Next-level hardware: XPression M9 engines

The all-new XPression M9 engines, available in sleek 2RU and 4RU models, deliver a significant performance boost and modernized design:

• Up to 30% more processing headroom compared to the M8 hardware.
• 25% more CPU cores, ensuring faster and more efficient operations.
• Expanded storage capacity:
  • Nearly 4x more storage in the 2RU model.
  • An impressive 7x more storage in the 4RU model.
• 200% more RAM, enabling smoother workflows and enhanced multitasking.

The redesigned front panel of the M9 engines features advanced display functionality, offering operators improved system monitoring and easier access to critical information.

Enhanced creative tools

The v12 release introduces powerful new features designed to streamline production and elevate visual quality:

• Custom 3D LUTs for high dynamic range (HDR) workflows, enabling precise colour grading.
• Colour space information is now displayed in the Clip Store for improved asset management.
• Video shaders with automatic detection from source metadata, delivering optimized performance.
• Significant performance improvements in video shaders.
• Enhanced Clip Store search, making it faster and easier to locate assets.

For a full list of software upgrades,

The ultimate visual storytelling tool

XPression continues to set the standard for real-time motion graphics. Trusted by visual storytellers in news, sports, and live entertainment, it empowers teams to craft stunning, on-brand 2D and 3D graphics and animations. With XPression, your team can transform data into compelling visuals and composite them automatically in any live video format, all in real-time.

Unleash your creative team with XPression

The post Discover What’s New with XPression Graphics appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

PIERO is the go-to sports graphics analysis tool, enabling production teams in more than 20 sports worldwide to deliver unparalleled analysis to millions of viewers 

• Unbeatable reliability: Designed to handle the pressure of live broadcasts, PIERO ensures smooth and flawless analysis every time, giving broadcasters the peace of mind they need.

• Jaw-dropping visuals: With a rich bank of customizable effects and integration with the Unreal Engine, PIERO enhances your production quality and keeps your audience engaged. 

• Highly adaptable workflows: Customizable real-time workflows and fast transitions between tools make it easy to adapt at the last minute without technical delays so you can stay focused on creating compelling sports content. 

• Ease of use: PIERO’s intuitive interface ensures quick adoption, empowering creative teams to build stunning, high-end analyses without specialized technical support. 

What’s new from PIERO? 

PIERO v20, the latest release from 91ĚŇÉ«, is the most powerful version to date.  

IP for PIERO Live: Seamless integration for high-performance teams

With the new IP ST-2110 support, PIERO v20 allows users to incorporate PIERO’s live analysis with ST-2110 workflows as easily as with SDI. This upgrade requires the new M9 hardware, enabling smoother transitions and consistent, high-quality performance.Ěý 

Basketball live optical tracking: Full-featured analysis without external data 

Analysts and fans will benefit from PIERO’s new Basketball Live Optical Tracking feature. This tool allows operators to run full-featured live basketball analysis without needing external tracking data. Already deployed in select arenas, this optical tracking system brings real-time insights that basketball professionals can rely on 

New keyer for all sports: Enhanced clarity on any surface 

PIERO’s new keyer, debuting in v20, is engineered to make calibration easy in every sports setting, especially for games played on non-grass surfaces like courts or indoor stadiums with multi-colored floors. This new keyer ensures sharper graphics and cleaner visuals, regardless of the environment. 

Enhanced analysis with the new vertical grid effect 

Introduced in version 19.7 and available in v20, the Vertical Grid Effect empowers analysts for Football / Soccer with an innovative way to visualize game data. The vertical grid effect allows users to overlay a grid and markers within the goal area, creating a structured view of goal attempts and player movements. Compatible with calibrated clips and virtual stadium settings, this effect adds depth to scoring analysis, giving analysts a new way to explore and display gameplay strategies right where the action happens.Ěý

Baseball rounding effect: Precision tracking of player movement 

For baseball analysts, PIERO v20 supports the Baseball Rounding Effect introduced in v19, offering a powerful way to track player movement around bases. This effect, available for virtual stadiums and calibrated clips, lets users measure running angles, helping teams break down player efficiency and analyze performance at each base. It’s a simple, effective tool that provides clarity and precision for a detail-driven sport.Ěý

Experience PIERO v20 for yourself 

Discover the difference that PIERO can make for your team and viewers. Embrace the future of sports analysis with PIERO v20 and see why leading sports broadcasters trust 91ĚŇÉ« to bring their analysis to life. 

You can download the for a detailed list of v20 updates and the recent history of PIERO upgrades.

The post Unveiling PIERO v20: Revolutionizing Sports Graphics Analysis  appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

To overcome these challenges, 91ĚŇÉ« offers the Ultrix hyperconverged platform—a game-changing solution that provides OB vans with unmatched flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. 

