Day: Jul 30, 2019

MultiDyne Appoints Kevin Dowd as Director of Business Development for APAC Region

Posted on by contentntek in News, People

MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions continues to build on its aggressive global expansion strategy with the appointment of Kevin Dowd as Director of Business Development, APAC, effective immediately. Based in Hong Kong, Dowd reports directly to MultiDyne President Frank Jachetta.

Dowd brings more than three decades of executive-level sales and management experience in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to the MultiDyne team, including extensive experience in the broadcast, broadband and telecom markets. Dowd’s key responsibilities include the development of sales and distribution networks throughout APAC — a task that he has executed for many established broadcast brands including Accord Networks, Broadstream, Haivision, Polycom, RGB Networks and Viewcast.

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Dowd also has an established track record of relationship-building with the region’s largest dealers and systems integrators — a job that will be paramount to raising MultiDyne’s brand visibility and market share in a very diverse business climate. He emphasizes that MultiDyne’s APAC growth strategy comes at a particularly compelling time due to regional trends and upcoming global sporting events that will require flexible fiber, compression and infrastructure solutions.

“The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth in the area of sporting events, venues and stadiums thanks to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, and the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing,” said Dowd. “The infrastructure for these new venues continues to roll out, and MultiDyne’s recent fiber innovations are particularly compelling to the integrators that will support these venues. As MultiDyne’s product range expands deeper into the infrastructure, they bring a competitive differentiator to outside broadcast truck providers through an ability to encode, compress, transport and deliver live HD, 4K and 8K content in one end-to-end solution.”

In addition to Japan and China, Dowd sees immediate compelling business opportunities for MultiDyne in Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Dowd has spent more than three decades building robust partnerships in every APAC country, from previous executive positions (including President, APAC Region for Media Excel) through to his current consulting firm, ACL Global. This rich and layered history establishes a region-wide foundation for success for MultiDyne that few suppliers enjoy.

“Kevin’s impressive network of resellers and partners will quickly establish strong channels for MultiDyne products throughout the region,” said Jachetta. “His experience in this region is unparalleled, and he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and relationship skills to this newly created role. We welcome Kevin to MultiDyne and look forward to collaborating as we expand our APAC presence.”

Interra Systems IBC2019 Show Exhibitor Preview

Posted on by contentntek in Distribution & Delivery, Event, Multimedia, News, OTT & Streaming media

At IBC2019, Interra Systems will demonstrate how its world-class solutions are driving superior-quality video experiences on multiscreen platforms, an absolutely critical benchmark for success in today’s highly competitive market. Attendees can see Interra Systems’ full range of content quality control (QC), monitoring, analysis, and classification solutions that streamline content management, improve efficiencies, and provide exceptional audio-video quality on every device. Software-driven solutions provide content creators and distributors with the flexibility to deploy in the cloud or on-premises.

Assure Superior-Quality Streaming Media With BATON ABR QC and ORION-OTT

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Interra Systems will demonstrate its BATON ABR QC and ORION-OTT monitoring solutions, which set the industry benchmark for delivering high-quality streamed video. In a streaming media workflow, for large volumes of VOD files encoded at different bit rates, BATON’s comprehensive QC, including ABR-specific checks, ensures that the prepared content meets service provider and end-user quality expectations. ORION-OTT can be used to proactively perform HTTP checks and monitor the quality of each stream.

Boost the Quality of VOD and Live Event Streaming With ORION-OTT

ORION-OTT improves the quality of VOD content and live event streaming with thorough ABR manifest file validation, audio-video checks, and real-time alerts. Support for the latest standards in closed captions and ad insertion offers broadcasters and service providers the necessary tools for compliance and monetization.

In addition, Interra Systems will showcase its ORION real-time content monitoring and video analysis for linear channels. Created for IP-based delivery infrastructures, ORION provides operations groups with a powerful yet economical monitoring and troubleshooting platform that looks at all aspects of video streams, such as QoS, QoE, closed captions, and ad-insertion verification.

New Enhancements in OCM for End-to-End Visibility, Management, and Control of Linear and ABR Services
ORION Central Manager (OCM) provides an aggregated view of linear and OTT services based on monitoring data collected by ORION and ORION-OTT. The result: unprecedented visibility and power for proactive monitoring. Service providers only need to look at one screen for alerts and QoE information on each video, ensuring fast and efficient resolution of issues. Major enhancements for OCM will be shown at IBC2019, including a new architecture that enables near-real-time updates, real-time status of all channels across the network, channel performance trends, and executive reports.

Automate and Simplify Any QC Workflow With BATON

Major new updates to BATON will be shown, including BATON LipSync, an automated tool for lip sync detection and verification of audio with captions, as well as photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) testing and correction. In addition, BATON includes support for the VAST format, HDR quality checks, and setup in Amazon cloud and on-premises, as well as improved audio language and caption detection capabilities.

