TVU Networks Releases Next-Gen TVU Grid 2.0

TVU Networks, a global technology leader in IP video and live mobile electronic newsgathering (ENG) solutions, announced the release of TVU Grid 2.0, the next generation of the company’s IP video switching, routing, and distribution solution. Already being deployed by a number of the largest broadcast organizations in the world, TVU Grid delivers a powerful, scalable and simple to operate solution that enables broadcasters to distribute live video in real time to other broadcast stations, regardless of location.

TVU Grid leverages broadcasters’ existing IP networks to share live video content from any source, whether it be from a cellular ENG transmitter in the field such as TVUPack, or any SDI feed with any number of broadcast stations with just the click of a button. Using TVU’s advanced frame accurate switching functionality, TVU Grid offers seamless real-time switching capabilities, giving the user the ability to seamlessly switch in real time to any source video made available on the Grid or from the Internet. TVU Grid is easily integrated into a broadcast station’s workflow and enables broadcast stations to dramatically reduce the amount of equipment required to share video with other stations.

“TVU Grid is helping broadcasters around the world fully leverage the promise of IP and simplify their broadcast infrastructure inside the station. TVU Grid brings down the walls of a broadcast station, enabling them to bring in and send out video content in a cost-effective manner,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “TVU Grid enables broadcasters to deliver video and business-critical data over the same infrastructure, as the solution reduces a broadcast station’s infrastructure needs to a single Ethernet cable. As TVU Grid is deployed in a station, the solution becomes an integral part of their operations workflow.”

In addition to the industry leading features in TVU Grid version 1.0, including point-to-point and point-to-multiple-point distribution capabilities, simple operation, unlimited scalability and frame accurate switching, the newest version of TVU Grid incorporates the latest user requested enhancements:

• Enhanced Control for TVUPacks In the Field – TVU Grid now delivers full integration with TVUPack cellular uplink transmitters, enabling studio technicians to control multiple remote transmitters directly from the Grid switch interface.
• Return Video Feed for Field Crews – TVU Grid can be used in conjunction with the TVUPack to deliver a return video feed directly to a TVUPack. When accessed via the TVUPack’s HotSpot, field crews are able to directly monitor studio feeds while on location. This enables broadcasters to remain fully-engaged with the studio or monitor other events while delivering live shots from on location.
• Encode Content to Multiple Formats – TVU Grid can encode video streams to multiple formats and directly push them to a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for Direct-to-Web content distribution. With Grid, broadcasters are able to extend their reach to viewers beyond the television, enabling easier content distribution for online and mobile platform viewers.
• Mobile Touch Pad Device Enabled – TVU Grid’s enhanced Web-based interface enables users to switch between live streams on the fly from any Web enabled device – including tablets.