CINELIVE, a mobile production company in North America, overcame this exact challenge. They built a 4K HDR-ready mobile production truck capable of serving multiple verticals—corporate AV, traditional networks, and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)—without needing multiple systems. By adopting Ultrix, they seamlessly handled a wide range of workflows with ease, future-proofing their operations for evolving market demands​.

The problem: rigid setups limiting production flexibility 

OB vans often operate with traditional systems that create bottlenecks, limiting their ability to push the system to its full capacity. This rigidity makes it difficult for OB crews to scale their operations, especially when faced with large or complex events. For example, adding more cameras or transitioning between formats like HD, UHD, and HDR can quickly overwhelm traditional systems, requiring costly hardware upgrades or extensive reconfiguration. This not only slows down production but also increases operational costs, as more resources are needed to manage complex workflows. 

Another major advantage of hyperconverged solutions is the ability to integrate a variety of transport types, such as SDI, fiber, ST 2110, NDI, and more. This flexibility allows OB crews to adapt to the unique demands of each event, integrating whatever technology is required without the need for extensive reconfiguration or delays. For OB vans, which need to be up and running quickly, this capability is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and handling the diverse workflows that live productions demand. 

The 91ĚŇÉ« solution: Ultrix Hyperconverged platform 

91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform addresses these issues head-on by offering a software-defined architecture that eliminates many of the limitations associated with traditional systems. Rather than relying on hardware-based upgrades, Ultrix allows OB vans to add advanced processing functions—such as frame syncs, audio mixing, HDR conversion, and more—without consuming additional I/O or requiring external processing.

Innovative Production Services is a great example of a broadcaster that took full advantage of Ultrix’s hyperconverged solution. By integrating Ultrix, they were able to reduce their hardware footprint significantly while creating a versatile OB truck that could easily scale up or down depending on the event’s needs. This flexibility allowed them to serve both large-scale live productions and smaller events with the same truck, all while improving operational efficiency​.

By consolidating routing, multiviewing, signal processing, and production switching into a single platform, Ultrix simplifies OB van setups, reducing the need for multiple devices and cutting down on space and power consumption. This makes it easier for OB crews to manage large-scale productions while keeping engineering costs under control. 

Additionally, Ultrix’s software-defined approach provides the flexibility needed to handle increasingly complex productions. Whether you’re covering a small local event or a large international sports broadcast, Ultrix can easily scale up or down based on the needs of the production—without requiring extensive reconfiguration or additional hardware. 

How Ultrix enhances flexibility and scalability in OB vans 

Advanced signal processing across select inputs/outputs:

Unlike traditional systems that limit certain functionalities to specific inputs or outputs, Ultrix offers advanced processing capabilities—such as frame syncs and Proc amp/color correction. Additionally, audio embedding/de-embedding and clean & quiet switching are available to further streamline operations. This combination of features maximizes throughput and reduces bottlenecks, ensuring that OB vans can handle even the most demanding live events with ease.

Software-defined architecture:

Ultrix allows broadcasters to add new functionalities via software licenses, without the need for hardware swaps. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for OB vans, where space is at a premium and additional hardware may not be feasible. By simply adding software licenses as needed, OB crews can unlock new features—such as audio mixing, frame syncs, or HDR conversion—based on the specific requirements of a production. This allows OB vans to adapt easily to new client needs or event demands without needing to purchase all licenses upfront. For example, if a production requires more frame syncs or HDR conversion, OB vans can quickly add licenses before the event, ensuring they are equipped to handle evolving customer demands without needing to install new hardware.Ěý

Seamless integration of IP workflows:

Ultrix offers the flexibility to integrate multiple transport protocols, including ST 2110, NDI, and SDI, simultaneously, allowing OB vans to choose the right mix of protocols for each production. Acting as the ultimate gateway, Ultrix can convert any signal or stream to another—whether it’s NDI to ST 2110, ST 2110 to HDMI, or SDI to NDI—providing seamless signal conversion to meet the needs of diverse production environments. This flexibility ensures that broadcasters can leverage the benefits of IP-based workflows while also incorporating other transport methods depending on the event’s specific needs. While IP systems can require detailed setup, Ultrix is designed to simplify workflow integration, helping broadcasters adapt efficiently to different environments. 

Efficient use of space and power: 

Space is a critical concern in OB vans, where every rack unit counts. By consolidating multiple functions into a single platform, Ultrix reduces the overall hardware footprint, freeing up space for additional operators or equipment. This not only increases the efficiency of the OB van but also reduces fuel costs and energy consumption, making it a more sustainable solution for broadcasters. 

