Harris Gets Serious About Remote Production

By Ken Kerschbaumer

Harris is looking to bring new simplicity to remote production with FileCaster, a hybrid HD production and satellite truck that houses servers, graphics, core processing, multiviewers, test and measurement, branding, routers, and digital signage.

Designed by systems integrator TV Pro Gear, FileCaster bridges the gap between traditional ENG vehicles and large video-production trucks. The low-cost, high-quality, multicamera platform is capable of live production with slow motion, instant replay, and satellite transmission — all within an easy-to-operate system. Remote production and editing of shows and events can take place in a completely native, tapeless environment, while the images are simultaneously streamed to satellite, cellphones, and the Internet. FileCaster can also be used to produce events indoors and in other confined spaces with the quick removal of its FLYPAK portable studio.

“FileCaster was designed to provide all types of customers with an economic mobile-production solution that offers advanced broadcast-media capabilities,” says Chan Mahon, president of TV Pro Gear, “and Harris broadcast solutions are the perfect fit: powerful, fully interoperable, and ideally suited to space-constrained environments.“

The FileCaster truck’s advanced media workflow is powered by a fully integrated Harris system comprising the NEXIO AMP HD/SD advanced media platform handling content storage and playout; Inscriber G7 HD/SD integrated broadcast-graphics system; Panacea routing switcher; 6800+ core processing products; the new X85 multiple-application video and audio platform; Predator II scalable, auto-sensing multiviewer; NUCLEUS user-configurable network control panel; NEO master-timing generator; Videotek VTM4100PKG modular, multiformat on-screen monitor; TVM9140PKG multiformat, 3-Gbps–ready video- and audio-signal analyzer; and InfoCaster digital-signage products.

“FileCaster is rolling out at exactly the right time in the market and is a real-world demonstration of how Harris solutions are enabling today’s advanced media workflows,” says Tim Thorsteinson, president of Harris Broadcast Communications.

Harris also introduced the QVM6800+ Quad card, a quad-split “multiviewer in a card” that brings multi-image display-processing functionality to the Harris 6800+ modular core processing platform.

“The 6800+ platform has always made it easy for broadcasters to cost-effectively migrate to new standards without rebuilding their infrastructure, and the QVM6800+ module is no exception,” explains Thorsteinson. “It is the only Quad card on the market to offer auto-sensing of all input formats, including 3 Gbps, HD-SDI, SDI, and composite sources. With the QVM6800+, broadcasters can invest in emerging technology, such as 3 Gbps, at an extremely attractive price point, ensuring they will be prepared for both today’s and tomorrow’s monitoring needs.”

As a three-slot module in the 2RU 6800+ frame, the QVM6800+ requires a minimum amount of rack space, allowing up to six quads to be populated in one frame. The QVM6800+ multiviewer card includes four auto-sensing inputs, as well as simultaneous DVI and HD-SDI outputs. With resolutions up to 1920x1200p, the QVM6800+ module includes embedded audio- and video-alarm capabilities, enabling operators to immediately respond to any problems, and features minimum processing delays (<1 frame), a key benefit in fast-paced production environments.

In terms of graphics, making its NAB debut is Inscriber Connectus, allowing media content to be easily managed and distributed across Harris networked systems. Media content can be published from any system on a local or wide area network or across the Internet, giving operators complete control over where and how resources are stored and distributed. Once published to a centralized graphics server, media content can be manually retrieved or scheduled to be pushed automatically to specific locations throughout the network.

“Connectus enables broadcasters to save time and money by enabling designers and operators to focus on the creative process, without worrying about how the content will be distributed or managed,” explains Thorsteinson.

Harris also will demonstrate the Inscriber G7, an all-in-one graphics system. Now shipping, the G7 is capable of producing up to two channels of real-time 3D high-definition graphics from a single 4RU system. Running the new G-Scribe 7.0 creation and playout software, the G7 enables integrated 2D and 3D DVE, MOS integration, hardware- and software-based clip playback, and video capture. It also includes G-3D, a full-featured, standalone 3D design application for creating or importing stunning 3D scenes.