times the resolution of 4K video.

Ikegami will give a first look at its UHK-X700 4K UHD camera, designed for broadcast-quality video production and online streaming. The UHK-X700 allows full 4K UHD production in hybrid log-gamma HDR or in standard dynamic range, plus the freedom to choose between BT.2020 and BT.709 color spaces.

Image acquisition is via three newly developed 2/3-inch CMOS 4K sensors with global shutters to eliminate rolling shutter distortion and flash-banding artifacts. High frame-rate shooting at up to 2x speed in UHD or up to 8x speed in HD via the base station is possible as an option.

New in PTZ & Robotics
PTZ will be a big focus at the JVC booth. The JVC KY-PZ400N 4K and KY-PZ200N HD PTZ cameras are integrated with NDI|HX technology and offer high-quality and low-latency IP video transmission, ideal for streaming in an ever-evolving media landscape for sports, concerts and other live broadcasts. The cameras provide optimal image quality and performance for remote production over the internet, and are equipped with SRT technology, H.265/H.264/MJPEG encoding and VITC multicamera synchronization. A third option, the KY-PZ200, provides an economical HD solution, sans the NDI|HX interface.

Marshall Electronics will launch its CV730-BHN 4K High-Bandwidth NDI PTZ Robotic Camera It contains traditional outputs including two simultaneous SDI (BNC) outputs with genlockable 12GSDI and 3GSDI, as well as HDMI and USB3.0 options at the ready. The CV730-BHN also features the ultra-fast and lossless High Bandwidth NDI streaming ability commonly known as Full-NDI, while offering the newly released NDI|HX3 that can deliver similar low-latency and superior quality video performance in slightly less bandwidth network infrastructure. The CV730-BHN features a Sony 1/1.8” 4K sensor with 9 million pixels and square pixel array packed behind a long 30x optical zoom range (6.5~ 202mm).

Panasonic will add new members of its Professional PTZ Lineup, featuring a proprietary Direct Drive System that delivers precise, accurate pan/tilt moves with quiet operation. They feature stunning visuals, and capture the entire scene with a 74.1-degree viewing angle and 24X optical zoom. Outputs include 3G-SDI, HDMI and IP for added flexibility to integrate with a variety of workflows. In addition to RTMP and RTMPS streaming, they also support NDI|HX2 and SRT to assure stable and secure video streaming.

Telemetrics will debut updates to the OmniGlide Robotic Roving Platform. Also new are streamlined workflow features and expanded capability for the company’s AI-assisted reFrame Talent Tracking and Automatic Shot Correction software (built-into the RCCP-2A STS Control System). The company will also highlight updates to its popular RoboEye 4K Pan/Tilt Camera system, including a new multifunction PS-RM2-48 power supply that can be controlled remotely over Ethernet, and a new extended range (descending) addition to the Televator product line.

Shotoku USA will showcase features that boost functionality in production environments controlled either remotely or on-site. The company, which specializes in manual and robotic camera support and virtual reality tracking, will demonstrate its flagship SmartPed fully robotic XY pedestal with Orbit and LiveView features integrated into the TR-XT control panel, and its Orchestra CMS control system enhanced to enable quick and easy set-up in legislative or house of worship settings. Shotoku USA will also highlight its TG-18i Integrated Pan/Tilt Head and its Ti-11 elevator pedestal.

The Vitec booth will feature products from its extensive line of camera support gear, including Autoscript Voice for WinPlus-IP, which uses advanced speech recognition technology to free productions from their prompting scroll control devices. Presenters are empowered with accurate real-time control of their prompted script simply by speaking the words. Monitoring the production audio feed, Voice automatically advances the script as the words are spoken, even pausing for adlibs, and resumes scrolling when the presenter is back on script. Fully IP and Virtual Machine compliant, Voice delivers resource efficiency and added agility to productions.

Switching and routing technology continues to evolve, with the growing influence of IT-based technologies, scalable processing and customizable performance tools.

SWITCHERS/INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Broadcast Pix Roadie Broadcast Pix will show off a new integrated feature set of customizable performance tools within the Broadcast Pix integrated production switcher lineup, which is designed to streamline and simplify live video production. The multiviewer offers up to 16 full-motion windows with custom layouts across up to four monitors. Also expect to see the Roadie, a mobile integrated production switcher that features built-in HD streaming and recording, as well as support for up to four cameras, audio mixer, CG, clip store, multiview, macros, DVEs and chroma key.

Grass Valley KayenneEVS will be on hand with the newly upgraded DYVI IT-based switcher, which includes an intuitive panel, distributed architecture and scalable processor for improved creative control and streamlined production.

Grass Valley will showcase its Kayenne video production center switchers, which can be configured with full multiformat support including 1080p and 4K.

Henry Engineering will show the AES DigiSwitch, a three-input, one-output switcher for AES digital audio.