Real-world application: Ultrix in action 

Broadcasters worldwide are already experiencing the benefits of 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform. OB vans equipped with Ultrix FR12 have successfully scaled their operations to cover major events, including international sports tournaments, concerts, and breaking news broadcasts.  

Vatican Media utilized Ultrix to manage diverse signal formats during high-profile global events, including widely broadcast religious ceremonies. By integrating multiple signal types—SDI, IP, and more—they streamlined their workflows without the need for additional hardware, allowing them to deliver high-quality broadcasts to millions of viewers​.

Vivaro Video took advantage of Ultrix’s software-defined architecture to reduce complexity in live event production. By minimizing additional hardware requirements and simplifying the integration of cameras and replay systems, they efficiently scaled their operations, adapting to varying production demands with ease.Ěý

CINELIVE achieved significant space and weight savings through hyperconverged technology. As Zach Pittman explains, “we saved probably 1,500–2,000 pounds in cable weight alone by having everything in a hyperconverged network.” This optimization allowed them to minimize setup time and streamline their overall production​. 

“We ended up with over 215 I/O left after routing, switching, multiviewing, embedding/de-embedding, and frame syncs—everything’s done within the box (Ultrix). That made it a no-brainer to go with hyperconvergence to save weight, time, space, and money,” says Pittman.

The ability to scale operations on the fly has also proven invaluable during peak events, where broadcasters need to handle sudden spikes in production demand. With Ultrix, broadcasters can easily adjust their setup to accommodate these spikes without sacrificing functionality or increasing operational costs. 

The bottom line: why Ultrix is the ideal solution for OB vans 

91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform offers OB vans a unique combination of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. By consolidating multiple functions into a single software-defined platform, Ultrix eliminates the need for bulky hardware, reduces power consumption, and frees up valuable space within the OB van. This not only enhances the operational efficiency of the OB van but also provides broadcasters with the scalability they need to handle a wide range of live events. 

If you’re looking to maximize the flexibility and scalability of your OB van setup, 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform is the ideal solution. Whether you’re covering a local event or an international broadcast, Ultrix provides the tools you need to deliver high-quality productions with fewer resources and greater confidence. 

Key features of the Ultrix platform for OB vans: 

Advanced I/O signal processing: Frame syncs, audio mixing, HDR conversion, and more 

• Software-Defined Architecture: Add new features via software licenses without the need for hardware swaps. 

• Flexible I/O Configurations: Seamlessly integrate IP workflows with support for ST 2110, and NDI. 

• Efficient Space and Power Use: Reduce your hardware footprint and energy consumption while increasing your production capabilities. 

Explore the Ultrix platform today and see how it can transform your OB van operations. Contact us to speak with an expert and learn more about how 91ĚŇÉ« can help you scale your operations with ease.Ěý

The post How 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix Platform Can Transform Your Outside Broadcast  appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

Managing the intricacies of live production, such as switching camera angles, controlling audio, and adapting to breaking news, has always been part of the job. However, today’s broadcasters are under more pressure than ever to produce more high-quality content for multiple platforms without increasing the number of resources. The demand for reliable, automated solutions has surged as these challenges intensify. 

OverDrive, the award-winning production automation system trusted by broadcasters since 2005, is growing in prominence as a cost-effective way to address these operational demands, offering a proven way to enhance production capabilities. 

Addressing the complexity of live production 

Live production is a highly demanding environment. Even the most experienced operators face challenges managing multiple devices and equipment while coordinating teams in real-time.Ěý

Human error, the unpredictability of live production environments, and the ever-growing complexity of workflows all contribute to stress and operational bottlenecks. However, production workflow automation offers broadcasters a way to simplify their processes and reduce the time it takes to go live. 

OverDrive, which recently won TVBEurope’s Best of Show Award at IBC 2024, tackles these challenges by providing an all-in-one control platform. It automates complex and repetitive tasks such as switching cameras, controlling audio, and displaying graphics, allowing producers to manage everything from a single interface. By executing menial tasks, OverDrive reduces operational errors, freeing your team to do more creative work and react to changes quickly, resulting in better-looking, more reliable productions.Ěý

Here are some of its features: 

• RundownControl: Manages all production elements, effects, and transitions for scripted and unscripted productions.Ěý
• DirectControl: Provides direct, manual control of production devices within a unified interface.Ěý
• TemplateEditor: A user-friendly tool for editing, managing, and configuring OverDrive templates.Ěý
• MOS & NRCS Integration: The first HTML5 MOS plugin under the new MOS spec, enhancing newsroom workflow integration.Ěý
• Timing: Multiple user-definable timers to track program time, event time, clip time, and NRCS timing information.Ěý
• Enterprise Grade Virtual Environment Support: Certified to work in various virtualization environments, offering redundancy and cost-saving solutions.Ěý

The benefits of production workflow automation 

To give you a better understanding of how a production workflow automation system like OverDrive supercharges your production, here are a few benefits it has to offer: 

1. Faster turnaround and reduced costs 

OverDrive reduces the need for large, multi-person production teams, streamlining collaboration between technical and editorial staff. Not only does this minimize operational costs, but it also allows production resources to be reallocated toward other necessities like content creation. 

