SportsTechBuzz at NAB 2024: Wednesday’s Latest From Vegas
The NAB Show is in full swing, and the SVG and SVG Europe editorial teams are chasing down the hottest stories from all over the Las Vegas Convention Center. To make the flood of announcements easily digestible for our readers, SVG is sending you a daily roundup in SportsTechBuzz at NAB 2024, with all the top stories gathered in one easy-to-read blog.
Today’s edition features Arista Networks, arkona, Atomos, Backlight, Chyron, Clear-Com, Cyanview, Dell Technologies, Deltacast, EditShare, Eutelsat, Farmerswife, Fraunhofer IIS, Hawk-Eye, Imagen, IHSE, InSync Technology, Joseph Electronics, Matrox Video, MediaKind, MRMC, NETGEAR, Open Broadcast Systems, OpenDrives, Perifery, Pixelscope, Pixotope, Quantum, RED, Ross Video, Scale Logic, Shure, Studio Network Solutions, Sony, Spectra Logic, Zixi.
CENTRAL HALL
If you are looking for ways to make fiber installs quicker and easier, then check out Joseph Electronics (Booth C1708) and the SHAXX-JBT Series. Built from the company’s flagship SHAXX-TOTE, it enables broadcast cameras fitted with standard SMPTE 304M hybrid connectors to be deployed using ordinary single-mode fibers and installed into standard JBT enclosures typically found in outdoor and indoor stadium locations. The result is no need to install associated SMPTE copper wiring or to carry and store additional external camera accessories during events. The company says the SHAXX-JBT is the ideal remote camera solution with only a 2U rack height and a depth of 6 in., with recessed side power and fiber connections. It is available for various camera models, and Joseph Electronics also is showing products from Bluebell Opticom Ltd., DirectOut GmbH, and Videosys at its booth.
Shure (Booth C5525) has a busy booth, showing its new line of MoveMic Microphone System, which comprises wireless clip-on mics that leverage the company’s technology to send two channels of broadcast-quality audio directly to a smartphone without requiring a receiver. Shure is also showcasing expansion of its SLX-D Digital Wireless family: the new SLX-D portable wireless system includes the SLXD5 portable digital wireless receiver and SLXD3 plug-on digital wireless transmitter. Another highlight is a demo of the WAVETOOL RF-management software, following the completed acquisition of Finland-based developer Ab Wavemark Oy late last year. Wavemark Commercial Director Timo Liski, now with Shure, showed how the software interfaces with Shure’s existing Wireless Workbench software to provide audio engineers with a comprehensive set of tools to manage RF and monitor all audio sources throughout a production.
Clear-Com (Booth C6007) is highlighting its new cloud-managed Gen-IC virtual intercom enabling real-time partyline workflows without the need for intercom hardware. According to VP, Research and Development, Marco Lopez, the system is simple to deploy, configure, and manage and is scalable for both small and large teams while also providing a wide range of connectivity to existing onsite intercom systems. “Gen-IC is securely available worldwide,” he notes, “over the public internet and cellular networks and backed by Clear-Com’s pioneering experience and customer support.”
Sony DWR-S03D portable slot-in receiver
Sony’s (Booth C8201) DWR-S03D 2-channel portable slot-in receiver is part of the company’s third-generation DWX series digital wireless microphone system that combines advanced digital technologies, analog-microphone expertise, and wireless-audio-transmission technologies. Andy Munitz, senior product manager, professional audio and pro video monitor, notes that the receiver operates with a bandwidth up to 148 MHz (depending on region), increasing the probability of finding unoccupied frequencies in congested metropolitan areas. The DWR-S03D can be mounted in the slot of Sony or other professional camcorders via the optional DWA-SLAS1 or DWA-SLAU1 interface adaptor. Automatic channel scan and sync permits quick, easy frequency setting, and the high-density 375-kHz-interval channel plan enables simultaneous multichannel operation.
