WUPPERTAL, Germany — March 26, 2020 — RTL Croatia, one of Croatia's largest broadcasters, has chosen Riedel Communications' MediorNet real-time network and Artist digital matrix intercom for its comprehensive studio upgrade to HD operations. MediorNet and Artist are at the core of an integrated and decentralized signal routing and communications backbone that drives RTL's news and master control rooms, including a large video wall with more than 100 picture-in-picture (PiP) displays.

Black Box, a global information technology solutions provider, is expanding its award-winning Emerald® Unified KVM platform with the release of Emerald PE high-performance, IP-based KVM extenders tailored to the demands of applications including HD video and audio editing, live production, broadcast playout, 3D and graphic design, and medical imaging.

Emerald PE transmitters and receivers enable extension and matrix switching of pixel-perfect HD DVI video (up to 1920x1200 at 60Hz), transparent USB 2.0, and bidirectional analog audio — over a dedicated or existing IP network, or even the internet — between any number of users and computers, servers, or virtual machines. The IP-based KVM solution features built-in system redundancy with dual network ports and can be deployed as a point-to-point KVM extender connecting the user to a remote computer or, when scaled up, can serve as a managed KVM matrix switching system.

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that Foxtel, a leading subscription-TV provider in Australia, has deployed Harmonic's software-based Electra® XOS live video processor to increase efficiencies in its Ultra HD service offering. Utilizing the AI-powered Electra XOS solution, Foxtel is able to deliver additional Ultra HD programming using the same fixed bandwidth capacity.

"Video delivery technologies have evolved tremendously over the past few years, enabling even greater efficiencies," said Darren Windus, distribution systems manager at Foxtel. "As a longstanding Harmonic customer, transitioning to the Electra XOS solution allows us to take advantage of advanced technologies, such as AI, and as a result deliver richer Ultra HD content with amazing quality at low bitrates."

Harmonic's Electra XOS solution, part of Harmonic's market-leading Electra family, brings together industry-leading expertise in video algorithms and the latest in AI innovation to deliver exceptional video quality when bandwidth is limited. The solution supports streaming and broadcast formats, HDR processing, uncompressed and compressed IP inputs, and integrated packaging to simplify live video workflows. The software-based Electra XOS platform allows for continual updates with the latest technology advancements, ensuring that Foxtel stays ahead of the curve.

"Today's viewers expect to watch Ultra HD channels, especially for live sports. But delivering higher resolution content can put a significant strain on the operators' network capacity," said Tony Berthaud, vice president of sales and video services, APAC, at Harmonic. "Foxtel trusted Harmonic's expertise in high-efficiency encoding to simplify the launch of its Ultra HD programming. This successful deployment at Foxtel is a clear demonstration of the world-class video quality, optimized bandwidth and system reliability that the Electra XOS solution provides."

Magewell will unveil its most powerful decoder hardware to date in booth SU5724 at the 2020 NAB Show (April 19-22 in Las Vegas). Believed to be the industry's first hardware decoder to support both Newtek's NDI(r) technology for production-grade media transport and the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol -- developed and open-sourced by Haivision -- for internet-delivered H.264 and H.265 streams, the Pro Convert for NDI(r) to HDMI 4K transforms IP streams up to 4Kp60 for baseband output over HDMI.

The company is also simultaneously launching a second new model, the Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI 4K, which offers the same rich features as the Pro Convert for NDI(r) to HDMI 4K for users who don't require NDI support. Both models also support additional streaming protocols including RTSP, RTMP, UDP, RTP and HTTP streaming.

The two new low-latency converters decode input streams up to 4196x2160 at full 60 frames per second for output to baseband monitors, projectors, production or distribution equipment via an HDMI 2.0 interface. Offering the high reliability, assured performance and compact size of dedicated hardware compared to software-based stream playout, they are perfect for applications including multi-site video distribution; image magnification (IMAG); video walls; digital signage; remote production; or bridging legacy and next-generation media infrastructures.

FOR-A Corporation of America will showcase its processing solutions at the 2020 NAB Show (Booth C5016), which runs April 19-22 in Las Vegas, Nev. Designed to support today’s multi-format production environments, FOR-A’s multi-purpose signal processors and frame rate converters offer a variety of features to improve live production and newsroom workflows.

