As part of their plan to transition toward full SMPTE ST 2110 IP production, Creative Technology, a global leader in technical solutions for live events and system integration, has implemented the proven combination of Imagine Communications’ Selenio™ Network Processor (SNP) and Panasonic’s KAIROS IP video production platform, providing a smooth segue from SDI to IP for their production teams and a superior, consistent experience for their global clients. The company has already put the next-generation production solution to work at major international sports projects this year.
The widely deployed SNP has proved a perfect complement to KAIROS, providing a high-density SDI on- and off-ramp for the next-gen IP live video production platform. In conjunction with KAIROS, the SNP can provide conversion for large numbers of SDI sources and multiplex them onto a single fiber connection, eliminating the need for an external COTS switch and simplifying the architecture at Creative Technology.
“One of our primary considerations in planning a transition to ST 2110 was the comfort level of our broadcast engineers and project managers who are unfamiliar with IP, but the combination of SNP and KAIROS dispelled that apprehension immediately,” says Sid Lobb, head of vision and integrated networks at Creative Technology. “You plug a single cable between the two devices and it just works. That simplicity was a big, big part of our decision it is a great combo.”
Panasonic KAIROS enables Creative Technology to manage extremely complex productions and deliver them to multiple screen sizes, resolutions and aspect ratios. Imagine’s SNP provides the practical connectivity and control needed to integrate KAIROS, as well as the required outboard ST 2110 processing, gateways, audio signal management and PTP versatility. Together, the open-standard devices deliver powerful functionality and operational simplicity that is readily implemented in hybrid and IP environments.
Lobb adds, “One of our company goals is to help democratize the adoption of ST 2110 technology in the live events world, and the SNP/KAIROS solution is a major step forward in this effort. We’ve been able to easily train our own team and freelancers and achieve technical consistency that’s repeatable for our clients at events around the world.”
Creative Technology is using its integrated KAIROS/SNP control systems for major corporate events and virtual conferences, as well as at sports venues. In an example of the system’s tangible operational and commercial benefits, a single SNP and KAIROS replaced stacks of switchers and other equipment on an OB truck that travels with the DP World Tour (formerly PGA European Tour). The powerful system is able to support productions that change significantly at each event depending on the local promoter, feeding multiple LED screens of different resolutions and managing a different configuration at each course, as well as creating a tournament television channel for the hospitality areas.
“Creative Technology is a key Panasonic customer and a KAIROS Training Partner, and we are delighted to be part of this implementation together with Imagine Communications who is part of the KAIROS Alliance Partners program,” said Guilhem Krier, head of new business and market development for Panasonic Connect Europe. “Panasonic is relying on selected KAIROS Alliance Partners to easily expand KAIROS’ functions through carefully tested and approved third-party devices and software such as the Selenio Network Processor. Through the exchange of technical info between our two companies, we can ensure the best experience and offer peace of mind for our customers like Creative Technology, particularly when it comes to ST 2110 interoperability.”
Hosting a broad range of processing functions, the powerful 1RU SNP will handle conversions between ST 2110 and SDI, including 12G SDI as required, as well as up-, down- and cross-conversion between HD/UHD and SDR/HDR formats. It also offers an HDR-capable production multiviewer personality, SNP-MV, which can integrate content from different video formats and HDR systems into a consistent display environment. Featuring an innovative design that is easily reconfigured with any of these personalities, the SNP is ideal for live events where different setups and workflows may be required for different events.
“It is good to see a prestigious customer like Creative Technology seize the benefits that SNP brings in realizing standards-based IP networks,” said Mathias Eckert, SVP & GM EMEA & APAC at Imagine Communications. “With its integrated PTP versatility, density of processing and, of course, cost-effectiveness, SNP plays a vital role in matching high functionality and creative freedom with operational simplicity.”