The HawkNEST broadcast-asset–management server from Hawk-Eye has been unveiled on the Sony booth (C8101). The system can be added to any existing or future HawkREPLAY infrastructure and deployed to provide media-management staff with a dedicated workstation able to access and distribute HawkREPLAY-created clips from any networked HawkREPLAY server. Preproduction video files from networked third-party storage and/or direct-networked delivery of edited videos from NLE can also be exported to local HawkNEST server storage. According to Dan Cash, managing director, North America, the company sees opportunities for further growth in replay, and HawkNEST is an essential part of this: “In order to be able to take over a whole truck and run replay through Hawk-Eye, you need NEST in there to move and orchestrate the files around. We knew we needed it, but we’ve expedited it into production because we’re looking to aggressively grow replay.”
Client-to-cloud–networking provider Arista Networks (Booth C2011) has a new network-observability offering. CloudVision Universal Network Observability is available as a premium-feature license on Arista CloudVision and enables automation of network, systems, and application/workload visibility, coupled with AI-driven proactive analysis and prescriptive recommendations. According to the company, the software significantly reduces human error, accelerates issue resolution for unforeseen events, and provides precise root-cause analysis of network events and their impact on application delivery. “Our message at show is that we know media,” says Technical Lead Albert Faust. “The whole industry is moving to IP, and we support them in doing that. Our job is to support technology partners and give them the best environment to make their tools work.”
Cyanview (Booth C5924) is using NAB 2024 as an opportunity to share with new and existing customers’ insights into the company’s involvement in the Super Bowl LVIII broadcast. For the Chiefs–49ers matchup at Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium, CBS deployed two Cyanview RCPs in each of three production trucks, along with Cyanview VP4 video processors. Some of the controlled cameras were concealed in the pylons to provide immersive angles on the goal lines and sidelines. Additionally, two Dreamchip Atom cameras equipped with a Cyanview RIO (remote IO) and cellular modem for remote control were placed in cars traveling to the stadium.
Deltacast (Booth C2438) is demonstrating its high-end video solutions for developers, including I/O solutions, and a range of offerings to enhance video connectivity across IP, SDI and HDMI formats. According to International Sales Director Lionel Dutilleux, the company’s customers are looking for support in the transition to ST 2110. “To get the right people to help with that transition is a challenge,” he notes, “because not so many people have mastered that technology. In that case, we can assist them. When they decide to move from SDI infrastructure to 2110, they will ask for more support from us than just shipping one board. For us, it’s about more proximity and ongoing relationships with customers; with 2110, there is no other choice.”
MRMC (Mark Roberts Motion Control) (Booth C4925) is present in a few parts of Central Hall. In the Central Hall Lobby, its Bolt X and Cinebot Mini are being used as part of the company’s “Unreal Ride 2024” virtual-production demonstration that allows attendees to sit in a three-wheel sportscar and star in their own movie. At its booth, MRMC is demonstrating integration of PTZ cameras and sliders, including the Slidekamera and PTZ enablement solutions, including the RLS-1 (Rail Lift System), Atlas Slider with Bullhead Studio, and the recently released PTZ Mover Kit. In addition, an live automated-production demonstration of a table-tennis match taking place at the Pixelscope booth (C6135) showcases a partnership with MRMC and Table Tennis USA.
SOUTH HALL
Ross Video (Booth SL2005) has launched a striking studio robotics camera that “that redefines flexibility, creativity, and practicality in studio settings,” according to the company. Branded Artimo, the camera offers programmable moving shots without the limitations of fixed rails, markers, or the need for a perfectly smooth studio floor. Artimo’s elevation system enables a wide range of camera heights, from below the desk to above head height, and can support a full payload: broadcast cameras, lenses, teleprompters, talent monitors. “With traditional broadcast studios changing, increasing use of LEDs, more versatility from studios, and the need to have more on-air movement to engage and entertain the audience,” says Karen Walker, VP, camera motion systems, “we designed Artimo.”
