One more week to go. InfoComm 2026 returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center from June 13-19. To get you ready for the show, we continue our annual preview of InfoComm, taking you behind the scenes, and allowing several exhibitors to talk trends, technology, inspiration, and provide an exclusive special sneak preview of what they’ll show in their booths.

[Products, Sessions, Insights: InfoComm 2026 on AV Network]

Today, Amy Zhou, director of sale, Magewell (booth , talks Broadcast AV and how the company's solution bridge the convergence of Pro AV into production.

SCN: What is your company’s story at InfoComm this year?

Amy Zhou: Magewell will reinforce our core emphasis on innovative solutions that help customers bridge traditional AV and modern IP infrastructures. We will announce new products at the show that bring any source types—whether AV signals or IP streams—to any destinations, whether they are software, screens or AV systems. We will also continue our innovation in content creation technology by introducing a new addition to our Director product portfolio, featuring flexible input and output options, 4K video processing and enhanced network connectivity.

SCN: Why is InfoComm such an important show for you and your company?

AZ: We have exhibited at InfoComm for over a decade—and we plan to continue participating for another decade and beyond—because InfoComm itself continues to evolve. It is not just a Pro AV oriented show where manufacturers, systems integrators, and end users across multiple vertical markets come together to address challenges and drive innovations; we now see more attendees from the broadcast industry at InfoComm as well. Magewell’s solutions span both broadcast technologies and Pro AV, and we love seeing InfoComm bringing the two worlds together in one place.

SCN: What do you expect the buzz to be on the InfoComm 2026 show floor?

AZ: We expect “Broadcast AV” will continue be a key buzzword this year. It’s not just a technology trend; it is how content creation is evolving today. The capabilities of Pro AV solutions have advanced enough to provide budget-friendly options for broadcasters diversifying media channels, while corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies endeavor to produce their internal events at broadcast-level quality at reasonable costs.

SCN: What makes your Pro Convert IP decoders unique in the industry?

AZ: We are very proud of our Pro Convert IP decoders because they make our customers very happy by solving their challenges in bridging IP-based media with traditional AV signals and devices. Our Pro Convert IP decoders are highly acclaimed for their rich feature sets, reliability, low-latency performance and versatility in Pro AV, broadcast and IT use cases. Our continued engineering efforts to strengthen integrations with third-party hardware and software partners add more advantages by empowering a broad ecosystem for seamless production and distribution workflows.

The convergence of Broadcast and Pro AV has been a hot topic for the past few InfoComms, and the line between the two has blurred so much, a new age of Broadcast AV is upon us. As InfoComm 2026 is set to take over the Las Vegas Convention Center from June 13-19, these solutions will be on full display.

[SCN's InfoComm Impulse Preview Series]

To prepare you for Las Vegas, take a peek at what some booths will be showcasing, but bookmark this page and check back, as we will update with more as we hear more.

Diversified Gets World Cup Ready at The Pitch

Diversified's booth in the North Hall (N8063), “The Pitch”, will be a must-see stop on your show floor experience. The space is structured like a full production environment featuring a dedicated World Cup viewing area when the United States faces off against Australia on June 19. There is also a broadcast-ready studio zone with a 216-inch LED wall, ideal for video interviews and a presentation stage with live sessions planned from Diversified and partners like Comcast, the San Francisco Giants, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

ENCO Captioning Systems to Be on Display

ENCO will bring its growing portfolio of live captioning and translation technologies to booth N8024, with an emphasis on new In-Room and Campus Captioning solutions designed for classrooms, corporate presentations, panel discussions, and live staged events. Built around ENCO’s enCaption platform, the systems deliver real-time captions, multilingual translations and transcripts to improve accessibility and audience comprehension in virtually any AV environment.

ENCO's captioning systems are also widely used in Broadcast AV environments. Ken Frommert joined SCN to talk more in the InfoComm 2026 Impulses series. Read it here.

Haivision to Showcase Ultra-Low Latency Innovations, Video Wall, and Secure Video Distribution

Haivision will demonstrate its mission-critical video ecosystem, including its video wall visualization, IPTV, and video networking solutions, enabling organizations to monitor operations, distribute real-time intelligence, and collaborate more effectively across distributed environments. Haivision will also highlight innovations in its ultra-low latency live video contribution portfolio, enabling broadcast and live production teams to transport high-quality live video from virtually any location over any network. Visitors can see it all at booth N6013.

Making their InfoComm 2026 debut, the Makito ONE video transport platform and Falkon X4 mobile video transmitter expand Haivision’s live video contribution portfolio by offering greater flexibility, scalability, and reliability for broadcast and live production teams.

The Makito ONE single-blade encoding/decoding solution features H.264, HEVC, and JPEG XS support and SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 connectivity, bringing broadcasters the ability to adapt to specific needs in the field, support evolving production capabilities, and maximize efficiency across diverse production environments. The Falkon X4 5G mobile video transmitter is purpose-built for remote production of live sports and 24/7 news, delivering robust, uninterrupted connectivity over bonded cellular networks even in congested network environments.

KOKUSAI DENKI to Showcase 4K and Remote Production Solution

KOKUSAI DENKI Electric America will showcase a range of professional imaging solutions at booth N8025, emphasizing flexible pathways to 4K production and efficient remote workflows for AV professionals across worship, higher education, live events, government and corporate production environments.

Leading the company’s InfoComm presence is the new Z-HD6500-S1 UHD/HD production camera system, a professional multi-format solution that offers customers an affordable path to native 4K production. Designed to balance premium image quality with practical budget considerations, the Z-HD6500-S1 is ideal for organizations seeking long-term investment protection while expanding their production capabilities over time.

The Z-HD6500-S1 builds upon the proven foundation of KOKUSAI DENKI’s Z-HD6500 HD camera platform while incorporating native 4K imaging technology derived from the company’s flagship SK-UHD7000 system. The camera integrates 2/3-inch UHD-native sensors with RGB 3-chip technology and 8.3 million effective pixels per sensor to deliver vibrant imagery, strong sensitivity and exceptionally low noise performance across dynamic production conditions.

Magewell Brings Broadcast AV and More to InfoComm

"We expect “Broadcast AV” will continue be a key buzzword this year," Amy Zhou, director of sale, Magewell told SCN in the InfoComm 2026 Impulses. "It’s not just a technology trend; it is how content creation is evolving today. The capabilities of Pro AV solutions have advanced enough to provide budget-friendly options for broadcasters diversifying media channels, while corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies endeavor to produce their internal events at broadcast-level quality at reasonable costs."

Magewell will also unveil its recently introduced Director Plus portable 4K production and presentation system at booth N7736. As the third offering in the Director line of products, Director Plus builds on existing models' rich features with expanded HDMI I/O and IP inputs; 4K/60FPS recording and streaming; and enhanced network connectivity including an integrated 5G modem and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.

Designed for portability but ideal for a wide range of environments and applications, Director Plus is a broadcast-grade, all-in-one 4K production and presentation system for end-to-end live video workflows. Users can flexibly ingest live AV feeds and media assets from a wide range of devices, networks, and third-party software platforms. With the ability to switch and composite a high number of sources plus powerful production features including telestration and instant replay, creators can produce visually engaging content for sports, worship, medical applications, enterprise communications, education, podcasts, and more.

PTZOptics to Showcase Intelligent Video Ecosystem

PTZOptics will showcase a new generation of intelligent video workflows at booth N8227. There, visitors will see how PTZOptics cameras, software, AI-assisted tracking, camera control, and partner integrations work together to help modern AV teams capture better content with less complexity, and drive actions through video.

Booth highlights include a preview of the expansion in the Horizon camera control platform. Building on the latest launch of the Horizon web interface for 4K cameras, PTZOptics is previewing Horizon Hub, the desktop app launcher which brings Horizon software features like voice tracking and desktop camera controls to all PTZOptics cameras. Desktop applications will include camera control, voice tracking and an all-new Device Manager. Device Manager is designed to simplify camera discovery, setup, monitoring and management across PTZOptics’ deployments, helping AV teams more easily scale from single-room installations to larger camera environments.

PTZOptics will also show a connected ecosystem with intelligent, real-time capabilities enhancing production workflows across education, healthcare, public sector, conferencing, and live events. The showcase reflects PTZOptics’ continued evolution from a camera manufacturer into an intelligent AV workflow company, building the software, camera control, tracking and deployment tools needed for modern video environments.

Telycam to Showcase Expanded PTZ Camera Lineup

Telycam will showcase its latest lineup in its broadcast-class Explore series: the Explore 100, Explore 300, and Explore 500. These new models deliver enhanced image quality, precise focus, and smooth mechanical movement across a wide range of production scenarios. The cameras were designed for a wide array of use cases from sports broadcasts, corporate events, educational applications, to live production environments. Telycam will showcase the new cameras in booth N7957.

Want to know more? Ivy Li joined SCN for an exclusive pre-InfoComm show preview talking trends and what to expect at the Telycam booth. Read all about it here.

Telestream: Where Broadcast Workflows Meet Modern AV

Telestream will showcase its latest innovations for modern AV production environments at booth N7952. Modern AV deployments increasingly require the convergence of live production, IP networking, media processing, streaming, monitoring, and long-term content management. Telestream helps system integrators, consultants, and AV designers simplify deployment complexity with professional-grade technologies that support scalable, reliable, and future-ready media infrastructures across enterprise, venue, education, entertainment, and worship environments.

Telestream technology demonstrations will showcase Wirecast live production and streaming workflows for venues, enterprise studios, classrooms, houses of worship, and live events; how Live Capture ingests high-density live, file, and camera card sources for multi-camera production environments; PRISM waveform monitors and SPG 9000 timing and synchronization technologies for modern IP and UHD media infrastructures; Vantage automated media processing and content preparation workflows for streaming, digital signage, and multi-platform delivery; Vantage AI-powered media analysis, captioning, metadata generation, and searchable archive workflows; DIVA integrated media management and archive modernization solutions designed to simplify content discovery and long-term media retention; and flexible on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployment models across the Telestream media workflow ecosystem.

Additionally, Telestream technologies will power the AVIXA TV Studio Booth N6845, demonstrating real-world professional AV workflows live on the show floor. Telestream solutions will support timing and synchronization, signal monitoring, live capture, and remote review workflows throughout the event’s live production environment.

Are you ready for ISE 2026? Before it opens its doors on Feb. 3, SCN continues its look at booths you need to visit.

[SCN's ISE Insiders 2026]

Today, check out Kordz, Magewell, MSolutions, Jetbuilt, D-Tools, and ProjX360.

Kordz to Showcase R.4 48Gbps Rack and Marine Passive HDMI

Kordz will launch the R.4 48Gbps Rack and Marine Passive HDMI Cable. Designed specifically for mission-critical rack and marine applications, this next-generation HDMI cable debuts at booth 2F550. Built as the successor to Kordz’ R.3 18Gbps HDMI Cable, the R.4 has been engineered with key advances in shielding, mechanical stability, cable construction, and safety compliance.

Designed for environments where failure is non-negotiable, the R.4 supports the full 48Gbps data rate, enabling the transmission of uncompressed 8K formats and the complete HDMI 2.1 feature set, including eARC, VRR, and QMS. Each cable is independently performance tested and certified to the DPL Labs Enhanced 48Gbps Reference Standard, verifying reliable interoperability across real-world HDMI systems.

For rack installations, the R.4 features a compact die-cast connector assembly, slimmer cable diameter and 0.3m length increments from 0.3m to 3.0m to support clean dressing, improved airflow and efficient routing in high-density equipment racks. A full metal internal casing combined with a class-leading 95% copper braid shield enhances EMI rejection, helping to maintain signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.

Magewell to Introduce New IP to HDMI Decoder

Magewell will debut their new Pro Convert IP to HDMI multi-format IP decoder at the booth 5E800. The successor to the company's Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI decoder, this new device converts up to four IP input streams into a single HDMI output using an integrated multiviewer.

Magewell's Pro Convert product family bridges traditional and IP-based media workflows by seamlessly converting between AV signals and IP sources (including NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX2, NDI HX3, and H.264 or H.265 delivered via SRT, RTMP, RTSP, HLS, MPEG-TS, and more). Now, the Pro Convert IP to HDMI is the first in a new generation of products that builds upon the versatility and reliability of earlier Pro Convert models with enhanced decoding capabilities, higher input counts, common form factors, and an improved web user interface. In addition to the wide range of formats that are already supported, Magewell's expanded integration with Zixi now enables users to pull Zixi streams directly into their workflows.

The Pro Convert IP to HDMI is a small, standalone decoder that converts up to four IP streams into a single HDR 10-compatible, QHD (2560x1440) HDMI output. Using the integrated multiviewer, decoded input streams can be displayed in preset single, dual, or quad layouts. The device can decode one input stream up to 2560x1440 at 60 frames per second in single-view mode, or up to four 1080p60 streams in multi-view mode. Video preview is provided via real-time stream or MJPEG thumbnails in the new web GUI.

MSolutions to Demonstrate DisplayPort Signal Extension Over USB-C

MSolutions will welcome visitors to booth 1E900 with new single-cable innovations for corporate and EDU AV environments. Top of the list is a new hardware design for its USB-C Extender to support DisplayPort Alternate Mode that diversifies installation points and adds new functionality, including device powering.

The new MS-DPA-CP is a plug-and-play USB-C solution that extends DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) over a single category cable. Its slim profile and sleek design offer a more compact solution for meeting and learning spaces, and a more advanced feature set. Along with hassle-free deployment and flawless performance, the MS-DPA-CP adds 60W of power for laptop charging from the Host Unit for presenters, a new second-gen feature.

MSolutions’s engineering talent has enabled DP Alt Mode over USB-C through specialized USB-C port configuration, which enables seamless extension of 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 18G video and USB data over one USB-C cable without installing drivers or software applications. That design for dedicated DisplayPort connectors which, along with USB-C’s streamlined cable architecture, are two important steps forward in establishing IT-forward meeting and learning spaces.

Integrator Tools

ProjX360 Makes International Debut in Barcelona

ProjX360 will be introducing its solution to the international market at booth 4L 150. Built by integrators, for integrators, ProjX360 was designed to solve one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: managing complex projects across residential and commercial environments without losing visibility, accountability, or profitability. ProjX360 is structured around the real-world way integrators operate—by location.

ProjX360 supports the complete lifecycle of an integration project, from sales and proposals through project execution, inventory, invoicing, and ongoing service. Key capabilities include: location-based project management, multiple proposals per project, dedicated service work orders, inventory and purchasing tools, flexible proposal builders, and seamless integration with QuickBooks. By keeping all documents, discussions, tasks, invoices, and service history organized under a single location, ProjX360 reduces internal friction, improves team coordination, and delivers a better client experience.

Jetbuilt to Debut Jetbot Drawings Suite

Jetbuilt will unveil the complete Jetbot Drawings suite at booth 5B820. Building on the release of Jetbot Drawings for schematic generation, Jetbuilt will introduce rack elevations and architectural floor plans, introducing all drawing elements within the Jetbuilt environment.

Jetbot Drawings utilizes Jetbot, Jetbuilt’s proprietary AI engine, which is trained on thousands of audiovisual design practices, integration standards and product manuals. The schematics are generated in seconds based on the project’s bill of materials and scope of work, with Jetbot automatically creating logical, standards-based connections between sources, processors, displays, amplifiers and other devices. Designers can manually reposition components, adjust wiring, add equipment or request changes using natural language through the Modify function.

At ISE 2026, Jetbuilt will highlight rack elevations as the next phase of the suite. Elevations will translate the project’s equipment list into organized rack layouts, providing design teams with a clear view of space requirements, ventilation considerations and device sequencing earlier in the project cycle. Jetbot helps integrators identify conflicts, confirm mechanical specifications and plan cable management before installation. Since rack elevations are derived from the same project dataset used for schematics, documentation remains consistent across all deliverables.

D-Tools to Unveils Key Updates to System Integrator

D-Tools will be demonstrating an array of major advancements at booth 2J500. Visitors will see a preview of the upcoming release of its System Integrator (SI) version 24 (v24) and will showcase several new enhancements for its award-winning D-Tools Cloud web-based solution.

D-Tools offers a Product Library featuring over 1,800 brands and more than 2 million products with integrator-level pricing. Over the past year, D-Tools has introduced exclusive pricing integrations with leading European distributors, including Habitech, Invision, Pulse Cinemas, Avoke, DbM, ADI-UK, Exertis, AWE, Northamber, Indigo, CAVD, Moss Technical, and Ivory Egg. Additionally, Midwich will soon be onboard. Integrators can now create proposals and place orders in GBP (Pound Sterling).

The innovations in D-Tools SI v24 officially launch in March 2026 and includes: Multi-user project editing; Re-ordering of items in Project Editor; Export of Gantt View to Microsoft Project; and Mobile Install App. The most recent update to D-Tools Cloud includes several major enhancements: D-Tools AI, interconnect diagrams, and a native mobile app.

Get ready! ISE 2026 heads to Fira de Barcelona from Feb. 3-6, and we at SCN asked several exhibitors for the inside scoop. Through this series of short Q&As, we'll talk trends and pre-show buzz, plus give you an exclusive sneak preview of what you'll see on the show floor.

[SCN's ISE Insiders 2026]

Today, Amy Zhou, director of sales, Magewell, breaks down the convergence of two industries, creating the new "Broadcast AV' buzzword.

SCN: What technology or industry trend will be providing the most buzz on the ISE 2026 show floor?

Amy Zhou: The convergence of broadcast technologies and Pro AV has been building for the past decade but is really coming to the forefront now, with “Broadcast AV” a key buzzword. The capabilities of Pro AV solutions have advanced enough to provide budget-friendly options for broadcasters’ diversifying media channels, while corporations, educational institutions and government agencies endeavor to produce their internal events at broadcast-level quality at reasonable costs.

SCN: What is your company’s main focus at the show this year?

AZ: Magewell will reinforce our core emphasis on innovative solutions that help customers bridge any available source type—whether AV signals or IP streams—to any destination, whether that’s software or equipment like projectors and displays. We will announce a new product at the show alongside recent solutions like our Pro Convert IP to USB that will make their ISE debut. Importantly, these solutions aren’t isolated islands; they’re part of a growing ecosystem featuring our own centralized device and stream management software as well as seamless interoperability with third-party partner solutions.

SCN: What makes ISE a unique trade show for the Pro AV industry?

AZ: ISE is not just another Pro AV oriented show, but a show full of diversity. Of course, it brings together manufacturers, systems integrators and end users across multiple vertical markets, but as the “Broadcast AV” convergence accelerates, it is also drawing attendees who might have previously gone only to broadcasting-oriented shows. Bringing them all together leads to great conversations on the show floor that drive innovation.

SCN: Magewell recently expanded its Director line of portable integrated production systems. What markets are you targeting with these devices?

AZ: The Director line was initially designed to simplify the production of engaging shows by small crews of just one to three people, making it ideal for everyone from independent production professionals to AV departments in corporations, schools and houses of worship. We’re continuing to evolve the product line for these use cases, but also seeing it increasingly used to simplify advanced live presentations such as in corporate training sessions. We love seeing our customers using it in new ways.

Magewell introduced a new model in its Pro Convert family of compact IP conversion devices at InfoComm 2025. Winner of a SVC "Best of Show" award, the Pro Convert IP to USB combines the flexible decoding capabilities of the Pro Convert family with the plug-and-play video ingest of Magewell's USB Capture devices, Pro Convert IP to USB lets users bring an NDI, NDI HX, or streaming source into video conferencing and other types of software over a standard USB interface.

[The Integration Guide to NDI: Everything You Need to Know]

"Many users want to bring NDI, SRT, or other streaming sources into their videoconferencing platform or other software, but the need for additional software tools was prohibitive," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell. "Our new Pro Convert IP to USB makes it simple, with the IP source showing up in the user's software just like a webcam. We're excited to be delivering this problem-solving solution to customers."

While direct support for NDI video connectivity technology in third-party software has grown significantly, many AV professionals have continued to find themselves unable to join the NDI ecosystem. Software solutions without native NDI integration may support it through NDI Tools, but stringent IT restrictions in many environments often preclude the installation of such utilities. The Pro Convert IP to USB hardware overcomes this issue and eliminates complexity by converting the NDI source into a USB output that software sees as easily as a webcam.

In addition to NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX2, and NDI HX3, Pro Convert IP to USB also supports H.264 or H.265 source streams in protocols including SRT, RTMP, RTSP, RTP, UDP, and HTTP. This allows users to easily bring live network sources in any of these formats into their software. Even users of software that natively supports NDI or streaming sources can benefit from Pro Convert IP to USB, as decoding these inputs externally in the device reduces the processing burden on the host system's CPU or GPU.

Pro Convert IP to USB decodes IP video sources up to 1920x1080 resolution and can bring them into software as uncompressed video at full 60 frames per second or as MJPEG-compressed video at 30 frames per second. While 30fps is adequate for some video conferencing software, the 1080p60 capabilities of Pro Convert IP to USB flexibly support higher frame rate applications including telepresence solutions, live production software and more. Two channels of 16-bit, 48Khz audio can also be captured.

The Pro Convert IP to USB device is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Compliant with the UVC specification, it offers driver-free installation and immediate compatibility with a wide range of video conferencing (such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams), streaming and production software. The compact device is powered through its USB connection to the host computer, with no additional power source required.