Logitek Electronic Systems will show off an updated version of the Artisan console platform, an audio console for TV with a JetStream Plus IP-networked platform that offers a 240-channel dense node router.

Marshall Electronics plans to showcase the VSW2200 seamless switcher, a fourinput video switcher designed to provide seamless transitions between live video feeds for broadcasts, teleconferences or live streamed events. Features include four 3G/ HD-SDI inputs with one SDI/HDMI output and one HDMI quadview output.

Newtek will demonstrate the company’s TriCaster Advanced Edition featuring the Newtek Network Device Interface (NDI) protocol, an open standard for live production for anyone wanting to enable IP workflows over Ethernet networks in their facilities or in production systems they manufacture.

Ross Video will showcase the Carbonite Black production switcher, which provides 36x22 I/O with two or three M/E configurations in a 2RU frame. A redesigned control panels offer one, two and three M/E row layouts with 16, 24 and 32 source buttons.

New from SAM is the Kula multiformat production switcher, which is built on the heritage of the industry stalwart Kahuna switcher. The Kula is available in a range of 1M/E and 2M/E panels that can support SD/HD and 4K. The newest version of the Kahuna production switchers, suited to 4K, HD and IP environments, will also be on the show floor.

Streamstar will show several of its production systems including the Streamstar CASE 710, a six-camera streaming production studio in a compact, portable package; the Streamstar CASE 510, a four-camera streaming production studio; and the Streamstar KITs, a live production and streaming solution.

AJA KUMO SDI routerROUTING
AJA Video Systems will show its newest routing solutions, including its KUMO line of SDI routers, available in three configurations: the KUMO 3232, which supports 32 3G SDI inputs and outputs; KUMO 1616, which supports 16 3G SDI I/O; and KUMO 1604, with support for 16 3G SDI inputs and four 3G SDI outputs.

Barnfind Technologies will showcase the BarnOne fiber platform, which includes multi-functional 1RU frames with built-in router.

Evertz will showcase its 128x128 XPRF RF router/matrix switch, a 14RU wideband, non-blocking, full fanout RF router for signals from 850MHz to 2.3GHz; and the MAGNUM-SDVN control and orchestration system, which offers software orchestration and a control layer for Evertz IP-based SDVN solutions to provide end-to-end control of video, audio and data flows.

Grass Valley plans to show off the GV Node, a real-time IP processing and routing platform that offers a real-time, distributed routing and IP processing node that supports IP and SDI workflows with vertically accurate switching and integrated processing. Also on display will be the GV Convergent, an IP router control and configuration system.

Imagine Communications Platinum IP3 routerImagine Communications will offer attendees a first look at the new Platinum IP3 router, an offshoot of the company’s Platinum IP3 28RU router, but in a smaller offering that provides integrated routing and processing capabilities in a 15RU frame. The router is designed to support Ultra High Definition signals, and is suited for mobile and broadcast production environments.

PESA comes to the desert with the Cheetah Flex, which adds multichannel streaming capabilities to the Cheetah router, resulting in a hybrid routing environment that supports up to 4K video resolution. The company will also show off the PESA XSTREAM R3232 router, which can integrate with the NewTek TriCaster to offer 32 3G SDI I/O to expand TriCaster’s video sources.

Routing stalwart Utah Scientific will show off the newest version of its flagship router, the UTAH-400, in the form of Series 2, which offers a single platform for all signal formats including those within IP network-based environments.

Adder AdderView DDXKVM
Adder will showcase its new compact AdderView DDX matrix, which offers a choice of DVI and DisplayPort transmitters, and provides up to 1920x1200 resolutions at 60FPS without loss. With extension distances of up to 50 meters, over a single standard CATx cable, it also features transparent EDID management, full-speed USB and an intuitive GUI with multiview thumbnail display.

Apantac will showcase its HDMI 4x4 Clean Matrix Switch with HDBaseT outputs, designed for switching video and audio between sources with different resolutions; and the HDMI 16x8 Clean Matrix Switch with HDBaseT outputs.

The DKM KVM Switching and Extension System from Black Box can be used to process and route DisplayPort, HDMI, and HD-SDI signals, with resolutions up to 4K. Likewise, users can extend lossless HD video and KVM over a local area network via the Agility IP-based KVM switching and extension system. Other solutions to be displayed include the DCX3000 digital KVM matrix switch, the Freedom II desktop KVM switch and the 4Site Flex video processor and KVM switch.

IHSE will showcase the 576 Port Draco Tera enterprise matrix switch, a KVM and video matrix switch that supports a range of video formats; the Draco U-Switch, which enables parallel management of USB 2.0 and USBHID signals to multi-monitor workstations via a single keyboard, mouse or push button panel; and the Draco tera compact UNI port matrix switch, which allows for switching of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and 3G-SDI.

