NAB 2016: For-A Intros Video-Over IP Streamer
FOR-A will introduce a new Video-Over-IP Streamer, the MXR-200IP, at NAB next week (Booth C5117) and will also demonstrate IP streaming for file-based production to and from the company’s “FOR-A World of Possibilities” area that focuses on its most advanced technology. This innovation showcase will include 4K 2SI, 12G-SDI, HDR, Wide Color Gamut and 8K products, representing the highest standard in professional video industry trends.
The new MXR-200IP 1 RU device delivers IP streaming with multiple-codec support for file-based workflows, saving the input data without recompression as MXF files. It has two encoder/decoder channels, and has internal storage that allows MXF files to be stored while encoding and decoding, thereby allowing the files to undergo non-linear editing. It supports H.264 High 422 Intra at 100 Mbps, while auto-correcting any dropped packets through FEC redundancy following SMPTE ST 2022-1/2.
The MXR-200IP offers three modes of operation. In IP Sending Mode, it encodes HD-SDI signals to a transport bitstream for IP out with 2 channels of SDI input and 4 channels of IP output. In IP Receiving Mode, it decodes encapsulated IP input for HD-SDI signal out with 2 channels of IP input and 2 channels of SDI output. And in IP Sending/Receiving Mode, the MXR-200IP decodes 1 channel of IP input to output as HD-SDI signal, and encodes HD-SDI input to 2 channels of IP output.
In all modes, the IP streamer offers live playback and setting configuration in an intuitive browser that lets the user save MXF files as they watch live playback of IP streams, copy to EditShare or other network storage during playback, and select FEC (SMPTE 2022-1) settings.
In the Virtual Studio display area of the booth, FOR-A’s most advanced Chroma Keyer, the ACK-3000, will showcase realistic 3D effects yet, creating live keyed shadows in the composite image.
Also on display is the ACK-3000 multi-format Chroma Key processor that generates a virtual human keyed shadow to provide realistic form and depth for live composite video. A product of the company’s continuous series of improvements in composite image technology, the one RU solution automatically adjusts the shadows to match the subject’s movement, applying a proprietary algorithm developed by FOR-A for this product. The unit creates two types of 3D shadows — under the feet and under the entire body — with built-in color correction to match the two composited images.
Full-featured settings for cameras, objects, lights, chroma key, color correction and feed track deliver powerful control for enhanced realism in the composite images. Users can add up to three light sources, and adjust the position, direction and diffusion, shadow intensity and color of each. Also selectable are the position, direction and size of shadow for up to three objects, as well as the foreground image brightness and tint, and the size and intensity of shadows under the feet.
Scalable and flexible, the ACK-3000 is designed for a streamlined production workflow and supports a wide array of video formats including HD-SDI in 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p and 720/50p. With its ability to create a seamless, natural shadow effect for live composite video streams, the ACK-3000 is ideal for applications in sports, news and commercial productions.
Lastly, the Sports Production area will feature the company’s new FLEXaVISION video wall production system that integrates several FOR-A products together to create seamless, high-resolution video and graphic displays over multiple, large-scale monitors in real time. FLEXaVISION combines the best features of the company’s integrated image processing technology for live use in sport stadium and special event staging applications, and at NAB will be integrated with Click Effects’ CrossFire and Blaze products, a highly regarded line of powerful, yet extremely dependable, cost-effective and user-friendly digital content delivery systems, designed to meet the stringent demands of live sports and broadcast presentation environments.