At the Quantum booth: Skip Levens, Marketing Director, M&E and Natasha Beckley, Chief Marketing Officer
Quantum (Booth SL5083) has added advanced file-service technology to its Myriad and StorNext platforms to offer server-message-block–based (SMB) cross-platform file service. The technology — part of a broad partnership with Tuxera that will feature common technology building blocks across StorNext and Myriad — provides users with high-performance collaborative storage and fast network file service together on the same platform. Quantum is also showcasing its new ActiveScale Z200 all-flash object storage, which helps customers accelerate mission-critical AI pipelines and massive data workflows. This new solution extends Quantum’s all-flash portfolio beyond Quantum Myriad and StorNext file-system solutions to address S3-native use cases.
Backblaze (Booth SL4114) has launched Event Notifications, a service that instantly notifies users and external cloud services whenever data changes in Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage. According to James Flores, Product Marketing Manager M&E, the new release gives businesses the freedom to build automated workloads across the different best-of-breed cloud platforms they use or want to use, saving time and money and improving end user experiences. With Backblaze’s Event Notifications, data changes—like uploads, updates, or deletions—can automatically trigger other actions including transcoding video files, sending reports to IT teams, spooling up data analytics, delivering finished assets to end users, and many others. In the past companies often had to settle for notification features that restricted them to one platform or tied them to legacy intermediary tools like AWS messaging services. This solution from Backblaze offer greater freedom and flexibility, enabling media organizations to orchestrate activity between their preferred solution providers on their own terms.
At the Backlight booth: Keara McCarthy (left), director, product marketing, and Christophe Messa, director, strategic partners
Backlight (Booth SL4114) has introduced native integrations between its product lines that will allow more-efficient preparation and distribution of video, bridging complementary work streams within the sports-video–production pipeline. The company’s iconic MAM system is showing integrations with Zype, ftrack, and Wildmoka Clip Studio. The new iconik and Zype connector allows users to combine media storage, collaboration, and review with streaming and OTT workflows. The integration between ftrack and iconik will connect ftrack’s project management and production tracking with iconik’s flexible media management and collaboration. And integration between iconik and Wildmoka Clip Studio enables users to access iconik’s MAM platform from within Wildmoka’s production and distribution platform. Backlight recently published a case study describing how The Goodwood Group used iconik and Wildmoka integration for the Festival of Sport and Revival events.
arkona (Booth SU6037) is introducing AMIX, an audio mixer available as an option on its IP Gateway and Router (IPGR) software application. AMIX provides up to 64 mono and 64 stereo mix instances, as well as the ability to easily create mix-minus (N-1) feeds. It can replace submixers for any size production while simultaneously performing IP and SDI video processing, such as routing, colour correction, and HDR-SDR colour-space conversion. Taking it further, arkona is cranking up BLADE//runner’s audio capabilities to an even higher level by making a new IP Audio Engine (IPA) application comprising a dedicated audio mixer and DSP available on the AT300 PAC. With a total capacity of 16,384 mono audio inputs and 12,288 outputs, IPA offers compression and multiband equalisers with true peak monitoring and loudness metering in addition to mono, stereo, and multichannel mixes.
Aiming to make a splash, NETGEAR (Booth SU3107) is presenting its M4350 series of network switches to offer performance, reliability, and flexibility for handling SMPTE ST 2110 and NDI protocols and other technologies essential to modem broadcasting. One major feature is synchronization and interoperability of professional media over IP networks. Embracing SMPTE ST 2110 on two models, NETGEAR’s M4350 switches enable broadcasters to build flexible, future-proof infrastructures that support the transition from traditional baseband to IP-based workflows seamlessly and at a fraction of the cost.
At the Spectra Logic Booth: David Feller, CTO (left) and Hossein ZiaShakeri, SVP, Business Development
Spectra Logic (Booth SL3099) has unveiled Spectra Cube, a cloud-centric tape library offering up to 30 PB of native capacity, with a maximum compressed capacity of 75 PB. According to CTO David Heller and SVP, Business Development, Hossein ZiaShakeri, Spectra Cube can be quickly deployed, dynamically scaled, and easily serviced without tools or downtime. Management of the new system is provided by newly introduced LumOS library-management software, an interface that allows secure local and remote management and monitoring, and an optional assisted self-maintenance model for rapid component replacement without the need for service personnel. The Spectra Cube library fully supports modern backup and archive applications via integration of Spectra BlackPearl file- and object-storage systems to create highly cost-effective on-premises or hybrid cloud object-based tape tiers. Amazon S3 and Amazon S3 Glacier API access is fully supported.
