Ross Video Reveals Software Defined 12G Routing at CABSAT 2018
Ross Video has launched a new 144x144 version of their Ultrix routing and signal processing platform at the CABSAT Conference and Exhibition in Dubai, continuing from 14 to 16 January 2018 . Multi-viewers and frame synchronisers have been integrated into the Ultrix-FR5 to form a compact 5RU chassis, saving space and cost. Likewise, 34x34 combinations are available in 1RU, and 72x72 in 2RU.
However, Ross believes the software defined nature of Ultrix is its most significant aspect. The ability to change and update functionality via software license means users only need to buy what they need, when required. Installs and updates occur at a much lower cost in terms of the money and time associated with conventional hardware.
Supplying software enabled multi-viewers, up to 24 independent multi-viewer heads are supplied in 5RU. Each head supports 100 unique PiPs, with access to all video sources in the router.
The platform uses 12G chipsets throughout the router so that users can switch from 270 Mb/s to single link 12G UHD signals within the same chassis, serving as a simple path for those planning to migrate all or part of their facilities to UHD production. Its internal architecture uses a new, FPGA [field-programmable gate array] based design throughout, allowing customers to add software defined processing capabilities such as multi-viewers, frame synchronisers and other equipment by ordering software licenses. No special hardware is required, to increase users'options.
Among the first software-enabled audio fabric, users can route, process and mix a combination of over 30002 channels of both embedded and discrete audio as standard. on every output of every frame, 12Gb/s video clean/quiet switching is available, and software enabled video frame synchronisation and embedded audio SRC can be purchased on every input.
As a complete 12G router family, the platform is very fast. Software enables all ports of the router to 12Gb/s with 1 Terabit of bandwidth per RU, which is the fastest in the industry.
Ultrix Applications
Looked at in terms of applications, in 2RU total rack space for routing with an integrated multi-viewer, users have up to 72 in, 64 out routing. All the signal paths support up to 3 Gb/s standard, plus support for 12 Gb/s with just a simple software upgrade. The same hardware supplies up to 12 independent multi-viewer outputs using standard HD-BNC I/O or AUX ports. The SFP design gives a choicd between coax, fibre or HDMI output formats.
Multi-viewer functions include 2 PiP sizes plus full screen, integrated audio metering, border/tally, and UMD. A simple control and configuration is included for a single or multiple multi-viewers across many frames using the DashBoard.
For external multi-viewer use, in 2RU total rack space are up to 72 inputs for up to 12 independent multi-viewer outputs using standard HD-BNC I/O or AUX ports. The SFP design permits you to choose between coax, fibre or HDMI output formats, with support for both embedded and discrete audio inputs. All signal paths support up to 3 Gb/s standard, plus support for 12 Gb/s with the software upgrade. Multi-viewer functionality is the same as for internal.
Ultrix's application in multi-channel MUX/De-MUX for 4K facilities is valuable because infrastructure products for single link 4K are still limited in scope and availability. Another use for Ultrix is as an integrated series of 12 Gb/s Mux / De-mux modules. For example, 16 muxes and 16 de-muxes can be used to shuffle audio from a series of single link 4K sources.
Ultrix's compact 1RU and 2RU sizes also makes the platform useful for trucks, vans, trailers and other mobile production environments due to the 72 x 64 12Gb/s video I/O, 12 multi-viewer heads, and up to 1024×1024 audio channels per 2RU frame, as well as the platform's sophisticated audio processing.
Software Defined Production
Ultrix-FR5 is part of Ross’ Software Defined Production (SDP) portfolio, based on the company's belief that broadcasters should be free to choose the transport that is most appropriate for their project. SDP delivers adaptability, scalability and agility by moving away from single-function devices that may mostly sit idle, towards a range of flexible resources that are able to meet production needs on-demand.
Ross states that because hybrid production models – in other words, both IP and SDI - are likely to be viable for a significant time to come, SDP can create certainty through upgrade paths that in effect future-proof their current and earlier investments. The new product launch at CABSAT 2018 reinforces that view and follows SDP product launches at NAB New York and Inter BEE Japan.
Commenting on the CABSAT announcements, Todd Riggs, Marketing Product Manager for Ross Video, remarked on the confusing nature of the current broadcast landscape. “It’s a challenging time in the industry – IP is the dominant discussion topic and content producers are naturally attracted by the opportunity IP opens up for efficiency,” he said. “However, IP brings its own set of challenges and we’ve seen many industry commentators hold up IP as an ideal or singular path to achieve agility, which is clearly not true in all cases.” https://www.rossvideo.com/