Users can manage and control the Pro Convert IP to USB through an intuitive, browser-based web interface for device configuration, input selection and status monitoring. Multiple Pro Convert devices can also be centrally configured and controlled through Magewell's optional Control Hub management software.

InfoComm 2025 is here. Ready for the show floor? Don't worry, we're here to help. AV Network is live in Orlando, bringing you product news all the way through the final day on June 13.

[New Products and InfoComm Insights]

Check out the product launch at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, and more from Audinate, Listen Technologies | Ampertronic, LynTec, and Magewell.

Taiwan Excellence Pavilion Showcases AV Innovations from 17 Top Taiwanese Brands

Building on the theme “Where Quality Meets Innovation,” Taiwan Excellence is set to feature an immersive pavilion showcasing breakthrough AV technologies, an exclusive product launch unveiling the latest industry advancements, and two networking happy hour events fostering connections among global innovators. Located at booth 7161, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion will feature 17 top Taiwanese innovators in smart home integration, AI-powered conferencing, digital signage, Internet of Things (IoT) and more—all designed to amplify connectivity, boost collaboration, and transform content delivery across industries.

On Wednesday, June 11, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will host a Product Launch & Happy Hour event at 2 p.m. ET.

TAITRA will host a product launch event from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 11. The event will showcase products from AVer Information, BXB Electronics, Delta Electronics, IPEVO, and Lumens. InfoComm 2025 attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance via this link.

Audinate to Address the Evolution of AV over IP

Audinate will highlight new innovations that make it easier than ever to design and deploy future-ready AV solutions at booth 3311. Making its debut at InfoComm, Dante Device Link is a new technology that enables manufacturers to expand device configuration capabilities. It leverages the cloud-based functionality of Dante Director to manage parameters such as gain, EQ settings, phantom power, and fault detection.

Also on display will be Dante Director, a cloud-based SaaS tool that enables the organization and management of Dante networks, will be demonstrated live with features like Telemetry, Signal Presence, and Device Importance for deeper network insight and control and a Dante Media Encryption live demo with Dante Director using AES-256 encryption. Designed for fixed installation, the Dante AVIO Install adapters, available in 2-channel analog input and output versions, feature Euroblock connectors for streamlined integration with pro audio gear.

Lastly, attendees can see how Dante AV is enhancing AV in education and beyond. In a lecture hall setup, educators can deliver high-fidelity video content and camera feeds in multiple formats with Dante AV. In corporate AV, live events, and worship venues, organizations can simplify AV over IP workflows by running video over the same trusted Dante audio network using standard Ethernet. Showcasing some of the newest devices to join our roster of 100-plus Dante AV-enabled products developed by 60 leading manufacturers, we will highlight the versatility and innovation of the growing Dante AV ecosystem.

Listen Technologies, Ampetronic to Showcase Comprehensive Suite of Assistive Listening Solutions

Listen Technologies and Ampetronic are bringing their extensive suite of customizable and scalable assistive listening and communication solutions to booth 4361. The companies will showcase Auri, the first complete Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening system.

Designed for venues and end users, Auri leverages Auracast broadcast audio technology to deliver high-quality, low-latency, multi-channel audio to unlimited dedicated receivers and newly emerging Auracast-compatible devices like hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and mobile phones.

Listen Technologies and Ampetronic will also demonstrate ListenWIFI 3.2, the most significant update to the ListenWIFI ecosystem since its initial launch in 2024. ListenWIFI 3.2 introduces powerful new features, security upgrades, and thoughtful improvements designed to elevate the user experience and offer greater flexibility for deployment in complex environments.

LynTec to Spotlight Expanded Power Control Portfolio

LynTec will showcase a range of new power control innovations at the Chauvet booth 6453. The company will debut new LynTec and Juice Goose solutions, highlight the full integration of Juice Goose into the LynTec brand, and demonstrate collaborative in-booth installations with Chauvet that illustrate the versatility of its power solutions across various installation sizes and environments.

At the show, LynTec will preview an update to its rack-mounted power control systems, designed for small to midsize AVL installations. Engineered for efficiency and expandability, the new system delivers smarter sequencing, greater flexibility, and intuitive control from a compact footprint—ideal for conference rooms, houses of worship, schools, and medium-sized venues.

LynTec will display its flagship RPC solutions as well as the new 20 Amp Dual Output DMX Relay, designed to meet the needs of lighting professionals seeking simple, direct relay control in DMX-driven environments.

On the Juice Goose side, several new products will be previewed, including IEC cable connectors, Edison extension cords, and outlet boxes—all built to meet the demands of mobile production and rental/touring workflows. These accessories expand the practical utility of the Juice Goose line and demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the fast-paced needs of event professionals.

Magewell to Showcase Newest Innovations

Magewell heads to InfoComm with a new addition to their Pro Convert product line and the introduction of an entirely new family of Pro Convert devices at booth 2818.

Introduced at the 2025 NAB show and making its debut at InfoComm, the new Pro Convert IP to USB is a plug-and-play device that enables computers, including laptops, to capture an NDI, NDI HX, or other streaming sources through a USB interface with no external power required. It is ideal for use in conference rooms, production studios, and in environments where existing users' software does not natively support NDI or other IP protocols and/or the installation of additional software is not permitted.

Being previewed at InfoComm 2025, the first member of the Xmit family is the Pro Convert Xmit AIO, the ultimate streaming encoder/decoder problem solver. Pro Convert Xmit AIO is a standalone device that converts one channel of SDI or HDMI to or from NDI HX formats, especially fulfilling customer needs for an 4Kp60 NDI HX encoder. Being configurable as an encoder or decoder, the device is ideally suited for many types of live production and ProAV installations where NDI HX over 1Gbps network infrastructures are employed.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends, best practices for creating high-quality content that engages audiences, and choosing the best tools for production.

Thought Leader: Nick Ma, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Magewell

We’ve been saying for many years that corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies would need to adopt broadcast-caliber production capabilities to keep their viewers engaged in the increasingly saturated media landscape. That reality is now here, as audience attention spans are shorter than ever before, and organizations are putting greater emphasis on production values to engage and hold the interest of employees, customers, students, and constituents.

Fortunately, compared to five years ago, it’s also easier for enterprises and organizations to create compelling content—and more cost-effective, too. The convergence of broadcast and professional AV technologies has helped make the feature richness and visual excellence of today’s top content creation solutions accessible to both broadcast producers and AV professionals alike. Meanwhile, all-in-one production solutions are minimizing the amount of equipment required to create visually rich productions, reducing not only cost but also personnel requirements for each production.

For example, our popular Director Mini and new Director One all-in-one production solutions each combine multi-camera switching, graphics, instant replay, streaming, recording, and monitoring in one compact, intuitive device. This eliminates the need for separate products for switching, encoding, character generation, and so on—each of which might also have required its own trained operator. With our all-in-one solutions, different tasks can still be divided up between multiple production assistants if desired, or a single operator can control all aspects from one intuitive interface.

Similarly, these solutions’ ability to directly accept a wide range of input formats—from AV signals like HDMI to IP sources such as NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX, and SRT—eliminates the need for separate conversion devices, saving cost and workflow complexity. Our vision has long been to make it easy for AV professionals to create high-quality content that rivals premium media enterprises, and that vision is becoming a reality.

The NAB Show 2025 is quickly approaching, with the show floor opening at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 5. As always, we'll bring you a look at what new products to add to your must-see list.

Today, take a look at what Matrox Video, Black Box, Magewell, Tightrope, and QuickLinks have ready to show off in Vegas.

Black Box Brings Flexible IP KVM to Vegas

At booth 10616 in South Lower Hall, Black Box will highlight its Emerald Unified KVM-over-IP products built to offer secure, flexible, and scalable workflows with low IP bandwidth usage.

Visitors to the Black Box booth will see new Emerald products including the Emerald DESKVUE PE Multi-Source, Multi-View receiver with precise 4K/60 video processing and the Emerald GE Gateway for multiple simultaneous user access to the same virtual machine. The Black Box booth will also feature the popular Emerald Remote App, which provides high-performance remote access.

Black Box also will showcase the latest additions to the Emerald family by offering live in-booth demos of the latest DisplayPort versions of Emerald SE and PE. These IP KVM solutions ensure reliability while enabling exceptionally intuitive user experiences and incomparable remote system connectivity for production control rooms and both remote and hybrid productions, including live events.

Magewell to Showcase Newest Innovations

Magewell will showcase new additions to their USB Capture and Pro Convert product lines. Booth N1971 will feature live demonstrations of these, and the entire range of Magewell products.

The new Modator Ultra Encode SDI Plus features 4Kp30 encoding capabilities that enable simultaneous multi-protocol streaming, file-based recording onto built-in storage on the module, and other advanced features.

The new plug-and-play USB Capture SDI 4K Pro can capture SDI signals of up to 4096x2160 (including 3840x2160 Ultra HD) at 60fps with 4:2:2 chroma fidelity and is an ideal solution for applications such as streaming, video conferencing, live production, immersive presentations and more.  

The new Pro Convert IP to USB will make its debut at NAB. A plug-and-play device, it enables computers, including laptops, to capture an NDI, NDI HX or streaming source through a USB interface with no additional power source required. And lastly, making its North American premier at the 2025 NAB Show, Director One has a built-in 4G modem and dedicated 4G and WiFi antennas to keep users seamlessly connected, ensuring uninterrupted streaming and control for flawless production experiences.

Matrox Video Is 'Redefining IP Workflows' with Future-Ready, Interoperable Solutions

Attendees at Matrox Video's booth SL4511 will experience the latest innovations designed to optimize today’s live production workflows while paving the way for the next generation of IP-based broadcasting.

Matrox Video will showcase its Monarch EDGE, ConvertIP, Vion, Avio 2, and Matrox ORIGIN—each engineered to streamline live production workflows. Monarch EDGE is a high-performance, low-latency IP-based encoder and decoder pair that supports 4K and multi-HD workflows. At NAB, the company will demonstrate its low-latency SRT encode and decode capabilities, including the latest ancillary data transport features for remote production and contribution workflows.

The latest in the Matrox ConvertIP series will be demonstrated at NAB, Matrox ConvertIP SDM, is an Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) that supports ST 2110 and IPMX inputs, delivering zero-latency 4K video over IP while ensuring compatibility across diverse systems. Another new device to watch out for is Matrox Vion, an IP video gateway that supports multi-channel encoding, decoding, and transcoding across ST 2110, IPMX, SRT, and NDI formats. At NAB, Matrox Video will showcase Vion’s ability to transcode between NDI, SRT, ST 2110/IPMX, and JPEG XS, demonstrating its versatility in handling multiple streams simultaneously.

QuickLink to Launch Two New Variations StudioPro Solution

QuickLink will launch two new models of its renowned QuickLink StudioPro video production platform, StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, at booth SL10413. Ideal for a wide range of production applications from broadcast to live events as well as various AV scenarios including houses of worship, education, corporate and government environments, the latest models of QuickLink StudioPro feature a variety of advancements for an enhanced workflow.

The 4K video production platform QuickLink StudioPro delivers a true-to-life ultra-low latency production experience without the complexity of legacy systems. To complement its existing 12G-SDI and ST 2110 models, the StudioPro product line is now available with 3G-SDI and NDI models, fitting a range of different workflows and applications. 

These tailor-made StudioPro models deliver a solution for those looking to create high-quality live video productions with an easy-to-use interface that provides endless possibilities. The StudioPro suite, including StudioPro-NDI, comes officially NDI Certified, guaranteed to connect seamlessly and perform up to the NDI standards of efficiency, interoperability and quality in any setup.

Tightrope to Launch MediaScribe Caption and Translation Service

Tightrope Media Systems will demonstrate its new MediaScribe media accessibility and transcription service at booth W2615. Designed to make government meetings more accessible, MediaScribe offers real-time text transcriptions and translations that can be displayed on dedicated on-premise displays, personal mobile devices, and cable channels. Currently powering in-room displays for large city and county operations across the country, MediaScribe will be available for pre-order at the show.

MediaScribe is a hybrid service that combines a hardware interface and cloud-powered AI services to provide a flexible, user-friendly workflow. Live meeting footage is ingested into the on-prem, 2 RU gateway appliance via SDI. Then, via Gigabit Ethernet, Cablecast’s cloud-based captioning engine uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) to cost-effectively convert speech into text.

With three SDI outputs, MediaScribe can be configured to deliver three types of displays, presentations, or outputs. Closed captions can be inserted into live broadcasts by downstream systems. Other options include in-room transcriptions on dedicated screens in chambers, as well as open captions that allow viewers to read what is happening during a meeting in areas where there is no sound provided on the displays. Captions can be routed through standard AV equipment or converted to HDMI for standard displays.

Magewell introduced new Q-SYS plug-in integrations for the Pro Convert family of live IP video encoders and decoders. As a contributor to the Q-SYS Ecosystem, Magewell collaborated with Q-SYS to create a market-ready solution that integrates seamlessly with the Q-SYS cloud-manageable audio, video, and control platform.

The Pro Convert plug-in integrations have been endorsed with Q-SYS Certified status and are now available for download through Q-SYS Designer Asset Manager found in the Q-SYS Designer Software.

[Eyes on ISE 2025]

Magewell's Pro Convert family of converters lets users easily and reliably bring AV signals into and out of IP-based media infrastructures. Pro Convert encoders transform HDMI or SDI source signals into NDI High Bandwidth IP streams with extremely low latency. Pro Convert decoders convert live NDI High Bandwidth or NDI® HX streams —as well as H.264 or H.265 streams in protocols including SRT, RTMP, RTSP and more—into high-quality SDI or HDMI outputs for display on devices such as monitors and projectors.

The new plug-ins enable monitoring, configuration, and control of Pro Convert devices through the Q-SYS Platform. For Pro Convert encoders, users can configure NDI encoding settings; specify the NDI transmission method; access an NDI Discovery Server; view technical details of the input source signal; and adjust image settings such as brightness and hue. With Pro Convert decoders, the plug-in lets users configure NDI transmission and discovery settings; select between available NDI source streams on the network; view technical details of the NDI streams; configure the decoder's output resolution; and adjust video output functions including tally indicators, audio meters, image flipping and more.

[NDI Reigns over AVoIP Protocols]

The new Pro Convert plug-ins are Magewell's newest Q-SYS Certified integrations, joining the previously released Q-SYS control plug-in for Magewell's USB Fusion video capture, mixing and presentation device.

Magewell has released its most extensive feature update yet for the Director Mini all-in-one production and streaming system, with more than 50 enhancements in the new version 3.0 firmware upgrade. The updates come with new lower pricing that makes the power of Director Mini accessible to an even wider range of content producers.

Currently in beta testing and slated for release in the next 30 days, Director Mini version 3.0 will be available as a free firmware update.

New Features to Know

Magewell's Director Mini combines multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording, and monitoring in one compact device. Already highly acclaimed for packing a huge array of features into its small, portable form factor, version 3.0 makes Director Mini even more powerful with over four dozen enhancements to its production toolset, remote control capabilities and input flexibility.

"Like previous Director Mini updates, version 3.0 includes some powerful new features that add value for our customers," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell. "We also put a strong emphasis on making existing capabilities even better, giving users more control and refining the user experience for even greater ease and efficiency."

[SCN Review: The Director Mini Gets Small]

New scene presets—including picture in-picture, side-by-side, quad-splits, and more—make it even faster and easier for users to create scene layouts incorporating multiple camera angles and sources. Director Mini's built-in scoreboard engine now offers four new templates for football (soccer) including stoppage time and player substitution. Its integrated graphics capabilities now include animated titles and lower thirds, while numerous user interface refinements make working with scene layouts and graphics quicker yet more precise.

Director Mini's versatile remote control options have also been extended, letting producers and assistants control even more aspects of Director Mini from mobile devices and laptops. The free Director Utility mobile app now incorporates live program video and audio monitoring; multi-step shortcut creation and editing; instant replay control; and replay event sharing. Director Mini's browser-based web UI has also been expanded to include instant replay controls.

Director Mini's input flexibility—which already included HDMI, USB, NDI, SRT, RTMP and mobile camera inputs—has been further expanded with support for RTSP streams and HTML webpage sources. Version 3.0 can also use NDI High Bandwidth sources with alpha channel as motion overlays in Director Mini's powerful graphics engine.

[NDI Reigns over AVoIP Protocols]

Additional new features include the ability to encode Director Mini's multi-view output (comprising program output, preview output and multiple input sources) for recording, streaming or NDI distribution; support for captive portal authentication in shared Wi-Fi environments; USB tethering to use a smartphone's cellular data connectivity; and dozens of other fixes and enhancements.

Panopto has officially endorsed Magewell's vast array of USB, PCI Express and M.2-based video capture devices—including the USB Capture, USB Capture Plus, Pro Capture and Eco Capture families—for use with Panopto's AI-powered video management solutions for higher education and workforce training. 

[SCN Review: Review: Let's Get Small]

Panopto is an AI-powered video content management platform that simplifies using video to capture information for educational institutions and enterprise teams. Panopto users can share information via video securely and manage a full library of searchable video-based intelligent knowledge assets, all in one single platform.

[Integrators and AI]

Featuring driver-free installation and automatic input format detection for true plug-and-play operation, Magewell's USB Capture and USB Capture Plus external capture devices enable all types of computers including laptops to easily and reliably bring AV signals into software through a standard USB 3.0 interface. High-performance Pro Capture PCI Express cards are designed for installation in Windows, Mac and Linux computers and are available in single, dual and quad-channel models with a flexible choice of input interfaces and resolutions. Meanwhile, the Eco Capture family of ultra-compact M.2 cards offers low-latency capture with low power consumption for small and embedded systems where full-sized PCIe slots are unavailable.

It's getting closer. InfoComm 2024 takes over the Las Vegas Convention Center this June 8-14. Keep up with SCN's preshow coverage with new products, events, and insights to expect on the show floor. And don't forget to bookmark the link below for all of SCN's InfoComm 2024 coverage. 

[Follow the ROAD TO INFOCOMM 2024 at AV Network] 

PPDS to Launch New Philips Digital Signage, LED, and AI Software

PPDS heads to InfoComm with new, sustainability inspired digital signage, dvLED, software, and AI-driven strategic partnership announcements, plus much more at Philips Booth W2544. PPDS has also teamed up with Oracle Red Bull Racing to feature two Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 simulators (featuring 42-inch Philips Evnia gaming monitors), giving visitors to the Booth the opportunity to compete for Pole.

Local and global PPDS teams will be on hand to demonstrate and answer any questions on the company’s latest and greatest innovations in digital signage—including new sizes in the award winning Tableaux ePaper range—interactive displays, and dvLED, including the Philips Unite LED All In One line up, and a brand new Unite Series panel debuting in North America.

While full details will be confirmed in June, the launch of a new cloud-based education software—an ideal accompaniment for the Google Certified 4K Philips Collaboration displays for education—will also be among this year’s big InfoComm reveals.

Designed with educators, for education, and brought together with future-focused developers and technologies, this innovative new software will bring simplicity to the classroom for teachers and students alike, bringing every tool needed for lesson planning and delivery into one easy-to-access, intuitive, and secure place. 

Matrox Video Will Showcase New AVoIP Products and Technology for Mission-Critical Environments

Matrox Video  will highlight its AV-over-IP (AVoIP) technologies—including the brand-new, next-gen Vion AVoIP gateway and Mura distributed video wall appliance —at Booth W1132. Matrox Video will demonstrate a comprehensive array of products for networked IP-based control rooms and other mission-critical environments, as well as for live events, and show how they enable users to control KVM over IP, stream over IP, power video walls over IP, and respond to critical events in real time.

NEW TECHNOLOGY DEMOS 

Mura Distributed Video Wall Appliance
The highly scalable, fully IP Mura distributed video wall appliance uses a serverless architecture and powerful web configuration tool for easy setup and operation and delivers PTP-synchronized and framelocked video to as many as 64 4K displays for the most demanding applications. Supporting H.264 and H.265 over 1- to 2.5-GB networks, and controllable with the proven Matrox NetAPI, each Mura processor can decode up to four 4Kp60 streams in 4:4:4. With the new Matrox Mura distributed video wall appliance, system integrators can effortlessly deploy high-density, cost-effective, fully IP-based distributed video walls by reducing the need for extra hardware and cabling. The Mura DVW demo at InfoComm 2024 will feature a 5x3 video wall, powered by five Mura appliances. A total of 15 4K displays will be framelocked and perfectly synchronized, with the Mura appliances streaming content from a variety of sources including Matrox Maevex 7100 and Maevex 6100 systems, as well as the new Matrox Vion IP-to-IP gateway. Video wall creators gain easy control with the Matrox NetAPI and Matrox MuraControl for Windows software.

Vion AVoIP Gateway
Built on next-generation, IT-inspired architecture, Matrox Vion solves the problem of moving from one IP video format to another and is the first Matrox Video product to support NDI. The Vion technology showcase in the Matrox Video booth will demonstrate how this new multi-purpose AVoIP gateway enables flexible, easy IP video bridging and conversion, boosting productivity and enabling new local and cloud IP-to-IP workflows. As an IP-to-IP video gateway, Vion is ideal for live production and collaboration, with support for 4:4:4 color and optional SDI/HDMI I/O. Vion converts to and from formats and codecs like RTSP-H.264 to NDI, NDI to IPMX, IPMX to SRT-H.265, and more, including transmitting NDI over SRT for internet-based transmission. Perfect for the most demanding AV applications, Vion preserves the fine details of desktop content with HEVC 4:4:4 codec support. With flexible, low-latency multichannel encoding, decoding, transcoding, and processing, Vion enables color space conversions, changes to streaming protocols and bitrates, and transmits multiple concurrent streams.