IHSE (Booth SL5115) has again partnered with longtime partner Fraunhofer IIS to develop a next-generation KVM system based on the high-performance JPEG XS codec. JPEG XS allows high-resolution and high-quality video data to be transferred over standard Ethernet or other wired connections with limited computing resources. According to Marketing Manager Dan Holland, using Fraunhofer’s JPEG XS SDK and IHSE’s JPEG XS IP core for field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), ultra-low-latency broadcast, in-house, and gaming-video routes can be realized with predictive and precise rate control. Th partnership will enable the library to be integrated into IHSE’s Draco Con App, a software-based KVM solution that enables users to access an IHSE KVM network via IP protocol from a standard, network-connected PC.
From left: Bryan Bray, GM Venues; Mathieu Yerle, VP Strategy; Carol Bettencourt, VP Marketing; Nikole McStanley, Portfolio Director; and Mark Friedman, Account Director
Chyron (Booth SL2238) is focused on updates and enhancements in version 4.10 of PRIME graphics playout platform. The latest version simplifies operation while enabling greater control over the types of data displayed in live-to-air graphics. New dynamic-data functionality allows playout operators to control not just the display of real-time data in a graphic but the data source and also the actions the data will trigger. Control panels in PRIME can now be configured by designers to provide access to specific parameters and give playout operators just the right amount of control and flexibility. Those same control panels are available when PRIME integrates with Chyron’s Click Effects venue controller. Calling up PRIME graphics with a single button click, operators at the venue can manipulate the graphics they’re going to play out just as a live broadcast operator would. The company is also previewing and seeking user input for the upcoming PRIME 5.0 release, which will support two 4K inputs and two 4K outputs, as well as offer tighter integration with Adobe Photoshop and After Effects.
Matrox Video (Booth SL5073) has unveiled the latest release of the Matrox Monarch EDGE SDI encoders and decoders. Now supporting such ancillary data as VANC and SCTE messaging, Monarch EDGE tightly integrates into distribution platforms from GlobalM, Techex, and others. Matrox is also showing off the latest additions to the DSX and LE family of ST 2110 NIC cards, designed for custom, high-resolution applications. Also featured are product demos and customer stories illustrating how the company helps broadcasters, live-event producers, developers, and manufacturers implement and improve IP- and IT-based media workflows.
Jason Matousek, Director of Technical Enablement, OpenDrives
OpenDrives (Booth SL8125) has introduced its Atlas platform and business model, which shifts the company’s software-defined storage platform from traditional storage-system sizing to a workflow-centric perspective. According to Director, Technical Enablement, Jason Matousek, OpenDrives is moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” mindset in favor of “workflow-configured storage solutions.” The company expects this new model to enable efficient, agile, and high-performance data management configured to unique creative workflows rather than traditional predetermined hardware/software packages.
To promote creative storytelling, Dell Technologies (Booth SL8065) is showcasing recent updates to its lineup of storage, servers, networking, workstations, and display solutions and also highlighting new partnerships. The new PowerScale storage node, the F210, is a compact 1RU 4-drive NVMe model that now has 2X the performance and 2X the capacity of its predecessor, the F200. Dell’s highest-performance density storage product, the new PowerScale F710 node, packs 10 NVMe drives into the same 1RU footprint and features dual Intel Xeon Sapphire Rapids CPUs with DDR5 RAM and Gen 5 PCIe slots to the NVIDIA ConnectX-6 NIC. Also on display are IT infrastructure and services, including Precision workstations, color-accurate 4K displays, and GPU-accelerated servers.
Lee Griffin, VP Business Development, EditShare
EditShare (Booth SL8087) has teamed up with Atomos to bring camera-to-cloud workflows to its MediaSilo video collaboration platform. MediaSilo will be integrated with Atomos’s range of cloud-connected camera-mounted monitor-recorders, which can be attached to virtually any HDMI or SDI camera source. VP, Business Development, Lee Griffin says that, with the new workflow, editors can begin working on media instantly instead of waiting for hard drives or delayed file transfers. Also, EditShare’s new EFS NVMe fileshare system harnesses the power and speed of NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) to provide three times more the bandwidth and throughput of traditional SSD storage solutions.
