EVS Introduces MediaInfra Strada SDI/IP Routing Solution; France’s AMP Visual TV Uses LiveCeption for Major Upgrade

EVS has unveiled MediaInfra Strada, a turnkey solution which combines SDI and IP routing capabilities in a single, easy-to-deploy system based on its Cerebrum and Neuron product lines. In addition, AMP VISUAL TV, the broadcast service provider headquartered in France, has completed a major upgrade of its live production infrastructure with the latest LiveCeption Signature solution.

MediaInfra Strada
Together with Arista Ethernet switches, the solution has been designed to offer broadcasters a direct, drop-in replacement for outdated or end-of-life SDI routers, with the option to transition to full IP infrastructures when the time is right.

“While the transition to IP is very much ongoing, baseband SDI is still a reality today and both signal formats are likely to coexist within the same production infrastructures for some time. With our turnkey MediaInfra Strada solution, broadcasters can easily and safely replace their current SDI router with an IP-based system which still has SDI inputs and outputs,” explains Peter Schut, SVP media infrastructure at EVS. “So from a user perspective, it has the same look and feel as a traditional SDI routing solution, but it is ready to deliver all the game-changing benefits of IP in terms of agility and scalability.”

The solution leverages Cerebrum’s advanced router logics and customizable user interfaces, as well as Neuron’s flexible IP and SDI I/O for uncompressed real-time video and audio, to enable broadcasters to meet all workflow requirements and accommodate all signal formats. Arista Ethernet switches with 100Gb/s ports complement the package providing high-performance IP network operations. It is delivered as a single, compact and pre-configured system for quick and easy deployment within existing infrastructures. It is also linearly expandable in a combination of inputs and outputs ranging from 256 I/O to 1024 I/O. MediaInfra Strada also comes with access to 24/7 support via a single point of contact.

“Migrating to an IP-based network infrastructure opens up new and exciting opportunities but the idea of managing IP signals can be daunting,” says Schut. “MediaInfra Strada is all about making things simple by providing customers with a straightforward and easy-to-deploy solution with access to expert assistance whenever and wherever they need it for extra peace of mind. As a result, our customers can fully embrace the advantages of IP without having to deal with the associated complexities themselves.”

Today broadcasters who prefer to keep their traditional SDI infrastructures do so with unease, fearing that their decision will not take them to where they need to go in a year or two,” says Nestor Amaya, VP solutions architecture at EVS. “On the other hand, those who choose to deploy an IP-based infrastructure do so with a tightening of the jaw, fully aware of the pain that awaits them when configuring, troubleshooting and paying for their cutting-edge system. MediaInfra Strada removes that pain, by letting production infrastructures become unseen, unheard and out of mind whether SDI, IP or hybrid.”

AMP Visual TV
As part of the EVS solution, a dozen XT-VIA servers have been acquired for deployment across AMP’s fleet of 30+ OB trucks for premium sports productions and in its 20+ connected studio facilities where some of the most popular entertainment shows in France are produced.

In addition to the servers, AMP VISUAL TV has acquired 24 LSM-VIA remote control units allowing operators to access the content from the XT-VIA servers and create instant replays and highlights of the highest production standard.

“EVS’ XT-VIA servers are a reference in the marketplace for high-profile events and as a result, are required by many of our customers,” says François Valadoux, Executive Vice President, CTO of AMP VISUAL TV. “The new LSM-VIA replay systems are also fast becoming the new standard for primetime sports productions, so it was essential for us to invest in these latest technologies.”

Built on EVS’ innovative VIA platform of modular services and workflow engines, the new solution provides AMP VISUAL TV with the highest level of flexibility and scalability to respond to any future requirement, including the possibility to roll out workflows for remote production when needed.

“Our customers naturally expect us to provide them with the best equipment out there to handle their major TV broadcasts and knowing their productions are run with EVS’ no-fail technology and best in class solutions gives us peace of mind,” adds Valadoux.

Moreover, the XT-VIA servers – which offer interchangeable SDI/IP connectivity and support for all the latest formats and codecs – can conveniently be used across AMP’s entire fleet of OBs as well as its numerous studios, providing the same reliable EVS solution for all sports and entertainment productions. And since they are highly robust and easily deployable, AMP can easily move the servers around from one environment to another upon customer demand, without having to worry about damage or reconfiguration issues.

As for the new LSM-VIA systems, operators will use them to create replays and highlights in the most efficient way, benefitting from advanced functionalities and a rich feature set all presented in a familiar layout for instant usability.

“We are delighted our long-standing customer AMP VISUAL TV has chosen EVS for this upgrade as it reinforces our reputation of being the technology provider of choice for their high-end live productions,” says Nicolas Bourdon, Chief Marketing Officer at EVS. “Thanks to the modularity of our VIA technology, it will be much easier for AMP VISUAL TV to roll out exciting, new technological innovations and deliver higher value to its customers in the future.”