Day: Jun 3, 2019

Rohde & Schwarz Expands its U.S. Broadcast & Media Team

Posted on by contentntek in News, People

Continuing with the remarkable success of its transmitter business during the ongoing FCC Repack, the Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. Broadcast & Media division announces the expansion of the Media Content Solutions team to drive forward the strategy and success of the division with a strong customer focus.

‘With our product portfolio gaining great momentum, this is the time to strengthen our presence in this key market and working hand-in-hand with our longstanding customers and partners,’ explains Erik Balladares, Vice President Broadcast & Media at Rohde & Schwarz Inc.

To lead the newly expanded Media Content Solution team and to steer all aspects of sales for the respective business in the U.S., Rohde & Schwarz has appointed Burt Young as Senior Sales Manager. An accomplished industry executive with 20 years’ experience in the sector, Young joins Rohde & Schwarz from Grass Valley, where he was Strategic Accounts Manager and played a key role in building and growing the business. Prior to Grass Valley, Young held executive sales positions at Snell Inc. and Harris Corporation.

With the appointment of two additional industry veterans, Greg Doggett and Kim Thomas, to join Young’s team, Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates a great example of a continued commitment to being a leader in the Broadcast & Media marketplace. In their new roles as Sales & Business Development Manager, Greg Doggett and Kim Thomas will report to Burt Young and be responsible for promoting sales growth and strengthening existing relationships with customers and partners.

Greg Doggett comes to Rohde & Schwarz with an extensive background in the industry, previously holding executive sales positions with Grass Valley and Snell. Kim Thomas joins the Media Content Solution team with a vast background in the industry as well, previously holding executive sales positons with Avid and Dalet Digital Media Systems.

‘I am excited to welcome the new members of the Media Content Solution team on board,’ concludes Erik Balladares, Vice President Broadcast & Media. ‘They offer exceptional knowledge of our industry, markets, customer needs and products. As we continue to raise the profile of Rohde & Schwarz in the multiple Broadcast & Media market segments across the U.S., their outstanding experience will enable us to reach the next level.’

 

Finepoint Broadcast Hire invests in Sony PWS-4500 production servers

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production, Products

“The PWS-4500’s target applications are master recording and advanced replay operations for live production companies for whom the server’s ability to record the output from high frame rate cameras and deliver easily controllable slow motion is a major asset,” says Finepoint Broadcast Managing Director Giles Bendig. “It is ideal for the sports and live stage OBs which form an ever expanding part of our rental business. Using fully solid-state storage, it can record the output high frame rate cameras and deliver easily controllable slow motion at up to 8x HD or 2x UHD. Operators can select HD video sequences of any desired length from any section of a UHD source, achieving 4:1 pan/scan zoom with no loss of HD resolution.”

Sony_PWS-4500_server

“We have been very impressed both by the PWS-4500’s versatile connectivity and its very robust build quality,” adds Finepoint Broadcast Hire Manager Clive Northen. “While most of the slow-motion production server manufacturers offer SDI/IP hybrid compatibility, one of the biggest selling points of the PWS-4500 is its smooth connectivity to Sony high-speed HD and UHD cameras. Another is its outstandingly robust build quality.”

 

“While other servers rely on fragile hard drives, the PWS-4500 uses stable non-volatile NAND flash memory,” details Chief Engineer Andy Mckenzie. “Picture quality is excellent thanks to the XAVC codec, with very smooth slow-motion, Full HD, UHD and real 4K resolution plus high dynamic range compatibility. The PWS-4500’s ability to cut Full HD video from up to three recorded UHD sources, even in 2x speed, is a huge advantage.”

Finepoint Broadcast Ltd operates in the UK from its head office in Kingswood, Surrey, and a sales office located at Pinewood Studios. Finepoint has been supplying broadcasters with a wide range of production and OB equipment since its establishment in the 1970s, complemented by a unique blend of exceptional service and extensive product knowledge.

As a leading dry hire service-provider addressing the global marketplace, Finepoint provides 24 hour support backed by a team of in-house engineers checking every piece of equipment in the fleet. Finepoint also has sales divisions dealing with new and used equipment and professional audio visual sales and installations. When coupled with the hire division, this enables the company to offer a uniquely wide choice of products and services at very aggressive prices.

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Leader to demonstrate HDR measurement applications of LV5600 waveform monitor and remote data centre production at MPS 2019

Posted on by contentntek in Event, Multimedia, News, Products

“A key focus of the demonstration will be the LV5600’s ability to monitor and analyse the signal flow from remotely located devices in locations such as data centres,” says Leader Europe Business Development Manager Kevin Salvidge. “Production companies are increasingly exploring the centralisation of test and measurement equipment to allow signal monitoring via high-speed data networks. The LV5600 with its 25GbE interface is ideal for supporting productions from HD/SDR to UHDTV/HDR remotely.”

Leader_LV5600_true-hybrid_waveform_monitor

“As well as remote operation, the LV5600 will form part of a Jigsaw24 HDR production workflow demonstration. HDR requires special care all the way from source acquisition through to transmission, ensuring that the added realism it can provide is not compromised during intermediate phases such as post-production. The LV5600 enables operators to check key parameters at every point in the workflow so that any falloff in signal quality can be identified before the alarm bells starting ringing.”

