R&S VENICE is a resilient, high-performance media platform designed to manage complex signal processing and storage requirements, especially in live studio production applications. It handles uninterrupted operations including scheduled recording, clip transforms and playouts, across a network of processors and both Rohde & Schwarz storage and third-party qualified storage sub-systems. It also bridges the SDI and IP environments. VENICE servers can now be configured for multiple HD and Ultra HD signals, and units can work together as a single resource from a single user interface.
 
The high bandwidth needed for Ultra HD signals demands special handling, beyond the traditional 3G environment. Ultra HD infrastructures today are usually built around either 12G – a single, very high-bandwidth connection that has some technical limitations – or 2SI, which spreads the signal pixel-by-pixel across four conventional SDI cables. 2SI also provides a degree of resilience, as the loss of one channel simply means a drop in resolution, not a complete loss of all or part of the picture.
 
The Rohde & Schwarz VENICE platform now supports both 12G and 2SI, enabling it to fit comfortably into most any environment. Because each VENICE processor is software defined, a channel can switch between an Ultra HD signal and HD signals at short notice. With VENICE sharing resources across a network from a single management user interface, it means resources can be allocated for efficiency and specific utilisation.

 
The ability to achieve performance by making efficient use of the available hardware is one of the primary traits of the VENICE architecture. For instance, it allows resources to be shared through a method called Transform Channel Assignment that allows a source to be recorded, viewed and processed – trimmed, merged or edited, for example – meanwhile making the optimum use of available resources. Using Record Scheduler, VENICE then looks ahead to ensure there are sufficient channels for planned recordings while serving current requests for access.

“With VENICE, we developed a platform that a team can rely on for critical broadcast applications like playout,” Andreas Loges said, Vice President Media Technologies at Rohde & Schwarz, “Central to that is the ability to be flexible, to meet the workflows our users demand, and to directly handle Ultra HD signals as they are required.” Transform Channel Assignment and Record Scheduler are available now for all VENICE installations.  www.press.rohde-schwarz.com