Magewell to Highlight AV-over-IP, Streaming, and Content Production Advances

Magewell is heading back to Las Vegas to showcase its innovations to AV professionals and integrators at Booth C5747. The company will show off its latest innovations that reflect the increasing scale, significance, and maturity of AV-over-IP, streaming and content production in today's Pro AV environments.

Magewell solutions making their Pro AV exhibition debut at InfoComm 2024 will include the new Modator IP conversion family. Ideal for multi-channel AV-over-IP deployments, Modator brings the reliability and low-latency performance of the company's standalone IP encoders and decoders to a high-density, modular, rackmount form factor. 

Also making its first InfoComm appearance is a powerful new upgrade of the Director Mini all-in-one production and streaming system. Director Mini combines multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one portable device, enabling users easily to produce engaging multi-camera content through an intuitive touchscreen interface and companion mobile app. New features include instant replay, support for live HTML graphics overlays, network bonding with Speedify technology and much more.

[Review" The Director Mini... Let's Get Small]

In Magewell's live streaming portfolio, demonstrations will highlight the newest models in the company's growing Ultra Encode family of advanced live media encoders. The compact Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus blend exceptional encoding and delivery flexibility with simultaneous multi-protocol streaming, file-based recording, NDI HX3 support, 4K encoding at 30 frames per second, PoE support, and tally lights for live production.

IHSE USA Will Highlight Its Tera Web Control, Draco Ultra 495 Units for 4K, and kvm-tec Scalable Pro Line

IHSE USA will showcase its latest KVM and extender solutions designed to deliver flexibility, connectivity, and high performance in booth C5631. Solutions include the new Tera Web Control for easy GUI monitor arrangements of a KVM system, full control room display management with IHSE's Draco ultra 495 units for 4K, and the kvm-tec Scalable Pro Line for 4K/5K multiview applications.

[InfoComm 2024 Impulses: IHSE Discusses KVM and Its Display Management Systems]

Tera Web Control
At the show, visitors will see how it operates similar to an external media controller with workstations represented on a layout mirroring the console arrangement and providing a visual indicator of their current switching states. With just three clicks, individual consoles can be switched reliably from a browser application. With a single click, multiple console workstations can be swiftly reconfigured using predefined presets. Access restrictions adhere to the matrix's original administrative configuration. Custom layouts can be crafted effortlessly and without programming expertise.

High-Resolution Extender Solutions for 4K HDMI Control Rooms
Highlighted this year will be the Draco vario ultra HDMI 2.0 extender sets, which enable the operation of CPUs from a remotely located workstation, including HDMI monitor, keyboard, and mouse over a duplex Cat X or fiber connection. Transfer of a fully digital video signal is supported in 4K resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 at a 60 Hz refresh rate and color depth (10 bit, 4:2:2 or 8 bit, 4:4:4).

The 495 Series of extenders for HDMI 2.0 can be used as point-to-point connections or easily integrated into either the FLEX or Enterprise series of KVM matrix systems to offer multiple CPU access from a single workstation. Separation of up to 10Km can be achieved between the source computer and operator's workstation. The compact blade design fits any chassis assembly style, and a variety of upgrade cards are available to support Audio, USB 2.0 or RS-232/422 signals. When these extenders are used in a KVM matrix application, they are auto detected in the matrix control unit, which simplifies setup. No external network configurations are required, and setup is completed in minutes, allowing immediate access to any CPU connected to the KVM matrix.

kvm-tec Series Extenders for KVMoIP With 4K and Multiviewer Capabilities
With the new kvm-tec Scalable Multiview Commander, up to 16 sources in full HD or 4K can be combined and displayed on a single 4K monitor and controlled via one mouse and keyboard. Compatible with standard 10G network switches and capable of supporting up to 2,000 endpoints, users can select any 16 sources and manage them directly via OSD menu shortcuts or directly through kvm-tec's switching manager software.

Humly Floor Plan Software Brings Parking Situation into View

Humly will showcase a new feature for its Humly Floor Plan software that takes space booking outside the walls of the workplace, school, or healthcare facility. Humly will introduce new power, control, and sensing accessories for the Humly Booking Device at Booth C9277.

Humly Floor Plan specifically addresses the challenge of booking workspaces in hybrid business environments with flexible, dynamic worker schedules. The product provides a comprehensive 3D overview of meeting rooms, desks, and now parking space availability on each floor, in each building, and in every garage, providing a true enterprise-level solution for any business office or campus. 

[The Nine 2024: Humly's Anders Karlsson]

The new Parking Space Booking feature provides a complete view of the open-air parking lot or multi-level garage. The software’s clear 3D visualization allows users to quickly identify available spaces for general, visitor, disabled, and electric vehicle parking, among other areas. Parking spaces are shaded red (booked) and green (available) on the Floor Plan layout; users immediately claim an open spot upon clicking the bookable parking space and entering the desired parking duration.

Humly will unveil its latest Humly Booking Device innovations to North American audiences at InfoComm, including a new network-enabled accessory that improves powering and control functionalities for desk integrations. Introduced at ISE in February, Humly’s PoE and Desk Control features are enabled through a separate, ultra-compact accessory with an ethernet port for PoE powering and a separate cabling connection to control desk positions. These features can be turned on separately or together. 

The show floor is almost open. Before you head to Las Vegas, add these brand-new solutions and products from NPAW, Magewell, Cablecast, Stage Precision, and Marshall to your list. 

MORE NAB SHOW NEWS:

NAB Show 2024 News: 5 Booths You Won't Want to Miss
NAB Show 2024 News: 5 NAB Debuts to See in Last Vegas
NAB Show 2024 News: Updates of What to Expect from the Show Floor
NAB Show 2024 News: JVC Zooms In on PTZs, Plus 4 More New Products
NAB Show 2024 News: Generative AI and A Slew of Product Debuts to See
NAB Show 2024 News: A New Hitachi Kokusai Production Package and More
NAB Show 2024 News: New Products from Canon, Panasonic Connect, and More

New Firmware Update to Magewell Director Mini All-in-One Production and Streaming System

Magewell is continuing to expand the capabilities of its Director Mini all-in-one production and streaming system. Over two dozen new features and enhancements including instant replay, support for live HTML graphics platforms, network bonding and much more will be on display at Booth C6816.

Magewell's Director Mini is a complete, portable production and streaming system that combines multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one compact device. Director Mini lets users easily produce engaging multi-camera content through an intuitive touchscreen interface and companion mobile app. SCN's own Chuck Gloman took it for a test drive and you can read his review here. 

Headlining the list of additions is dual-channel instant replay. Two concurrent replays can be captured from Director Mini's program output or HDMI, USB or NDI inputs. The replays can be played back individually or side-by-side at full speed or slow motion with user-specified stinger transitions, and can be saved as highlight recordings for future use.

New HTML graphics support enables user-specified web pages to be used as graphic overlays in Director Mini. While almost any web page can be incorporated into a production, the real power of this feature is unlocked when used in conjunction with a live graphics platform that generates real-time HTML-based overlays such as custom scoreboards, news or election graphics.

Marshall Introduces CV612 Auto Tracking PTZ Camera

Marshall Electronics will debut its newest auto-tracking camera, the CV612-TBI/TWI PTZ camera, at Booth C5912. The Marshall CV612, available in black (CV612-TBI) and white models (CV612-TWI), features the ability to automatically track, follow and frame presenters using AI facial learning for accurate and smooth self-adjusting maneuvers. 

Equipped with 12X optical and a 15X digital zoom, the CV612 offers a 4.1mm-49.2mm (6.6-70.3 degrees) field of view. It is built around a professional-grade 2-Megapixel 1/2.8-inch, high-quality HD CMOS sensor, which provides format resolutions from 1920x1080, 1280x720 down to 640x480, making this the ideal solution for production and live streaming.

The CV612 has a flexible networkable IP interface with simultaneous 3GSDI, HDMI and USB 3.0 Type C outputs for ease of connection for various applications. One Ethernet (CAT) cable installation with PoE+ simplifies setup and operation. Control interface includes RS232, Visca/Pelco protocols as well as LAN control. Also included is a handheld IR remote control. The PTZ features a pan rotation of 170 degrees, tilt rotation of -90-+90 degrees, and variable pan and tilt and preset speeds.

Stage Precision to Debut Virtual Production Tool Kit 

Stage Precision will be making its debut as an exhibitor at Booth C7750  and will show off its solutions and will be running live events at the booth including 'A Look Inside Stage Precision's Software Suite' and 'Super Bowl 2024: Elevating the AR Experience with Stage Precision'.

Stage Precision’s SP and Shield software solutions have acted as the technological backbone of high-stakes events and broadcast productions over recent months including the 2024 Super Bowl, the NBA All-Stars, and the Riot Games and Gamers 8 esports championships. Its NAB Show offerings include the capability of multi-tracking system integration within SP. Multiple hardware devices and software from other manufacturers can be unified within a single workflow, giving unprecedented visibility over data inputs and enhanced system management for complex productions. A custom API integration, named SPnet is another focus for this year’s show.

New Cablecast Accessibility Upgrades Deliver Improved Viewer Experience 

Cablecast Community Media is helping PEG channels improve the viewer experience with several new features that will be demonstrated at the Renaissance Hotel Las Vegas, Suite 839.

Cablecast is leading with accessibility upgrades at NAB this year. Its new Multiple Audio Programs (MAP) functionality answers the need for Secondary Audio Program (SAP) support. Other upgrades include expanded web content accessibility features and improved VOD search capabilities.

Developed for Cablecast VIO video servers, MAP allows PEG channels to broadcast multiple audio pairs. Initially supporting two audio channels, this full-featured option will eventually allow PEG stations to air four languages simultaneously. Station programmers can define languages and select them at the channel or program level. Viewers can use the SAP feature via their television or streaming app on mobile and OTT platforms. MAP allows for other use cases as well, such as audio description for residents with visual impairments or director’s commentary. 

Another upgrade allows community media centers with the Cablecast REFLECT+ cloud-based content delivery service to offer Enhanced Search on Cablecast Internet Channels. This feature enables search of Video-on-Demand (VOD) titles, chapters, and transcripts. Cablecast is also making an effort to expand video accessibility features on its Cablecast Internet Channels by conforming to the updated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Published by the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative, WCAG 2.2 became a W3C recommendation last fall. The guidelines are designed to make web content more usable for people with disabilities and users in general.

NPAW to Unveil Second-Generation NaLa AI Companion

NPAW is launching its second-generation AI companion, NaLa, at Booth W1421. Now smarter, more powerful, and more flexible, NaLa 2.0 can analyze large amounts of data collected in the NPAW Suite, and pinpoint the cause of issues in record time, helping video services mitigate problems faster to protect viewer satisfaction and reduce costs.

The versatility of NaLa 2.0 has expanded, supporting more methods for uncovering insights. Whether you prefer voice commands, text input, or even interacting through email, NaLa’s intuitive interface delivers quick, accurate answers in almost every language. The responses extend beyond text and graphs; NaLa can even supply source code to assist with API requests and plugin integration. Users can also request root cause identification and other complex analyses directly from a chart with just a few clicks.

It goes a step further in democratizing data access within organizations, empowering every single member of the team to become a data expert. This means they can access business-critical intelligence effortlessly by using NaLa 2.0.

At a time where remote crews are getting smaller and more responsibility is put on fewer people, there is no better time for technology to work in your favor. Magewell's Director Mini is a self-contained “mini” TV station. The all-in-one unit includes a switcher, CG with built-in scoreboard, DVR, monitor, and broadcasting system (streaming). But can a unit that's so small actually deliver big results?

I/O and Remote Assistance

Director Mini is roughly the size of a very chunky cell phone, so it fits in the palm of your hand, even if you have tiny hands. You probably don't want to hold the thing for the entirety of your shoot, so you can attach a tripod using an industry standard 1/4-20 thread. The unit can be powered using AC or optional NP-F batteries.

When I was working in live television, you were only as good as your video sources when creating a show. The output is important, but having numerous feeds is critical to have the most informative final product. Director Mini accepts numerous input sources through two USB AV and two HDMI inputs, plus up to three live IP streaming sources (RTMP, SRT, and NDI) as well as stored media.

[Product Review: Follow You, Follow Me]

Using the 5.44-inch OLED touchscreen horizontally for traditional video or vertically for cell phone images, you can cut or transition between live or stored video and audio. Speaking of phones, Magewell's free Director Utility app allows your phone to be a mobile camera as well as a remote “assistant” for system configuration, switching, audio control, and more.

In our university’s TV studio, we need to run long HDMI or fiber optic cables from the cameras to our control room-based video switcher. By using the Director Mini with a Magewell Ultra Encode Plus encoder, the HDMI sources can be encoded for network-based NDI HX3 transport. Other complementary Magewell solutions, such as Pro Convert decoders, enable multiple locations to utilize the Director Mini feeds.

Director Mini outputs up to 1080p/60fps at a 30 Mbps bit rate, but it can accept sources up to 4K and downconvert them automatically. It can stream to social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube Live or other locations via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Need to store your show? Insert an SD card or just use the unit's internal 64 GB storage.

Facing the unit, the left side has two HDMI inputs with a USB 3.0 in between. The right side includes its own USB 3.0 port, plus the 3.5mm microphone/line input, 3.5mm headphone output, and power button. Positioned around the centrally located mounting screw on the bottom are the Ethernet port, SD card slot, USB-C out, and 12-volt AC input. Both optional batteries attach on the back and are separated by the cooling fan.

Multi-Camera Possibilities

My review Director Mini arrived with an AC power adapter with four wall receptacles for worldwide use, plus two mini stands, sunhood with two thumbscrews, and quick start guide. Third-party accessories such as a screen cover and desktop stand are also available.

At our university, video production equipment is used by all the students, which can drastically shorten the lifespan of said equipment. Although I only had the Director Mini for a few weeks, I believe it is built well and will hold up to multiple operators.

[Drink Up, Listen Up]

After connecting the unit to my home’s Wi-Fi, I downloaded the Director Utility app from the App Store. Within a few moments, I could control the Director Mini from my iPhone. Director Mini can be controlled by its own touchscreen, the app, or a web interface. On the touchscreen, touching the icon in the upper left corner brings up: Create a show, Show list, Album, Settings, Feedback, and Help. On the bottom left is a dotted rectangle with a plus in the center. That opens Create a New Scene with 10 options for sources.

When I returned to campus, I hooked up two Blackmagic 6K Pocket Cameras via the two HDMI inputs. Once powered on and the graphics display finished its starting routine, it was ready for its first assignment. Selecting each input showed the image on the touchscreen. However, when I tried to use my iPhone as a third camera input, our university’s firewall stopped it. Thankfully, Director Mini can also serve as a Wi-Fi access point, so phones can connect directly to the device. The test shoots I did from my office looked great, and I was able to label the cameras using the built-in CG system.

If I had the Director Mini for a longer period, I would have sent a remote crew out to one of our sporting events. The last sporting event we covered had tethered cameras with their HDMIs going into an amp and then to our switcher. Dealing with cables, AC feeds, etc. made the logistics a nightmare. Had I only known about the Director Mini then—capturing an away game with student shooters using their phones, everything could have streamed live from the event, and we could have saved the production directly to the unit.

[Review: Audio-Technica Targets Streaming Production with StreamSet]

Anywhere a remote production is required, you now have the necessary tool to tie everything together. Director Mini had more functionality than the $20,000 switcher in our control room. Setup time is drastically reduced; the numerous possible sources connect quickly, and the operation is very intuitive. Numerous inputs, full-sized switcher functionality, internal and external DVR capability, and export options abound. I'm not sure you can get this much control in anything costing twice as much or double the size.

Getting ready for Las Vegas? We have you covered. Today, check out an innovative keynote for a NAB Show 2024 discussion and brand-new products to make their NAB Show debut from Magewell, Grass Valley, Macnica, and Projective Technology. 

[NAB Show 2024 News: 5 Booths You Won't Want to Miss]

How Generative AI Is Revolutionizing Content Production

Captivating narratives, stunning visuals, and life-like character interaction—artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting traditional content creation and delivery. AI and computer-vision researcher Dr. Hao Li will dive into the world of generative AI during his keynote presentation at the opening session of the 2024 NAB Broadcast Engineering and IT (BEIT) Conference.

“Dr. Li’s insights into how AI is shaping the future of content delivery will be invaluable to conference attendees,” said John Clark, SVP, NAB Emerging Technology and executive director, PILOT. “This high-energy conference kickoff lays the groundwork for over 70 presentations and panels that will explore the rapidly changing media technology landscape.

Dr. Li is the CEO and co-founder of Pinscreen, a Los Angeles-based startup that builds the advanced AI-driven virtual avatars, as well as associate professor of computer vision at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi. In his presentation, Dr. Li will peel back the layers of generative AI for production—including the latest advancements in AI lip sync technology, face swap and deaging, as well as the future potential of AI technology.

Dr. Li will present “Generative AI for Content Production: From Storytelling to Visual Effects, AI Lip Sync, and Beyond” on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. local time at the NAB BEIT Conference Opening Session.

The NAB BEIT Conference will focus on the future of content delivery, next-generation systems and the opportunities and challenges at hand throughout its 70-plus sessions. The conference’s forward-looking focus is designed for broadcast engineers and technicians, media technology managers, broadcast equipment manufacturers and R&D engineers.

Magewell to Debut Modular Rackmount IP Conversion Family

Magewell's new Modator family brings the reliability and low-latency performance of the company's standalone encoders and decoders to a high-density, modular, rackmount form factor. The Modator family will make its debut in Magewell's booth C6816.

The new Modator 2U chassis is designed to fit standard rack deployments and has slots for up to 10 modules. Users can configure frame network settings and monitor the status of the chassis and installed modules through the integrated 4.8-inch LED touchscreen or browser-based web interface. Dual power supplies and optimized heat dissipation enable reliable 24/7 operation.

The hot-swappable Modator modules each offer their own network connectivity and can work independently to convert between baseband video/audio signals and IP streams. Each module features a web-based management interface, while the Modator 2U frame and each installed module can also be centrally configured, controlled and monitored through Magewell's optional Control Hub management software.

Macnica Brings New SmartNIC Solution to Las Vegas

Macnica will unveil the MEP100, a new 100Gb SmartNIC solution targeted for hardware and software product developers in the broadcast and Pro AV industries at  booth C1726. Macnica will demonstrate the MEP100’s high-performance media processing, stream protection, and bandwidth benefits in an on-booth exhibit of an end-to-end ST 2110 4K/HD networking ecosystem.

Macnica has equipped the MEP100 SmartNIC card with resources to optimize performance and reliability of uncompressed media transport over ST 2110 IP networks. That begins with an FPGA hardware acceleration engine that offers product developers significant advantages over software-based alternatives. For example, ST 2110 IP packets are processed within the MEP100’s FPGA IP core architecture, freeing valuable CPU resources for the intended application. 

The above means that the MEP100’s full ST 2110 stack can transfer video, audio and data directly to and from the host CPU and GPU memory and the SmartNIC card, instead of using CPU resources within the operating system. That full ST 2110 stack can include performance-focused IP networking applications including PTP timing (for synchronization), network path redundancy, and on-board JPEG-XS compression. The latter, available soon, will support visually lossless, low-latency media transport for greater channel density through the card.

The FPGA-driven architecture also ensures the lowest possible latency and maximizes network bandwidth efficiency for uncompressed ST 2110 transport, with robust stream protection afforded through SMPTE ST 2202-7 hitless merge. The ST 2202-7 specification supports reliable network path redundancy, with parallel streams borrowing lost packets from each other as they move through the network. Transport streams are fully reassembled upon reaching their destinations to maintaining optimal signal integrity.

Projective to Unveil True Cloud Post-Production in Real-Time with Strawberry Skies

Projective Technology will unveil its brand-new, cloud-first post-production project framework Strawberry Skies at booth SU3057. The solution empowers users to collaborate on creative projects in real-time, securely and flexibly, from anywhere. The Strawberry platform was designed to deliver intelligent project management, sharing, permissions, as well as comprehensive search capabilities and automation to customers worldwide. Skies pairs those capabilities, adds secure cloud access, and can now be fully hosted in the cloud.

Grass Valley to Unveil Live Production Solutions

Celebrating 65 years of innovation in production switchers and broadcast cameras, Grass Valley will unveil its latest advancements at booth C2308. 

Grass Valley will showcase significant enhancements to the LDX 100 Series broadcast camera platform and the K-Frame video production switchers. The LDX 100 Series updates include advanced HDR/SDR operations, improved design for enhanced usability, innovative high-speed shooting, and a wireless camera version. 

The K-Frame XP has also been enhanced with new features including advanced IP I/O boards,  color mapping, and ClipStore II—a new generation of ClipStore offering up to 4-channels of playback and record in all formats including UHD 4K 2160p with both SDI and IP connections.

The company will also unveil the Maverik X, a software-based switcher/mixer designed for versatility across local, hybrid, or cloud computing environments,  and supports both uncompressed and compressed inputs/outputs and full 10bit UHD HDR workflows.

From small corporate events to large-scale sports broadcasts, it offers customization and scalability, ensuring that producers and technical directors can tailor the switcher to their precise needs. Moreover, its compatibility with both PC and tablet devices, alongside the traditional modular Maverik switcher panel, introduces a level of operational flexibility that is unparalleled in the industry.