The latest version of BATON supports integration with WINNOW, the company’s new solution for content classification and identification. Powered by AI/ML technologies, WINNOW can detect and tag content for violence, strong language, alcohol, guns, and more based on user-defined rules. By making it easier to prepare content for different target markets and geographies, WINNOW helps video service providers and increases workflow efficiency.

Assure Standards Compliance, Debugging With World-Class VEGA Media Analyzers

Interra Systems’ VEGA media analyzer is a premier tool for standards compliance, debugging, and in-depth analysis of encoded streams. Recent updates to the VEGA family include support for the AV1 format with buffer analysis, JPEG format, and OGG streams. Using this indispensable tool, video service providers can easily check the quality and integrity of manifest files and variants.

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SMPTE Accepting Technical Manuscripts for Publication Consideration in SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal

Posted on by contentntek in News

Published 10 times per year, with nine print/online editions and one online-only edition, the award-winning Motion Imaging Journal gives readers a window into the technical world of motion-imaging science. Each issue covers a particular topic, and past issues have focused on themes such as file-based workflow, compression, UHD/HDR, audio, distribution formats, machine learning, cloud technologies, content management, display, over-the-top, and digital cinema.

All manuscripts published in the Journal undergo an extensive peer-review process, and the SMPTE Editorial Board ultimately determines if a paper will be published and in which issue. If selected, the benefits include:

  • Demonstration of author’s expertise and technical knowledge
  • The opportunity to take a deep dive into a specific topic
  • A chance to be published in SMPTE’s well-respected, award-winning journal known for thought leadership, timely perspectives on critical topics, and identified by SMPTE Members as the No. 1 member benefit

Manuscripts submitted for publication in the Journal must be informational and well-crafted, and they must address technical theory, research, innovation, application, or practice specific to any of the evolving technologies associated with the media and entertainment industry. Preference will be given to forward-thinking papers and particularly to research-based manuscripts addressing cutting-edge technology. Manuscripts that are of a commercial or promotional nature will not be considered.

SMPTE is accepting manuscripts now for review, and the process typically takes five months. The Society does not charge a fee for publishing, but it does retain the copyright to the paper. (SMPTE grants the author certain rights in the referencing and reuse of the published paper.)

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MEDIAPRO, official VAR provider over the next two years for competitions in Kuwait

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production

MEDIAPRO has been chosen by the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) to provide VAR (video assistant referee) technology at the competitions organized by this federation over the next two years. MEDIAPRO Group’s experience will also allow them to organize a training period for referee staff on how to use this new video assistant referee tool.

With the agreement signed by Sheikh Ahmad, KFA President, and Omar Pleite, the group’s General Director in the Middle East, the Kuwaiti federation has shown its confidence in MEDIAPRO to implement VAR in the VIVA Premier League, the highest level of competitive football in Kuwait, the Kuwaiti Division One, in the second tier, and all other championships organized by the KFA.

With this new agreement, MEDIAPRO Group will be the official provider of VAR technology for official competitions for the leagues in Portugal, Greece, Mexico, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Kuwait. It will also be responsible for providing VAR service for some of the most important continental competitions in the world for both clubs and national teams including the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana, the Copa América and the Africa Cup of Nations.

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ATEME Trails Watermarking Solution at International Football Event

Posted on by contentntek in 30 Seconds News, Multimedia, Production & Post Production

The proof of concept used BISS-CA, an enhanced, secured standard of the BISS protocol with dynamic rolling keys support for encryption, to help broadcasters in the fight against piracy during a three-day trial at the event. BISS-CA managed the In-Band assets and added forensic watermarking to mark each decoder output so that after transcoding broadcasters could determine the origin of a leak, if it occurred.

“Together with ATEME, we have successfully shown that it is possible to enhance the security of live content during major events using an open, interoperable standard developed by the EBU. This, of course, is an asset for us as it will enable us to protect our client’s live content and ensure that it is only delivered to those who should have access to the content,” said Oscar Teran, Head of Technology & Development.

 

Julien Mandel, Contribution Segment Manager, ATEME added: “We are proud to assist Eurovision Services in demonstrating the protection of video streams delivered as part of international events. As a co-founder and early adopter of BISS-CA, we are expertly placed to propose different watermarking solutions to suit the needs of broadcasters and ensure their content is delivered securely.”

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Finepoint Broadcast Adds Further 10 Sony HDC-4300 Camera Channels to Hire Stock

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production

“These purchases follow on from recent investment in HDC-4800 4K/HD ultra high frame rate cameras, Sony PWS-4500 production servers and a range of 4K-UHD Canon lenses,” says Finepoint Broadcast Hire Manager Clive Northen. “They are the latest stage in an ongoing expansion and refinement of our hire stock.”