Production workflows move faster because OverDrive integrates with the most popular Newsroom Computer Systems (NRCS). As a result, teams can get on-air quicker, whether it’s a scheduled broadcast or a spontaneous event. With everyone on the team working from a single, cohesive platform, it’s easier than ever to stay in communication with one another, thereby improving efficiency.Ěý

2. Creative flexibility and futureproofing  

OverDrive’s flexible interface empowers producers to customize workflows and tailor broadcasts to their unique needs. This enhances creative freedom, enabling teams to experiment with new formats, graphics, and camera angles. The best part is that it can be done without complicating the workflow.Ěý

As media companies look to the future, a system like OverDrive will be necessary. Its adaptability ensures it can grow alongside production needs, offering long-term value and sustainability. OverDrive’s support for virtual environments reduces the need for physical hardware and allows you to scale up and down quickly with demand. OverDrive was recently used for this exact purpose by AWS to produce and broadcast NABShow LIVE from NAB Show 2024. 

3. Increased confidence = reduced stress  

Automation may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. OverDrive eases the onboarding process for new operators thanks to its intuitive interface. This minimizes the time required for training and enables less-experienced staff to become proficient and contribute to programing quickly. 

OverDrive makes the job easy — regardless of who’s in control — by automating critical tasks and creating consistent, repeatable processes. Plus, you never have to worry about sacrificing production quality. Ultimately, this will reduce stress, especially in high-pressure live situations. 

Ready to supercharge your production? 

Discover how OverDrive can optimize your workflows, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in your live broadcasts. Contact us today to learn how it can take your production to the next level.Ěý

The post How automated production control supercharges live production  appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

To address these challenges and meet audiences’ needs, broadcasters must evolve how they operate and deliver content. We’ve created a detailed guide to help you stay agile and adaptable to rapidly evolving audience consumption habits. Download the whitepaper below.

Here are the key challenges a multivendor environment presents and how they impact live video production workflows:

1. Integration Costs 

One of the most significant challenges in a multivendor environment is the hidden costs of integrating disparate systems. While the initial cost of incorporating new technologies may seem manageable, the cumulative expenses can strain budgets. It’s common to underestimate the technical difficulties of making different systems work together, even those adhering to standard protocols. The result is financial strain and the potential for operational disruptions. 

2. Operational Inefficiencies 

When systems from multiple vendors do not integrate seamlessly, you spend more time and effort troubleshooting and resolving issues. These inefficiencies lead to unnecessary resource wastage as temporary fixes often become long-term practices, embedding inefficiencies into daily operations. The result is a continuous drain on time and financial resources, hampering overall productivity. 

3. Complex Problem Resolution 

In a multivendor setup, identifying and resolving problems becomes more complex due to the lack of clear ownership. When issues arise, it is not always obvious which vendor is responsible, leading to delays in resolution. This ambiguity increases downtime and complicates the support process as your technical team navigates the various vendor support channels to find a solution (or often, just find someone willing and able to help). 

4. Upgrade Challenges 

Keeping up with technological advancements is crucial for you to remain competitive. However, multivendor environments complicate upgrades. Coordinating changes across different systems is challenging, as an upgrade in one system may not be compatible with others. That can lead to widespread issues, from minor inconsistencies to major operational disruptions. Additionally, vendors often lock you into contracts, making it costly to experiment with or upgrade technologies outside their ecosystem. 

5. Overlapping Functionalities 

Multivendor environments often result in overlapping functionalities, where you pay for duplicate services or equipment. This often occurs because of the procurement process. Different departments will identify their equipment preferences, but the procurement team doesn’t identify the functionality of equipment preferred by one team that can offer the functionality needed by another. This redundancy not only increases costs but also creates silos within the organization, making it harder to identify and eliminate unnecessary expenditures.  

6. Costly and Complex Maintenance 

Maintaining compatibility across multiple systems becomes increasingly challenging and expensive over time. As systems evolve, vendors may discontinue services or introduce higher upgrade costs. This complexity adds to the long-term maintenance burden, making ensuring quality control and consistent performance difficult. 