Central Control's recently released show control application—Central Control 4—now offers integrated support for two of Magewell's production and IP workflow solutions. Included in the application are new modules for controlling Magewell's Director Mini all-in-one production and streaming system and Pro Convert multi-protocol streaming and video-over-IP decoders.

Central Control 4 is a live show control and automation application that bridges a wide variety of production devices—including video mixers, graphics systems, lighting consoles, PTZ cameras, media servers, and more—with over 50 control surfaces and protocols such as X-Keys, Elgato Stream Deck and MIDI controllers.

[13 New AV Control Solutions That Matter]

The new Director Mini module for Central Control 4 provides control of scene switching, graphics triggering and audio (including VU meters and "scribble strips" when using a Behringer X-Touch control surface). Meanwhile, the new module for Pro Convert decoders allows easy selection of source video streams.

Magewell's Director Mini is a complete, portable production and streaming system that combines multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one compact device. Director Mini lets users easily produce engaging multi-camera content through an intuitive touchscreen interface and companion mobile app.

Pro Convert decoders transform live, IP media streams into high-quality HDMI or SDI outputs for connection to monitors, projectors and production gear. The devices decode H.264 or H.265 compressed video in many streaming protocols—including SRT, RTMP, RTSP, HLS and more—as well as high-bandwidth NDI, NDI HX2 and NDI HX3.

"By allowing essentially any controller to control practically anything, Central Control 4 is especially valuable for productions that use a diverse array of equipment," said Joe de Max, director at Central Control. "We received many customer requests to add support for Magewell solutions, and we're excited to make Director Mini and Pro Convert decoders part of the Central Control ecosystem."

ISE 2024 is right around the corner. Before you hit up the show floor at the Fira Barcelona, Gran Via, find out what you don't want to miss with our weekly ISE 2024 Info updates.

Today, we look at Magewell, Navori Labs, Kindermann, Hive, and the openGear Leader Partners. 

Magewell Joins Q-SYS Technology Partner Program, Will Debut First Plug-In

Magewell is heading to ISE 2024 (booth 5E710)  as the latest member of the Q-SYS Technology Partner Program. The first result of the initiative—the Q-SYS Control plug-in for Magewell's USB Fusion video capture, mixing and presentation device—has been endorsed with Q-SYS Certified status and is now available for download through the Q-SYS Designer Asset Manager found in Q-SYS Designer Software.

Magewell's USB Fusion hardware and accompanying app let users easily combine cameras, wired or wireless screenshares, and media file sources into visually compelling live presentations for streaming, live event production, online lectures, webinars, video conferencing and other applications. Users can switch between sources or combine inputs into attractive scene layouts.

The initial release of the Magewell USB Fusion plug-in for Q-SYS supports basic source switching and scene layout capabilities. All functionality available through the front-panel buttons on the USB Fusion hardware can be replicated inside Q-SYS Designer Software. Support for additional USB Fusion features is planned for a future update of the plug-in.

Navori Labs to Showcase Unified Signage and Analytics Solutions

Navori Labs will showcase its QL digital signage and Aquaji analytics software solutions at booth 6H460. The roadmap includes a preview of Aquaji modules that will allow operators of retail media networks and DOOH advertising campaigns to access and analyze key metrics within the QL software environment. Navori Labs will also preview a similar integration within its next-generation media player dongle scheduled for release later this year.

Navori Labs will demonstrate how its customers in retail and other verticals benefit from the convergence of QL and Aquaji today, while also discussing plans to add key audience measurement metrics such as people counting within QL.

Key demonstrations for attendees will include how Navori's innovations in AI and computer vision solutions enable data-driven, context-aware content automation for audience engagement. In its present-day workflow, Aquaji monitors consumer behaviors and anonymously gathers audience demographics. That information is reported to QL, which can trigger content and ads that cater to specific consumers. 

Navori Labs will also preview the benefits of its next-generation StiX media player dongle, the StiX 3800, in a real-world retail environment. Benefits include the ability to measure foot traffic or vehicle counting around the screen. The StiX 3800 will also add audience metrics to QL’s playback reports and activate screens only when an audience is detected, reducing energy consumption and costs. 

Navori will also discuss an on-demand AI content generation service to generate visual content tailored to specific industries or use cases, along with enhanced real-time data integration features that allow Navori customers to develop their own connectors for data retrieval.

Kindermann to Feature New Klick&Show K-FX Plus

At booth 2S300, Kindermann will present its new dual-screen collaboration system Klick&Show K-FX Plus. Together with the new transmitters, which can now stream laptop content in true 4K resolution, Kindermann helps enhance wireless meetings.

Klick&Show K-FX Plus enables the connection of existing USB devices in the conference room, such as video or soundbars, cameras, and speakerphones. These can be used wirelessly with the notebook, regardless of the UCC platform.

With the integrated dual-screen functionality, two main displays can be used directly on a K-FX Plus base unit, making meetings clearer and more productive. Content can be streamed to the host laptop so that it can be shared with external users. The new Klick&Show K-FX Plus also supports the input of two USB cameras in order to offer different perspectives for external online participants. The cameras can be used both wirelessly via a laptop and wired via USB from a stationary PC. Wired HDMI sources, such as a local computer or a document camera, can be connected thanks to the integrated 4K-compatible HDMI input.

Kindermann is also presenting two new Wi-Fi transmitters, available with an HDMI or USB-C connection. The new 4K transmitters not only enable wireless mirroring of content in 4K quality, but also have two auxiliary buttons that can be used to trigger various additional functions. The new Klick&Show 4K transmitters shine with an exceptional design and connect laptops to the Klick&Show base unit with a "plug-and-play-"like user experience. 

Hive to Launch New Products

Hive will showcase the Beeblade Minima, Osmia, and Pluto, and the new Beehive chassis in Barcelona. The expanded ecosystem offers users more media playback solutions that work in harmony with a wide range of project types. Additionally, Hive is also launching the brand-new Beehive 5U rack mountable chassis at ISE 2024.

Beeblade seamlessly integrates into any Smart Display Module (SDM) compatible display or projector. Joining the Pluto Beeblade, the Beeblade Minima is Hive’s newest HD player with the lowest technical specification. The new Beeblade Osmia is a mid-range solution that can achieve 4K media and 4K output capacity. The Beeblade family can also live in Hive’s Beebox and Beehive units. 

The Beebox is a custom designed portable enclosure that can be placed next to display technology if there is no in-built SDM slot. Beehive is a 5U chassis that can hold up to 16 Beeblades so that you can create a system that suits the unique nature of your project.

Additionally, you can manage each player in the Beehive through Hive’s software that’s naturally easy to use, from any device, anywhere. Designed to be better for the planet, the product ecosystem is constructed without any unnecessary features, creating more compact, intuitive, and greener systems.

Newest openGear-compatible Products to Be Highlighted

openGear Leader Partners will be showcasing their newest openGear-compatible products during the Integrated Systems Europe Conference (ISE) 2024, announced Ross Video, the company behind the open-architecture, modular frame system. AJA (4F100), Apantac (5H600), Ross Video (5J880), VITEC (5C300), Cobalt, and MultiDyne will demonstrate on the show floor and their websites how the openGear platform supports the deployment of technologies within the DashBoard common control and monitoring ecosystem.

[SCN Hall of Fame 2024: David Ross]

New this year, the openGear frame will be on display and in use at the HDBaseT Alliance booth 2P500. openGear Leader Partner Apantac’s two new HDBaseT 3 extenders and receivers for transmitting uncompressed 4K, 2K, HD, 3D, audio, and control signals (RS232, IR), controlled with HDBaseT technology will be featured and demonstrated on the HDBaseT stand.

What to expect from openGear Leader Partners:

• AJA Video Systems will feature its latest 12G-SDI openGear cards, which pack all the functionality of AJA’s popular 12G-SDI audio and HDMI conversion solutions into an openGear rack frame-compatible form factor. Designed to meet the demands of high resolution, high frame rate workflows, OG-12G-AM and OG-12G-AMA enable 16 channels (8 2-channel pairs) of AES and analog audio embedding/disembedding respectively, and support 12G-SDI input and output up to 4K/UltraHD. AJA OG-Hi5-12G and OG-HA5-12G facilitate 12G-SDI conversion to and from HDMI, and are also available in LC and ST Fiber models. Each hot-swappable card is built for use in high-density openGear 2RU frames, including the OG-X-FR.
• Apantac expands its openGear ProAV card portfolio, including high-performance SDVoE (Software Defined Video-over-Ethernet) cards that support HDMI 2.0 over fiber or copper. These cards can work as standalone extenders or in an AV over IP environment as matrix switches. The new HDMI KVM extender/receiver openGear boards are based on HDBaseT 3 technology and extend keyboard, mouse, HDMI, and USB 2.0, with support for 4K 60 Hz. The new HDBaseT 3 extender/receiver set are high-density openGear boards that are designed to fit 20 transmitters or 20 receivers in a 2RU openGear frame, which will also be showcased on its ISE stand. These boards let you extend HDMI sources, ethernet, and controls using HDBaseT technology, and over a long-distance cable.
• Ross Video, in addition to showcasing their LED solutions, will highlight their Quorum meeting control solution for governments, legislators, and corporations. Quorum is completely based on the DashBoard system and offers both ease of use and the level of customization possible with openGear DashBoard.
• VITEC will showcase its EZ TV and Avedia IPTV distribution solutions fed by its openGear IP video products. Powered by MGW Diamond openGear card series, live video feeds are encoded in HEVC or H.264 for in-house or remote IPTV distribution. MGW Diamond encoders support MPEG2, MPEG4, and HEVC encoding and handle a variety of professional video distribution protocols: UDP transport protocols, SRT, ZIXI, RIST, as well as RMTP for OTT delivery.

ISE 2024 is creeping closer. Before you head to Fira Barcelona, Gran Via, find out what you don't want to miss with our weekly ISE 2024 Info updates.

Today, we highlight Matrox Video, Magewell, Barix, Humly, and nsign.tv.

AVoIP Expertise on Display: Meet Matrox Video in Barcelona

In Booth 5D500, Matrox Video will display a selection from its complete portfolio of products designed for networked, IP-based control rooms and live production environments.

In the Control Room Collaboration pod, attendees will see how Matrox Video's encoders and decoders, IP KVM extension and switching solutions, and video wall controllers enable smooth and seamless collaboration over IP and increase operator efficiency and decision-making. To demonstrate, the pod will feature a video wall and an operator workspace driven by the following Matrox Video products:

• Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders and KMLync USB keyboard/mouse switches enhance operator efficiency by enabling remote monitoring and control of systems across a multimonitor workspace with up to four 4K or 16 full-HD displays. In this way, operators can visualize more data and seamlessly control—with one keyboard and mouse—multiple systems that have 4K/quad-FHD video ports, fast switching, and built-in multiview capability. A secure and scalable IP KVM matrix system, Extio 3 operates at very low bit rate over Gigabit Ethernet LAN, WAN, and the internet.
• Matrox Maevex encoders/decoders for H.264/H.265 streaming and recording – Maevex 6100 Series and Maevex 7100 Series offer high-quality, high-density, ultra-low latency live streaming and recording to capture and share all AV sources and data points for all kinds of collaborative applications. Users can pair Maevex 6100 Series encoders and decoders to achieve full-frame synchronization from multiple sources. The Maevex-captured streams can be displayed on a Matrox LUMA Pro-powered video wall.
• Matrox LUMA Pro graphics cards leverage Intel Arc GPUs to create versatile baseband and IP-based video wall systems with robust H.264/H.265 decoding. LUMA Pro supports up to two 8Kp60, two 5Kp120, or four 5Kp60 DisplayPort 2.1 monitors, and users can combine cards for a high-density-output video wall of up to 16 synchronized 5Kp60 displays. Frame-locking up to four LUMA Pro cards facilitates easy addition and synchronization of displays. Featuring advanced GPU-based media codec engines and supported by Matrox Mura software libraries, these cards enable the decoding and display of over 40 full-HD streams per card. Also on display will be a new quad HDMI® capture PCI Express® card engineered for video wall use cases that require high-density HDMI streams up to 4Kp60.

Additionally, a video production, routing, and distribution pod will focus on live production in pro AV and the use of SMPTE ST 2110 in live event venues, such as theaters or corporate and government environments where the organization is working with live events, producing and mixing live content for distribution locally and beyond. The pod will demonstrate how easy and cost effective it is to distribute Panasonic Kairos live production content locally within the organization's LAN with Matrox ConvertIP converters and ultra-low latency encoders/decoders. These compact appliances support both SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX and preserve the quality and real-time nature of the live event content they are distributing, while also simplifying network requirements and working within the organization's standard network infrastructure. The ConvertIP demo will also show the new daisy-chain feature that reduces installation costs and increases network efficiency and resiliency.

[SCN Hall of Fame 2024: Matrox Founder Lorne Trottier]

Pro AV users interested in streaming and recording H.264/H.265 content with ultra-low latency will see Matrox Maevex encoders and decoders in action. Matrox Maevex 6100 Series encoders/decoders and the new Maevex 7100 Series encoders enable multichannel, ultra-low latency, low bitrate, high-quality, simultaneous streaming and recording and zero-latency pass-through for real-time output of AV content in collaboration-focused environments. With these capabilities, operators can distribute critical content to any location to facilitate informed, accurate, real-time decision making.

Magewell to Highlight Streaming, Production, and AV-over-IP Innovations

Attendees to Magewell's booth will see its newest unveilings: Two new models in its growing Ultra Encode family of advanced live media encoders. Ideal for applications ranging from live streaming to IP-based production and distribution, the compact Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus blend exceptional encoding and delivery flexibility with simultaneous multi-protocol streaming, file-based recording, NDI HX3 support, 4K encoding at 30 frames per second, PoE support, and tally lights for live production.

The Director Mini all-in-one production and streaming system combines switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one portable device. Its exceptionally flexible input capabilities include live HDMI, USB, SRT, RTMP, NDI HX2, NDI HX3 and mobile sources plus file-based media assets. Recent updates since Director Mini's launch at IBC in September add powerful new capabilities including H.265 (HEVC) encoding; UVC/UAC output for bringing the produced output into software such as video conferencing applications; ISO recording and much more.

Magewell's USB Fusion multi-input video capture, mixing and presentation solution lets users combine cameras, wired and wireless screenshares, and media file sources into attractive live presentations for use cases including online lectures, webinars, live streaming and video conferencing. Advanced presentation features include real-time on-screen drawing, exportable handwritten annotations, playlisting, and USB clicker control for PowerPoint presentations on a connected computer.

The above solutions and other Magewell streaming and IP video conversion products can be centrally configured and controlled via Control Hub, the company's second-generation device and stream management software. A new version of Control Hub will be previewed at the show. Magewell will also showcase its robust portfolio of NDI, SRT and streaming encoders and decoders, along with its extensive range of capture devices. The company's popular USB Capture HDMI and USB Capture HDMI Plus external video capture devices recently earned Zoom certification for wired content capture with Zoom Rooms.

Barix to Showcase AoIP with New Multicoder Device

Barix (booth 7C400) is adding a new flavor to its encoding family with MultiCoder M400 new low-latency, multi-format solution that can send audio streams to receive points in four different formats. The new hardware device also adopts Barix’s next-generation FLEXA platform to enhance buffering performance, application development, and device prototyping among other benefits.

For the MultiCoder M400, the enhanced buffering performance of the FLEXA platform eliminates all stream buffering within the device—an important benefit given the presence of multiple encoding engines under the hood. This means that customers can encode audio into four formats, including OPUS, AAC+, PCM and 320KB mp3, and send multiple audio RTP/BRTP streams to receiving devices without delay while retaining exceptional quality. 

These capabilities make the MultiCoder M400 a unique sibling to Barix’s existing Instreamer IP audio encoders, which accommodate different use cases. For example, the Instreamer Classic supports more streaming protocols, ideal for Live IP Audio Encoding for Streaming Applications while the Instreamer ICE is perfect for organizations streaming solely to an Icecast server without latency concerns for online audio services. The MultiCoder M400’s greater CPU capacity also ensures plenty of space for new features and applications, providing a stronger foundation for ongoing customization and development.

The MultiCoder M400 is also the first Barix encoder to support high-efficiency AAC+ and OPUS codecs, allowing customers across a broad range of verticals in the Pro AV and entertainment industries to send a greater number of streams within the same bandwidth, and at lower bitrates than lower-efficiency codecs. 

nsign.tv to Showcase the Power of Digital Signage

At its booth 6H680, nsign.tv will showcase the new IoT module of its platform that enables engagement with audiences using facial recognition cameras, NFC, RFID, QR codes, touchless sensors and voice recognition systems that unveil enormous possibilities to generate and capture interactive and dynamic information in real time. On display will be the benefits of nsign.tv solutions, such as improved customer engagement, the delivery of more personalized experiences based on the audience, and the ability to generate measurable conversations in the right place, with the right person, in the right format.

In this sense, the nsign.tv booth will show how a screen connected to a facial recognition camera can be used to obtain data such as gender and age range to adjust the content to the parameters of the person watching it. In other words, nsign.tv will show how facial recognition helps companies to personalize the content of their screens according to their audience.

The company will also showcase the BI (business intelligence) module of its platform that converts data into dashboards from various sources to view audience analytics, content broadcast data or connectivity with POS systems, capturing more information of interest to a business, whether in a checkout area in a supermarket, in a store, in an aisle of a shopping mall or in an airport terminal, among others.

Also, attendees will see how nsign.tv software maximizes the visual effect on LED screens and simplifies content management in an intuitive and efficient way. Thus, with nsign.tv there is no need to invest in a video scaler as the same platform makes its own processing, which greatly saves installations in LED projects.

Humly to Introduce Two Accessories for Humly Booking Device

At booth 2W500, Humly will unveil its latest booking device innovations, including a new network-enabled accessory that improves powering and control functionalities for desk integrations. 

New for ISE this year, Humly’s PoE and Desk Control features for the Booking Device are enabled through a separate, ultra-compact accessory. The accessory includes an ethernet port for PoE powering and a separate cabling connection to control desk positions, and these features can be turned on separately or together. The accessory is small enough to fit inside walls or mount underneath desks for cleaner installations that conceal accessories from direct sightlines.

Humly will also introduce a second external accessory to detect human presence inside a phone booth style personal meeting space. The External Sensor immediately notifies the local Booking Device when someone has entered the booth, which switches to “booked” mode and changes the touchscreen’s bezel lighting to red.

Introduced at InfoComm in June and new to ISE audiences, users can now book, extend or conclude meetings directly on the Booking Device, providing staff with greater flexibility to create new bookings and make adjustments on the spot. Additionally, integrators and tech managers with access to Humly Control Panel can now collect data and statistics tied to room and desk usage. The latter is made even more powerful when combined with the built-in presence detection of the Booking Device or the new External Sensor.

Magewell has introduced two new models in its growing Ultra Encode family of advanced live media encoders. Ideal for applications ranging from live streaming and remote contribution to IP-based production and distribution, the compact Ultra Encode HDMI Plus and Ultra Encode SDI Plus combine exceptional encoding and delivery flexibility with simultaneous multi-protocol streaming, file-based recording, NDI HX3 support, 4K encoding at 30 frames per second, Power-over-Ethernet support, and advanced features for live production.

[Can NDI Become Ubiquitous?] 

"Some customers want the higher bitrates, expanded formats, recording capabilities, and multi-protocol simultaneous streaming of Ultra Encode AIO but in a more compact, camera-mountable form factor," said James Liu, VP of engineering at Magewell. "The new Ultra Encode Plus models fit perfectly into the middle of the product line, meeting these needs and making the Ultra Encode family ideal for even more use cases."

The Ultra Encode HDMI Plus can encode at resolutions up to 4096x2160 at 30 frames per second from its HDMI interface, while the Ultra Encode SDI Plus encodes up to 4K at 30fps from the device's 6G-SDI input. Both models support multiple video encoding formats and technologies—including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), NDI HX2 and NDI HX3—and a wide array of streaming protocols including RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, RTP, HLS, and TVU's ISSP technology.

[25 AVoIP & Networked AV Products to Get Ready for 2024]

Video can be encoded at bitrates up to 32Mbps (62Mbps for NDI HX3), while up to eight channels of audio can be encoded in AAC format. Two concurrent encoding profiles with distinct combinations of resolution, frame rate, and bitrate can be specified. Configurable presets enable easy streaming to YouTube Live (via RTMP or HLS), Facebook Live, Twitch, the Wowza Video platform (via RTMP or SRT) or custom targets. Ultra Encode Plus models can stream to up to six different target destinations simultaneously, including the ability to stream concurrently in multiple protocols. Inputs can also be recorded as files the device's internal storage, an external USB-connected drive, or networked storage.

Ultra Encode Plus's compact, camera-mountable metal chassis measures 4.2 inches square (106.6mm by 106.2mm) with a height of one inch (25mm). Integrated tally lights indicate program or preview usage of NDI HX outputs in live production environments. The devices offer loop-through connections as well as line-level analog audio input and output, and can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) or the included power adapter. The encoders feature both built-in Wi-Fi network connectivity and an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port.