Thinklogical will arrive at the NAB Show with the TLX, an uncompressed 4K KVM and video extension and switching system that offers uncompressed 4K video extension over two fibers or CATx cables.

Reliable robotic camera solutions for newscast production used to be expensive propositions that took years to deliver a return on investment. There is now a vast array of robotic systems tailored for a range of budgets.

TRACKING SYSTEMS
Ross Video will demonstrate SolidTrack, a Universal Tracking system that can be used anywhere, anytime and on anything. This includes environments such as small or large studios, indoors or outdoors. It is quick to set up and calibrate to save time, and is designed to work on any place a camera is mounted.

Telemetrics will demonstrate its Advanced Presenter Tracking System (APTS), a scalable, configurable tracking method using magnetic field position sensing. This technology allows simultaneous multicamera, multipresenter tracking within almost any scenario, independent of stage illumination. It does not require a presenter line-of-sight allowing flexible non-obtrusive camera and sensor location.

RUSHWORKS PTX Universal PanTilt HeadPAN/TILT HEADS
RUSHWORKS will debut its PTX Universal PanTilt Head, the successor to the company’s PT-MINI. It provides significant improvements in payload handling and speed, and supports the Blackmagic Micro Studio 4K camera as well as LANC-equipped cameras from Sony, Canon, Panasonic and JVC. DMX daisy-chain control protocol is also supported.

Shotoku SmartPedShotoku Broadcast Systems will introduce its SmartPed, a robotic XY pedestal offering cost-efficiency and high-end performance to professionals in live news, sports or current affairs studio productions. Also in the Shotoku booth will be the Free-d2 VR/AR tracking system, designed for VR/ AR, news, sports and current affair applications. It uses advanced video processing algorithms and simple ceiling markers to precisely determine pedestal position.

TRIPODS/MONOPODS
Cartoni will debut its FOCUS line of fluid heads, including the FOCUS 12, designed for cameras weighing from zero to 26 pounds; the FOCUS 18, for cameras weighing from 13.2–40 pounds; and the FOCUS 22, for cameras weighing from 6.5–48.5 pounds. FOCUS heads are compact and lightweight, and feature a continuously variable fluid damping system on both pan and tilt movements.

Libec will feature new RS-250D/DM and RS- 450D/DM Professional Tripod Systems with RH25D and RH45D dual-base design fluid heads with maximum payload capacities of 13 pounds and 26.5 pounds, respectively. Thanks to a new dual-base design, heads are compatible with Libec ALLEX sliders and other sliders with a 3/8-inch screw—great for video and DSLR applications. Heads are compatible with other brand photo flat-base tripods and 75mm bowl video tripods.

Polecam AutopodMiller Camera Support will feature its Compass 23 Fluid Head, an affordable entry into the 100mm ball leveling range. It is designed for medium-size, large sensor cameras and handles a range of payloads from 8.8–30.8 pounds. Also in the Miller booth will be its Cineline 2090, which features an HD Mitchell Base 1-Stage Alloy Tripod, HD Alloy Ground Spreader and Cineline 70 Fluid Head.

Polecam will introduce Autopod, a remotely operated programmable elevation unit for rigs, remote heads and cameras.

Sachtler Video 18 fluid head

Autocue iPad Prompter ProSachtler has upgraded its longtime favorite Video 18 fluid head, now with more load-bearing capacity. It maintains the Video 18’s damping mechanism, Speedbalance technology for swift weight compensation, and large load range. The head comes with Sachtler features such as temperature resistance, Touch & Go plate and illuminated spirit level.

TELEPROMPTERS
Autocue will introduce the iPad Pro teleprompter, aimed at broadcast professionals wanting to prompt on-location. At 13 inches and increased brightness, the iPad Pro steps up the readability of the prompter to 15 feet and beyond. It offers support for full-sized ENG broadcast and cine cameras, touted as the most flexible and capable iPad Pro solution available.

CueScript Ltd. will introduce its CSM Prompters, utilizing LED high-brightness screens with input for HD-SDI video. They incorporate the CueLock feature for swift, secure setup and integrated mounting for a talent monitor and/or time display. Also on display from CueScript will be its EMC prompters, designed for educational, middle market and corporate use. They also have CueLock for ease of setup and excellent scroll image.

Ikan PT-Elite v2

Mirror Image SF Studio SeriesIkan will present v2 of its PT-Elite, the newest upgrade to the company’s bestselling iPad teleprompter. It features an adjustable glass frame, quick release base plate and an overall lighter design for portability. Also shown will be the PT-ELITE-PRO, designed for larger tablets. This universal tablet teleprompter is designed to be even faster and easier.

Mirror Image will lift the curtain on upgrades to its SF Studio Series teleprompters, including doubling the screen brightness to 1,000 nits and adding SDI and HDMI input connections along with the standard VGA and composite (BNC) inputs. Also upgraded are the iPad and tablet teleprompters, with a larger tray for the tablet as well as removable sun shields.

