NBC Sports Deploys ASPEN IP Facility from Evertz and Sony |
Starting in February 2016, NBC Sports will deploy an IP production framework based on the newASPEN protocol, resulting from a recent collaboration ofEvertzandSony. The framework will generate separated video, audio and metadata IP flows for NBC Sports’ HD productions. |
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ASPEN, which stands forAdaptive Sample Picture Encapsulation, was developed to meet the day-to-day requirements of an IP-centric facility using familiarMPEG2-TSstandards. ASPEN serves as a format for encapsulating uncompressed Ultra HD/3G/HD/SD over MPEG-2 transport streams, or TS, and also as a framework to support new video formats in the future. |
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In terms of equipment, the facility centres on Evertz’Software Defined Video Networkingsystem, including the EXE40-VSR high capacity switch, 570IPG media gateways and 3067VIP10G multiviewers, all of which function under EvertzMAGNUM SDVN Orchestration and Control. Another major component of the NBC IP production system is IP-enabled products from Sony, which has been developinglive IPproduction, distribution and play-out capabilities. This includes making its system cameras and production switchers inter-operable within ASPEN workflows. |
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Eric Fankhauser, VP of Product Development at Evertz, noted that the collaboration with Sony for this NBC project is significant for the industry as broadcasters move to IP-based production. He said. "The use of ASPEN for individual multicast flows gives NBC Sports greater flexibility in their production workflow." |
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Evertz introduced ASPEN last April at the2015 NAB Show. Following collaboration since then with partners including Abekas, ChryonHego, Discovery Communications, Game Creek Video, Hitachi Kokusai, NEP, Ross Video, Sony, Tektronix, Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Vizrt, By September, ASPEN was submitted to SMPTE for publication as a Registered Disclosure Document RDD 37. Among the newer members of the ASPEN development community areAJA Video SystemsandFOR-Avideo and audio systems for broadcast and post. aspen-community.com |