NAB 2017: MultiDyne Adds 12Gb/s Support, Unveils New LightBrix VB-3600 Throwdown Units

MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions (Booth C5109) will showcase several new products at the upcoming 2017 NAB Show that bring the simplicity of 12Gb/s connectivity to the company’s fiber transport systems. In addition, on the heels of announcing its LightBrix VB-3600 of throwdown units, MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions has announced a second new LightBrix Series – theVB-3800 Series – to address the continuously evolving camera configurations seen today in field production.

MultiDyne Strengthens 12G Portfolio
On the 12Gb/s front, Multidyne’s SilverBack-12G models have added 12Gb/s support to the SilverBack family of camera-mounted transceivers, while FiberSaver-12G optical remapper/multiplexers now enable as many as 36 signals of up to 12Gb/s each to be transported over just two fibers.

FiberSaver-12G optical remapper/multiplexers enable as many as 36 signals of up to 12Gb/s each to be transported over just two fibers.

4K production equipment has most commonly featured quad-link connectivity, comprising four separate 3Gb/s signals for each 4K feed. Increasing adoption of 12G-SDI interfaces enables 4K video to be transported over a single connection, simplifying infrastructures, reducing cabling requirements and speeding equipment setup and strike. The addition of 12G support to MultiDyne’s fiber solutions delivers these benefits, while giving users denser signal capacity, greater connection flexibility and stronger compatibility with the growing array of 12G-enabled cameras and production gear.

“12G is reaching a tipping point,” says Frank Jachetta, President, MultiDyne. “Many people have embraced it, but it’s not yet ubiquitous. Our new 12G capabilities augment our existing capabilities, enabling our customers to take advantage of the new benefits with 12Gb/s equipment, but ensuring compatibility with any existing quad-link 4K or HD gear they’re using today.”

SilverBack-12G brings this flexibility and simplicity to the SilverBack line of camera-mounted fiber solutions. Providing a full-bandwidth fiber optic link between any camera and a production truck or control room, SilverBack-12G puts all of the signals needed for multi-camera production – including 12Gb/s, 3Gb/s or 1.5Gb/s video, audio, intercom, camera control, tally, data and more – onto a single tactical or SMPTE hybrid fiber cable for robust connectivity even across long distances.

New SilverBack-12G models add 12Gb/s support to the SilverBack family of camera-mounted transceivers

The new SilverBack-12G series incorporates all of the features of earlier SilverBack models, including operator-friendly ergonomics and full-sized BNC connectors for easy interfacing. The new 12Gb/s support will also be available as an optional upgrade for existing SilverBack units, protecting and enhancing users’ investments.

“By combining SilverBack’s existing capabilities with 12Gb/s support, SilverBack-12G provides exceptional versatility, particularly in dynamic environments where users may work with a wide range of equipment,” says Jachetta. “If you’re using a 12G camera one day and a quad-link camera the next, or even duel 6G, no problem – just plug them in. And we’re thrilled to offer 12G as an upgrade option for our existing SilverBack users, as we’re always striving to ensure our customers get maximum long-term value from our products.”

MultiDyne will also demonstrate the now-shipping FiberSaver-12G series, bringing 12Gb/s support to the FiberSaver product line. First previewed at IBC 2016, the 1RU FiberSaver-12G rackmount model accepts up to 36 optical signals for transport over two fibers, while five-inch-square portable models offer six or 12 channels.

In addition to 12Gb/s signals, FiberSaver-12G units are also compatible with 3Gb/s and 1.5Gb/s inputs for maximum flexibility. Able to transport any optical, digital signal regardless of content or format, FiberSaver-12G can put up to 18 signals on each fiber without the need to manage wavelengths, letting mobile truck operators and facility managers easily scale video and audio capacity without the cost and effort of deploying additional fiber cabling.

MultiDyne LightBrix VB-3800 Streamlines Fiber-Robotic Camera Configurations
On the heels of announcing its LightBrix VB-3600 of throwdown units, MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions announces a second new LightBrix Series to address the continuously evolving camera configurations seen today in field production. To be introduced at the 2017 NAB Show, the VB-3800 Series includes a unique set of modules and adapters to support connectivity across today’s most popular field production cameras.

MultiDyne’sVB-3800 LightBrix Series

Importantly, the VB-3800 Series offers unparalleled flexibility to incorporate additional modules, allowing MultiDyne to efficiently meet the specifications of new camera models as they come to market.

The VB-3800 Series offers several models built for mounting to POV box cameras and robotic PTZ heads, with models initially supporting between 6 and 24 fiber transport connections for video, audio, data and Ethernet. Each model can transport a full complement of multichannel camera signals, including 4K quad-link and 12G, as well as optional supply power from the base unit to the transmitter and camera via SMPTE hybrid cable. This enables flexible setup, strike and mobility by ensuring the entire camera position is free of power outlets.

However, the main value proposition of the VB-3800 Series revolves around its adaptability of signal type and count for both new and existing camera models. Its compact architecture (7.25×5.75×1.75 inches) ensures quick and simple mounting in advance of live shoots, with immediate pairing to a receive card at the studio, headend or mobile production truck in an openGear frame ready for DashBoard monitoring.

“While each unit is purpose-built for popular camera configurations, the platform offers a flexible set of modules that create the complement of signal paths,” says Jachetta. “These modules can be customized to accommodate additional or fewer video, audio and data signals based on the camera’s specifications. This gives us complete freedom to customize a solution for a new camera configuration, and later bring it to market as a new VB-3800 series model to meet the needs of design and connectivity trends based on emerging cameras.”

Jachetta adds that the LightBrix VB-3800 Series will also evolve to accommodate UHD scaling and signal conversions as the product line expands, including conversions of 4K quad-link input signals to 12G and HDMI at the output.

“We are looking at ways to simplify productions for our customers that work out in the field with this series,” says Jachetta. “The main idea is that our customers can use a VB-3800 Series unit for multiple needs in a single production. For example, these units may first be used for a temporary feed, such as previewing concession stands before a football game from a producer substation; and then mix in a higher density of modules for the main event. This series will evolve into a more user-configurable range of products that give our customer more freedom then previously imaginable in the fiber transport universe.”