CAMERA ACCESSORIES
ARRI will demonstrate its Pro Camera Accessories, designed to offer support for the latest digital cameras from Canon, Red, Blackmagic, Digital Bolex and Sony. These accessories render the cameras suitable for the rigors of professional filmmaking by making them compatible with ARRI support and all industry-standard matte boxes and follow focus systems.

Matthews Studio Equipment Infinity ArmMatthews Studio Equipment (MSE) will unveil its Infinity Arm, capable of mounting a payload as small as a GoPro and as large as an accessorized motion picture camera. It’s manufactured in the U.S. out of CNC’d tool steel and aircraft aluminum, and plated with military-grade anodize and electroless nickel phosphorus. The central pivot arm ensures strength and adjustability. The tips of the arm accept a variety of clamps (1/4-, 3/8-, and 5/8-inch, with more to come.)

Wooden Camera’s Alexa Mini Quick CageWooden Camera will unveil its Alexa Mini Quick Cage, a form-fitting cage plus 15mm lightweight baseplate for the ARRI Alexa Mini. It attaches by four M4 screws on top and four M4 screws on the bottom, making it extremely secure. The same M4 hole pattern found on the camera body is present on the cage top plate, allowing for attachment of ARRI brand handles and accessories.

STABILIZERS
Autel Robotics will demonstrate its Maverick handheld gimbal technology.

Ikan will debut the FLY-X3-GO (three-Axis GoPro Gimbal Stabilizer), designed to stabilize a GoPro camera in situations such as mounting on a monopod, boom pole or roll bar mount. It comes with an included extension cable that controls the yaw, pitch and roll, and is pre-programmed to use straight out of the box.

Amimon CONNEX MiniDRONES
Amimon’s CONNEX Mini is a small zero-latency HD wireless video link that provides plug-and-fly HD video transmission at distances up to 1,600 feet. Its 5 GHz transmitter has automatic channel selection for connectivity that is free from interference from unmanned aerial vehicle controls and 2.4 GHz radio links. A multicasting feature supports four screens simultaneously.

Aerialtronics will showcase its Altura Zenith, which can carry a Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Super 16 sensor camera mounted aboard. The aircraft can carry a payload of up to 6 pounds and provides a flight time of up to 45 minutes. Users can program GPS-assisted flights into memory, or the aircraft can be controlled via a tablet along with an RF joystick.

Autel Robotics X-Star

DJI OsmoAutel Robotics will showcase its X-Star series of quad-copter drones. Its top two models, X-Star Premium and X-Star, come integrated with a 4K camera (4K30, 2.7K60, 1080p120, 720p240) and quick-release three-axis gimbal stabilizer. Also featured is the Kestrel, the first-ever fixed-wing, vertical takeoff and landing UAV.

DJI will showcase its Osmo, an integrated 4K camera and handheld three-axis stabilizer that connects to Apple’s iPhone for even greater control and capabilities. The device comes with a standard 4K, 12-megapixel camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor and a 94-degree field-of-view lens.

Nothing is more essential to a television system than a reliable interconnection system. This is the circulatory network, carrying the lifeblood of the operation from one point to another, enabling the necessary work of the facility.

Despite the amazing and important inroads wireless products have made, fiber and cable are still the first paths of success for any television operation. Implementing a solid cable and fiber infrastructure will make all other television functions easier.

Cable and fiber manufacturers continue to innovate with new products and connectivity concepts. The NAB Show will have plenty of this innovation.

Artel’s 3500 Series FiberlinkFIBER
Artel Video Systems will demonstrate the latest IP- and hybrid IP/SDI-based capabilities in the company’s DigiLink Media Transport System, a fully integrated, modular solution for transporting broadcast-quality media including 3G/HD/SD-SDI and ASI plus Ethernet traffic over IP, direct fiber and managed optical networks. The company will also showcase its 3500 Series Fiberlink product line, including model 3524 that supports four channels of independent 3G/HD/SD-SDI or DVB-ASI, with or without embedded audio and data. Using two single-mode or multimode fibers, the Fiberlink 3524 supports 4K/UHD resolutions at 60 fps.

Apantac will show a variety of KVM and signal extension products, including the SDI-FIB-Tx/Rx pair that transmit multirate SDI up to 18 miles (30 km) using a single-mode or multimode fiber-optic cable with ST connectors. The SDI-FIB-Tx/Rx are miniature devices that support all SDI formats up to 3G including 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI.

Bluebell Opticom will introduce the BCX- 760 series 10G Ethernet point-to-point fiber link, a camera-back interface that allows connection and signal transport between a camera and an OB truck or a base station. The BCX-760 series products are designed to create rugged connections in a range of remote production environments such as special-event venues, ENG sites, sports arenas and golf courses.

