38 theibcdaily
10.09.2011
The Vortex i-PPM audio monitoring system includes loudness metering
Monitoring system keeps CALM ment is becoming increasingly important, with the adoption of the EBU’s recommendation 128 and the introduction in the USA of CALM (the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act). The new Vortex i-PPM audio
monitoring system is more than just a peak programme meter or a monitoring system, and includes loudness metering. Derived from the traditional PPM-200 series, it uses TFT screens in place of conventional meters to provide easily-read-
Ruby’s harsh environment
tion, transmissions in a hostile environment are said to reach 100km, even at high speeds. Teamcast is also highlighting the Vyper DVB-S/S2 modulator for satellite applications, the compact Syper DVB-S/S2 demodulat o r, a n d t h e Veg a s t a n d a l o n e solution for simulating individual terrestrial channels for fixed and mobile applications. The company has been shortl i s t e d i n t h e I B C I n n ova t i o n Awards for the ‘Single Frequency Networks for HD with DVB-T2’ project, competing in the Content Delivery category. 2.B51
Vortex Communications By David Fox Loudness is a matter of perception. The longer it lasts, the louder it sounds. These days, its measure-
TeamCast By Heather McLean To respond to the specific needs of mobile transmission systems in harsh environments, TeamCast has launched Ruby modulation, a robust COFDM technology. In order to show customers the benef its of Ruby, a video links demonstrator named Cobra has been launched here at IBC. Ruby modulation, a TeamCast proprietary OFDM modulation
based on DVB-T with time interleave and enhanced error corrector, is suitable for harsh environments, including mobile links in broadcast and defence applications. The Cobra TX system is composed with an HD H.264 encoder, a R u by t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d a 5 W amplif ier. The receiver supports antenna diversity two reception with agile RF input. The HD H.264 decoder is embedded in the receiver, while the Cobra system covers the 2GHz to 2.5GHz frequency. Thanks to this configura-
From big iron to workflow management At this year’s IBC, we are looking to change the perception of our company and reinforce that we are the complete solutions provider for the broadcast video and audio sector, says Fraser Clark, director of Sales & Customer Service, Evertz UK Over the past year, the market space has shifted the spotlight for the broadcast industry. At IBC2010, 3D television was the major focus of new technologies. Both vendors and customers were evaluating 3D as viable production and broadcast options for generating additional revenues. However, over the past year the 3D momentum has subsided. Although there were successful broadcasts and productions, it seems that 3D is still not considered ‘mainstream’. Based on today’s consumer market, this year’s IBC will most likely
focus on the delivery of content to the multi-screen consumer. With the successful introduction of the iPad and other tablets, consumers now look for content to be available using this accessible medium. Although traditional television and web TV is thriving, the growing popularity of on-demand services and handheld tablets has forced broadcasters to implement new content delivery methods. This presents some new challenges, as it adds more pressure on broadcasters to deliver more content,
more rapidly and to more consumer devices. In addition, there is a sense of immediacy brought on by the influx of these new media devices. The new media devices and services have created a demand for content to be made available immediately. Outside of looking at compression technology to deliver this content to the new platforms, content creators are going to look at ways to improve workflow. The delivery of content to these new platforms must be done in a cost effective and efficient manner. Thus, workflow
able audio monitoring with virtual analogue meters and bargraphs. The network interface lets users display combinations of metering and bargraphs from a number of iPPM units on the same network using the i-PPM-NET application. Although the meters look real and have the same ballistic characteristics as their electro-mechanical counterparts, the bright Q-VGA TFT panels can be conf igured to work as PPM mono meters (white pointers), PPM stereo meters (red and green) PPM M3 or M6 Sum-Difference meters (white and yellow), VU metering (white background and red pointers), or Loudness (EBU.R128/BS.1770-1 ITU & ATSC)
with either LED-type display or pointers with LUFS numerical readout. The monitored channels can be mapped in combinations of left, centre, right, left-surround and right-surround including full surround mix – with or without bargraphs. Looking like a conventional PPM audio monitor, the i-PPM comes in a slimline case with builtin stereo loudspeakers, headphone monitoring and phase indication. The six-channel device is switchable between 6 x mono (3 x stereo) analogue signals and 3 x AES/EBU digital audio inputs. Scroll controls select between audio input channels and the type of metering. 11.G11
More content, less bandwidth Motorola By Ian McMurray Additions to Motorola’s encoder portfolio are said to deliver more content with the available bandwidth using statistical multiplexing and smarter encoding. Motorola says service providers can spend less per channel without sacrificing quality. The company is also demonstrating SocialTV companion services for the second screen that allow consumers to find out more about what tools will be at the top of everyone’s lists. Evertz has been primarily known as a ‘big iron’ company that focuses on hardware solutions. At this year’s IBC, we look to change that perception and reinforce that we are the complete solutions provider for all aspects of broadcast video and audio services including workflow and IP based delivery. With tools like Magnum and Mediator, Evertz now offers solutions to assist content creators with file-based asset management and workflow solutions. In the case of Mediator, we now are able to offer a highly scalable solution for tape, live, and file ingest, library management, transcode, spot check, quality control, transfer management and playout for any type of media device. When linked with our EMS (Media Server) and OvertureRT Live (channel playout with branding), we deliver an integrated facility that provides superior file/non-file based multi-channel ingest and playout sys-
they watch, as well as chat and share their viewing experiences with friends via social media and discover new content, without affecting the viewing experience on the main TV. Steve McCaffery, vice-president and general manager, home EMEA, Motorola Mobility, said: “Motorola empowers service providers to do more by protecting their investment with simple and easy-to-use subscriber-facing technologies, features that expand existing service offerings, and products that drive bandwidth efficiency.” 1.D31/4.A75
Opinion
Fraser Clark: Workflow tools will be at the top of everyone’s lists
tems with advanced asset management tools. Our Magnum unified control platform helps operators to unify the control and operation of the routing core, master control, production switching, infrastructure and multi-viewer. Magnum bridges all of the major components within the broadcast path under a single point of control enabling broadcasters to simplify facility workflow and gain efficiency while reducing operational costs. Both of these new software tools help content creators become more efficient and effective in delivering their content to multiple platforms. These tools, in addition to new compression technologies, allow Evertz to be the complete workflow solution provider. 8.B40, 1.A33