My 14-year-old son, Sam, recently started volunteering at our local educational television station, BEC-TV. The Station of Champions, as it’s also known, works with our school district to make local programming with volunteer help from middle and high school students. A few days ago, Sam came home, collapsed on the couch after a football shoot, and asked, “Dad, how can you make it so that [name of proprietary AV-over-IP solution] isn’t so laggy?” 

As a board member of the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) and one of the many volunteers working to promote Internet Protocol Media Experience IPMX, did I have an answer for Sam!

I couldn’t contain my excitement as I told him about the open standard we are working on. Pretty soon, thanks to this standard, the technology will become affordable enough for his school’s TV station to purchase and it will ensure low enough latency that Sam will be able to operate a PTZ camera during a football game without getting a headache. (I may have teared up at the moment explaining this.)

IPMX Goal

When the groups that are working on IPMX reach their goal, it will change everything about Pro AV by meeting the market requirement that trumps all others: multi-vendor interoperability that only open standards can guarantee. Once an effective open standard appears, we migrate from gateways and easy hacks to truly IP-native products that are better in every way than the baseband technology they’re replacing. This inevitable outcome flows from the confidence companies now have in the base-layer platform they are asked to invest in, knowing that access will never be cut off and that they will always be able to support their products and customers.

How do we know that IPMX is that open standard? Of course, nobody has a crystal ball, but we can look at the evidence so far and judge for ourselves.

First, effective open standards start with the right requirements. After taking what we had learned from bringing SMPTE ST 2110 (professional media over managed IP Networks suite of standards) and NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications) into the broadcast market, we listened carefully to the industry to identify what was needed to meet the exceptionally wide range of requirements found under the Pro AV umbrella. Some highlights include

• a “just works” experience using common off-the-shelf IT (COTs) hardware.
• open standards already familiar to IT wherever possible.
• a common control layer for discovery and connection management.
• a standard built for both live production and presentation workflows.
• the flexibility to use the desired bandwidth to fit the application’s needs, including uncompressed and compressed flows.
• a codec that can deliver visually lossless 4K60 4:4:4 desktop video on a 1Gb connection.
• profiles for WiFi, WAN, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• thoughtful integration and emulation of HDMI and DisplayPort features such as EDID, Hot Plug Detect, CEC, and legally compliant support for HDCP.

Because IPMX is built upon SMPTE ST 2110, it starts with a foundation proven at the highest levels of live production. Critically, SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS were architected for extreme flexibility by having standards broken into composable parts, which allows for the clean and simple extension required by IPMX. Also, thanks to the fact that SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS stick to widely understood IT standards such as UDP, RTP, PTP, and other TLAs, it has proved a comfortable starting point for Pro AV, requiring only slight tweaks to make it friendly for software and lower-cost or casual use cases. All of this while simplifying interoperability with SMPTE ST 2110 systems, which are very popular in high-end broadcast and Pro AV applications.

In the past two years, engineers from more than 100 companies volunteering at VSF and AMWA have made tremendous progress during multiple working groups, meeting multiple times every week. This energy and teamwork have led to the creation of about a dozen draft recommendations, which are the foundation of future standards, just as happened with SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS. This progress is attracting more talent from great companies such as AV Pro Global, Barco, Lumens, Magewell, Panduit, and others that have recently joined AIMS, Video Services Forum (VSF), or Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) to support IPMX. This leads to more teamwork and more momentum. 

Already, multiple development kits, SoCs, and software SDKs dedicated to IPMX are available or are in progress from companies including Macnica and IntoPix. What’s more, Matrox and Evertz have announced “IPMX Ready” products that are providing class-leading performance based on the available standards today, and these companies are committing to full IPMX support as it continues to evolve.

As momentum continues to build and progress is announced, we hope that you’ll stay tuned and get involved. Joining AIMS, VSF, and AMWA is a great way to start.

I hope you’ll join us soon. I can’t wait to see the creative solutions that designers and engineers will come up with, all thanks to a common open standard as the foundation of our industry in the IT era. Besides, my son has a headache and BEC-TV needs a better camera.

JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, will unveil its new KY-PZ510 Series of PTZ cameras during NAB 2022 at the company's exclusive suite in the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. As the latest addition to JVC’s CONNECTED CAM remote production solutions, the new series includes four models, which feature 4K60p HEVC SRT streaming with multi-slice encoding technology to reduce latency and provide superior image quality. The cameras also boast a super-wide 80-degree field of view, which is perfect for studios, classrooms, corporate settings, event facilities, sports venues, and houses of worship.