DAWNco will showcase its SATfiber solution that allows ENG crews to locate a satellite dish at considerable distance from where the signals are needed. With the company’s Box-Mount TX and Rack-Mount RX products, the fiber transmit module is mounted at the dish and the receive end can be up to 50 miles away.

Multidyne will mark the NAB Show debut of FiberNet, a real-time uncompressed optical networking topology that takes advantage of fiber infrastructures and can interconnect multiple nodes for managing, controlling and distributing all types of uncompressed signals from a central location. More than simple point-to-point links, FiberNet allows the user to send any incoming signal to any output or even to multiple outputs.

CABLE
AVP will be at the show with a variety of products, including its SMPTE 311M fiber camera cable. This composite cable type integrates power for a TV camera, and control line and optical fiber for video and audio transmission. It uses epoxy and polished contacts for termination reliability.

Belden will show its new 10GXS Cat-6a data cable, with a significantly smaller diameter and an absorptive layer to counter alien crosstalk, the bane of smaller diameter data cables. In addition to high-speed data cable, Belden will also be there to talk about its portfolio of traditional video, audio and control cables.

Clark Wire & Cable will introduce several new products, including the RCC2V2A1C6HDE “snake” cable that contains two RG-6 coax, audio pairs and a Cat-6 data cable in the same jacket. The RG-6 components are swept to 4.5 GHz for wide bandwidth, and the overall cable has a diameter of 0.72 inches.

Joseph Electronics will be available to discuss the company’s custom cable engineering services, available in both copper and fiber. The company can provide a full custom cable system, cut to length, color-coded and terminated to meet any project’s needs.

Nemal will debut two versions of its SMPTE standard camera cable. FOCC24S7 is targeted for applications where size, weight, and flexibility are critical, and FOCC24S7U is the same size with a rugged polyurethane jacket for harsh outdoor environments.

PATCH PANELS
Bittree manufactures patch panels and connectivity systems. At the 2016 NAB Show, the company will be showing its new high-density fiber and copper data patch panels as well as a 4K/UHD coaxial single-link solution.

Switchcraft will spotlight its connectors and patch panels, including the MidSize series of video patchbays that use mini- WECO connectors. The company’s Mid-Size patchbay panels are available in 1RU, 1.5RU and 2RU versions, with up to 34 jacks across.

Canare 4K-DIN coax connectorCONNECTORS
Canare will shine a spotlight on its new 4K-DIN coax connector that contains four high-bandwidth fittings in one small housing. This allows you to connect or disconnect four 3GSDI signals in one easy step.

Fischer Connectors will highlight its 1051 HD Triax Pro+ connectors for remote camera operations. The 1051 HD Triax Pro+ has a plug-and-play circular connector and can support fiber-optic signal and power connectors, with options to connect CCUs to cameras, equipping OB vans and connecting fiber media converters.

Lemo will display its anodized aluminum M-series connectors in a choice of colors. The bright colors can be applied to one of 37 connector models available in eight different sizes, and the color will remain visible after extensive use in harsh environments. Based on Lemo’s M-series connector, it is IP68-compliant and includes gasket and sealing options that are oil and fuel resistant.

Neutrik UHD BNC Cable ConnectorNeutrik will introduce the rearTwist UHDBNC connector, specifically for high frequencies such as those used for 4K and 8K television. The connector’s insulator design combined with the reduced outer diameter of the gold plated center pin allows UHDdata transmission within acceptable returnloss limits.

QPC will exhibit its Qmicro expanded beam fiber-optic connector that features a compact and lightweight housing. The connector’s hermaphroditic design allows assemblies to be daisy-chained without adapters, and the expanded beam connector uses a spherical lens to collimate the signal at many times the original diameter, making the connector resistant to shock and environmental damage.

Sommer Cable has cable and connector customers in dozens of countries around the world. At the 2016 NAB Show, the company will introduce Hicon screw-and-play solder-less RCA connectors.

Studio Technologies 5205Studio Technologies will roll out its Model 5205 mic/line-to-Dante interface that allows two microphone or line-level signals to interface with systems that use Dante networking technology. The unit has adjustable gain and P48 phantom power, so that virtually all condenser, dynamic and ribbon microphones are compatible, as are most balanced and unbalanced analog line-level sources.

Whirlwind will highlight its ES4 digital audio snake, which can be configured for Cobranet, Ethersound, Dante or AVB formats by changing the network module in the unit. The typical Whirlwind ES4 system consists of two components: the ES4T transmitter module, which has sixteen balanced mic/line inputs and eight line level outputs. The matching ES4R receiver module has 16 line-level outputs and eight line level inputs.