The HDC-4300 offers all the features needed to handle 4K-UHD, HD and super slow motion. It uses the same control procedures as other cameras in the HDC series, reducing the time and cost involved in crew training. The camera is fully compatible with a wide range of existing Sony products, including viewfinders, large-lens adaptors and camera control units. Core of the optical system is a three 2/3-inch 4K imager supporting next-generation ITU-R BT.2020 colour gamut, enabling very precise colour reproduction.

Working directly with HD and 4K-UHD B4 lenses, the HDC-4300 allows the use of high power large optics with a deep depth of field. Full 4K can be captured at up to 119.88/100 frames per second or HD at 59.94/50, 119.88/100 and 179.82/150 fps. For super slow motion replay, captured images can be recorded to the PWS-4500 4K/HD multi-port AV storage unit which we also have available for hire.

“Demand for our broadcast equipment hire services continues to be strong, particularly from the OB sector where it enables companies to scale up quickly to handle large-scale events without having to leave expensive kit in storage for long periods between projects. Many of our customers also appreciate being able to try out features such as the HDC-4300’s 4K to HD cutout modes. Sourcing in 4K provides four times the resolution of HD and also allows an HD image to be cut out from a 4K picture in real time. In zoom and perspective mode, one portion can be cut out while performing perspective transformation, according to the lens focal length. In simple HD mode, two portions can be cut out simultaneously.”

All equipment hired from Finepoint Broadcast is backed by our engineering team which checks every piece of broadcast equipment in the fleet between each rental. The team’s proven excellence plus our long experience in logistics management have won us many major customers in the UK, mainland Europe and worldwide.

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LTN Global Enters Agreement to Acquire Crystal

Posted on by contentntek in Multimedia, News, OTT & Streaming media

LTN® Global has entered into an agreement to acquire Crystal, a provider of software that automates the monitoring, control, and metadata management of end-to-end broadcast and digital media operations. Together, LTN and Crystal will offer mission-critical ad insertion, digital watermarking, and other unique tools that will allow networks and digital platforms to monetize their content across a fully managed IP multicast network.

“Over the past three decades, Crystal’s customized software solutions have provided a management and control backbone for the world’s leading broadcast, cable, and satellite networks,” said Malik Khan, co-founder and executive chairman at LTN Global. “Now, LTN will integrate Crystal’s innovative technology into our software-managed IP production and transmission workflows. This integration allows our customers to leverage the power of a managed network to greatly reduce high CAPEX costs and puts essential content monetization tools at their fingertips.”

By combining forces, Crystal and LTN solve one of the most pressing issues faced by video content distributors today: the RF spectrum consolidation caused by the advance of 5G that results in a reduction of valuable C-band satellite capacity – the bedrock of TV distribution.

“The addition of Crystal to the LTN Global family gives content distributors a one-stop solution for transitioning from satellite to terrestrial IP,” added Khan. “LTN is evolving into more than just bulletproof managed IP distribution, and Crystal is the perfect addition to our current suite of services. With this acquisition we’re extending our business to provide all of the critical components of a video transmission workflow in a model that reduces customers’ technology risk along with many of the costs associated with scalable video delivery and content monetization.”

LTN will now be the only fully managed IP network offering a “five nines” or greater SLA to its customers alongside the content customization and control solutions of Crystal. Crystal’s patented technology signals key data from all traffic, scheduling, and playout systems consistently through any delivery platform, including OTT, CTV, and TVE. The integration of Crystal technology into the LTN portfolio brings customers the benefits of working with a common GUI across key services, NOC support for the end-to-end workflow, and scalable workflows that leverage LTN’s data center resources.

Crystal’s AdConnect software is in high demand. Currently, over 100 linear networks have deployed AdConnect to provide customized digital markings to OTT platforms. Crystal is adding an average of five new networks every month as content owners and distributors face an increasing number of unique monetization challenges. The company’s technology enables TV ad inventory owners to sell advertising on an addressable basis on any platform, whether delivered via Over-the-Air to smart TVs (e.g. Open Addressable Ready, OAR), traditional distribution, or OTT.

“Crystal’s goal is to be a ubiquitous element across a network’s distribution chain, providing the mission-critical ad signaling and marking associated with all of the current and emerging MVPDs and vMVPDs,” said Crystal CEO Roger Franklin. “By joining forces with LTN, Crystal now has the ability to transport these properly marked video feeds with fully managed reliability and latency and in any required format.”

LTN’s commitment to providing fully managed and monitored video workflow solutions is unmatched. Multimillion-dollar investments in over 40,000 square feet of real estate in Maryland and Kansas City, combined with the addition of over 100 technical and operations staff, are just part of the company’s detailed business plan to support the live video distribution industry, which is facing numerous challenges around distribution and monetization.

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