7. Difficulty in Managing Contracts 

Handling different service level agreements (SLAs) and contractual obligations with multiple vendors can slow down operations. Keeping track of various contracts and renewals requires additional resources, complicating administration. This is particularly burdensome during economic downturns when increasing headcount is not feasible. 

8. Lack of Training and Support 

Complex system setups necessitate managing separate training and support contracts, adding to operational costs. The lack of consistent documentation and the steep learning curve for new employees further exacerbate this issue. High team turnover makes it even more challenging to maintain a workforce trained to operate and service your multivendor tech stack’s custom workflows and workarounds. 

Invest in Well-Integrated Infrastructure 

While multivendor environments offer flexibility and the potential for leveraging best-of-breed solutions, they come with significant challenges that live video producers must navigate. From integration costs and operational inefficiencies to complex problem resolution and maintenance, managing a multivendor setup requires careful planning and robust management strategies.  

It’s crucial to find and invest in technology that simplifies integration. By prioritizing solutions designed for interoperability, and finding vendors willing to work with you to integrate the technology you want, you can overcome these challenges and ensure a more efficient production workflow. This investment strategy enhances productivity and positions your organization to adapt swiftly to technological advancements and evolving industry demands. 

Download our whitepaper, “How to Ensure Agility & Adaptability in the Modern Newsroom,” and learn how to produce more content for more channels faster – with tighter budgets and fewer resources.

The post 8 Expensive Challenges of Multivendor Environments appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

Whether you are part of a large station group or an individual news organization, here are the top 5 ways Streamline Pro Web Video Editor can significantly enhance your content creation process. 

1. Efficiency and Speed
   In today’s fast-paced media environment, producing content quickly is crucial. Streamline Pro Web Video Editor enhances your speed in creating and delivering content, helping you meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Allowing your team to edit headlines, teases, and voiceovers 30% faster and at half the cost. This acceleration is a game-changer for media professionals who must stay ahead in the competitive landscape. 
   
   
2. Cost Effective
   With Streamline Pro Web Video Editor, Broadcast Organizations can enable anyone in a newsroom to create high-quality content with no need to purchase additional hardware; existing staff can learn to edit on their current laptops without rigorous training. 
   
   
3. Seamless Integration
   Streamline Pro helps you achieve more with less effort. With efficiency at its core, the web video editor exports directly into placeholders in the Newsroom Computer System (NRCS). Eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms and reducing errors. This simplified approach optimizes workflows and frees up resources, allowing your team to focus on more creative and strategic initiatives. 
   
   
4. Enhanced Accessibility
   Streamline Pro Web Video Editor provides onsite and remote access to content and workflows. This flexibility means that no matter where your team members are located, they can contribute to the project seamlessly. The ability to access and edit content from anywhere helps in maintaining continuity and momentum in projects.
   
   
5. Integrated Audio Tools
   Utilizing Streamline Pro Web Video Editor, you’re capable of monitoring and adjusting audio levels to smoothly transition between clips, ensuring consistent volume and clarity every step of the way. 

Elevate Your Storytelling With a User-Friendly Web Video Editor

Streamline Pro Web Video Editor is designed with news journalists and producers in mind, enabling them to concentrate on content creation and storytelling rather than the underlying technology.

With Streamline Pro Web Video Editor, news journalists and producers can edit their own stories or hand them off to editors, accelerating the entire news production process, freeing up valuable resources and ensuring news organizations are at the top of their game.

Learn More

For more information about Streamline Pro Media Asset Management System and how it can improve your newsroom workflow, visit our product page or speak with one of our Regional Sales Managers to book a product demo.

The post 5 Ways Streamline Pro Web Video Editor Enhances Your Content Creation appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

Ross Production Services (RPS) proudly introduced the RPS9 — our largest and most capable mobile unit earlier this year. This impressive 40-foot behemoth culminates several years of dedicated effort and innovation. The RPS9 represents a step up for RPS and a significant leap into the future of broadcast and entertainment events.

Designed to meet the demands of modern production environments, the RPS9 has advanced technology and features that set it apart from any other mobile unit. Its expansive size and state-of-the-art equipment make it a powerhouse capable of handling even the most complex production requirements. This new unit signifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in live event production, offering unparalleled flexibility, superior quality, and exceptional reliability.

Stephen Repass, Vice President of Ross Production Services, shares the spirit behind this innovation, “RPS9 represents our commitment to not just meet but exceed the evolving demands of our clients. It’s our most advanced setup yet, designed to handle anything from high-stakes sports to blockbuster entertainment productions. It’s the best of mobile productions and jam-packed with the best of Ross.” 