As often happens, what’s new isn’t always. IP, the “Holy Grail” of the past several NAB Shows, has been a fact of master control and file-based media life for some time. The category, which in the past, we’ve termed “automation and asset management” is evolving at a rapid pace. Some players have merged or changed names; a few new ones are emerging, all with ambitious plans to streamline, automate and bulletproof our workflows.

MASTER CONTROL & PLAYOUT AUTOMATION
Amagi will debut CUMULUS, a new cloud-based broadcast platform that simplifies content preparation, management, playout, delivery and monetization for broadcasters, all on a single cloud platform. Offered as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS), CUMULUS enables content owners and broadcasters to create and deliver linear and nonlinear streams across cable, satellite, IPTV and OTT on-demand platforms.

Aveco will return with its Astra master control/production automation as well as Redwood, the company’s channel-in-a-box and branding solution.

Axon will demonstrate its Cerebrum control and monitoring system for mobile production, news and studio live production, master control and remote production. Cerebrum offers a broad range of features and support for third-party devices, including routers, production switchers, servers, receiver decoders, multiviewers and waveform monitors. At the show, Axon will unveil new feature enhancements including automatic tie-line management across multiple routers for format conversion and multisite operations and various new third-party interface options including support for protocols from SAM, Imagine, ClearCom, Trilogy and Grass Valley.

Bitcenral Central ControlBitcentral will highlight Central Control, an IP-based all-in-one solution to handle ingest, archive and play-to-air tasks for individual stations and multichannel hub operators.

Cinegy will debut Cinegy-as-a-Service, which ports the company’s technology— starting with Cinegy Air—to the cloud via Amazon Web and similar services. Also at the company’s booth will be Cinegy Open Tools, a free utilities suite that helps broadcasters shift to IP and nontraditional platforms.

The next release of LoadingDock, Crispin'sl network file acquisition, preparation and distribution application, reduces duplication of effort across Group locations. A new Supervisory View feature lets operators oversee multiple channels at-a-glance; user access ranges from view-only to full control over content streams for multichannel managers.

DNF Controls IP Control BuddyDNF Controls will debut IP Control Buddy, device management and messaging for production or master control; it’s available in GPI/O and LCD pushbutton models. One button press triggers a GPI/O, sends a serial command or a TCP/UDP/SNMP/HTTP signal. The new USP3 Universal Switch Panel streamlines monitoring and control interfaces. Also new, Anywhere Interface Box (AIB) models with up to 16 GPI/Os and multiple control paths—Ethernet, two-way audio, DTMF, modem dial—all with non-volatile, programmer-free Web configurability.

ENCO Systems will demo its MOM (Media Operations Manager) to automate video playout, manage a library of video, audio and graphic cuts, and create content playlists.

Evertz will introduce OVRT-LIVE-4K, a UHD/HD/SD-capable playout engine with integrated master control and advanced channel branding/graphics. It seamlessly mixes SD, HD and UHD content via an internal up/down/cross conversion engine.

Florical is partnering with Vizrt to host a graphics engine on Acuitas, their channel-in-a-box solution. Also new: a “text-to-speech” functionality to meet FCC mandates; FlashForward, which adds schedule import for centralized asset acquisition and distribution; and AssetCollector and AssetDispatcher, which streamline media management, while Myers ProTrack integration gains BXF “live-log” capabilities.

Grass Valley has added IP/SDI format flexibility to its automated workflows with compressed IP I/O in v2.8 of its iTX Integrated Playout Platform. Multiresolution 4K/HD/SD capabilities provide a cost-effective 4K/UHD playout transition with proven scalability to 250-plus channels.

Imagine Communications will demo the latest version of Versio, the company’s integrated, software-based playout solution. With “any-to-any” transport, compressed or uncompressed IP and cloud deployment models, users can accelerate service launches, ensure business continuity, lower infrastructure costs, and virtualize master control.

NVerzion will unveil a Windows 10 version of their Component Level Automation System Solutions (CLASS) platform featuring a highly customizable GUI, video server mirroring, plus enhanced Join-in-Progress (JIP) and conflict reporting functionality. New NPoint Direct media prep lets broadcasters segment, preview and create text, events or effects (bugs, crawls, etc.) instantly and without tying up a server port.

Pebble Beach Systems will showcase Orca, an IP-enabled channel solution in a cloud-based virtual environment. Web tools facilitate deployment, signal design and monitoring of IP-based streams. Lighthouse, a new Web-based utility dashboard, extends Marina’s enterprise automation functionality to local or remote broadcast and business partners; multiple widgets include remote error monitoring, playlist control and resource management via a secure browser interface.

New StreamMaster builds on Pixel Power'sl Clarity platform with integrated playout for complex channels. Running on dedicated hardware, it can be virtualized in a data center or cloud. The format-agnostic, software-defined system is scalable, enabling new pricing models, including pay-as-you-go for pop-up channels.