Like all Ultra Encode models, Ultra Encode Plus devices can be configured, monitored, and controlled through an intuitive, browser-based web interface. Centralized remote management and control of multiple units is available through the Control Hub software. In addition to manual control, scheduled streaming and recording are also available through the web UI, while HTTP-based APIs are available for systems integrators and third-party developers to incorporate Ultra Encode Plus into their solutions

Magewell's USB Capture HDMI and USB Capture HDMI Plus external video capture devices have been certified by Zoom for wired content capture with Zoom Rooms. The new certification allows users to easily bring AV signals into videoconferencing software.

"We are pleased to welcome Magewell to our Zoom Rooms certification program," said Eric Yu, head of hardware partnership at Zoom. "Many Zoom customers have been successfully using Magewell's USB Capture and USB Capture Plus with Zoom and Zoom Rooms for years, and certifying these capture devices will help further ensure our mutual customers' satisfaction today and in the future."

[Wowza—Magewell Enables Seamless Streaming Workflows]

USB Capture and USB Capture Plus are the preferred choice of AV professionals and systems integrators for easily and reliably bringing high-quality video and audio signals into software solutions. The compact hardware enables all types of computers including laptops to capture AV signals through a standard USB 3.0 interface. In addition to bringing in wired screenshare inputs, the devices can also capture signals from a wide range of sources including professional production cameras, media players and game consoles.

Featuring driver-free installation and automatic input format detection for true plug-and-play operation, USB Capture devices support Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS operating systems and offer instant compatibility with popular video conferencing, streaming, encoding, live production and lecture capture software. USB Capture Plus models offer all of the same capabilities and add an analog audio input, stereo headphone output and loop-through connectivity to simultaneously send source signals to a monitor or projector without needing a splitter or router. In addition to the Zoom-certified models with 1080p HDMI inputs, Magewell also offers configurations with 4K resolution and SDI input connectivity.

[Everything We Know about the Vegas Sphere, So Far—A Running Blog]

"Our USB Capture and USB Capture Plus devices have already been popular with Zoom users because of their reliability and plug-and-play ease of use, which makes them the simplest way to bring high-quality AV signals into the Zoom software," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell. "The new official Zoom certification for these devices will give integrators and end-customers an added level of confidence that our products have been thoroughly tested for assured compatibility."

Magewell has partnered with Wowza to integrate Magewell's Ultra Encode AIO live media encoders with the Wowza Video platform to form seamless and easy-to-deploy streaming workflows from encoding all the way through to delivery over Wowza's global content delivery network (CDN).

"We are excited to work with the innovators at Magewell to enable powerful, world-class streaming operations for discerning enterprises and institutions," said Tim Dougherty, director of sales engineering at Wowza. "Magewell has earned a tremendous reputation for the flexibility and robustness of their solutions. The feature-rich but cost-effective Ultra Encode AIO hits a sweet spot that aligns well with the business needs of these customers and makes it an excellent on-ramp to the Wowza Video platform."

Supporting multiple encoding formats and a wide array of delivery protocols, Ultra Encode AIO offers a robust yet affordable encoding solution for applications ranging from live streaming and remote contribution to IP-based production. The versatile, PoE-powered device encodes video up to 1080p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps and can encode one live input source or mix its HDMI and SDI inputs into a combined output.

[Streaming in Light-years: 15 Thought Leaders]

Wowza Video is a comprehensive, integrated video platform designed for business-critical applications. Combining reliability with global scalability and the simplicity of a single video solution for live streaming and VOD, it provides the core capabilities of broadcast media servers without the cost and engineering requirements of typical broadcast deployments.

The new integration adds Wowza Video to Ultra Encode AIO's array of user-friendly output presets, enabling customers to seamlessly bring content from the encoder into the Wowza ecosystem without time-consuming manual configuration. Wowza Video subscribers can specify their Wowza access token within Ultra Encode AIO for automatic authentication, then stream to the platform using the RTMP or SRT protocol. Users can get up and running quickly while still having the option of customizing settings to their unique needs and environment. As always with Ultra Encode AIO, streaming can be triggered manually or scheduled, enabling automated, hands-off deployments.

[On-site, Off-site Surgeons Collaborate and Communicate with Magewell]

"Many organizations across diverse industries want to leverage professional-level media encoding and content management systems to reach their audiences, customers or employees, but without needing to hire a staff of expert engineers to run their video operations," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO at Magewell. "The integration of our Ultra Encode AIO with the Wowza Video platform provides a seamless solution to this challenge, and we look forward to continued collaboration with Wowza in the future."

IBC 2023 is set to take place Sept. 15-18 in Amsterdam. Here are just a few products to add to your list. 

Canon to Unveil 4K PTZ Camera, Remote Camera Controller, and RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses

At IBC, visitors to the Canon booth will be able to see the new CR-N100 4K PTZ camera. The camera is designed for indoor use cases and brings the image quality and performance that Canon PTZ cameras are known for. Canon is also introducing the RC-IP1000, a high-end remote camera controller designed for professional systems. As a free download, Canon will also release the Multi-Camera Management Application that streamlines the configuration and management of supported Canon PTZ, professional video, and cinema cameras.

[Canon Collaborates on Collaboration]

As online meetings, lectures, live events, and seminars become increasingly commonplace, there is a growing need for livestreaming and video recording technology. The CR-N100 camera provides excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and its compact size allows for easy installation in spaces such as meeting rooms and classrooms. With the addition of the CR-N100 to Canon’s lineup of remote cameras, customers now have greater choices of products that support a wide range of uses, from professional video production to video content use by markets such as corporate, local governments, house of worship, and educational institutions.

Also on display with be Canon's first RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses for the Cinema EOS System. The new lenses combine high optical performance for 4K and 8K shooting, cinema-style operability, and RF mount communications. The first set of seven RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses is only the beginning. Canon plans to swiftly expand the lineup of RF-mount-compatible video production equipment to meet the needs of professional video production of such content as movies, TV, and commercials.

The seven Canon CN-R lenses, with focal lengths and T stops of 14mm T3.1, 20mm T1.5, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.3, 85mm T1.3, and 135mm T2.2, are compatible with the two existing RF-Mount Canon Cinema Cameras, the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C. These lenses will allow for RF mount protocol transmission, and just like the EF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses, operators can control magnification, chromatic aberration correction, peripheral light correction, and a dual-pixel focus guide via camera body operations. In addition, the new lenses also feature lens distortion correction. These features support efficient video production during on-location recording and post-production workflow.

Magewell to Launch All-in-One Live Production and Streaming System

Magewell (stand 7.A44) will launch its first self-contained, full-featured production solution, Director Mini. Combining multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording and monitoring in one compact device, Director Mini enables a single operator to easily create visually compelling productions for live event coverage, remote production feeds and more.

Director Mini offers a unique combination of input source flexibility and feature richness in an exceptionally versatile form factor. Users can switch between two HDMI inputs and two USB AV inputs as well as three simultaneous live IP sources including SRT streams, RTMP streams or up to two NDI HX sources. File-based media assets including video, audio and images can also be combined freely with live sources. Embedded audio is supported on the HDMI and USB inputs alongside a 3.5mm analog audio input.

[Can NDI Become Ubiquitous?] 

Director Mini's intuitive user interface is accessed through its integrated 5.44-inch AMOLED touchscreen. Users can define multiple scenes that combine live HDMI, USB and audio inputs with network streams, media sources and graphics, then switch or transition between these scenes on the fly. Chroma keying enables the use of virtual backgrounds, while telestration enables real-time on-screen drawing and combines with built-in scoreboard functionality to support sports productions. PTZ camera control is also available through the touchscreen, simplifying single-operator productions.

Director Mini can encode video up to 1080p at 60 frames per second and bitrates up to 30Mbps, with a flexible array of output possibilities. Productions can be streamed using the RTMP protocol to popular platforms such as YouTube™ Live, Facebook™ Live or custom destinations. Live comments can be displayed while streaming to YouTube, Facebook or Twitch. The ability to output an SRT stream makes Director Mini an excellent tool for contributing high-quality feeds to an off-site location for remote production. Alternatively, the device can create one NDI® HX output to serve as a source for additional IP-based production tools. Its USB-C port can be configured to display the program output, user interface or a loop-through of either HDMI input on a connected USB-C display. Last but not least, content can be recorded to an SD card, USB flash drive or the device's internal storage.

Wisycom Introduces New Full-duplex Mobile Transceiver

Wisycom will unveil its new RPU500-F full-duplex mobile transceiver in Hall 8, Stand C51. Designed for sports, live events, and outside broadcast commentator coverage, the transceiver features a 1W multiband transmitter (where applicable) with a newly designed integrated intercom/IFB receiver.

The RPU500-F features an ergonomic and compact form (73.1x64.5x21.6mm) that makes it perfect for use in live applications requiring a lot of movement. With a battery pack that lasts more than five hours with continuous high-power transmission, the RPU500-F is also well-suited to applications where long coverage periods might be required. Additionally, the transceiver’s transflective LCD color display ensures that it is legible in all lighting scenarios—including direct sunlight, which is ideal for sports and other outdoor events.

[AV Takes Command at FedExField]

 The transmitter operates in the 174-960MHz spectrum, while the receiver works in the 440-700MHz range and can operate in three modes, which are selectable on the device menu. This includes ultra-narrowband (channel bandwidth 12.5k), narrowband (50k) and narrowband enhanced (110k). The bandwidth provided by the enhanced mode makes it possible to include up to three embedded audio sources on the same device. The device also features four programmable push-to-talk buttons for remote audio routing on AUX or through Ethernet with Ember+.

Designed to work with the Wisycom Symphony Series receivers and MTK Series transmitters, the RPU500-F provides users with an unprecedented, broadcast-quality, full-duplex, long-range wireless reporting system.

Get the First Look at LiveLink from Vislink

Visitors to the Vislink Technologies Hall 1, Stand 1.C51 will witness the world debut of WMT LiveLink, a bonded cellular transmitter. Based on Mobile Viewpoint technology, LiveLink’s design offers high-quality 4:2:2, 10-bit HEVC video encoding up to 4K resolutions, and 10-bit Luma Optimization to meet the demands of HDR.

With LiveLink, broadcasters can leverage high-quality, low-latency video transmissions—made possible by FPGA technology and HEVC encoding—to enable dynamic, highly-fluid two-way interviews.

LiveLink provides bonding connectivity, supporting up to four diverse public cellular connections, Wi-Fi, and public internet. Those in heavily populated environments can still enjoy high data rate connectivity through integration with Vislink’s private 5G connectivity solution. With bonded cellular, private 5G and Starlink satellite support, LiveLink also provides seamless roaming across private and public 5G networks.

Field camera operators can stay connected to colleagues in the broadcast center through a direct audio link provided by LiveLink’s integrated camera control feature. LiveLink also includes multi-camera/transmitter synchronization, allowing users to seamlessly switch between live feeds, viewing the action from different angles.

ENCO to Showcase Augmented Reality Experiences

ENCO will unveil an integration of virtual production and PTZ technology from its Qimera and RUSHWORKS product lines at stand (8.C73). Visitors will see the two technologies working with a 3D camera tracking system to enable augmented reality (AR) environments for live studio-based TV and visual radio productions. 

ENCO acquired RUSHWORKS in January and was named the exclusive North American distributor for Qimera in June, adding two product brands that bring exciting new production capabilities to ENCO customers. At IBC, ENCO will demonstrate how broadcasters can create appealing AR experiences for live broadcasts by blending Qimera’s compositing systems with the award-winning RUSHWORKS PTX Model 3 PRO pan/tilt head. Visitors will ultimately step into an AR environment with professional live graphics powered through Qimera’s Unreal Engine plug-in, with the PTX Model 3 PRO pan/tilt head ensuring a cinematic feel to the visual experience thanks to smooth, whisper-quiet operation. The resulting AR experiences will be reflected on the walls and floors at ENCO’s stand and fully visualized on a large monitor so that visitors can precisely understand the AR production elements being used to bring the visuals to life. Qimera’s built-in video-switching technology will drive the visual output.

[We Went for an Off-Road Adventure with Vú at InfoComm 2023... and It Was Awesome]

Qimera’s real-time virtual production compositing tools were built with modern production workflows in mind, beginning with its easy and intuitive user interface. Editors can quickly create highly advanced virtual sets and augmented reality graphics thanks to its quick learning curve, and users can connect four cameras to a single server thanks to its built-in video switcher. The solution builds in lighting control with DMX IP, PTZ camera integration, a 3D assets library, realistic graphics via Unreal Engine, multi-layer composition, and a virtual crane among other features. 

The RUSHWORKS PTX Model 3 PRO pan/tilt head features passthrough connections for SDI, HDMI, USB, DC camera power, and networking between cameras and lenses, minimizing stress between the base and arm. Made of steel and aluminum, the PTX Model 3 PRO provides a solid platform for smooth presets and on-air moves. The PTX Model 3 PRO provides the torque necessary for smoothly controlling most pro-grade camera/lens combinations, including models from Blackmagic Design, Canon, Panasonic/Lumix, Red, Arri, Sony, and more.

Genelec to Launch UNIO Audio Monitoring Platform and 9320A Reference Controller

Genelec will unveil the 9320A Reference Controller as a bridge to its brand new UNIO Audio Monitoring Service Platform. UNIO brings together all the benefits of Genelec Smart Active Monitors, GLM 5.0 calibration software and Aural ID 2.0 technology to create seamless integration between professional in-room loudspeaker and headphone monitoring services. With flexible connectivity, a reference-grade headphone output, and tactile hardware control of Smart Active Monitors, GLM, and Aural ID, the 9320A provides a compact hub for both static and mobile professional audio monitoring applications.

Genelec’s range of Smart Active Monitors power the UNIO platform, which utilize auto-calibration and cloud computing to enable the production of accurate, reliable mixes that translate consistently to other rooms and systems. For professional headphone users, Genelec’s Aural ID technology provides a completely personal and truthful headphone listening experience with the natural sense of space and imaging provided by in-room monitoring. By combining a calibrated Smart Active Monitoring system and professional headphones with Aural ID, the user is able to have mixes that translate reliably between monitors and headphones.

Now, with the introduction of UNIO and the 9320A, users can integrate these technologies and services via a single intuitive mobile desktop device, and view the entire system via the user’s MyGenelec account. As a bridge to UNIO, the 9320A offers management of multiple Smart Active Monitoring systems from stereo to immersive and beyond, and comes complete with a factory-calibrated reference microphone to allow automated system calibration and control of key GLM software features. 

The introduction of UNIO and the 9320A also coincides with the latest GLM 5.0 loudspeaker manager software release, which provides support for both the 9320A and the flagship 8381A free-standing main monitor unveiled earlier this year. GLM 5.0 employs sophisticated cloud computing, enabling UNIO to effortlessly integrate a range of reference audio monitoring services, including intelligent room analysis, in-room system calibration, monitor control and fully personal audio monitoring.

Studio Technologies Introduces VenueView

Studio Technologies unveils its newest STcontroller application feature, VenueView, at stand 8.F93. 

STcontroller is Studio Technologies’ proprietary personal computer application. It offers a quick and easy means of displaying and real-time monitoring of key operating parameters associated with a number of different Studio Technologies’ Dante-compatible products. The focus of VenueView is to assist support personnel who are responsible for the correct operation of multiple announcer’s consoles (talent interfaces) and related devices that are being used by “on-air” personnel in broadcast and production applications. The latest release of STcontroller for Windows, available on the Studio Technologies web site, adds the VenueView capability. Each VenueView group allows up to eight different devices to be monitored in a single user-defined menu, with multiple groups capable of being simultaneously monitored. Additional capabilities are planned for future VenueView releases.

MultiDyne's HoneyBadger Makes European Debut

At IBC, MultiDyne will highlight new product innovations and strategic acquisitions that take the company deeper into the technology infrastructure, allowing customers worldwide to embrace new opportunities in live production, media transport and content delivery.

MultiDyne, which has also relocated its headquarters to a larger facility outside New York City, will show two recently introduced products at IBC for the first time at IBC.

The MultiDyne new HoneyBadger solution is one of those new solutions being highlighted. HoneyBadger is built for a new generation of content producers faced with a broader array of formats, signals and connectors while seeking to bridge the gap between fiber and IP. It scales to serve the expanse of any production workflow or requirement so that everything the content producer needs for multi-camera or multi-announcer productions converges within its design. 

With support for eight camera feeds and SDI return channels, the design also includes two independent 1Gb local-area network (LAN) extensions, enabling IP connectivity over single-mode fiber strands. Customers can also extend four partyline intercom channels (wet or dry), eight bi-directional line level analog audio outputs and eight mic-pre inputs with phantom power over two cost-efficient single-mode fibers.

Pixotope Makes Virtual Production a Reality for Broadcasters of All Sizes

Pixotope is set to unveil its new Live Controller, an all-in-one graphics control solution for broadcast virtual production workflows. Underpinned by Unreal Engine, the Pixotope Live Controller introduces reusable no-code templates and rundown-based virtual production workflows to all broadcast control rooms in a single-user software package. For the first time, any broadcast operation, regardless of size, can easily implement virtual production as part of its programming without bespoke engineering teams to synchronize the separate graphics pipelines needed to bring CG, AR, XR, and virtual sets together on air. 

Three things to know about the Pixotope Live Controller

• Enhanced Graphics Engine:  Through seamless integration with existing workflow components, broadcasters can maintain the same look and feel their users expect, minimizing disruption while maximizing the advantages of the new technology.
• Simplified Integration and Support: Broadcasters eliminate the need to collaborate with multiple vendors, streamlining the licensing process and ensuring a single point of contact. This simplified approach saves time, reduces complexity, and eliminates uncertainty when issues arise.
• The Power of Templates and Playlists: Live Controller empowers broadcasters by implementing templates — combinations of graphic assets, data, and user input forms—that will be instantly familiar to all users while providing access to the latest graphics engine. These templates can be saved in a database and reused effortlessly, allowing broadcasters to create playlists for their shows. This flexibility enables easy customization, as broadcasters can mix and match templates, overlaying different elements and achieving dynamic visuals without starting from scratch. Future releases of Live Controller will enable time and cost savings by introducing the capability to reuse assets generated by journalists and facilitating efficient collaboration between studio automation and post-production.

Celebration Time at IBC 2023: RAVENNA and AES67

This is the opposite of a new product, but certainly newsworthy. RAVENNA will celebrate its 13th anniversary at IBC 2023. This year, RAVENNA shares the festivities the AES67 Standard for High-Performance Audio-over-IP Interoperability (first published at IBC 2013) marks its 10th anniversary at IBC 2023. Since then, all existing AoIP solutions—including Livewire, QLAN, Dante, Wheatnet and others—have adopted AES67 as an operational mode or profile, allowing some 2000-plus products to interoperate. A series of successful plugfests were held across Europe and the United States to prove that AES67 has a sound foundation and achieves its goal: interoperability amongst equipment from a wide range of manufacturers. 

AES67 also forms the basis for the suite of SMPTE ST 2110 standards for Transport of Professional Media over Managed IP Networks. ST 2110-30 describes the transport of linear PCM audio and builds directly on AES67. For ST2110-31 (Transport of AES3 Audio), SMPTE decided to adopt the existing RAVENNA AM821 definition, making RAVENNA the most suitable technology both for building AES67-enabled products and systems and implementing SMPTE ST 2110 into devices. Beyond the mandatory requirements defined in AES67 and ST 2110, RAVENNA offers a wider choice of formatting options, more flexibility for any size of applications and as well as superior performance options for the most demanding requirements of professional broadcast productions.

AES67 has seen two revisions—the latest being published in 2018. The AES67 Task Group continues its work on maintaining AES67 and is looking forward to publishing the third revision of AES67 towards the end of 2023. With the RAVENNA team participating in the work groups of various standardization organizations, adopters can be assured that RAVENNA is always aligned with current and emerging standards requirements.

The RAVENNA team can be found in stand 8.F57 where it will be demonstrating AES67 interoperability and showcasing a number of new AES67 and ST 2110-enabled products from various RAVENNA partners.

Montpellier-based Careprod Technologies—which develops innovative, automated solutions tailored to operating rooms and medical videoconferencing—recently chose Magewell products for reliable video connectivity for its Orsync proctoring solution. Orsync is the company's flagship product which has evolved from Skill Assist and subsequently Lynks before its latest rebranding. The 4G/5G mobile video assistance solution enables on-site and off-site surgeons to securely train, monitor, collaborate, and communicate with each other in real time.

Originally designed to meet neurovascular needs for a leading medical device manufacturer, Orsync has evolved to meet the requirements for a wide range of surgeries. Currently, the solution has enabled over 299 cases to be broadcast live from operating rooms to specialists around the world, and more than a hundred kits have been deployed worldwide.

When Careprod Technologies was developing Orsync, they needed flexible video connectivity solutions for bringing diverse signals into the system from a variety of medical equipment. And of course, given the critical nature of medical use cases, video quality and reliability were also paramount.

[How to Collaborate on Collaboration]

“When connecting to medical devices, the frame rates and video formats are often different than standard video signals,” said Loic Lalet, CEO of Careprod Technologies. “Robustness and reliability in handling these specialized video signals.is crucial for medical applications, where they need to be transmitted without any loss of data or signal degradation.”

Magewell capture, encoding, and streaming products are tightly integrated into the Orsync solution. Each Orsync kit is equipped with an Eco Capture Dual HDMI M.2 video capture card, Ultra Stream live streaming encoder, and one or more Ultra Encode HDMI live media encoders.

The Eco Capture card enables users to connect HDMI video feeds from any medical equipment directly to the Orsync application running on a portable CPU unit. Eco Capture’s ultra-compact form factor (22x80mm) made it ideal for incorporation into the small host system.