[Power of the PTZ]

The series includes the KY-PZ510 in black and white options, as well as the
KY-PZ510N (also available in black and white) with NDI 5 support. The new PTZ cameras also offer enhanced SMART auto-tracking, which can be set to automatically follow one person, and allows users to select one of multiple people within its field of view. Additionally, the incorporated Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) with Network Time Protocol (NTP) provides the new JVC PTZ cameras with multi-camera synchronization for seamless live event production. 

“Our new KY-PZ510 Series PTZ cameras feature the latest in remote production technologies and we are looking forward to presenting them to NAB Show attendees,” said Joseph D’Amico, vice president, JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation. “In addition to the cameras’ advanced streaming capabilities and new SMART auto-tracking function, they also feature a sleek design that fits into the aesthetics of any location.” 

[NAB 2022: JVC to Present Remote Production Solutions]

Using the latest HEVC technology, the cameras support multi-slice encoding to ensure higher quality video at lower bit rates for remote production (REMI) applications. The cameras also support H.264 encoding, which offers increased compatibility with a variety of hardware and software applications. Plus, the 4K60p streaming delivers natural imagery in settings with a lot of movement, such as sports and live events. 

The cameras’ wide angle of view and focal length of 21.8-261.8mm are ideal for presenting live-action events as well as the full scope of a classroom, auditorium, or house of worship. In addition, the SMART auto-tracking function of the cameras means that operators can set the camera to focus on and follow one person during a live production. 

[Review: JVC PTZ Streaming Cameras Deliver IP Production Versatility]

All models support Secure Reliable Transport (SRT), which is resilient to bandwidth fluctuations, data loss, and intermittent connectivity, to ensure secure and error-free video delivery over the internet. The KY-PZ510N can simultaneously output NDI, SRT, and RTMPS for hybrid local/remote workflows to deliver the highest quality distribution to the world’s most popular CDNs. 

The new KY-PZ510 PTZ cameras will be available beginning summer 2022.

The What: Extron has begun shipping the HD Pro Plenum Series of active, hybrid optical-copper cables for high-speed transmission of HDMI digital video and audio signals. They support data rates up to 18Gbps, video resolutions up to 4K60 at 4:4:4, HDR, EDID, HDCP, and CEC, as well as all HDMI audio formats.

The What Else: These active cables are unidirectional and draw only nominal power from the connected HDMI source device. Each cable is 0.16 inches (4 mm) in diameter and offers a narrow bend radius, for easier installation and higher performance. Providing the benefits of fiber optics with the simplicity of traditional copper cable, the HD Pro Plenum Series supports 4K60 video signals over long distances up to 300 feet (91.4 meters).

"Our customers wanted a high-performance solution for sending 4K/60 signals with full 4:4:4 color sampling over extended distances that didn't require transmitters and receivers for every endpoint," said Casey Hall, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Extron. "HD Pro Plenum Series cables are a convenient, high-performance solution that easily supports the 18Gbps data rate required to transport 4K60 video and maintain uncompromised signal quality."

The Bottom Line: The HD Pro Plenum Series uses glass multimode fiber, which allows for use in high-interference environments such as data centers and manufacturing facilities. Built-in active circuitry converts the incoming electrical signal into an optical signal on one end and back into an electrical signal on the other. Non-bandwidth intensive or low-speed signals are carried on the integrated copper wires, including EDID, HDCP, CEC, and 5V power. HD Pro Plenum Series cables are designed to provide a combination of performance and price for applications that require direct, long-distance signal connections.

The What: tvONE is now shipping the MX-65xx Matrix Switcher series, introduced first at InfoComm 2018. The series includes MX-6588 (4K60 8x8 HDMI 2.0 Matrix), MX-6584 (4K60 8x4 HDMI 2.0 Matrix), and MX-6544 (4K60 4x4 HDMI 2.0 Matrix).

The What Else: The MX-65xx Matrix Switcher series is designed to allow the distribution of HDMI 2.0 (with HDCP) sources to multiple display devices independently or all at the same time using an intuitive front panel, infrared remote control, the company’s control software, MX-tools, or use the simple API with a third-party controller. It is HDCP 2.2 compliant and provides full support for 4K/2K60 4:4:4 8-bit and 10-bit processing for deep color rendition. 3D signals are also supported. Audio includes 7.1 audio capability including DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD.

“The new MX-65xx Series of matrices provides a well-rounded and flexible set of solutions,” said Mark Armon, global product manager for tvONE. "With the pressures of 4K entering the conference room, these small devices will really help our integrators.”