“From HD to 4K and beyond, today’s broadcasters have to juggle content in multiple formats from multiple sources in multiple locations, sometimes within the same production,” said Ken Truong, President of FOR-A Corporation of America. “At NAB, FOR-A is devoting an area of our booth to signal processing solutions, so content creators and distributors can find the right solutions for their conversion requirements.”

The versatile FA-9600 multi-purpose signal processor, which was featured at a world rugby event in October, will be used again by premiere broadcasters at the 2020 Tokyo summer games. Ideal for transmission centers, mobile production vehicles, production studios, and news stations, the compact FA-9600 simplifies all types of video conversion, and has been highly evaluated for its fully compliant HDR/SDR conversion specifications. Each of its two HD/SD inputs includes a frame synchronizer, HDR and Wide Color Gamut support, and conversion of multiple formats, including 12G, 4K (UHD), 1080p, and HD/SD. Users can switch between simultaneous 4K/HD mode with single-channel up/down conversion or dual HD mode with dual-channel up/down conversion.

Designed for live HDR broadcast production, the FA-9600 also supports 3D LUT for advanced color grading. The processor features unprecedented conversion accuracy with its built-in LUTs and support of 3D LUTs for SDR-HDR, HDR-HDR, and HDR-SDR conversions in mixed SDR and HDR production environments. The flexibility of the FA-9600 also allows user LUTs to be saved for instant recall. Several SDR/HDR log curves are supported, including SDR BT.1886, SDR BT.709, HLG BT.2100, SMPTE ST 2084 (PQ), S-Log3, Canon Log 2, and Canon Log 3.

Ikegami representatives head to the Dubai World Trade Centre in March for CABSAT 2020, the largest broadcast media show in the Middle East region. The exhibition together with its supporting conference and workshop will be held from March 31st through April 2nd. Highlights of the Ikegami exhibit on stand C4-20 will be the UHL-43 compact HDR camera which was shown in prototype at CABSAT 2019 and is now fully deliverable, the UHK-430 system camera with IP interface and the HQLM-3125X master grade video monitor.

The Ikegami UHL-43 is a compact HDR camera designed for applications such as robotic studios, outside broadcasting of live events, parliamentary television and point-of-view image capture.

Ikegami's UHK-430 is a 4K-native studio camera system with simultaneous HDR/SDR processing. Its three 2/3 inch CMOS sensors provide full 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution plus the depth of field needed for studio and outdoor production. The camera is equipped with a B4 bayonet mount compatible with 2/3 inch UHD and HD lenses. An optional SE-U430 expander accommodates large studio or OB lenses.

Ikegami's recently introduced HQLM-3125X is a 31 inch 4K-UHD master-grade monitor with 4,096 × 2,160 pixel 10-bit resolution and high brightness (1,000 candela per square metre).

Argosy, a leading international supplier of broadcast and AV cables and infrastructure products, will provide support for the Middle East and North Africa media market at CABSAT 2020 (31 March – 2 April 2020, Dubai World Trade Centre, stand G3-201). By providing a one-stop shop for systems engineers and designers, Argosy supports them in building sophisticated solutions quickly, simply and cost-effectively.

Argosy specialises in every aspect of media infrastructure, from cables and connectors to active hardware devices such as network switches, fibre transport and KVM switches. At CABSAT it will showcase a range of its offerings, including its own manufactured patching and termination panels, equipment racks and tactical fibre and SMPTE camera cables. Plus products from some of the market leading manufacturers including: BES, Canare, Cliff Connectors, Ghielmetti, and Neutrik.

Experts from Austrian vendor kvm-tec will also be available on the Argosy stand, explaining how the latest generation of high-bandwidth, IP-connected KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) solutions can deliver secure connectivity with low latency while linking multiple workstations to multiple computers. Such solutions reduce clutter in operational areas by needing only one set of keyboard, mouse and monitor while instantly accessing multiple services. This also helps to reduce cost by eliminating multiple monitors which contributes significantly to an improvement in environmental performance.

