In Broadcast - October/November 2011 - 74

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InTECH
On An Ever More Demanding Path – Routers And Switchers Cont.
Holland. “Not only does the HD routing switcher system have to deal with ASI, SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI and 3D cinema, the switch fabric must also seamlessly integrate computer graphics with signal formats like VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. “With large amounts of video, clients must also deal with the increased complexity of audio,” Holland says. “Routing switchers must be able to support embedded audio, allow users to de-embed, switch asynchronous and synchronous, and manage multiple audio paths in formats such as Dolby E, DTS, AES, and basic stereo or mono audio – all within a seamless and unified distribution system.” Harris’s Paul Greene agrees: “Increasingly we see more integration of capabilities that previously were exclusively external to the router. Some examples of this integration are analogue to digital conversion of both audio and video, disembedding and reembedding of digital audio into video streams and multi-viewer processing for production and master control monitoring.” Harris recently introduced a frame sync capability that is also integrated within the router. The combination of functionalities, a powerful control system and a flexible signal path management system, are key differentiators between products in this market. “Network-based control systems were once considered upgrade options, but now the client expects that all routing and control features be network based,” says Holland. “Routing switcher control systems must include a wide range of network based control panels and the ability to make switches over a browser-based interface. Touchpanel devices such as the iPad are seen as viable wireless control panel in both large scale and small scale studios.” Sony’s customers are also seeking greater integration and interoperability with external devices, in order to give the switcher operator greater possibilities and flexibility for productions. The company provides an external device control unit which integrates various third party devices using a variety of different protocols. This gives any operator complete freedom to control any device directly from the operational control surface, where dedicated modules can be installed to mimic a remote machine’s front panel operation. Another trend, Rouse notes, is resource-sharing between different studios and control rooms/galleries where operators want the capability to assign and re-assign the core capabilities of the technology. “A good example of this is having three control panels connected to one Kahuna 360 electronics frame; each using one mix effect (M/E) channel,” he says. “Then, later in the day, the operator could assign two M/E’s to one panel, leaving the third M/E available for a second show or production.”

Buying Criteria
The major criteria for selecting a routing switcher are: • multi-format with the ability to integrate signal processing features; • integrated multiviewer technology; • unified control features and ease of setup; • physical and environmental features such as weight, size, and power usage; • cost. “It really depends upon the system’s specifications,” says Hagai Gefen, President and CEO, Gefen. “Do user’s need a true HD 1080p performance? Are they using computers equipped with DisplayPort? Are they integrating various sources using different formats, or both legacy and digital formats? All of this will affect the ultimate buying decision.” Production truck customers are more concerned with space, power, and weight. Production studio customers are highly focused on CAPEX and OPEX reduction. The prime factor is always reliability, suggests Murray. “Customers want to know that the product will perform as required for a particular event, particularly in live broadcast as there isn’t a chance to make good on a missed shot, goal, or major news event. “For switchers, the decision starts with the required number of inputs and outputs, followed by the number of M/E banks, DVEs, keyers, etc. Then comes the heart of the matter – what the switcher can actually do and how it does it.” “The market demands 100% uptime,” says Greene. “One of the first things required is redundant power supplies, control systems and system paths. Once these have been satisfied, customers turn to ease of use for their operators and

Utah’s 400 – 288 Video Router

integration of capabilities to make their workflow easier. Efficiency and a streamlining of the control of everyday tasks translates directly to the customer’s bottom line.” Redundancy including power supply, control card, and crosspoint redundancy is catered for in the crosspoint architecture of Miranda’s NVISION 8500 Hybrid routers which, says Miranda’s Neil Sharpe, provides protection for all paths through the router, no matter if they are video or audio, or if they are feeding a multiviewer. Sony Professional’s Andy Hotten (Product Specialist Group leader – Live Production) says its systems have been specifically designed to minimise a single point of failure which could bring the whole system down. “The modular control panel, which was first introduced by Sony in 2000, works in such a way that if a specific module is damaged,

the remainder of the desk keeps running; helping to maintain on-air programming,” he says. A large central routing system can be the single most expensive piece of equipment in a given facility. For Utah Scientific’s Bosen cost is therefore a primary consideration including initial system cost, as well as on-going costs of support, upgrades, and system expansion. “Control system flexibility is another major customer concern,” he adds. “Most router installations today require control system integration with existing router systems, automation systems, network management systems, and a variety of other external devices. A control system with a large library of external device interfaces can make the installation and commissioning of a new router very simple.”
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In Broadcast - October/November 2011

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