The Bottom Line: The MX-65xx Matrix series is well suited for a variety of installations including classrooms or conference rooms that demand high levels of performance and 4:4:4 4K/60 image fidelity.

The What: Datapath has launched a new dual 4K capture card, the VisionSC-UHD2, ahead of ISE 2019. It is the most powerful 4K card in the company’s portfolio.

The What Else: Datapath’s Vision SC-UHD2 provides two HDMI 2.0 capture channels with HDCP 2.2 at 4K60 and full 4:4:4 chroma sampling. This latest high-end card complements Datapath’s Vision SC capture card family.

“AV integrators are demanding the highest resolution video when creating the most stunning visual displays and the new UHD2 addition to our Vision SC range is designed to meet and exceed that demand,” said Mark Rogers, Datapath product manager. “Along with unparalleled performance and future-proof connectivity, end users also have the peace of mind that Datapath reliability brings. We believe the VisionSC-UHD2 to be the ultimate 4K capture card available to the market.”

In order to capture two channels of 4K 60p 4:4:4 without any loss of quality or dropped frames, 4GB/s of raw data is needed and this requires a minimum of eight lanes PCIe Gen3. Other dual 4K solutions offering eight lanes of PCIe Gen2 are not enough once data bus overheads are accounted for. With this in mind, Datapath’s VisionSC-UHD2 is the only professional solution with enough performance to handle two channels of 4K without any loss of quality or dropped frames, according to the company.

The Bottom Line: With a full 10-bit processing pipeline, the VisionSC-UHD2 is suitable for the full spectrum of high quality displays, from command and control rooms to creative, high-end corporate applications. Purposely designed for high performance controllers, Datapath’s latest card works seamlessly with the company’s latest iolite 12i chassis—delivering a single-appliance, 12-output solution for 4K video walls and menu boards.

Datapath’s VisionSC-UHD card can be seen at ISE 2019 on their Hall 12 H80 stand. 

The What: Extron has begun shipping the IN1804, a series of compact four-input scalers that provide video scaling, switching, and integration features. They support HDMI 2.0 data rates up to 18Gbps and incorporate the Extron-exclusive Vector 4K scaling engine with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and 30-bit internal video processing for best-in-class image quality. 

The What Else: Two available IN1804 models provide signal extension over shielded twisted-pair cable. The IN1804 DI includes a DTP2 twisted pair input that can receive signals from remote DTP and DTP2 transmitters mounted at a conference table, lectern, or wall. The IN1804 DO has a DTP2 twisted-pair output that can send signals to a DTP or DTP2 receiver mounted behind a flat panel display, above a ceiling mounted projector, or in other remote locations. DTP transmitters and receivers are available in compact, low-profile enclosures, plus wall plate and floor box form factors to suit a range of professional environments.

In addition to supporting DTP endpoints, the IN1804 DI and IN1804 DO can be integrated into an XTP CrossPoint matrix switcher system. This is ideal for facility-wide AV system applications with a centralized AV signal distribution infrastructure, as well as several presentation spaces with local AV switching and processing. An IN1804 DI in a room can connect into an XTP CrossPoint matrix switcher in a central equipment rack or closet to receive shared AV resources, or a connected IN1804 DO can distribute a local presentation to several destinations in a facility.

“The IN1804 Series sets the bar for 4K/60 4:4:4 switching and scaling with uncompromised image quality and advanced features,” said Casey Hall, vice president of sales and marketing for Extron. “These next-generation scalers deliver the highest performance for the most demanding applications and give customers flexibility in addressing a wide variety of system designs.”

The Bottom Line: Offering a host of features including seamless switching effects, logo keying, still image recall, and optional twisted pair capability, the IN1804 Series provides the performance and flexibility to support the most demanding presentation environments.

The What: Comprehensive Connectivity Company has launched the CHE-HDBT2020 - Pro AV/IT 4K 18G HDBaseT Extender TX/RX Kit up to 330ft, for extending UHD audio, video and ethernet up to 330 feet.

The What Else: Comprehensive's CHE-HDBT2020 supports 18G, Ultra HD, 4K60, 4:4:4 color space, HDR and complies with the advanced HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 standards. This extender includes one transmitter and one receiver and is designed to convert a full HDMI signal to a standard HDBaseT signal, which can be transmitted over a single ethernet cable. It also supports bidirectional PoH, so there is no need to run additional power. This kit also includes two IR receivers and two transmitters, allowing for bidirectional infrared control of a connected HDMI source and display.

The Bottom Line: Well suited for showroom displays, lecture halls, retail sales displays, and anywhere in between, the CHE-HDBT2020's components are RoHS compliant and come with a three-year warranty.