Leader’s LV5600 is a mains-powered SDI/IP waveform monitor in a compact half-rack width 3U desktop chassis with a touch-screen front panel display. It provides all the facilities needed to monitor UHD/HD/SD SDI as well as video over IP signals seamlessly in a hybrid operating environment. The instrument provides a broad set of engineering-related features including test pattern generation, eye pattern display, closed-caption monitoring, CIE colour chart, high dynamic range measurement, focus assist, customisable screen layout, tally interface, 4K/UHD operation, 10G IP input and 12G-SDI interfaces. SMPTE 2022-6, SMPTE 2022-7 and the recently published SMPTE 2110 protocols are all supported. The LV5600 also incorporates Leader’s intuitive Cinezone and Cinelite which are familiar to many content production staff.

The LV5600 can be configured from a selection of interface and software-based options, enabling customers to specify the capabilities needed for their current requirements. Among the options are closed caption measurement, CIE chart display, HDR, 4K, 12G-SDI and 25G IP signal generation, ID/iris/tally display,. IP-specific features include the ability to monitor transmission errors such as packet loss and packet jitter, and to simultaneously measure and display SDI and IP signal sources. A recent introduction is the LV5600-SER30/LV7600-SER30 option which is designed for camera noise measurement. This displays the video noise included in the luminance channel or RGB components of an SDI source.

The LV7600 rasteriser offers exactly the same capabilities as the LV5600 but in a low-profile 19 inch 1U form-factor for easy rack or desk mounting.

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LynTec Puts Flexible, Intelligent Power Control in Customers’ Hands at InfoComm 2019

Posted on by contentntek in Event, Multimedia, News, Products

LynTec announced it will showcase the latest additions to its extensive and robust power control range in booth 4154 at InfoComm 2019. The company will display new Xtend Power Control (XPC) Series and the NPAC Series, which bring the features found in its full line of patented RPC Control Series also being shown at the booth to large facilities and new applications.

“When we introduced the RPC line 10 years ago, we set the bar in power control capabilities, flexibility, and cost. Since that time, we’ve continued to build upon the foundation of that system with new innovations that solve the complex power management and control challenges for the growing applications required by new and legacy AVL systems,” said Mark Bishop, president of LynTec. “At the show, attendees will see the next generation of our RPC support with our new offering of XPC solutions. This provides customers with an affordable 1RU solution that can be deployed anywhere across an installation and run an entire remote relay line from a single UI.”

LynTec_Product_Family

At the booth, LynTec will show how its new XPC series of remote relay modules extend beyond the traditional reach of the company’s RPC and RPCR relay panels and motorized circuit breakers. Enclosed in a metal cube, the XPC modules can be placed anywhere imaginable: in the rack, on rigging, behind line arrays, or anywhere else equipment is located. Simply connect the module to a power source and the network, and then plug in each device that needs customizable power control via LynTec’s IP-based GUI. The family includes the 20-amp XRM 20 Relay Module with two independent relays to control the two onboard duplex plugs; the 30- XRM 30 Relay Module with a single relay switch that controls a single 30A L5-30 receptacle; a 1RU rack-mounted XRS 20 Rack Sequencer powered from a 20-amp circuit to provide control to three separate duplex receptacles with independent relay switches for onboard sequencing; and a vertical rack-mounted XRS 80 Rack Sequencer strip can manage up to four 20-amp circuits that power four corresponding duplexes, each with its own relay switch to provide onboard control. In addition, the series features the XPC standalone controller, which brings all the capabilities and features of the popular and time-tested RPC controller to a standalone 1RU rack-mounted enclosure.

Additionally, LynTec will demonstrate the ready-to-install NPAC rackmount power management solution. It is the only rackmount solution of its kind to sequence on/off complex digital audio systems with easy-to-program extended step rates and time delays that guarantee proper component boot-up and shutdown automatically. NPAC is available in two models: 120V or 240V and features four 20A circuit inputs in a single 2RU enclosure — saving valuable rack space over 4RU systems and eliminating the need to wire multiple units together.

LynTec will also have its full patented line of RPC panels on display. Designed based on the G3 Powerlink hardware platform by Square D — a universally recognized and trusted hardware foundation — this cost-effective and open platform eliminates the expense of custom designed and manufactured power control products for the growing number of AVL installations. It can control lighting and AV systems across multiple control zones using multiple control protocols (HTTP, Telnet, sACN, DMX, and RS-232). The RPC family of power control options includes the RPC motorized circuit breaker panels with 30 to 84 controllable breakers per panel, the RPCR electrical relay panels that support 8 to 64 relays per panel, and the NPAC rack-mounted relay panel. All of the RPC series panels can be networked together via their onboard web servers to form large venue power control platforms. From LynTec’s GUI, users can select the protocol for each zone, as well as set up, troubleshoot, control, and monitor the status remotely across existing networks from any connected computer or handheld smart device. The system can send alert notifications via text or email to warn of panel anomalies.