HDMI or SDI video feeds from additional medical equipment can be connected to the standalone Ultra Encode units, which encode the source video into NDI®|HX streams and transmit them to Orsync over Wi-Fi. An Ultra Stream unit embedded within the host CPU unit encodes a dedicated video output from the system’s Nvidia CPU for RTMP streaming and recording of the entire session.

[5 Tools for a Better Collaborative Workflow]

Careprod Technologies has been completely satisfied with how Magewell solutions have enabled them to meet their business goals. “Magewell's products have been able to handle the unique requirements of medical video distribution, providing reliable, high-quality video capture and distribution even in demanding environments,” said Lalet. “Magewell's devices have the flexibility to handle a wide range of video formats, resolutions, and frame rates, including interlaced video and specialized formats such as non-standard frame rates.”

Careprod Technologies has integrated the Magewell products directly into the Orsync application using Magewell’s comprehensive SDK and APIs. “This has allowed us to have complete control over the configuration and management of the video capture and encoding process,” Lalet explained. “With this level of direct communication, we can optimize the performance of the Magewell devices and ensure a seamless integration with our software to grab the video feeds, stream via a Wowza platform, and record locally on a USB stick.”

[A Bahamas Medical School Uses AV-over-IP for Collaborative Learning]

Lalet’s satisfaction with Magewell also goes beyond the products. “It is mandatory for us to feel that the development team behind the devices are available,” said Lalet. “We have had the chance to chat with Magewell developers to help us better use the API when needed. This has helped us deliver better solutions to our customers, building trust that helps us expand our business globally. And the support we receive from Magewell’s EU distributor MVD Europe (MVDE) has also been outstanding.”

Magewell unveiled two new models in its Eco Capture family of ultra-compact, power-efficient M.2 video capture cards. The Eco Capture HDMI 4K Plus M.2 and Eco Capture 12G SDI 4K Plus M.2 capture 4K video at 60 frames per second over HDMI or SDI interfaces, respectively.

[What to Know about Magewell's New Control Hub]

Magewell's Eco Capture cards offer systems integrators and OEM developers a space-efficient, high-performance video capture solution with low latency and low-power consumption. Ideal for use in small, portable or embedded systems where full-sized PCIe slots are not available, the cards feature an M.2 connector and measure only 22x80mm (0.87x3.15in). The new models are the first Eco Capture cards to leverage a PCIe Gen 3 bus interface, offering increased DMA bandwidth over earlier siblings.

The two newest models capture 4K video up to 4096x2160 (including 3840x2160 Ultra HD) at frame rates up to 60fps, with higher frame rates available at lower resolutions. The Eco Capture HDMI 4K Plus M.2 features an HDMI 2.0 interface, while the Eco Capture 12G SDI 4K Plus M.2 flexibly supports single-link 12G-SDI or quad-link 3G-SDI connectivity. Eight channels of embedded audio can also be captured alongside the video.

[Running from Fears in Pro AV] 

"We are constantly expanding our capture card lineup to meet our customers' needs," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO at Magewell. "The Eco Capture HDMI 4K Plus M.2 doubles the capture frame rate over our previous 4K HDMI model, while the Eco Capture 12G SDI 4K Plus M.2 adds input flexibility for multiple 4K SDI connectivity standards."

All Eco Capture cards are compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems and support OS-native APIs including DirectShow, DirectKS, V4L2 and ALSA. FPGA-based video processing enables high-quality up/down/cross-scaling, picture controls and color space conversion without burdening the host system CPU. A comprehensive SDK provides developers with direct access to the full feature set of the cards.

Meet the new Magewell Control Hub, a second-generation centralized device and stream management software. Magewell also shared details of multiple Control Hub licensing tiers designed to match varying customer and project requirements.

The successor to the established Magewell Cloud platform, Control Hub provides centralized configuration and control of multiple Magewell streaming and IP conversion solutions. Administrators, IT staff and systems integrators can easily manage encoders and decoders across multiple locations through an intuitive, browser-based interface. An HTTP-based API is also available for third-party integration.

The Control Hub software can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud and supports Magewell hardware products including Ultra Stream and Ultra Encode live media encoders; Pro Convert NDI encoders and decoders; the Pro Convert Audio DX IP audio converter; and the USB Fusion capture and mixing device. Users can remotely configure device parameters, monitor device status, trigger operational functions—such as starting or stopping encoding—and perform batch firmware upgrades across multiple units of the same model.

[Can NDI Become Ubiquitous?] 

Control Hub can also convert streams between multiple protocols with an exceptionally flexible stream routing architecture. Users can easily define 'channels' that map an input to one or more output protocols and destinations. Control Hub converts between RTMP, SRT (in caller or listener mode), RTSP and transport streams (delivered over UDP or RTP).

Three tiers of the full Control Hub software are available for purchase as perpetual licenses to meet customers’ specific needs for the number of managed devices, stream conversion channels and stream conversion outputs. Control Hub Basic offers management of up to 20 Magewell hardware devices and supports up to 5 stream conversion channels comprising a total of up to 20 outputs. For larger-scale deployments, Control Hub Plus supports up to 50 Magewell devices, 25 streaming channels and up to 50 total converted output streams, while Control Hub Pro supports 150 devices, 50 channels and 150 total conversion outputs.

A Lite version is also available for customers or integrators requiring device management (up to 20 devices per license) but who do not need stream conversion. Multiple Control Hub Lite licenses can be combined to manage a greater number of devices in increments of 20. A 14-day trial version of Control Hub is also available for evaluation purposes.

[Cloud Power: The Importance of Interoperability, Part 1 | Part 2] 

Existing customers who purchased Magewell Cloud MC 50 or Magewell Cloud MC 150 licenses can redeem a code for a free upgrade to Control Hub Plus or Control Hub Pro, respectively.

The Control Hub software is delivered as a Docker container and can be deployed on public cloud infrastructure or the customers’ own server. Linux is the recommended operating system for Control Hub installations, but the software is also compatible with Windows and MacOS.

InfoComm 2023 is right around the corner. We've been doing our best to keep you up to date on all there is to see in Orlando this June.  Today, take a look at five more exhibitors you need to add to your must-see list. 

[InfoComm 2023: 'No Stopping Us Now']

ZeeVee to Feature Latest AV Distribution Solutions

ZeeVee will unveil its latest AV signal distribution solutions, including a new 1 Gig, AVoIP encoder and decoder, at Booth 4061. 

Here's what to see:

• Session: Enterprise IT: AV Network Preparation, Readiness and Design: Director of product management, Art Weeks, will share best practices for AVoIP network design. He will provide examples of real-world AVoIP networks along with a high-level checklist of things to plan for in the design of any AVoIP network. 
• ZyPer4K SDVoE Wall Plates: SDVoE encoder and decoder wall plates feature 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet ports for general purpose device attachment to a network, as well as audio input and output jacks to drive line-level stereo audio. They can distribute content via HDMI 2.0b and USB-C, as well as USB 2.0, which can be configured and routed via the ZeeVee ZyPer Management Platform (ZMP). A video select button on the encoder wall plate enables users to choose either HDMI or USB-C video inputs when both are connected. 
• HDMI 2.0 Extender: HDMI 2.0 extender kit permits signal transmissions of up to 165 feet (50 meters). Normally, HDMI cables only reach 50 feet before signal deterioration occurs, which can lead to onscreen images pixelating, lagging or dropping out entirely. The kit preserves the signal integrity via Cat6/6A/7 cables that are also more efficient to run through walls and crawl spaces than HDMI cables.  

Just Add Power Blazes the AV-Over-IP Trail

Just Add Power is set to showcase its latest distributed AV solutions in Booth 1725. Integrators will see the latest addition to the company's 4K60 MaxColorTM Series, the MaxColor 2 transmitter and receiver. Building on the innovation introduced with the MaxColor 1 4K UHD distribution platform, the new solution adds KVM support, and a fiber port connect alongside native 4K60Hz in and out.

In the booth, Just Add Power's MaxColor Series 2 will be shown. Because it can distribute 4K60/4:4:4/36-bit color video over a 1GB managed network using existing Cat X (Cat 5e minimum) cable, or over 10G fiber cable, integrators can use the cable that best fits their projects. It also boasts a USB-C port, supporting, for example, a USB web camera signal over IP. With the new Audio Return Channel feature from Just Add Power, installers can easily send audio from a TV connected to a MaxColor 2 receiver across the network to another MaxColor 2 receiver—connected to an audio-video receiver or another ARC-enabled amplifier—making project design even easier and more flexible.

The MaxColor Series 1 and 2 transmitters and receivers provide integrators with an affordable and scalable 4K UHD distribution platform to support today's 4K source content with high frame rates natively over existing network infrastructures. MaxColor also offers deep-color and 4:4:4 chroma support to ensure that what is seen on the screen matches the output of the source with no subsampling or downscaling. The series delivers zero detectable latency, instant and seamless switching, 4K up-and-down scaling, and HDR management while supporting all lossless audio formats and HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience. Additional features include image pop, push, pull, and integrated control.

Just Add Power will also lead its manufacturer training, "Stress-free AV-Over-IP," on June 15 at 11 a.m. in Room W310AB. The session will share why AV-over-IP solutions are often the best option to meet customers' demands. Taught by Just Add Power's Jeff Terzo, vice president of global business development, and Eric Martin, director of training, this lively session will first focus on designing a system and then follow up with hands-on demonstrations of setting up and configuring a system. Attendees will be eligible to earn one RU toward CTS, CTS-D, or CTS-I certifications.

Visionary to Highlight Sustainable AV-over-IP Technology

The modular system design and architecture of AV-over-IP provides many benefits to sustainability, including greater scalability, energy efficiency, longer product life, reduced material consumption, simplified maintenance and repair, remote management, and more efficient use of resources. At Booth 3761, visitors will see the rich benefits of Visionary’s modular AV-over-IP technology contribute to a lower environmental impact compared to traditional fixed matrix switching. 

Recently, Visionary supported one of the largest AV-over-IP deployments in the world with over 2,500 endpoints at Resorts World Las Vegas. During the initial design, the systems integrators, end users and Visionary’s in-house engineers performed calculations on the power requirements for Visionary’s endpoints versus some of the competitive products that were being considered. It was determined that Resorts World Las Vegas would be reducing its carbon footprint by 532 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent and saving over $60,000 per year in energy costs by utilizing Visionary’s eco-friendly, low-power endpoints. The Carbon Dioxide emissions are equivalent to 59,808 gallons of gasoline consumed, or correlates to greenhouse gas emissions avoided by 23,007 trash bags of waste recycled instead of landfilled.

The over-engineering of AV-over-IP endpoints has led to excessive power consumption. Often, manufacturers pack their devices with a multitude of features to stand out from the competition. However, many of these features are not required by the end users and result in excessive power consumption. As AV-over-IP technologies continue to advance, it is essential for manufacturers to strike a balance between innovation and real-world system requirements. Over-engineered devices not only consume more energy but also increase the total cost of ownership for users, as they pay for features they don’t necessarily need. To address this issue, the AV industry should focus on developing energy-efficient and streamlined solutions tailored to specific use cases and market segments. At InfoComm 2023, Visionary will showcase their commitment to designing and manufacturing sustainable, AV-over-IP solutions, without compromising the necessary features to support many of the most demanding AV applications.

PoE Power: MSolutions Eliminates Most Hardware for USB and USB 3.0 Camera Switching

At InfoComm, MSolutions will demonstrate how users can toggle between four cameras—one per input—to bring them into a presentation or lecture. Its latest gateway switching device breaks new ground by removing the need for HDBaseT transmitters and receivers for most USB 2.0/USB 3.1 camera switching ecosystems that support collaborative environments.

MSolutions introduced its MS-0401 Series of Gateway switching devices at ISE 2023 in February, including a PoE-powered HDBaseT-to-IP Gateway device for switching HDBaseT cameras onto IPMX networks. MSolutions has now pulled off an impressive feat with a new addition to the series that removes the need for extenders when switching USB cameras. MSolutions will present its innovation, made possible through its new MS-0401U device and special cables, on the HDBaseT Alliance Booth (3403) at InfoComm next month.

MSolutions’ PoE-powered MS-0401U is a small form-factor unit with five ports and on-board channel selection. The device offers two types of switching, allowing up to four independent source devices or hosts to be linked through the MSolutions Gateway to a single output. This allows users to switch between cameras to provide different viewpoints during a presentation or lecture, for example.

As with other MS-0401 switching devices, MSolutions allows the user to deploy the device in a reserve configuration, with a single input switchable to four selectable outputs. This is an ideal configuration for a larger space with projectors or displays positioned around the room, where the single output replicates camera content to two or more end points connected to the MS-0401U switch.

In either configuration, MSolutions has reduced the cost of deployment inside meeting and learning spaces by using special RJ45-to-USB cables to carry signals from host devices with no extenders required. The removal of hardware potentially saves thousands of dollars for end users, with cost-savings multiplied by the room. Special firmware is added to the device on request to enable USB 3.1 switching for high-speed devices including 4K cameras. The MS-0401U supports distances of 50 feet or more for USB or USB 3.1 signals without extenders.

Magewell to Preview New Device and Stream Management Software

Visitors to the Magewell Booth 2855 will be treated to a sneak preview of the company's second-generation centralized device management software. The successor to the established Magewell Cloud platform, the new Control Hub will feature an enhanced device management interface and expanded stream conversion capabilities.

Flexibly deployable on-premises or in the cloud, Control Hub will provide centralized configuration and control of multiple Magewell streaming and IP conversion solutions. Administrators, IT staff and systems integrators can easily manage multiple encoders and decoders across disparate locations through an intuitive, browser-based interface. An HTTP-based API is also available for third-party integration.

[Can NDI Become Ubiquitous?] 

The Control Hub software will support Magewell hardware products including Ultra Stream and Ultra Encode live media encoders; Pro Convert NDI encoders and decoders; the Pro Convert Audio DX IP audio converter; and the USB Fusion capture and mixing device. Users can remotely configure device parameters, monitor device status, trigger operational functions—such as starting or stopping encoding—and perform batch firmware upgrades across multiple units of the same model.

Control Hub features a revamped user interface that makes it even simpler and more efficient to manage multiple encoders and decoders. Its redesigned dashboard provides expanded information in a more intuitive layout, making it easier for users to see the status of their devices and deployments at a glance. Video from remote Ultra Stream, Ultra Encode and USB Fusion units can be previewed directly in the Control Hub interface without needing to open the individual device's interface panel.

Control Hub expands on the stream conversion capabilities of the earlier Magewell Cloud software with support for more protocols and a more flexible stream routing architecture. Users can define presets for stream input sources and output targets, then create 'channels' that map each input to one or more output protocols and destinations. Control Hub converts between RTMP, SRT (in caller or listener mode), RTSP and transport streams (delivered over UDP or RTP).

SRT Relay—previously a separate function in Magewell Cloud—is now just a specific Control Hub channel mapping configuration that routes SRT inputs to SRT outputs. This simplifies SRT streaming workflows by letting SRT encoders and decoders connect via Control Hub rather than directly to each other, minimizing firewall headaches and eliminating the need for public, static IP addresses at every endpoint.

As the transition from traditional media infrastructures to software and IP-based workflows hits its stride, Magewell continues to innovate with new solutions that make live streaming, IP-based production and remote collaboration easier and more cost-effective for everyone from independent producers to large media enterprises. Exhibiting in booth C5031 at the 2023 NAB Show, the company will demonstrate new products and updates across all three of its core portfolios—capture, conversion and streaming—that seamlessly bridge signals, software, streams and screens.

Capture

The USB Fusion multi-input video capture and mixing hardware and its accompanying app let users easily combine camera, screenshare, and media file sources into engaging live presentations for streaming, event production, online lectures, webinars, video conferencing, and other applications. Magewell will unveil powerful new features that dramatically expand the input source possibilities of this versatile device. For more details on these major enhancements, click here. 

[Can NDI Become Ubiquitous?]

Magewell will also highlight its recently announced Eco Capture AIO M.2 ultra-compact video capture card. Featuring selectable HDMI and SDI interfaces, the new model combines flexible input connectivity with low power consumption in a space-efficient M.2 form factor.

Conversion

Magewell's converters bridge traditional and IP media infrastructures by easily bringing SDI or HDMI signals into and out of IP production workflows and AV-over-IP networks. Demonstrations will feature Pro Convert NDI encoders and multi-format decoders in end-to-end workflows, all managed by Magewell's centralized control software.

The incredibly flexible Pro Convert Audio DX multi-format IP audio encoder, decoder, and capture device will make its NAB Show debut. The new hardware lets users easily convert audio between Dante, NDI, and SRT IP technologies. It can also encode analog audio into IP streams as an 'on-ramp' to audio-over-IP networks, as well as decode IP audio for analog output.

[NAB Show 2023 Hub: News and Products You Won't Want to Miss] 

Streaming

Making their first NAB Show appearance, Ultra Encode AIO live media encoders build on the flexibility of the original Ultra Encode family with expanded features including HDMI and SDI input connectivity in a single unit; 4K (30fps) encoding and streaming from the HDMI input; simultaneous multi-protocol streaming; and file recording. Ultra Encode AIO can encode one live input source or mix the HDMI and SDI inputs (picture-in-picture or side-by-side) into a combined output, and flexibly supports H.264 and H.265 streaming in multiple protocols including RTMP, SRT, HLS, TVU's ISSP technology and more. It also supports NDI|HX2 and NDI|HX3 for IP workflows.

Magewell staff will be joined in the booth by the company's exclusive North and South American distributor Mobile Video Devices, Inc. (MVD). "Magewell has many new products designed to improve workflows and eliminate barriers in today's IP-enabled media landscape, as well as proven solutions that are more critical than ever with the ongoing shift to remote production and streaming," said Darryl Spangler, president of MVD. "There's no better way to understand the power and flexibility of these products than an in-person demonstration, and we look forward to showcasing them to NAB attendees."

Magewell has unveiled a new model in its Eco Capture family of ultra-compact, power-efficient, M.2 video capture cards. The new single-channel Eco Capture AIO M.2 provides both HDMI and SDI interfaces with embedded audio support for flexible input connectivity.

Magewell will highlight the Eco Capture AIO M.2 and other new innovations in booth C5031 at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 16-19.

[The Ghost in the HDMI Machine]

Magewell's Eco Capture cards offer systems integrators and OEM developers a high-performance video capture solution with low power consumption in a space-efficient form factor. The cost-effective, low-latency devices feature a high-speed PCIe 2.0 bus interface with an M.2 connector and measure just 22x80mm (0.87x3.15in), making them ideal for incorporation into small, portable or embedded systems where full-sized PCIe slots are not available.

The new Eco Capture AIO M.2 can capture one channel of video up to 2048x1080 at 60 frames per second over either its HDMI input or its 3G-SDI interface, with up to eight channels of embedded audio. The SDI interface's BNC connection can also be configured to accept a standard-definition composite analog video signal for compatibility with legacy source equipment.

[NAB Show Expects Big Gains in 2023]

The new offering joins five existing Eco Capture M.2 cards including single-input (HDMI or SDI) 4K models; dual-channel models that capture HD and 2K video over HDMI or SDI; and a quad-channel HD/2K model with SDI inputs.

"Our Eco Capture family continues to be extremely popular for enabling robust, reliable video capture in space-constrained applications," said James Liu, vice president of engineering at Magewell. "We expect the new Eco Capture AIO M.2 to be particularly interesting to OEM partners and third-party solution developers who need a compact, power-efficient capture card and want to offer their end-customers a flexible choice of input connectivity."

[Deadline for NAB Show Excellence in Sustainability Awards Entries Is April 3]

Eco Capture cards are compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems and support OS-native APIs including DirectShow, DirectKS, V4L2 and ALSA. FPGA-based video processing provides high-quality up/down/cross-scaling, picture controls, and color space conversion without tasking the host system CPU. A comprehensive SDK is also available, enabling developers to directly access the full feature set of the cards.

Get your free copy of the 2023 Guide to Streaming.

A Day at the Races…from Home

William Hill, a British betting and gaming company, covers a vast number of racetracks across the United Kingdom and Australia. Now, thanks to CJP Broadcast Service Solutions, fans of gambling and racing can stream roughly 140 greyhound races live every day from 30 UK and Irish tracks from the William Hill app or website.

At Issue

Industry experts consider some of the most important elements (beyond bandwidth, of course) that integrators need to consider for any streaming application. 

Product Showcase

Check out the latest streaming solutions from Hall Technologies, Magewell, Vaddio, and VITEC.

Download the Integration Guide to Streaming.

Read the February issue of SCN.

Magewell heads to ISE 2023 with the Pro Convert Audio DX multi-format IP audio encoder, decoder, and capture device. The company's first solution with integrated support for Audinate's Dante audio networking, the new hardware lets users easily convert audio between Dante, NDI, and SRT transport technologies while also seamlessly bridging analog audio, software, and IP networks.

Magewell will introduce Pro Convert Audio DX alongside demonstrations of other new Magewell innovations—including the recently-announced Ultra Encode AIO advanced streaming encoder and now-shipping USB Fusion multi-input capture and mixing device—in stand 5H200 at the ISE 2023 exhibition in Barcelona from Jan. 31-Feb. 3.