Perifery (Booth SL2089) has launched Intelligent Content Engine (ICE), an advanced software platform that leverages unique AI agents and models to manage, organize, and curate images, videos, audio files, documents, and other multimedia assets. According to CEO Dave Zabrowski, this approach improves the efficiency, accuracy, and impact of media-asset searches compared with legacy solutions that rely on entered metadata. In contrast to traditional MAM systems, ICE acts as an “AI media-content librarian” by examining, understanding, and cataloging every file within its view, regardless of the existence of traditional metadata. Powered by a simple conversational interface that can be spoken to directly, ICE enables users to find and retrieve media files through natural-language requests.
Scale Logic’s (Booth SL7113) new CaraOne platform is generating plenty of interest from broadcasters and content creators, according to VP, Business Development, Drew Wanstall. A secure, on-premises AI Media Content Discovery Engine appliance, Cara One was created to intelligently understand the media context, eliminating the requirement for extensive tagging and metadata input — resulting in higher efficiency for media organizations. Wanstall describes CaraOne as a “virtual assistant” that understands an organization’s media and helps users find exactly what they’re looking for based on concepts, emotions, and specific statements within interviews.
Studio Network Solutions (Booth SL7065) is showcasing updates to SNS’s EVO Suite of software tools included with EVO shared storage. The updates to workflow tools include new collaboration features for ShareBrowser MAM system, additional cloud storage integrations, and enhanced transcoding capabilities. Besides the software tools, EVO shared storage comprises featuring ShareBrowser MAM, Slingshot transcoding and automations engine, and Nomad for remote editing. According to Director, Marketing, Melanie Ciotti, updates to the EVO Suite are expected to begin rolling out on selected new systems by the end the year.
WEST HALL
The addition of Public Requests to Cirkus task-management solution is the big news on the Farmerswife booth (W2267). The update, developed in response to user requests, is designed to elevate project-management experiences for media professionals by simplifying the process of submitting project and booking requests, even for those without a Cirkus login. “It opens up more workflow efficiencies and takes off the limits. We’re excited about it,” says Managing Director Jodi Clifford. The company is also demonstrating Farmerswife 7.1. This latest version of the scheduling and project-management platform has been enhanced with advanced equipment tracking, scheduling improvements, and budgeting functionalities. One trend driving development of both products is globalisation. “As companies and teams are more spread out,” says Clifford, “things like time-zone support across different teams, so you can easily see what time it is for someone when you’re scheduling them, and support for multiple currencies in Farmerswife are important. It’s the same with Cirkus: people don’t work in the same place any more so they need better ways to collaborate.”
The OBE 5G Flyaway is in focus on the Open Broadcast Systems booth (W2442). Built in collaboration with Zixi, the 5G bonding solution lets sports broadcasters reach fibre and satellite picture quality over cellular networks and deliver them as standard constant-bitrate MPEG transport streams. Says Open Broadcast Systems CEO Kieran Kunhya, “There are existing 5G solutions mainly focusing on newsgathering, but we’re proposing a new solution, a 5G flyaway for sports transmissions. It’s designed for venues where you can be inside a venue and need to be able to get 5G signal from outside and also, on a technical level, be able to match compatibility with existing satellite and fibre systems.” Noting that the solution has already been used by the Professional Squash Association (PSA), he adds, “We did five days of 12 hours for the PSA last week, which was a nice demo. The venue didn’t have connectivity so they were super happy when it went to air.”
InSync Technology (Booth W3023) has added to its MCC range with the MCC-HD-2, which offers premium-sports-quality motion-compensated frame-rate conversion for two HD streams. As a compact 1RU solution, the MCC-HD-2 maintains the image clarity and detail established by the MCC-HD. It also offers significant power savings compared with similar devices, consuming just 70 W of power. Advanced features include support for the SMPTE ST 2110 standard, with a custom GUI designed with customer feedback and efficiency in mind. It’s already set to be used at major sports events this year. “The algorithm has improved to a degree where it’s much better than anything else for HD,” says CEO James Taylor. The company hopes to announce more availability of its FrameFormer software for different platforms in the coming months.