PlayBox Technology will debut CloudAir, a software-as-a-service for rapid deployment of new channels with reduced infrastructure investment. It provides playout with graphics on any enterprise-class host server. Also, upgrades to Neo, the company’s modular channel-in-a-box series: Air- Box, TitleBox, CaptureBox and SafeBox.

Primestream will showcase new device control enhancements for its FORK content management system, which adds support for leading tape and digital formats— from SD to 4K—on Mac or PC platforms. Also featured, Xchange Suite, used to prepare, share, edit, review, approve and archive content via Web browser, adds publishing capabilities with native export to OTT networks and social media.

Rascular will showcase Mediant, for secondary-event handling. Version 3.0 reads automation schedules, locates media for secondary events and moves content to the correct on-air device. The company will also demo Clockwork, an app for their flagship Helm control suite, that schedules and executes simple to complex events, such as ingest and playout.

RUSHWORKS will demo dissolve transitions between playlist elements on its ALIST automation system, as well as BXF file parsing and interoperability for broadcasters employing Myers ProTrack, Broadview Software, and similar BXF-enabled traffic and billing solutions.

SAM (Snell Advanced Media) will debut a software-defined channel version of its ICE channel-in-a-box optimized for virtualized playout. Replacing SDI with IP streaming, it can easily migrate to a standby blade within the data center or at a redundant, mirrored facility in the event of a hardware failure.

Thomson Video Networks’ FUZE-1 Playout SystemThomson Video Networks , which was recently acquired by Harmonic, will unveil its FUZE-1 Playout System for ad insertion, branding, disaster recovery and EAS insertion. It integrates traditional channel-in-a-box functionality with premium-quality encoding/ transcoding for broadcast and OTT delivery.

IN THE NEWSROOM
AQ Broadcast will showcase QNews Automation Control Centre (ACC), designed to assist with devices during live broadcasts. Typically run with QNews, the company’s NRCS suite, ACC also accepts MOS event data from newsroom systems such as ENPS.

Aveco will introduce Take 2 production automation for high-end news magazines and similar shoots recording to a server. It controls switchers, video and graphics, camera robotics, audio, etc., via an intuitive director’s interface. Automatic “bestclips” compilation helps finish the program, avoiding delays and costly post production.

Bitcentral will debut enhancements to its OASIS MAM system with Web interfaces for mobile, tablet and PC. CORE:News adds hybrid ingest, hub and spoke distribution, plus a downscaled version for smaller markets. Their Create video editor gains closed-captioning pass-thru, audio VU meters and loudness measurement tools. The company will also demo new servers with faster, more reliable SSD storage.

Grass Valley will return with v4.5 of its GV STRATUS video production and content management system, with a full toolkit for managing on-air operations, live programming and production media workflows.

Masstech will feature MassStore for News, which lets users archive, retrieve and exchange content from within their familiar NRCS interface. Stories and media flow smoothly among users, systems and locations using drag-and-drop. It reduces technical and workflow disruptions, saves journalists time and effort, and lets them focus on creating content-rich stories.

Octopus will debut Newsroom 8, a platform-independent, newsroom computer system running natively on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. The new version empowers cross-department teams to collaborate and share, as well as connect with social media and online news channels.

Ross Video will demonstrate the latest version of its OverDrive automated production control system, with enhanced integration to the company’s Acuity and Carbonite Black production switchers, as well as support for a variety of third-party switchers, newsroom computer and graphics systems.

TRAFFIC, BUSINESS & RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Arvato Systems will showcase its Avatega Rights Management & Planning system with automated multiplatform scheduling, workflow engine and decision support. The company will also feature AdStore, which offers single-point access to an entire commercial inventory; it combines programmatic and traditional sales models, predefines cross-media packages, and tracks delivery progress across platforms.

Broadview Software will demo v2.0 of its OnDemand platform, designed to manage content for audiences fragmented by platform proliferation. With scheduling connected to fulfillment, its schedules serve traditional cable and new media platforms, as well as Web and mobile devices. Rules-based tools, such as linear casting, rights casting, and event treatments, simplify workflows.

Imagine Communications’ will introduce Landmark xG Open, a new open, APIbased solution that helps media companies participate in sales via programmatic exchanges.It helps users streamline their advertising buy-sell process and supports campaign stewardship with near real-time performance feedback to the buyer.

Myers will debut ProTrack Sales, based on HTML5. The module provides a sleek, intuitive interface to powerful sales capabilities and streamlined operational workflows. Myers will also demo enhancements to Pro-Track, which tighten bidirectional integration with key vendor partners.

Proconsultant Informatique will showcase LOUISE 5, the company’s modular business management solution, which helps multiscreen content providers streamline processes in a rapidly changing industry. The company’s CINDY 4 ad sales solution provides traffic, ad placement and revenue optimization; its integrated design handles global ad strategies with provisions for linear and nonlinear business, as well as programmatic and automated selling.