[Dante: An Oral History]

Dante has become the de-facto standard for transporting audio over IP networks, with over 3000 Dante-compatible products available from hundreds of manufacturers. Pro Convert Audio DX can send and receive up to eight channels of audio in unicast or multicast Dante 'flows' (audio streams). In addition to Dante, the device also supports uncompressed audio using the popular NDI media-over-IP technology, or compressed AAC audio using the low-latency SRT protocol.

By enabling conversion between Dante, NDI, and SRT, Pro Convert Audio DX enables mixed-technology local and remote production workflows that combine best-of-breed products supporting different standards and formats. It can also encode analog audio into Dante, NDI, or SRT streams as an 'on-ramp' to IP networks, as well as decoding IP audio streams in any of these formats and protocols for analog output.

[How NDI 5 Impacts AVoIP Remote Live Production]

Offering the high reliability, low maintenance requirements, assured performance, and compact size of a dedicated hardware solution, Pro Convert Audio DX can also serve as an audio capture device when connected via USB to a laptop or desktop computer. UAC (USB Audio Class) compatibility provides plug-and-play ease of use and immediate compatibility with popular video conferencing, streaming, and production software.

"Magewell is recognized as a leader in the networked media space, so adding Dante is a natural evolution of their product portfolio," said Joshua Rush, CMO for Audinate. "We are thrilled to welcome Magewell into the Dante ecosystem and look forward to further innovations from them."

[Everything You Need for ISE 2023: The AV Network ISE 2023 News Hub]  

The flexible virtual audio matrix in Pro Convert Audio DX's browser-based interface allows users to route or mix any analog or IP-based input channel to any analog, IP, or UAC output. Multiple Pro Convert Audio DX units can be centrally configured and controlled through the Magewell Cloud multi-device management software.

"By letting users easily convert between multiple audio-over-IP technologies and seamlessly bridge traditional and IP audio infrastructures, Pro Convert Audio DX frees them from needing to worry about which audio types their chosen tools support," said Will Chen, product manager at Magewell. "Dante is one of the most important networked audio technologies in professional AV, production, and broadcast markets, and we're excited to support it in this versatile device."

Magewell is now shipping the USB Fusion multi-input video capture and mixing device. The versatile new hardware and accompanying app let users easily combine camera, wired screenshare, and media file sources into attractive live presentations for online lectures, webinars, live streaming, event production, videoconferencing, and other applications.

The company also announced an upcoming free firmware upgrade that further expands USB Fusion's rich feature set with additional integration and user convenience capabilities.

[Like The USB Fusion? Check out Magewell's New Live Encoder]

"USB Fusion is so versatile that every time we have demonstrated it at a trade show, customers have come up with exciting new ways they can use it," said Amy Zhou, sales director at Magewell. "We are excited that USB Fusion is now shipping into users' hands, and pleased to further expand its functionality to support even more use cases."

Featuring two HDMI inputs and one USB webcam input, USB Fusion lets users switch between 1080p60 HD sources or combine two inputs (picture-in-picture or side-by-side) into one output and capture the result into popular Windows, Mac, or Linux software via its USB 3.0 interface. It also offers an HDMI output for connection to a projector, display, or downstream production equipment, making it equally adept as a standalone, tablet-controlled presentation device.

[The Ghost in the HDMI Machine] 

USB Fusion offers three ways for users to compose and control their presentations. On-device buttons allow users to switch between sources or select a combined scene layout, while a browser-based web interface offers presentation management, scene switching, status monitoring, and device configuration. The full presentation power of USB Fusion is unlocked through the free USB Fusion companion app for iOS and Android tablets, which provides expanded layout controls and lets users add pictures, video clips, background music, handwritten notes, and more into their presentations. USB Fusion's live, on-video drawing and notation features have also been a hit with sports organizations and broadcasters looking for easy telestrator capabilities.

[JUST RELEASED: SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators 2022] 

Leading the list of new features in the upcoming USB Fusion firmware upgrade is ISO recording. Users can now choose to create an isolated recording of the source feed from one of the device's three inputs, rather than recording the combined output. Presentations and related media assets can now be exported and re-imported for archival purposes or transferring to another USB Fusion unit. Additional new features include scheduled recording; the ability to automatically back up recorded videos or images to Google Drive; and new sleep modes for eco-friendly power management.

Magewell is poised to unveil a powerful new flagship model in its Ultra Encode family of universal live media encoders for applications ranging from live streaming to IP-based production and AV-over-IP. The new Ultra Encode AIO builds on the flexibility of the company's original Ultra Encode models with expanded features including HDMI and SDI input connectivity in a single unit; 4K encoding and streaming from the HDMI input; simultaneous multi-protocol streaming; higher streaming bitrates; file recording; and much more.

"The rich feature set and versatility of our Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI have made them very popular with streaming and production professionals as well as systems integrators, and we're excited to expand the family with the new Ultra Encode AIO," said James Liu, vice president of engineering at Magewell. "Ultra Encode AIO takes the capabilities of its siblings to a whole new level for advanced professional use cases, from recording and 4K encoding to greater flexibility for multi-destination streaming."

[Magewell Partners with Barco to Enhance Wireless Conferencing Experiences]

Ultra Encode AIO supports multiple video encoding formats—including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), NDI|HX 2, and the new NDI|HX 3—and a wide array of delivery protocols including RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, RTSP, RTP, HLS, and TVU's ISSP technology. Video can be encoded at resolutions up to 4096x2160 at 30 frames per second from HDMI sources, or up to 1080p HD at 60 fps from the device's 3G-SDI input.

The single-channel Ultra Encode AIO can encode one live input source—either HDMI or SDI—or mix video from the HDMI and SDI inputs (picture-in-picture or side-by-side) into a combined output. Video can be encoded at bitrates up to 32Mbps, while up to eight channels of audio can be encoded in AAC format. Two concurrent encoding profiles with distinct combinations of resolution, frame rate, and bitrate can be specified, and up to eight user-configurable overlays—including text, images, and a clock—can be applied to each profile.

Configurable presets enable easy streaming to YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, or custom targets. Ultra Encode AIO can stream to up to six different target destinations simultaneously, including the ability to stream concurrently in multiple protocols. Inputs can also be recorded as files to an SD card, USB-connected storage device, or networked storage (NFS, CIFS or SMB).

For IP production workflows and AV-over-IP signal distribution architectures, Ultra Encode AIO supports NDI|HX 3, the latest version of the high-efficiency, low-bandwidth option in the popular NDI IP media transport technology platform. NDI|HX 3 improves video quality while enabling very low latency. Ultra Encode AIO also supports the earlier NDI|HX 2 for broad compatibility.

Ultra Encode AIO can be configured, monitored, and controlled through its browser-based web interface—accessible through any computer or mobile device, with an optimized layout for smartphones—with centralized management of multiple units available through the Magewell Cloud software. In addition to manual control, scheduled streaming and recording are also available through the web UI, while the unit's touchscreen LCD screen provides status information and snapshot previews. HTTP-based APIs are also available for systems integrators and third-party developers to incorporate Ultra Encode AIO into their solutions.

[AV Network's top stories, product news, and expert insights] 

Ultra Encode AIO devices measure 214.9mm (8.46 inches) by 128.2mm (5.05 inches) with a height of 44.55mm (1.75 inches). Pairs of units can be rack-mounted together with included mounting hardware. The device can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) or the included power adapter. In addition to HDMI and SDI video input and loop-through connections with embedded audio support, Ultra Encode AIO also offers line-level analog audio input and output. For network connectivity, the encoder features built-in Wi-Fi and an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port, as well as support for optional, third-party 3G/4G broadband modems.

Ultra Encode AIO is slated to start shipping in Q4. The existing Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI models continue to be available for customers needing only a single input connectivity standard and who do not require the additional advanced capabilities of Ultra Encode AIO. Meanwhile, Magewell's Ultra Stream encoders remain the gold standard for non-professional or less experienced users with fairly straightforward live streaming and recording needs.

SCN: How long have you been with this company, and what are your responsibilities?

Nick Ma: I co-founded Magewell in 2011, and I have a joint role as CEO and CTO. As CEO, I lead the development of the company’s short-term and long-term business strategies, oversee execution of our mission and corporate values, and make top-level executive decisions. As CTO, I evaluate technology advances to ensure our product roadmap addresses customers’ current and future needs.

SCN: How has your background prepared you for your role?

NM: My education prepared me for my CTO duties, while my professional experience prepared me for my CEO role. Passionate about electrical engineering since high school, I worked as a software engineer after graduating from university. 

[InfoComm 2022 Watchlist: Magewell's Pro Convert AES67 Set to Debut]

The working environment was unpleasant, which drove me to establish a workplace that employees could enjoy. I co-founded a software startup in 2001 and gained a lot of experience in how to run a company. I learned a lot from some great business leaders I worked with, and at Magewell, I have fantastic colleagues who complement my own experience. 

SCN: Earlier this year, you announced a partnership with Barco. How important has videoconferencing become for your business?

NM: Videoconferencing has always been a popular use case for our plug-and-play video capture devices, allowing people to easily bring HDMI or SDI signals from video cameras or wired screenshares into conferencing software. As the use of videoconferencing software grew exponentially during the pandemic, it became an even bigger portion of our business. Videoconferencing is intrinsic to AV environments’ “new normal,” and we’re excited to partner with Barco and other innovators to enhance user experiences and expand the source signals they can incorporate.

[Executive Q&A: InfoComm Gets Back to Business]

SCN: As a company that provides solutions in both areas, what should integrators tell clients to expect when migrating them from a traditional HDMI or SDI signal architecture to an IP-based workflow?

NM: First, customers who have investments in HDMI or SDI equipment such as cameras don’t need to jettison all of their existing gear. Solutions such as our Pro Convert family seamlessly bridge baseband signals with IP-based workflows, extending the lifecycle of that gear.

AV-over-IP enables one-to-many distribution without expensive routers, distribution amplifiers, and extenders, but the network architecture becomes crucial. You’re often transporting multiple signals over the same IP network, so bandwidth considerations become an important factor. Integrators will need to work closely with the customer’s IT staff to optimize the infrastructure.

SCN: You offer products for multiple streaming approaches, from software-based streaming to standalone appliances like the Ultra Stream. What are the advantages of each approach?

NM: Our standalone streaming appliances such as Ultra Stream and Ultra Encode are designed to make live streaming exceptionally easy, even for non-technical users. Both can also be integrated into third-party software solutions through an API, allowing users to manage the devices through software they’re already using.
For users who prefer to encode and stream in software, our USB Capture devices bring an HDMI or SDI signal into Windows, Mac, Linux, or ChromeOS applications. Software-based streaming typically offers the greatest creative flexibility, but some customers may find using a standalone hardware device simpler. 

SCN: Last year, Magewell celebrated its 10th anniversary. What changes in the AV industry have most impacted your business over the last decade?

NM: The market is now embracing trends we’ve been advocating for since we started: the transition from traditional AV signals to IP-based infrastructures, and the use of software-based solutions rather than dedicated hardware. We were a bit ahead of some Pro AV vertical markets in these respects. The live production market was faster to begin these transitions, but that gave us the opportunity to refine our feature sets for Pro AV users. As streaming became mainstream and software-based conferencing took off, our solutions were perfectly positioned to help customers take advantage of these technologies. 

SCN: Where do you see the Pro AV industry heading?

NM: I believe the transition to software and AV-over-IP will keep accelerating, although hardware will still be needed to bridge them with traditional signals. I also expect to see greater adoption of open standards. While the broadcast market has long embraced open interoperability standards, the use of IP in Pro AV has been characterized by multiple, proprietary specifications. Embracing open standards in Pro AV will free customers from having to stay within any particular vendor’s ecosystem. 

SCN: What are the short and long-term goals for Magewell, and what new initiatives are we likely to see from your company?

NM: Our goal has always been to offer solutions that make the latest technologies so practical, simple, and affordable that they achieve “technical invisibility”—where the technology is so easy to use and pervasive that you don’t even notice it any more, you just use it naturally. In the short term, we want to continue improving the hybrid meeting user experience not only for large companies, but also small and medium-sized businesses with limited infrastructure budgets. Beyond that, we’re looking to efficiently stream higher-quality AV at lower latency beyond the boundaries of local networks. 

[Best Practices: Today’s Hybrid Corporate Classroom]

SCN: How can systems contractors better position themselves to profit from products and/or services you have to offer?

NM: Gain as much IT and IP networking expertise as you can. Some people know AV very well, some know IT very well, but the real value today is being an expert in how they intersect. The move to software, streaming, and IP also opens up new customer types that you might not have focused on previously. Small and medium-sized businesses can take advantage of solutions that would have previously only been affordable to bigger enterprises. Also, consider service-based revenue models, such as remotely managing devices for your customers through tools like our Magewell Cloud.

Magewell is extending its renowned media processing and IP workflow expertise into the audio domain with the introduction of its Pro Convert AES67 multi-format IP audio encoder, decoder, and capture device. Supporting standards and protocols including AES67, NDI, and SRT, the device can flexibly convert between different IP media technologies while also offering a seamless bridge between analog audio, software, and IP networks.

Magewell will showcase Pro Convert AES67 in booth N1833 at InfoComm 2022, taking place June 8 to 10 in Las Vegas.

[Magewell Partners with Barco to Enhance Wireless Conferencing Experiences]

Headlining the new device's audio-over-IP technology support is AES67. Able to send and receive multiple, eight-channel unicast or multicast AES67 streams, Pro Convert AES67 offers seamless interoperability with third-party AES67 audio solutions and supports the SMPTE 2110-30 specification for delivery of  PCM digital audio over IP networks. The device can also transport uncompressed audio using the popular NDI media-over-IP technology, or compressed AAC audio using the low-latency SRT protocol.

Pro Convert AES67 can convert IP-based audio between AES67, NDI, and SRT, enabling mixed-technology local and remote production workflows that combine third-party products supporting different standards and formats. The device can also encode analog audio into AES67, NDI, or SRT streams as an 'on-ramp' to IP networks, as well as decoding IP audio streams in any of these formats and protocols for analog output. The compact hardware features unbalanced stereo 3.5mm input and output connections plus 4.4mm balanced stereo I/O, with XLR connectivity available through included breakout cables.

[SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators 2021] 

Pro Convert AES67 can also serve as a plug-and-play audio capture device when connected via USB to a laptop or desktop computer. Standard UAC (USB Audio Class) compatibility enables driver-free setup while providing instant compatibility with popular videoconferencing, streaming, and production software. For audio streaming applications such as internet radio, the device also offers AAC stream encoding and transmission plus AAC and MP3 stream receiving and decoding with Icecast support.

A flexible, virtual audio matrix is accessible through the device's browser-based user interface and allows routing or mixing of any analog or IP-based input channel to any analog, IP, or UAC output. Encoding and processing parameters are also configured through the web interface, with centralized configuration and control of multiple Pro Convert units available through the Magewell Cloud multi-device management software. The hardware can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet), the included power adapter, or a USB-connected computer.

[Executive Q&A: Back to Business at InfoComm 22] 

"Audio-over-IP has become the norm for professional audio infrastructure, but there is a vast ecosystem of analog audio peripherals that customers want to continue using," said Will Chen, product manager at Magewell. "Pro Convert AES67 provides a bridge between analog audio devices, IP audio networks, and software-based solutions while enabling easy conversion between disparate IP media technologies."

Magewell — an award-winning developer of innovative video interface and IP workflow solutions — has joined Barco’s ClickShare Alliance Program. The new partnership with a global leader in professional meeting room visualization and collaboration solutions ensures that Magewell’s popular USB Capture Gen 2 HDMI-to-USB and SDI-to-USB capture devices are fully compatible with Barco’s ClickShare Conference wireless conferencing portfolio.

Magewell’s plug-and-play USB Capture Gen 2 devices let users easily and reliably bring HDMI or SDI video signals into Zoom, Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, and other popular conferencing software. Barco’s ClickShare Conference combines remote communication with easy-to-use, agnostic wireless collaboration to enable revolutionary conferencing experiences in any meeting space. ClickShare Conference wirelessly connects to the USB audio-video peripherals in the room to create better hybrid meetings without cumbersome cables.

[At ISE 2022, Barco Is Ready for 'New Chapter' for Pro AV Industry]

Verified compatibility with Magewell USB Capture Gen 2 devices enables HDMI or SDI video sources such as professional cameras to be used seamlessly with ClickShare Conference. Users can now integrate higher-end cameras into their wireless conferences for improved visual quality and creative flexibility, or incorporate other non-USB video sources such as DVD players, document cameras, or additional computers.

Magewell’s USB Capture Gen 2 has been successfully tested for compatibility with the ClickShare CX-20, ClickShare CX-30 and ClickShare CX-50. The Magewell devices can be powered directly from the ClickShare Base Unit, with no additional power source needed. By enabling the Magewell devices to connect wirelessly to the host computer, ClickShare Conference also frees them from the length limitations of USB cables while enabling them to be placed more discretely and conveniently.

“Many customers already have significant investments in AV equipment that does not support USB connectivity, while others want the superior quality and deeper image control that professional cameras may provide,” said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO at Magewell. “Combining our USB capture devices with ClickShare Conference lets users take advantage of these AV sources while enjoying the benefits of wireless, hybrid meeting experiences. Partnering with Barco as part of the ClickShare Alliance lets integrators, resellers, and end-users choose our joint solution with confidence.”

[Magewell Introduces Magewell Cloud Multi-Device Management Software]

“Magewell’s USB Capture devices expand the ecosystem of high-quality video and audio sources that customers can use with ClickShare Conference,” said Lieven Bertier, segment marketing director workplace at Barco. “The ClickShare Alliance Program is all about giving customers the confidence of proven compatibility in their hybrid meetings. Our partnership with Magewell aligns perfectly with this mission, as it goes beyond just ensuring compatibility with the Magewell products themselves — it also enables compatibility with a vast array of HDMI and SDI sources. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the program.”

Telemedicine workflows incorporating live video have taken on dramatically greater importance for surgical education during the COVID-19 pandemic, as doctors reduce non-essential personnel in their operating rooms for the safety of patients and staff. Needing a way to continue its mission of improving training for ophthalmology students in underserved geographic regions, non-profit organization Advanced Center for Eyecare Global (ACE Global) is using the USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus external video capture device from Magewell as a crucial link in delivering live video of surgical procedures to medical residents and fellows around the globe.

ACE Global is a non-profit organization focused on training and empowering the next generation of ophthalmologists in the developing world. "The leading cause of blindness in the world is cataracts, but there are just not enough cataract surgeons that have enough training, particularly in low-income countries," said Dr. Kevin Barber, president of ACE Global and certified ophthalmologist. "Our major goal is working toward blindness prevention by training more surgeons, better surgeons, and more efficient surgeons."

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Videoconferencing and Streaming

For years, ACE Global has been partnering with residency programs in countries such as Honduras, Haiti, and El Salvador, making three or four trips each year to teach surgical students in person. Dr. Barber's team was packing their bags to leave for Honduras in March 2020 when the pandemic put the brakes on that journey. Needing a way to continue ACE Global's work, Dr. Barber came across a medical journal article by Dr. S.K. Steven Houston III and Dr. John Miller—partners in eyecare-focused telemedicine solution developer HEALTheia—that outlined their efforts in piloting telesurgery workflows incorporating live streaming technology.

Many ophthalmology operating rooms utilize the NGENUITY 3D Visualization System from Alcon Inc. Designed to provide retinal surgeons with greater depth and detail during surgery than traditional microscopes, NGENUITY lets them operate in a heads-up manner while looking at a large 4K video screen rather than peering through the oculars of a microscope. Dr. Houston had researched solutions for live streaming the output of the NGENUITY platform, choosing Magewell's USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus for its unique combination of cost-effectiveness, quality, ease of use, and reliability.

"Our goal was to balance our technical requirements with the accessibility of an off-the-shelf solution at a reasonable cost," Dr. Houston said. "We also wanted doctors to be able to implement this workflow themselves, so we needed to make it as simple as possible. "The Magewell capture device has given us a widely available plug-and-play option that we can recommend to our colleagues and is affordable to all comers."

After a successful test run facilitated by Dr. Houston, Dr. Barber purchased his own USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus unit, and began broadcasting live surgeries to medical students in early May. "Since then, we have logged around 150 hours of live surgical training through the Magewell device," Dr. Barber said. "Remote surgeons can see exactly what I see, and we can have a live dialog while I am operating."

The live HDMI output from the NGENUITY system goes into the USB Capture Plus device, which in turn sends the video over a standard USB connection into a computer running OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and Zoom. OBS is used to combine video of the surgeon's hands from a separate camera with the NGENUITY output, with Zoom delivering the combined result to remote participants with lower latency than available with typical streaming protocols and services.

Dr. Barber concurs with Dr. Houston's assessment of the Magewell capture solution's benefits and also lauds its visual fidelity, which is crucial given the precision required for surgical applications. "It's so inexpensive and simple," he said. "I am not a technical guy, but I can set it up in the operating room within five minutes and be streaming to a global audience. The image quality is also impeccable, with no degradation of the NGENUITY output."

Earlier this year, in conjunction with blindness prevention non-profit Orbis International, ACE Global presented a global live surgical stream that was viewed by surgeons in 81 countries. ACE Global has also received a research grant from Alcon to install an NGENUITY system and Magewell unit in Honduras, with a goal of allowing surgical trainees there to stream live surgeries back to experts in the U.S. for mentoring and evaluation.

The Magewell-enabled workflow has proven valuable in enabling ACE Global to continue and expand its mission. "It has become a very powerful educational tool that we didn't have before," said Dr. Barber. "We have now streamed to medical students in Honduras, Dominican Republic, Peru, El Salvador, and Mexico, and can connect ORs anywhere in the world."

