Riedel and SKAARHOJ expanded SimplyLive’s control options with a physical switcher panel, complementing both the touchscreen interface and remote control unit-based workflows.
CEO Kasper Skårhøj, SKAARHOJ
Riedel Communications and SKAARHOJ have expanded their collaboration by adding support for SKAARHOJ hardware panels to Riedel’s SimplyLive production workflows. This integration is accessed through the latest SimplyLive 2.1 release, and expands SimplyLive’s control options with a physical switcher panel, complementing both its touchscreen interface and existing remote control unit-based workflows.
The Simplylive Production Suite Flex is a software-driven live production platform made up of a series of application layers tuned to tasks covering live production, instant replay, ingest recording, streaming and video review. Each user license can be specialised as required. Its modular nature eases the process and cost of adding operators to cover large events or down-sizing to a one-operator show. It also adapts to all the modern video formats (SDI, NDI, SRT and others) and may be migrated to IP and cloud environments.
Beyond the Touchscreen
Live switching cameras and video sources, cueing and scrubbing slowmo replays, controlling audio or adding graphics are normally managed using a single touchscreen interface. But, through this SKAARHOJ integration, user demand for dedicated hardware control can also be met in live production environments where operators are more at ease and work faster and with more confidence on a conventional switcher panel. On SKAARHOJ panels, SimplyLive users can control the critical live production functions such as source switching, program output switching, transitions, auxiliary output control, keying, graphics and macros.
The SKAARHOJ range of panels is very broad, from tiny controllers to large modular surfaces with buttons, encoders, T-bars, motorized faders and joysticks. They are also flexible – the same control can be achieved in various ways, using different controllers and hardware components, and every panel works with all of the company’s 3rd party integrations. They feature OLED screens and an Ethernet plug with PoE capabilities, and come with SKAARHOJ’s software pre-loaded, putting the proprietary technology inside the controller. Only a Cat5 cable is required.
Operator-Focussed
“SKAARHOJ was the obvious partner for this integration because of their strong reputation for high-quality products designed with the user in mind,” said Paul Macklin, Senior Product Manager, SimplyLive at Riedel Communications. “Their collaborative approach allowed us to tailor the solution around the specific needs of SimplyLive operators, especially in single-operator environments where speed, confidence and ergonomics are essential.”
This operator-focused approach extends beyond the panel integration itself. To support fast deployment, Riedel and SKAARHOJ supply a curated starting configuration that helps users get up and running quickly but still allows the setup to be adapted to preferred production workflows.
“We're excited to expand our collaboration with Riedel through the SimplyLive integration,” said Kasper Skårhøj, CEO, SKAARHOJ. “Having previously integrated with Riedel SmartPanels and MediorNet, this is another example of how our technologies can come together to create new flexible workflows. This integration is tailored for the Master Key 48, but users can choose any SKAARHOJ panel.”
More About SimplyLive 2.1
SimplyLive 2.1 introduces official support for SKAARHOJ panels through a new gRPC API – which gives direct access to SimplyLive applications – enabling responsive communication between the panel and the SimplyLive All-in-One ViBox application for multi-camera production.
Alongside a range of other feature updates, the release also adds a new Venue Gateway license for SimplyLive Production Suite Flex users, allowing the same server hardware to support Venue Gateway applications in addition to the Suite’s existing SimplyLive All-in-One, Replay, Ingest and Review workflows. Riedel’s Venue Gateway multi-channel contribution appliance bridges production infrastructures with remote venues, aggregating and transporting video signals, audio signals and tally. www.riedel.net
