Creative Technology is creating a smooth transition from SDI to SMPTE ST 2110 IP for its production teams by deploying consistent Imagine’s IP gateway functionality.
Creative Technology supplies AV services for permanent and temporary installations, working across live events and systems integration and operating from 32 offices worldwide. The company is aiming to create a smooth transition from SDI to SMPTE ST 2110 IP for its production teams by deploying consistent IP gateway functionality that bridges its SDI equipment to an ST 2110 network.
To do this, Creative Technology has implemented Imagine Communications' Selenio Network Processor (SNP), a modular hardware platform, across its primary business locations in the US, UK, Northern Europe and the Middle East, and loaded the processor device with its IP gateway software. In particular, Creative Technology has invested in the SNP-XL, the most recent version of the SNP, and tested it at this year’s major international sports projects, including global pro golf tournaments and the Paris Games.
An IP gateway converts information and communications from one protocol or format to another. For instance, an Internet gateway can transfer communications between an enterprise network and the Internet. Or, in a work environment, the gateway could be a computer that routes traffic from a workstation to the outside network that delivers web pages. A router may also perform some gateway functions.
Flexibility and Integration
The vision mixing platform in use at Creative Technology is the Panasonic KAIROS, a native-IP live video production platform. Imagine's SNP integrates directly with the KAIROS, serving as a high-density SDI on- and off-ramp. The SNP platform's use of 100G QSFP (quad small form pluggable) connectors allows it to connect directly to KAIROS, hard-patched 1:1 with the mixer's inputs and outputs.
As the requirements of the company and of their clients evolve, the reprogrammable SNP can be virtually and instantaneously reconfigured with different functionality by loading the appropriate software. "The SNP’s flexibility makes it especially useful for live events production," said Sam Hatcher, IP solutions engineer, Creative Technology.
"Today, we mainly use it as an IP gateway, but as we move closer to full ST 2110 production, the platform's licensing system and range of software applications will mean we can reuse the SNP hardware as a multiviewer, a JPEG XS converter or one of various other functions available, without having to reinvest in a new device.
"The new SNP-XL is also noticeably quieter than other gateway products we've used in the past, a key consideration for live events when deploying this sort of device — often within earshot of production crew or audience members."
Extreme Density
Compact enough to integrate into flypacks, the SNP gives the team extreme density – the SNP-XL in particular supports up to 64 bidirectional SDI/2110 flows in only 2RU, making it possible to deploy for applications of any size. Creative Technology can scale the platform by adding another box for every 32x32 conversions required. The gateways maintain ultra-low latency and can be configured as inputs or outputs in groups of four. Inband PTP or external reference signals help the user make sure signals are locked and timed accurately to keep switching fast and clean within the routing network.
"Without including SNP in our system design, it is likely that we would have needed additional racks, more space for setup, and more trucks to transport the equipment," said Sam. "As a vendor that operates worldwide, deploying a consistent platform has resulted in resource sharing that not only reduces the amount of shipping required, but also allows us to scale up more easily by cross-renting across regions wherever event services are needed."
Software-defined IP Switcher
Training is less of an issue than could be expected. Technicians with less IP engineering experience can take advantage of a software-defined IP switcher without adding the complexity of network switches, control platforms or a grandmaster clock. All of these factors are handled natively by the SNP. On the other hand, its IP routing / orchestration system uses familiar routing panels so that, for operators, the new system behaves like an SDI router.
Media companies attending IBC2024 (13-16 September, RAI Amsterdam) can visit the Imagine stand for a demo of SNP and other new developments that enables companies to choose a path and pace to IP that aligns with their own business requirements. www.imaginecommunications.com