Designed to meet the needs of modern mobile production environments, this unit includes our cutting-edge , which offers intuitive operation and seamless control. The also features the advanced , known for its unparalleled versatility and power in signal processing and routing. Complementing these tools is the XPression graphics software, renowned for its robust capabilities in creating stunning, real-time graphics. Together, these components ensure that the RPS9 delivers flawless production quality, regardless of the scale of your project. Whether you’re managing a small studio or a large-scale broadcast, the RPS9 is equipped to handle all your production needs with precision and efficiency.

“This truck has everything Ross could conceivably put into a truck — we’ve loaded it with our top-tier gear, including our latest routers and MIRA replay system designed to captivate audiences with silky-smooth slow-motion replays and game-breaking highlights.Ěý,” explains Logan McDonald Sr Broadcast Production Specialist & Cloud Product Prime.

Flexibility is at the heart of the RPS9. This mobile production unit’s unique design includes a separate audio room equipped with the state-of-the-art Calrec Apollo console, allowing it to manage dual operations seamlessly. This means it can simultaneously handle broadcast feeds and in-house shows without compromising quality. “We’ve already received fantastic feedback from clients about its capability to split operations, catering to diverse production needs within the same venue,” says Lance Bracale, Manager of Broadcast Engineering.

Moreover, the RPS9 has true 4K capabilities, ensuring pristine visual output without needing up-conversion. “The exciting part for us — and our clients — is the multitude of production possibilities this truck opens up. Whether you need different setups or styles, RPS9 can adapt and deliver,” notes Stephen Repass, Vice President of Ross Production Services. This versatility makes the RPS9 an invaluable asset for any production, offering unparalleled flexibility and top-notch performance to meet the evolving demands of modern broadcasting.

With the introduction of the RPS9, RPS is poised to redefine industry standards and deliver a new level of excellence in broadcast and entertainment event production. Whether for sports, concerts, or any large-scale event, the RPS9 is equipped to deliver an outstanding production experience, showcasing our dedication to innovation and excellence in mobile production. At , we’re optimistic about the difference RPS9 can make. It embodies our philosophy of using knowledge and innovation to help our clients envision and achieve more.

The post Meet RPS9: The Next Level in Live Production by Ross Production Services appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

Who would buy a car?  

Yet, this lack of connection in live video production is a painful, time-consuming reality. Signal-processing gear from one manufacturer doesn’t connect with equipment from another — often (sadly) intentionally.  

In 2006, openGear® changed this entirely.    

The Genesis of openGear 

In 1993, 13 years before its launch, openGear was conceived to solve an unexpected and frustrating problem we experienced developing our first digital signal processing frame — the DFR-8110. 

The DFR-8110, which was compatible with our competitors’ frames and cards, was perhaps a victim of its own success.  

When we looked to upgrade it to support High-Definition video, we (perhaps naively) thought it would be faster and simpler to create new cards for existing frames. We floated the idea with most of the major industry players. It did not go as expected. 

We were repeatedly told that this did not fit with their business models — which were essentially designed to lock a customer into their ecosystem.  

That didn’t fit with our values. And it was making life more complicated for the entire industry.  

We decided to go beyond, creating our own frame and taking a considerable risk that could transform the industry by making production infrastructure more accessible and flexible for every producer — regardless of their equipment preferences.  

It also had the potential to leave us flat on our faces.  

The search for like-minded partners began.  

And went on.  

Eventually, we found two manufacturers who bought into the vision, and the work of building it began. 

A Beginning and an End 

In 2006, after many years of engineering, networking, and wrangling, 91ĚŇÉ« — alongside and — launched the openGear DFR-8310, a ten-slot frame.  

Along with it, we launched DashBoard, a free software program that made integrating and controlling all equipment in the system simple, and accessible from anywhere with a computer monitor.  

openGear was an instant hit and was awarded the for outstanding technical achievement by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television that same year.  

This marked the beginning of openGear’s rise and the end (we hoped) of restrictive video production infrastructure. 

Leaps and Bounds 

Over the next two years, the openGear ecosystem exploded, growing more than ten-fold, and it didn’t stop. By 2014, openGear infrastructure was compatible with technology from over 50 partners, accumulating more monthly.  

This resulted in another accolade in 2015 when Ross was awarded an Emmy® for Broadcast Production Distribution and Conversion Equipment, By the end of the following year, the openGear partner network had leapt to more than 100 strong.  

A mere decade after our original trio dared to ask, “Why not?” — we could hear the industry shouting back a resounding: “That’s why!” 

Our determination bolstered, and we doubled down on both R&D and partner relations.  

openGear Today 

Today, the openGear ecosystem has nearly 200 partners and is used worldwide. We have shipped over 50,000 frames for uses ranging from traditional broadcasting productions to esports and NFL stadium management.  