At the Eutelsat Americas booth: Jim Carroccia, North America Media Sales Director (left) and J. Ignacio González, Senior Regional VP, Media Sales
Head over to Eutelsat’s booth (W2070) for a demo of multiscreen solutions via satellite streaming, which uses the new DVB-NIP (native-IP broadcasting) standard. Recognizing the unique challenge for service providers faced with local internet limitations when trying to deliver high-quality OTT content, DVB-NIP facilitates integration of OTT and broadcast technologies into an efficient and contemporary IP media-distribution solution. The new standard allows distribution of IP-native mABR content (the format used by OTT to target handheld devices and SmartTVs) through broadcast channels like satellite. Combining the flexibility of OTT and mobile devices with the reliability, reach, and quality ensured by broadcast channels, Eutelsat is showcasing clients who have deployed the solution to expand its audience.
Enhancements to the MK.IO platform are being demoed on the MediaKind booth (W2201). Says Portfolio Director, Sports, Chris Wilson, “We’ve introduced this notion of fleet management, the capability to control the contribution or distribution side of the business from the cloud. You can configure, control, and connect those devices at the edge to get content in and out of the cloud environment or connect different points. It’s a nice addition. For us, being able to find ways to make the cloud a bit sticky to get people used to using it while not tying themselves in to having to deploy everything in that environment is good because it’s where we as a company have a good amount of value.” In response to requests from sports customers, MediaKind is also exhibiting low-latency, high-value content with targeted advertising. “It has been a challenge: the advertising ecosystem is not the simplest, and it’s not designed for low latency. But we’ve come up with a way to make low-latency targeted advertising work, and that’s something we’re hoping we can push into production with some clients.” There’s also an AI demo, with MediaKind boasting a different take on the technology. “If you go around the show floor,” Wilson says, “everyone’s talking about the AI itself. What we’ve done inside our MK.IO platform is build an AI workflow so customers can chain AI models together. It lets them push the video so MK.IO [provides] tools for onboarding your video into an AI offering.” Customers can choose which AI tools they want, and those tools will return data and transformed content. One demo includes real-time commentary translation on a broadcast feed that maintains all the atmosphere around it. Says Wilson, “The pipeline there is about building additional value for the customer.”
Smart Clipping is the focus on the Imagen booth (W2543). Using AI-generated metadata, it automatically creates, finds, and distributes clips based on such search parameters as goals scored by player. Commercial Director Tom Blake points out that, although AI is undoubtedly a buzzword in the industry, there has been a lack of compelling use cases: “We’ve decided we’ll stay agnostic to the underlying AI platforms so our customers can use whatever’s best in class, and we can focus our energy on providing those compelling use cases.”
NORTH HALL
Pixotope (Booth N201 LMR) has created what it’s billing as the world’s first AI chroma keyer. Says Chief Revenue Officer David Dowling of the proof of concept, “Effectively, we’ve created a virtual green screen. Yesterday, we tested it with 23 people, creating separate masks for each of them and putting AR elements in, which those people could walk in front of and behind.” One potential use case could be a sports presenter in a commentary box, he adds: “With this, they can have AR elements in the commentary box — maybe over the shoulder, maybe on the desk, or wherever else — but they no longer need to be in a green-screen environment.”
RED (Booth N202 LMR) is looking to “unlock cinematic imagery for broadcast and live event productions” with the introduction of new broadcast technologies at NAB 2024, including the RED cine-broadcast module and broadcast color pipeline option. In addition, RED is demonstrating the all-new V-RAPTOR [X] and V-RAPTOR XL [X], recently launched as the first-available, large-format cinema camera with a global shutter. Demonstrations also focus on the company’s Global Vision suite of tools, including Extended Highlights and Phantom Track for virtual and live productions.