NAB 2016: Grass Valley LDX Series Cameras Have Direct IP Interface

Broadcasters increasingly use IP networks with large bandwidth, and Grass Valley, a Belden Brand, offers cameras that make it easier to produce live programming efficiently across those networks. The LDX Series cameras have a direct IP interface on the camera itself, enabling live IP productions. The interface is available for XF-Transmission on the LDX Series and LDX 86 Series cameras through an eLicense software upgrade.

The IP interface on the camera enables broadcasters to connect LDX Series cameras directly to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) switches on an IP network, transporting the full camera protocol through an IP network to the XCU base stations connected to another COTS switch on the same network. The system enables control of all cameras on the network through a centralized control room. Facilitating complete transmission protocol between the cameras and XCUs over IP networks enables broadcasters to capture events anywhere with no OB van required, reducing staff costs and opening up the possibility of managing multiple production locations from a central studio.

“We are seeing increasing interest in direct-IP broadcasting, and the adoption of fast, reliable IP networks is making that much more practical,” says Mike Cronk, SVP, strategic marketing, Grass Valley. “Our approach of offering a direct IP interface is ideal for the most demanding remote camera applications, including large studio complexes or universities with multiple sports facilities. And a big advantage is that, with IP, there is no latency to cause problems.”

With LDX Series cameras connected through the XCU Universe XF or to a 10 GigE IP network, the cameras can be mixed and matched to any XCU, which creates maximum flexibility between cameras, XCUs, and a complete production team. NEP The Netherlands, the first customer to take advantage of this capability, launched its Cloud Production comprehensive IP-based video-production platform in October and has already produced hundreds of live multicamera programs. With the centralized approach of Cloud Production, only the essential equipment — cameras, microphones, crew members — are needed on location. The rest is in its centralized data center.

“Users of the LDX series are leveraging the robust IP network infrastructure as well as affordable COTS switches,” says Cronk. “Only cameras are needed, so it’s easy for a broadcaster to begin direct-IP production on a small scale.”