Lawo continues broadcast production technology odyssey with new V__matrix
Unveiled by a host of senior Lawo personnel on the NAB 2016 showfloor yesterday (18 April), the V__matrix is a software-defined IP core routing and processing platform based on data centre principles of flexibility, fabric computing and COTS economics.
Designed to provide a completely virtualised real-time production infrastructure, V__matrix leverages multiple cores connected to a high-capacity COTS switch with redundant 10GE and 40GE connections to form a distributed IP routing and processing matrix with frame-accurate, clean switching just like a legacy baseband matrix.
Employing generic high capacity core processing blades, software-defined Virtual Modules can be loaded to create any required functionality, enabling entire workflows to be remapped in minutes as requirements change from production to production. Core processing blades are housed in 1, 2 or 3 RU frames, with physical connectivity to legacy SDI equipment provided through optional V__matrix I/O cards with Lawo’s VSM Broadcast Control and Monitoring system serves as the control layer. The system enables the switching and routing of signals both in the IP and SDI domains, and includes the Lawo SDN Control for video routing with frame-accurate clean switching in the IP domain, as well as control and monitoring for existing legacy SDI infrastructure and third party IP equipment.
As a completely IP-based platform, V__matrix can be deployed anywhere – in an OB truck, a TV studio or a broadcast operation centre – to create a virtualized core infrastructure for live production. Since the capabilities of the system and the functionality of the signal chains are not defined by physical connectivity of hardware modules, routing and processing can either be decentralised and spread over one or more facilities or centralised in a fixed facility or OB truck. The V__matrix function-agnostic core processing hardware allows an operator to build complex workflows by simply loading and running the appropriate Virtual Modules, which can be changed on-the-fly during runtime as production demands change. By cascading multiple Virtual Modules together, the V__matrix can be scaled linearly up to thousands of SDI I/O and audio/video processing functions.
Lawo president and CEO Philipp Lawo commented: “V__matrix delivers a truly future-proof core infrastructure based on open standards with significantly less rack-space, less power consumption and fewer restrictions for the broadcast operation. We are very excited to be able to offer the ability to transform any broadcast installation into a flexible, future-proof production facility, addressing a wide range of workflows and supporting the transition to a totally IP-based environment.”
V__matrix is fully based on open standards in-line with the AIMS roadmap – SMPTE 2022-6/-7, VSF TR-03/04, AES67, plus SMPTE VC-2 and Ember+ – and is therefore designed to ensure the customer’s transition to a totally IP-based broadcast environment.