As modular infrastructure, openGear adapts well to almost any application, and we invest millions of dollars every year to add features and explore new ways to use it based on feedback from customers.   

That investment has resulted in over 250 openGear cards created to date. Many of them have been game changers for the industry, such as:  

• Gator-Toolbox – that replaces the role of 1RU “Pizza-box” signal processors in a modular card.  
• MC1 series – The world’s most popular Master Control and branding card.  
• NWE-3GA – A single-card solution for Nielsen Watermarking.  
• SRA-8901 / DRA-8902 – The world’s first 12G-SDI Modular Distribution Amplifiers 

The Core: OGX Frame 

Crafted in Ross’s Iroquois facility, the OGX frame is the core of openGear. It supports continuous, modular expansion with new processing cards making it adaptable to limitless functions, new formats, and I/O standards as they evolve, ensuring that productions can expand and evolve easily whenever they want — and without the restrictions imposed by their existing vendors.  

The Software Unifying It All: DashBoard 

Behind the hardware is the often-unsung software tying it all together: DashBoard.  

DashBoard — released the same year as the original openGear frame — is forever-free software that allows users to integrate, monitor, and control their production stack in simple, highly customizable control panels. Users can program custom automated workflows for any equipment in the openGear ecosystem, reducing manual work, minimizing errors, and making production operations more reliable.  

The flexibility and usability of this combination has seen DashBoard used well outside of broadcast production, for everything ranging from firework display timing and ignition to unified event venue control, fire alarm systems, and even home cinemas.  

Open to What the Future Brings  

Broadcast technology has evolved rapidly over the last five years, most notably around remote and distributed production work. Once again, 91ĚŇÉ« and our openGear partners are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

At this very moment, graphics and relay operators rely on openGear to work on video feeds and control robotic cameras many miles away. And maybe, in a future not as far away as we once thought, it will be used to power completely virtual studios inside operators’ headsets — from wherever they can find room to sit (not on the official roadmap, but who knows?).   

Integrated in Our Customers’ Best Interest 

At the center of Ross — and the heart of openGear from day one — is top of the list on our company’s code of ethics:  
 
1) We will always act in our customer’s best interest.  

The more complex a system is, the more it benefits from integration — especially when control must take place in the pressure cooker that is a video production environment. That’s why Ross products function so well as stand-alone and part of larger systems.  

Thanks to our broad coalition of partners and an expansive selection of cards, openGear is equipped to handle virtually any application you can envision. It’s the versatility of openGear that ensures there’s a solution for every need, no matter how niche or complex. 

openGear is a long-term commitment for 91ĚŇÉ«. It was the world’s first modular infrastructure platform open to other manufacturers, and (as other recognizable industry names drift away) may one day be the last one standing.  

Ready to explore what openGear can do for your live production? Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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Regardless of the interconnect, whether SDI or IP, most production switchers integrate their crosspoint matrices to switch sources during live production. For example, if the technical director selects “Camera 2”, that video is switched within the production switcher’s private crosspoint matrix (not at the SDI router or IP network stream). That allows predictable, fast switching required for live production, which is often not guaranteed by an external router or (often worse) an IP network. 

 At the edge of the switcher, the facility will provide all the sources required for a given production. This collection of sources may be hardwired to a fixed studio or fed via a router, where a salvo of sources can be recalled before each show. These external sources don’t typically change much in the middle of production, as all the switching happens inside the production switcher. 

IP switchers are typically connected to the core switching matrix using high-bandwidth (100G or higher) interconnects. That provides an efficient conduit to route all the sources to the switcher and receive all the outputs from the switcher required for production. However, there are situations where the IP switcher needs to accept inputs from legacy SDI equipment or provide SDI outputs for monitoring, for example. It is also helpful for the IP switcher to integrate SDI I/O. Otherwise, top-of-rack IP gateways can be used to connect the SDI equipment to the IP network. 

Ultrix Acuity and Ultrix Carbonite are class-leading production switchers that leverage the power of Hyperconverged integration. With a range of chassis sizes, multiple production switchers can be incorporated into a single chassis, sharing any combination of I/O. Choose Carbonite switchers for small to midsize productions, or the powerful Ultrix Acuity with 8MEs to satisfy the needs of the largest productions and events. These switchers leverage the internal crosspoint matrix on the Ultrix platform to perform real-time crosspoint switching from the collection of sources connected to the I/O blades. 

Ultrix is a modular platform that allows up to 16 blades. Each slot can be used for I/O or to accommodate an SDPE (Software Defined Processing Engine) blade. That will enable systems up to 288×288, up to eight Carbonite switchers, an 8-ME Acuity, or any combination in between. 