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Just Add Power Names Taylor Wolf Its Director of Branding

Posted on by contentntek in News, People

In her new role, she will have a wide range of duties, guiding J+P’s branding experience via marketing communications and being the face of the company at on-site dealer events, training sessions, and more.

Before joining J+P, Wolf served as a graphic designer for companies in the consumer tech and social media industries, leveraging a deep skill set in media asset creation, video production and editing, marketing event planning, and administration. Previously, she held the positions of social media director for the town of Belleair, Florida, and assistant director for the Global Peace Film Festival in Winter Park.

“Taylor has a unique vision and the ability to deliver a compelling brand experience both on and off the screen,” said Ed Qualls, CEO and founder of J+P. “As we move into an exciting new chapter in the evolution of our brand, we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Just Add Power team.”

J+P_Taylor_Wolf

“It’s an exciting time to be joining J+P,” said Wolf. “With the AV over IP market growing at a rapid pace, J+P continues to lead the way in expanding the depth and breadth of what the technology can achieve. I’m looking forward to driving the company’s branding efforts with our dealers, customers, and industry partners.”

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Broadcast Pix Emphasizes IP with New Production Switcher, PTZ Camera Control

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production, Products

“IP has quickly become a cornerstone of the professional AV marketplace, and Broadcast Pix has introduced the best solutions for IP-based multi-camera productions,” explained Tony Mastantuono, product manager for Broadcast Pix. “BPswitch IX offers the flexibility to control and switch IP, wireless, and legacy SDI sources spread around large venues, while our latest software upgrade lets Broadcast Pix users switch live productions from across the room or across the country on a mobile device. Plus, our new RCC controller provides the flexibility of a separate camera control unit with a very intuitive user interface.”

BPswitch IX is designed for auditoriums, stadiums, conference rooms, and other facilities equipped with remote cameras that are switched from a central control room. It features six network inputs that support NDI and RTSP cameras and other sources, plus two SDI/HDMI inputs (including one analog input for legacy sources). The native 1080p/60 system seamlessly integrates MPEG-2, H.264, and other streaming formats in the same production, and provides SDI, HDMI, analog, and streaming outputs.

Like other BPswitch models, BPswitch IX includes the NewBlueNTX multi-layer 3D motion graphics CG, which includes hundreds of templates to simplify lower-thirds, bugs, animations, rolls, crawls, and effects. Other built-in workflow tools include eight channels of clips and graphics, three keyers with DVEs, program recording, file-based macros, ClearKey™ chromakey and Virtual Studios virtual sets, and customizable BPview™ multi-view.

Broadcast Pix Commander RCC Ptz

With the new Version 7.5 software and optional Broadcast Pix Commander™ touchscreen control platform, all BPswitch models can provide browser-based switching on mobile devices. The upgrade allows remote control of servers and robotic cameras, access to all workflow tools, and full-motion viewing of production elements through a standard internet connection. Broadcast Pix’s BPNet™ IP ecosystem delivers the system’s control-over-IP capabilities securely and with low latency.

Version 7.5 also offers enhanced control for routers, cameras, and streaming CDNs – as well as exciting improvements for its BPfusion CG automation software. The software is included with any new BPswitch system, available as a free upgrade for any system under warranty, or available for $995 for systems no longer under warranty.

Ideal for remote productions, RCC can be used as a dedicated camera controller with any BPswitch integrated production switcher, Broadcast Pix Commander touchscreen control platform, or production switcher from another manufacturer. With its software-defined open architecture, RCC can control a variety of PTZ and broadcast cameras, as well as robotic heads, and mix IP protocols within the same production.

RCC’s seven-inch touchscreen provides intuitive menu navigation and allows customized camera presets, shot name, and more. Plus, its three-axis joystick with adjustable zoom speed and one-touch auto focus allows smooth, precise shot control. RCC includes native IP support for Panasonic and Sony PTZ cameras, with optional support for other cameras and robotic heads.

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Eutelsat America Corp. to participate in NASA’s Space Relay Partnership and Services Study

Posted on by contentntek in News, Satellite & Transmissions

Eutelsat America Corp. has been selected by NASA for the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 (NextSTEP-2) as part of the NASA Space Relay Partnership and Services Study.

The NextSTEP-2 programme seeks to establish partnerships with US companies to evaluate the incorporation of commercial elements into the future space relay services that will be provided by the agency’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Networks.

This first stage, for which Eutelsat America Corp. has been selected, is a five-month study that will examine how relay communications and navigation services can be provided on commercial platform solutions based on standards interoperable across commercial and NASA networks. The study will determine the elements required to incorporate NASA’s optical technology onto commercial spacecraft. This project could open the door to the use of Public-Private Partnerships to develop and introduce new operational capabilities for future use by NASA.

David Bair, CEO of Eutelsat America Corp., said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this study by NASA as they evaluate partnerships with commercial operators across the industry to foster the growth of the commercial satellite communications relay services market. This project could benefit future NASA missions for new and greater scientific discovery, in alignment with the NASA envisioned Next Generation Architecture. We look forward to the success of this initial stage and to continuing to work with NASA as this project grows.”

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