SintecMedia will feature OnAir 4.0, the company’s collaborative ad sales, programming, rights management, traffic and promotions platform. An intelligent interface anticipates user workflows with automated reminders and tasks. OnRights helps content owners earn licensing revenue across linear, nonlinear and digital platforms. The IBMS suite adds promo optimization tools that increase client control over placements, while OnDemand manages centralized multiplatform digital services. Cloud versions of OnAir and IBMS facilitate rapid deployment and lower cost-of-ownership.

WideOrbit will unveil station workflow enrichments to flagship WO Traffic, including tools to manage spot and digital together from order entry through to invoicing and reconciliation. Data from WO Media Sales—used to manage station/ group operations, proposals, avails, planning, order entry, research, analysis and reporting— now auto-populates directly into WO Traffic.

ARCHIVE & MEDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Apace Systems will introduce postMAM, a browser-based collaborative media environment with seamless ingest, transcoding, search, playback and archiving of video, audio, still images and graphics. A global version provides secure, multisite asset management with frame-accurate hi-res proxy editing. Finder—a new class of unstructured, file-based search engines—automates file/folder name indexing within storage clusters; multisystem cataloging makes data search instantaneous.

Dalet will demonstrate current versions of its established products, featuring Galaxy, their enterprise MAM platform. It manages assets, metadata, workflows and processes across multiple, diverse production and distribution systems. The company will also showcase its AmberFin and Brio platforms.

Digital Nirvana will introduce a new collaborative Media Management Platform that includes tools to capture, edit and repurpose content from various sources and publish to multiple digital platforms, all while monitoring for quality and compliance.

Masstech will demo purpose-configured, high-volume storage systems: MassStore for MAM controls digital media and metadata throughout its lifecycle; intelligent storage management and native transcoding streamlines workflow and reduces cost. MassStore for Program & Spot Aggregation eliminates manual content-gathering steps and cuts turnaround time, errors and costs, with automated content detection, processing and migration. MassStore for Archive utilizes intelligent tiered storage and scalable online, nearline and deep storage options, from disk arrays to LTO data tapes.

Oracle will showcase DIVArchive, which features bit-accurate checksums throughout its rules-based storage workflow, verifying output, regardless of publication format, exactly matches original input.

Pronology will highlight the company’s MAM system’s global Location Intelligence feature, which allows users to collaborate, locate and transfer content to where it’s needed, ensuring efficient use of bandwidth and storage resources. A browser interface provides instant “at-a-glance” access to streamable proxy files for shot selection and organization.

SGL will debut its new FlashNet dashboard, which simplifies archiving workflow and adds reliability tools such as Checksum support to its content management and storage flagship product. New SMPTE Archive eXchange Format (AXF) support lets FlashNet read and process AXF objects, assuring long-term access to content despite evolving technologies. The company will also demo support for Ci, Sony’s Cloud service for creative collaboration.

Square Box Systems will introduce CatDV 12, a new MAM edition with native support for their Server 7, plus enhanced ingest and logging capabilities. Also, Worker 7 updates add Linux support and greater functionality for MAM workflow automation and integration.

Tedial will introduce Version Factory, which interfaces with content and rights management, traffic and work order systems to automate operations, stacks media engines, employs future-proof SMPTE standards, and provides scalability for OTT/VOD platforms, network operations and brands. The company will also showcase its Evolution BPM (business process management) workflow engine, which clocks 17x faster than competing systems—50,000 workflows in under three minutes—with unlimited physical or virtual scalability.

Enhancements to Telestream's file-based Vantage workflow engine include Open Workflows, which promises speedier, more efficient processing and decision-making. Sequential actions execute in-parallel and output generates as files are processing. New ABR Optimize constructs intelligent adaptive bitrate packages, cutting delivery bandwidth and distribution costs without losing perceived viewing quality.

TMD will showcase its Mediaflex Unified Media Services (UMS), a cloud platform for media services and host for third-party delivery of business and operational workflows. The company will also debut its Call- 4Media digital asset management service, which utilizes TMD’s Chameleon interface, enabling non-technical staff to search for and deal with content. Also new is Aperture for ingest, which digitizes, captures and manages content, either standalone or with other TMD services.

Volicon Observer Media Intelligence PlatformVolicon has added as-run log integration to Share, part of the company’s Observer Media Intelligence Platform. Available on-premise or as a cloud-service, it lets non-video editors remove ads, generate frame-accurate long-form VOD assets, or repurpose content for on-air, digital or social media platforms. The company will also demo Observer’s ability to draw content from the OTT pipeline and mobile devices.

VSN will feature VSNEXPLORER, which has been newly integrated with Microsoft’s Azure Media Services to create an enhanced MAM on cloud solution. Among the added features: auto-detection of adult content, multiformat cloud transcoding, face blurring in videos, and content finger-printing.