Figure 1. Mix and match I/O and production switchers to meet your production needs. 

Choose I/O cards for ST 2110 (including NMOS), SDI or Fiber. Additionally, flexible AUX ports allow for the integration of additional SDI, HDMI, Fiber or MADI. With native support from SD to UHD, Ultrix enables your production to use any format carried on any transport. That allows the IP switcher platform to integrate easily with non-IP devices. Build your Ultrix with the combination of I/O that matches your facility needs and expand it in the future as your needs grow.  

But Ultrix Acuity and Ultrix Carbonite are more than just switchers with flexible I/O. This Hyperconverged platform also integrates powerful processing, including frame sync, color correction, HDR conversion, audio embedding, and more. Add integrated audio mixing to build a complete production center and flexible multiviewers (up to 48 heads!) to cover all your monitoring needs. This simplifies the overall facility design, with fewer interconnects and streamlines operational workflows. 

Choosing Ultrix Acuity or Ultrix Carbonite as your IP switcher solution provides seamless integration into your ST 2110 IP facility and supercharges it with hyperconverged technology. Gain the added benefits of integrated processing, multiviewers, and IP gateways in a single chassis to reduce your solution footprint and power and network I/O requirements while simplifying your configuration, maintenance, and operational workflows.Ěý

Ready to explore what Hyperconverged Solutions can do for your live production? Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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At its core, Ultrix is a non-blocking 12G-SDI routing fabric with a selection of platforms that scale from 16×16 all the way up to 288×288. It can be installed to serve basic routing needs but is ready to be unlocked as a more powerful Hyperconverged solution as your needs grow. The Ultricore control system completes the solution offering powerful control yet is easy to manage and configure.  

The Ultrix platform is built around a native 12G-SDI routing fabric, providing support for production standards in SD, HD, 3G, 6G and 12G-SDI. Whether your facility requires UHD today or tomorrow, Ultrix is ready with no tradeoffs on matrix size.  

A variety of platform sizes are available, with a modular I/O approach allowing you to right-size the system to your facility, with options for future expansion. Build systems starting at 16×16, you can expand up to 36×36 (in the 1RU ULTRIX-FR1), 72×72 (in the 2RU ULTIRX-FR2), 160×160 (in the 5RU ULTRIX-FR5) or an impressive 288×288 (in the 12RU ULTRIX-FR12). For larger facilities, multiple frames can be tied together using intelligent tie lines to build scalable distributed routing solutions. 

Each Ultrix system also integrates fully non-blocking multiviewers which don’t sacrifice routing capacity. What this means is that you don’t need to allocate precious router outputs to feed every multiviewer PIP.  A fine-grained audio fabric allows for full breakaway and shuffling without any extra hardware featuring audio de-embedding on every input, embedding on every output and MADI ports to provide flexible ingress and egress points for the audio in your system. Frames can be equipped with a mix of I/O that meets your facility requirements including SDI (up to 12G-SDI), fiber, HDMI, MADI, or ST 2110, with a flexible architecture to support new standards in the future. 

Regardless of size, the Ultricore control system offers a powerful set of tools to configure your connectivity solution, whether a simple 16×16 SDI router or a massive, distributed routing solution with hundreds of inputs and outputs. The configuration tools make it easy to build your system database to get up and running quickly but offer the power to tune it to meet your specific connectivity and workflow needs.  

Choose from a variety of soft GUI control and hardware control panels to meet your operation’s needs. Choose the touch enabled Ultritouch panels for the ultimate in flexibility, offering fully customizable touchscreen panels for not only routing control, but full facility control through the power of its integrated DashBoard control software. Alternatively, simple pushbutton panels can be deployed easily when fixed routing control is required. 

One of the great advantages of choosing Ultrix as your connectivity solution is that it opens the door to the full potential of a Hyperconverged solution. You can easily and quickly deploy a simple router, and later build upon it Ultriscape multiviewers, Ultriix-MXR audio mixers, powerful signal processing, and even award-winning Ultrix Carbonite and Ultrix Acuity production switchers. Most upgrades are software-enabled so they can easily be turned on at any time without complex and time-consuming racking and cabling. Pay as you go, only adding capability as you need it. 

Even though Ultrix can be a very powerful production infrastructure solution, it can also be easily deployed to your infrastructure as a powerful, yet easy-to-use routing solution. With flexible I/O, scalability, and intuitive control options, Ultrix is an ideal choice when all you need today is a router. However, as your needs grow, Ultrix is ready to let you build that simple router up to a highly integrated Hyperconverged production powerhouse! 

Ready to explore what Hyperconverged Solutions can do for your live production? Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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