IBC 2016: NewTek, Wowza deliver global and local media distribution platform

NewTek and Wowza Media Systems launched the MDS, a real-time media encoding and live streaming video delivery platform. The MDS is a fully integrated hardware and software solution merging NewTek’s live production technology with the Wowza streaming software in a 1RU footprint. The result is the industry’s first integrated production system establishing a direct link between the producers who create the content and the viewers that consume it.

Attendees of IBC 2016 can see the MDS at NewTek’s booth 7.K11, or the Wowza Media Systems booth 5.C42. Fully equipped for existing and emerging SDI, IP, and hybrid workflows, the MDS, delivers processing of up to 4 channels of video. Streaming sources are acquired through direct, physical input using 3G/HD/SD-SDI hardware connections, over IP via NDI, NewTek’s innovative Network Device Interface technology, and from other sources, including TCP/IP, webcams, and USB capture devices. Local input sources are also automatically translated to NDI within the system; enabling streaming sources to be delivered and deployed through multiple MDS to maximize resources, performance, and delivery potential.

The MDS enables any production, presentation, or live event to be seen by anyone, anywhere on a mobile device, desktop or OTT device, by supporting delivery to Wowza Cloud, Wowza CDN and Wowza Player, or alternative workflows, allowing users to launch their own multi-channel content networks. Support for all common CDNs is provided with out-of- the-box support for Facebook, Microsoft Azure, Wowza, YouTube, custom RTMP, and many more.

“The MDS, is designed to bring video encoding and streaming to more users and use cases,” says Dr. Andrew Cross, president and chief technology officer for NewTek. “Born out of a relationship between NewTek and Wowza Media Systems, we integrated everything needed to deliver video from the production either to the viewer directly or through the cloud. The result is an industry first, allowing users to launch their own multi-channel content networks. Productions, presentations and live events can be seen by anyone, anywhere on any device – directly from the control room, studio, or production site.”

“The MDS democratizes video encoding and streaming for producers of live and linear programming, introducing a myriad of new opportunities for distribution, expansion, and content monetization,” says Dave Stubenvoll, chief executive officer for Wowza Media Systems. “With support for multi-bitrate delivery to the Wowza Streaming Engine, Wowza Streaming Cloud, Wowza CDN, and all common streaming services and websites, organizations can reach all intended audiences, wherever they watch.” Producers can easily deliver content between locations by connecting two MDS together – either through a local area network, or remotely crossing wide geographic boundaries. Video production to content delivery over IP makes enterprise deployments.

Signature Online Experience
The MDS also allows organizations to extend their brand and exposure beyond actual video content. Each streaming channel includes its own independently customizable web page for audience viewing, with support for HTML and CSS editing to ensure that the on-screen experience adheres to organizational brand guidelines. Embed codes are also available to insert the hosted Wowza Player into existing webpages to complement your current web presence.

Extensive Channel Configuration
The MDS ensures the optimal audio-visual experience for viewing audiences right from the system byintroducing another layer of quality control into any signal flow. With support for dedicated multiviewermonitoring, a local operator can observe all video streams in real time or focus on a specific channel full-screen, and manage image and sound quality with integrated waveform and vectorscope displays,independent color correction tools, and multi-channel audio level control available for every stream.

MDS Highlights:

Built-in Wowza streaming media server software

•  Integrated NDI™ technology supporting input and output over IP
•  4 multi-format SDI inputs supporting up to 3G 1080p
•  4 streaming channels
•  NewTek’s real-time video and audio production tools
•  Support for LAN, WAN, Wowza CDN, and Wowza Streaming Cloud and alternative streaming workflows including to Facebook, Microsoft Azure, Wowza, YouTube, custom RTMP, and more

Pricing and Availability
The MDS will be available in Q4 2016 for $11,995 USMSRP. International pricing may vary.