NewTek To Debut IP Switcher at IBC
NewTek has launched what it claims to be the first large production system designed for IP video, making the bold claim that the NewTek IP Series represents "a true paradigm shift in the way live mixing technology works."
Video, audio, and control signals are transferred using NewTek’s Network Device Interface (NDI) allowing multiple video systems to identify and communicate with any other system over a standard computer network.
The result, says NewTek president and CEO Dr. Andrew Cross, "is a fully customisable IP workflow solution."
He adds, "This new product line is the first fully scalable production ecosystem ever, and represents a true paradigm shift in the way live mixing technology works. With distribution of TV content flowing unstoppably over IP, it only makes sense that production does the same."
The system is also backwards compatible with SDI so that facilities don't have to abandon existing investments in SDI infrastructure or implement high-priced, high-bandwidth networking to migrate to IP, NewTek argues.
The nucleus of the system is NewTek's VMC1 Video Mix Engine. This is capable of switching up 64 source channels, including 44 external inputs (each with key and fill) and full mixing control with 8 M/Es with full re-entry, plus Previz.
Each Video Mix Engine includes integrated compositing, a macro automation engine, and an effects system available with "almost unlimited" matting, DVE, transitions, overlays, virtual sets, and real-time data. Multiple NewTek VMC1 Video Mix Engines can be placed on the network allowing for both expansion and full redundancy as needed.
The NewTek VMC1 4S Control Panel is the interface connecting the operator to single or multiple engines for control of the production. The firm's VMC1 IN Studio Input Module allows up to four SDI or IP inputs per module recognised by the NewTek VMC1 Video Mix Engine. Modules can be added at any location on the network to increase camera/source count as necessary, NewTek states. Each module includes a multiviewer with return video feed and capability to ISO record to network storage. A NewTek VMC1 OUT Studio Output Module is a four channel multi-format modular video delivery hub that can reside anywhere on a network.
"No other solution enables interconnected production workflows to the scale and scope of the NewTek IP Series," says Cross. "NewTek IP Series simplifies infrastructure, eliminates restrictions, and expands possibilities, while integrating with existing equipment."
All the kit is available now saving the VMC1 OUT Studio Output Module which is available later this year.
VRT-EBU LiveIP Studio at IBC
It is worth noting that NewTek is carving out its own route to IP live production using its Network Device Interface. Many other vendors, which could be classified as a traditional industry heavyweights like EVS, Grass Valley, Imagine Communications, Lawo, Nevion, and Tektronix are backing AIMS (Alliance for IP Media Solution) and at IBC are showing off a live production studio built using IP tools.
This working demonstration, a transplant of the IP studio built at Belgium broadcaster VRT, is backed by the EBU, the Joint Task Force on Networked Media together with AES and IABM.
The set-up will be split over three sites connected by fiber. The VRT-EBU LiveIP studio floor and the control room will be on booth D10 in Hall 8; the data center be hosted on EVS’s booth B90 in Hall 8; and finally the IBC TV studio in Hall 13 will have the capability to control the VRT-EBU LiveIP studio remotely. The set-up will be on display for visitors at all times, and available for testing when not in use by IBC TV.
NewTek is exhibiting at IBC 2016 on stand 7.K11.