“With the media world changing so rapidly, demanding more outputs and higher resolutions, we know our customers need to be able to rely on suppliers to ensure they have the right infrastructure hardware, now and for the future,” said Chris Smeeton, CEO of Argosy. “We have a strong and long standing presence in the Middle East, and our many customers know that we are much more than just cable stockists – we can help finalise the details of installations, ensuring that the system works first time and stays working.

“CABSAT is a great opportunity for us to talk to our client base in the region,” Smeeton added. “They know us as problem solvers, and we enjoy finding solutions for them that are reliable, practical and, in an atmosphere of increasing environmental concerns, as green as we can make them.”

For more information, visit Argosy at CABSAT on stand G3-201.

Media Links®, manufacturer and pioneer in Media over IP transport technology, announces the appointment of Andrew (Andy) Armstrong to the newly created position of Vice President of Sales, North American Cable Markets.

Andy has a comprehensive understanding of the media workflows and business needs across the North American cable / MSO industry. In this new role, Andy will establish new revenue opportunities for Media Links through his thorough understanding of the challenges that cable service providers face.

Al Nuñez, Media Links Senior Vice President of Sales for Americas & EMEA comments: “We welcome Andy to the Media Links sales management team. Andy’s extensive experience in cable television spans more than 25 years, and his highly regarded reputation and technology expertise will be valuable as the company expands to serve the ever important cable sector.”

NINETNINE, the leading content provider to Cable and OTT platforms, has partnered with Samira TV, an Arabic channel available in Middle-East, North Africa and France, which specializes in cooking TV shows focusing on local cuisine. The two companies have produced the first French-Arab TV show, ‘Ezawj Errahal’ presented by French travel and food social media influencers Salim and Linda, known as “the traveling lovers” (Les Amoureux Voyageurs).

The 13-episode series launches on 14th February on Samira TV and will also be available on-demand and via OTT on Le Bouquet Maghreb, the leading Arabic TV package in France. The unique format will deliver an exciting, new TV cooking concept that will take viewers on a culinary trip around the world, allowing them to learn simple, original and mouthwatering recipes created by Salim and Linda while on their adventures.

Salim and Linda were the winners of the French popular TV competition format Pékin Express, which aired on M6 and attracted multi-million daily viewers. They became social media superstars and decided to travel the globe to meet people, discover new cultures and share their stories.

Blackmagic Design today announced that LA based event production company No Static AV (NSAV) used an Ultra HD live production workflow featuring URSA Broadcast cameras and ATEM switchers to deliver in house AV and IMAG for the annual Baby2Baby fundraising gala, which raises millions of dollars for the nonprofit and the children living in poverty that it serves.

Held at the 3Labs event space in Culver City, CA, the Baby2Baby gala brings together celebrities, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, and the evening hosts the top chefs in Los Angeles, an exclusive auction and inspiring program, all while honoring this year’s Giving Tree Award winner, Chrissy Teigen. Past honorees include Amy Adams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Kerry Washington, Kate Hudson, Drew Barrymore and Jessica Alba.

With no shortage of AV deliverables, NSAV used its mobile production unit featuring a custom made flypack designed specifically with the Baby2Baby gala in mind. The unit relied on several Blackmagic Design products, including four URSA Broadcasts complete with URSA Studio Viewfinders, four Camera Fiber Converters and four Studio Fiber Converters for fiber connectivity between the cameras and switcher, an ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K and ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel for live switching, and a Smart Videohub 20x20 router to distribute content throughout the venue. NSAV also used an ATEM Camera Control Panel for remote camera control and Teranex AV standards converter for on the fly conversions.

NSAV praised the image quality from the URSA Broadcasts and the ease of use of the live production gear. The URSA Broadcasts were used for IMAG and the content was also recorded in camera in 4K and in 1080 at the mobile production unit. Camera Fiber Converters and Studio Fiber Converters were necessary for fiber communication between the cameras and the switcher, giving the team real time control of all camera aspects, and the ATEM Camera Control Panel allowed NSAV to properly adjust color correction, shading and shutter speed during rehearsals and the live show.