Get your free copy of SCN's 2021 Integration Guide to Streaming.

Dream to Stream

Organizations of all kinds, from churches and colleges to corporate offices and broadcast stations, have had to adapt to new solutions that help them meet people where they are. Over the past year, that has increasingly meant meeting them virtually, which in turn has meant an increase in requests to systems contractors and integrators to facilitate streaming services.

Product Showcase

Check out the latest streaming tools from companies like Magewell and PTZOptics.

At Issue

Experts from industry-leading companies discuss how integrators can capitalize on streaming opportunities.

Download the Integration Guide to Streaming.

The What: Magewell has launched the Ultra Encode family of universal live media encoders. Supporting multiple encoding formats—including H.264, H.265, and NDI|HX—and a wide array of delivery protocols, the new hardware offers systems integrators, video professionals, and OEM partners a flexible encoding solution for applications ranging from live streaming and remote contribution to IP-based production and AV-over-IP.

The What Else: Ultra Encode features H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) video compression for live streaming delivery, letting users choose their preferred balance between broader viewing device compatibility and higher quality/bitrate efficiency. The new encoder also supports a flexible range of streaming protocols including RTMP, RTMPS, RTSP, RTP, HLS, and SRT (Secure Reliable Transport, developed and open-sourced by Haivision). Configurable presets enable easy streaming to YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, or custom targets, with select protocols allowing simultaneous streaming to multiple destinations using independent encoding parameters for each stream.

[The Technology Manager's Guide to Videoconferencing and Streaming]

The Bottom Line: Two initial Ultra Encode models—the Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI—offer a choice of HDMI 1.4a or 3G-SDI input and loop-through interfaces. Both models can encode and stream content up to 1080p60 at bitrates up to 16Mbps, while the Ultra Encode HDMI also accepts 4K HDMI inputs, down-converting them automatically to HD. Embedded audio is complemented by analog, line-level audio input and output connections. In addition to Wi-Fi, the encoder offers an RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port for wired networking.

The Ultra Encode HDMI and Ultra Encode SDI are slated to start shipping in early February. 

The What: Magewell has begun shipping the newest decoder models in its Pro Convert family of low-latency video-over-IP converters. Available immediately, the Pro Convert for NDI to SDI and Pro Convert H.26x to SDI transform live, IP media streams into high-quality SDI outputs for connection to monitors, projectors, and legacy production equipment.

The What Else: The Pro Convert H.26x to SDI decodes live H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC) compressed video streams up to 1080p60 for output via a 3G-SDI interface. The low-latency device supports a wide range of input streaming protocols for maximum source compatibility, including SRT (Secure Reliable Transport)—developed and open-sourced by Haivision—as well as RTSP, RTMP, UDP, RTP, and HLS. The Pro Convert for NDI to SDI offers all of the same functionality plus support for Newtek's NDI technology for production-grade media transport, including both full-bandwidth NDI and the high-efficiency, lower-bitrate NDI|HX mode.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to the State of AV Over IP

The plug-and-play decoders feature DHCP-based network configuration and high-quality, FPGA-based video processing. The compact devices measure 3.97 by 2.4 inches (100.9 by 60.2mm) with a height of 0.92 inches (23.3mm), and can be powered via external adapter or Power over Ethernet (PoE). Users can specify source streams and control the decoder's advanced settings through a browser-based interface, connected keyboard or mouse, or using on-device buttons that overlay an intuitive menu on the output.

With the release of the new models, Magewell now has three Pro Convert decoders available with SDI output. The third, the Pro Convert for NDI to AIO, offers NDI, H.264, and H.265 decoding with simultaneous HDMI and 3G-SDI outputs. The decoders can be paired with Magewell's intuitive Ultra Stream live streaming encoders, Pro Convert NDI encoders, or third-party encoding products.

"The use of video over IP and streaming media for remote production, live media transport, and mass communications has accelerated significantly as the world adapts to new ways of working, learning, and sharing information," said James Liu, VP of engineering at Magewell. "Our Pro Convert family lets users easily and reliably leverage popular IP media protocols over LANs, WANs, and the public internet, and we're pleased to be shipping our newest decoder models into customers' hands."

The Bottom Line: Magewell's Pro Convert products are designed to bridge traditional video signals with IP-based production, distribution, and streaming workflows. Pro Convert decoders are well suited for applications including remote production, multi-site video distribution, video walls, digital signage, image magnification (IMAG), surveillance monitoring, or bridging legacy and next-generation media infrastructures.

Simply put, streaming video has never been bigger. With audiences, employees, and students spread out across the world, it’s streaming technology that’s keeping everyone connected. But for pro-grade applications, a simple smartphone setup isn’t going to cut it. 

That’s where pro AV comes in. With some good capture equipment and the right encoders and processors, institutions can take their streaming game to the next level, creating productions that rival the quality of broadcast TV. The following are the latest devices from top pro AV brands to help you get the job done.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Videoconferencing and Streaming

AJA BRIDGE LIVE

AJA’s new BRIDGE LIVE is designed to move Ultra HD or multi-channel HD uncompressed baseband SDI video to and from a wide range of streaming and contribution codecs, reliably and safely over the public internet. Designed in partnership with Comprimato, BRIDGE LIVE is a turnkey solution built for critical streaming applications with high-performance 12G-SDI video encoding/decoding, simultaneous encoding/decoding in HD, stream-based transcoding, flexible I/O, comprehensive metadata support, and closed caption support, all within a compact 1RU form factor with redundant power supplies. BRIDGE LIVE meets the rigorous live video production and delivery demands of Telco, IPTV, and cable operations, broadcast facilities and OB trucks, sports arenas, houses of worship, and beyond with key transport protocols like SRT, RTMP, UDP, and more. Its intuitive interface helps professionals mesh HD/Ultra HD SDI and streaming/IP for live workflows using H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, and H.262/MPEG-2 TS, as well as JPEG 2000 via an additional license.

ATEN UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO

The ATEN UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO is a portable, all-in-one, multi-channel audio/video mixer device that integrates a 1080p video capture, video recorder, video switch, stream broadcaster, video converter, video splitter, and audio mixer into one compact box to eliminate the hassle of working with different AV equipment. The UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO makes HDMI video sources broadcast for higher-quality live stream to CDN platforms. For added convenience, the UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO provides an intuitive app, making it easier to monitor, edit image layouts, and DVE, PiP, or PbP settings. The UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO is PC and software-free, and with its control panel, it makes livestreaming operations smoother. You can even preview video and monitor audio levels before going live with a web broadcast. 

Blackmagic Web Presenter

Blackmagic Web Presenter is designed to simply the process of getting high-quality video directly on the web for a new generation of web broadcasting. It replaces expensive and hard-to-set-up dedicated streaming encoders and lets customers or broadcasters use professional cameras to stream high-quality video through their favorite software and websites, such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and more. Featuring 12G-SDI and HDMI connections, Blackmagic Web Presenter will down convert any SD, HD, and Ultra HD source and make them look like a 720p USB webcam. Because Blackmagic Web Presenter looks like a simple webcam, any webcam compatible software will be able to capture this USB video and audio from any broadcast-quality source without the need for additional drivers. 

Crestron DigitalMedia H.264 Solutions

Crestron’s portfolio of live streaming encoders/processors—including HD Streaming Transmitter/Receiver (DM-TXRX-100-STR), Streaming Input Card for DM Switchers (DMC-STR), Streaming Output Card for DM Switchers (DMC-STRO), and HD Streaming Receiver and Room Controller 100 (DM-RMC-100-STR)—enable distribution of high-definition AV signals and content over an IP network. The HD Streaming Transmitter/Receiver is a compact, high-definition H.264 streaming transmitter or receiver for use with a Crestron DigitalMedia system or other application. The Streaming Input Card for DM Switchers provides a single H.264 streaming input for any DigitalMedia Switcher with modular input card slots; while the Streaming Output Card for DM Switchers is a modular output card for DM-MD8X8, DM-MD16X16, or DM-MD32X32 switchers, providing one H.264 streaming output. The HD Streaming Receive and Room Controller 100 is a compact, high-definition H.264 streaming receiver and room controller for use with a DigitalMedia system or other application. 

Extron SMP Series

Extron SMP Streaming Media Processors connect students and employees to live or on-demand content anytime, anywhere, on any device. The robust recording and streaming appliances are designed to fit into any workflow for both ad-hoc and scheduled activities. A purpose-built, scalable SMP architecture offers enhanced features and capabilities, above and beyond software, and PC-based recording and streaming. Using any browser on any device, users can remotely control the SMP to start, stop, and pause recordings without touching a physical interface. Content is captured to a USB drive, network share, and enterprise video platforms like Kaltura, Panopto, YuJa, and OpenCast with simplicity of use, video quality, and proven reliability.  

Kramer VIA

Kramer’s VIA solutions are engineered to make it easier to live stream to all the leading platforms, like YouTube, Kaltura, and Panopto, as well as conduct interactive sessions using your favorite conferencing tools like Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Educators and employers alike enjoy all the benefits of VIA’s full suite of tools, while in-class/at-work and at-home students/WFH employees enjoy a user-friendly learning/work experience; ideal for the COVID-19 era. 

Magewell Ultra Stream

Magewell’s Ultra Stream encoders are designed to make live streaming simple even for non-technical users, enabling them to stream or record high-quality video with one click using on-device buttons, a browser-based web interface, or a smartphone app. Available with HDMI or SDI input interfaces, Ultra Stream encoders let users stream to popular services including YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch, or to a custom-specified server. In addition to outputting live streams, Ultra Stream encoders can record video as files to a directly connected USB drive, internal storage, or the associated smartphone for subsequent on-demand viewing. Recent Ultra Stream updates have added enhanced file recording modes as well as support for the RTSP streaming protocol alongside existing RTMP and RTMPS capabilities.

Marshall Electronics VS-102-HDI

The VS-102-HDI is a high-definition video server that allows real-time transmission of HDMI or NTSC/PAL composite video signal along with bi-directional AAC encoded high-definition stereo audio over standard IP networks and the internet. Marshall Electronics’ VS-102-HDI incorporates advanced H.264 and MJPEG compression technology. This allows 50 percent more compression capacity over an existing IP network, while providing optimal video transmission quality even in networks with limited bandwidth. The unit can act as an encoder to compress and transmit AV data over a LAN to another VS-102-HDI located in a green room or other location. The other unit can act as a decoder, which receives the compressed data through the LAN and restores the data to its original high definition state.  

Matrox Maevex 6100 Series

Matrox Maevex 6100 Series encoders and decoders deliver multiple 4K streams of high-compression, high-quality video and audio over 1GbE networks—at exceptional low latency as low as 50ms. Maevex can push many streams over the LAN, feed cloud-based servers, securely stream across the internet, and record to any location—all concurrently. Both the encoders and decoders can also composite multiple encodes or decodes for tremendous flexibility, and allow for mixed display content from multiple encoders. The included Maevex PowerStream Plus software provides a simplified operational experience, enabling control of all Maevex devices from a single application. Multiple APIs and SDKs for customization and integration are also available.

MuxLab 500467

The HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture and Streamer (500467) allows users to record from HDMI video sources to a PC over USB 3.0. The unit supports an HDMI-in port for the source and HDMI Loop Out for a monitor. The 500467 is capable of connecting to a 4K60 source and will stream at up to 1080p60 over the USB 3.0 port to a PC or similar device to record and/or send the video to a broadcasting service such as YouTube, Facebook, and other broadcasting services. The device is compatible with OBS Studio, AMCap, etc., and supports a variety of HDMI sources such as cameras, game consoles, media players, and many others. The unit supports an audio-in port for a microphone, which is automatically mixed with the HDMI audio, and an audio out port for headphones, or active speakers. 

NewTek TriCaster 2 Elite

NewTek’s TriCaster 2 Elite provides video producers, visual storytellers, and system integrators with “better-than-broadcast” functionality and uncompromised flexibility. In addition to advanced video production capabilities, TriCaster 2 Elite enables studios, broadcasters, large-scale campuses, and enterprise facilities to harness nearly every major video calling application in use today, delivering them a myriad of creative options. To further amplify the flexibility and scalability, both video over IP and more traditional SDI are supported by the platform. TriCaster 2 Elite is designed to set a new standard for production in today’s multisource world with new core functionality. Nearly every web conferencing tool is supported, as well as all IP video sources and smartphones.

tvONE CORIOmaster2

tvONE’s CORIOmaster2 is an all-in-one, multi-window video processor delivering advanced processing power. CORIOmaster2 supports more windows with higher quality with uncompromised 4K60 and 8K-ready performance.  Standout features of CORIOmaster2 include its high bandwidth, huge design canvas, and 8K ready architecture. With 752Gb/sec of bandwidth, CORIOmaster2 can simultaneously display 40 windows in 4K60 4:4:4 with ultra-low latency. It offers AV designers access to triple 64k x 64k canvasses, with up to 12.3 gigapixels of design space, enough to accommodate the most expansive creative vision. The unit is 8K ready, future-proofing tvONE customers’ investment in their video processor. 

VITEC MGW Diamond

VITEC’s MGW Diamond is an IP streaming encoder that enables 4K HEVC multi-channel HD contribution as either a portable device or openGear card. This four-channel encoder, with low latency and low bandwidth HEVC, enables reliable remote production, even over the internet. The MGW Diamond was recently deployed by a sports broadcaster to support remote commentary from multiple sources, and in different languages, to enhance live events. The broadcaster leverages the benefits of the MGW Diamond to simultaneously send a live audio-video feed to foreign commentators for audio translation that is sent back to the production studio. VITEC’s MGW Diamond solution delivers very low latency, ensuring comments can be mixed live, with as little delay as possible for the end user experience.

ZeeVee ZyPerMX2/MX4

The ZyPerMX2 and ZyperMX4 multi-source H.264 encoders support HLS, RTP, UDP, and RTMP, the most-used protocols for live streaming on sites such as Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and other popular content distribution networks. Able to stream two or four sources of multiple streaming formats simultaneously over IP networks, these encoders expand the range of devices each channel can support. This protocol support extends the ways customers can use the company’s products for streaming live content and gives them the freedom to choose the distribution method—direct or via a CDN—that suits any situation. The ZyPerMX2 and ZyPerMX4 also support AAC, a widely used and often preferred audio compression format, in addition to supporting MP2 and AC3 formats.

So much has changed in a few months. At the beginning of the year, communication was probably little different than it has been throughout your life. If you had a work meeting with colleagues, there’s a good chance you walked down the hall of your office to a conference room to meet with them, or maybe dialed in to a conference call or connected online without turning on your video camera. But beginning in March in the New York area and slightly later in other locations around the United States, communication shifted almost entirely to virtual and remote as many or most employees and students worked from their homes.

Businesses, schools, houses of worship, and other organizations have been working with systems integrators on remote operations solutions for years, but examining how quickly companies were able to adopt these practices when they had to this spring can only help future installations succeed.

“Now, we can’t imagine a world without video to help us stay connected while we’re all apart,” said Bill Cherne, vice president of customer success and support at Sonic Foundry, maker of Mediasite. “People are becoming comfortable with flipping their camera on, and no one cares if their background is a mess or their kids or pets are participating. Video, from the highly produced to the informal real life, has incredible power to bring people together to collaborate. It’s exciting to see that realization take place.”

Essentially, Cherne said, people have adapted fairly easily to technology that helps them them overcome challenges arising in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has accelerated what was slowly happening in the industry: using video for distance learning and remote work,” he said, noting that Sonic Foundry has seen massive year-over-year increases in use, with a 123 percent increase in videos created since March alone.

Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell, has also seen video use on the rise, citing common cases such as churches streaming worship services, government departments streaming meetings and town halls to their citizens, and teachers streaming lectures.

“The pandemic has accentuated the importance of streaming as a communication medium, particularly by giving individuals and organizations a way to reach followers, constituents, students, and other people who would normally gather in person,” he said. “With the right tools, it has become easy, practical, and affordable for many types of users to create high-quality video streams.”

Though the use of distance communications may wane somewhat as businesses and schools develop strategies for safe in-person meetings, it seems likely that a large percentage of people will continue to rely on virtual communication technologies for some time.

“As we navigate this new terrain, there is an increased focus on distance learning and remote working,” said Mark Bonifacio, director, B2B business management at Sony Electronics, Imaging Products and Solutions Americas–Pro. “Education is likely to have distance learning intertwined with classroom teaching, providing opportunities for new ways of instructing to maximize student engagement. In addition, remote working and distancing have changed how we think about corporate office spaces and conference rooms.”

Increased Integration Opportunities

More options for providing engaging, dynamic capture and presentation for distance learning and remote working experiences are coming to the market, enabling new forms of collaborating, teaching, and learning.

Paul Richards, director of HuddleCamHD business development and chief streaming officer at PTZOptics, is optimistic that the unexpected growth in use will provide increasing opportunities for integrators in this space.

“Livestreaming is connecting the world right now like few other technologies,” he said. “Everyone knows how to use Zoom, and everyone knows that events can be livestreamed. Therefore, the market will open up, and the new normal will include livestreaming and video communications for almost any event or meeting.”

His advice is to design flexible systems that can accommodate more than one software or hardware solution.

“Software solutions may change, but if you can build a future-proof hardware solution, customers should be able to use Zoom one day and Microsoft Teams the next,” Richards said. “It shouldn’t matter which learning management system the school is using so long as the integrators have selected flexible, USB-connected hardware for the capture side of things.”

Ease of use is particularly important, noted Ma, at a time when the normally available resources aren’t accessible. “For day-to-day operation, users working from home don’t have their company’s AV or IT team available to help them in person when they’re actively using the solutions,” he said. “In many cases, users will have little or no experience with these types of solutions—for example, a lot of people are streaming for the first time. It’s crucial that you make it as easy for them as possible.”

One Size Does Not Fit All

Today, in these unprecedented times, there is no status quo. As such, it’s a good time to reflect on prior practices and consider how they might be adapted to suit the current circumstances, and even nudge businesses toward the future, whatever it may be.

Mike Morin, business development sales manager at Maxell, advises integrators to listen to their customers’ needs, and avoid making assumptions based on past interactions or experiences.

“You cannot assume that the challenges or needs from a previous customer will be a one-size-fits-all for every customer, and you cannot assume the challenges a customer faced in the past are the same challenges they’re facing today,” Morin said. “In the past, it was easy for our team to do on-site visits and give live demos of our products to the customers. We were able to see the space, recommend the right product and help the customer make informed decisions with in-person demos. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to pivot to providing training courses and tutorials online.”

The Promise of the Future

Out of all the possibilities that current challenges bring, none is more promising than the ways this industry can help solve problems and make vital communication a little easier to accomplish, said Cherne.

“What’s exciting is that many different virtual learning and communication tools are all working hand-in-hand to create the most engaging experience possible,” he added. “Web conferencing is just scratching the surface of what can be done. The real magic happens when you blend on-demand video learning with real-time collaborative conference calls.”

Of course, even with the most flexible, considered approach to a project, there’s a lot that we still can’t anticipate. If you can’t plan for every possible scenario, how do you know what technology you need? Cherne said that the best we can do is plan smartly and efficiently. “I help users define their best-case and worst-case scenarios. Then we look for the overlap and strategically figure out what solution will work best for the most people.” 

The What: Magewell has launched the sixth model in its Eco Capture family of compact, power-efficient M.2 video capture cards. Providing input signal compatibility for older 4K source equipment, the Eco Capture QL-SDI 4K M.2 captures one channel of video with embedded audio up to 4096x2160 at 60Hz over quad-link, 3G-SDI connectivity.

The What Else: While recent 4K products often support the transport of Ultra HD video over a single 12Gb/s SDI connection, a lot of existing equipment still utilizes the earlier quad-link approach in which four separate SDI cables combine to carry one 4K signal. Owners of such products wish to maximize the lifecycle of those investments—which may be just two or three years old—and for some specialized solutions, equivalents with single-link, 12G-SDI interfaces may not yet be available. Now shipping, the quad-link Eco Capture QL-SDI 4K M.2 enables integrators and OEM product designers to bring live, 4K content from these sources into their software and systems.

Related: Magewell Expands Live Streaming With Capture Express 3.2 

The new quad-link model joins five existing Eco Capture M.2 models, including two other 4K configurations: the Eco Capture SDI 4K Plus M.2, which captures one 4K source at 60Hz over single-link, 12G-SDI, and the Eco Capture HDMI 4K M.2, which supports 4K video at 30Hz via an HDMI interface. The Eco Capture family also includes dual-channel models that capture HD and 2K video over HDMI or SDI, and a quad-channel HD/2K model with SDI inputs. All six Eco Capture products also support up to eight channels of embedded audio per input.

Eco Capture cards are compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems and support OS-native APIs including DirectShow, DirectKS, V4L2 and ALSA. Stream replication enables each input channel to be used by multiple software applications simultaneously with identical capture parameters, while FPGA-based video processing provides high-quality up/down/cross-scaling, picture controls, and color space conversion without tasking the host system CPU. A comprehensive SDK is also available, enabling developers to directly access the full feature set of the cards.

"Customers who were on the cutting edge of 4K adoption often have significant investments in quad-link equipment that they want to keep using," said Amy Zhou, sales director at Magewell. "Meanwhile, in markets such as medical equipment, where new products often undergo lengthy certification periods, we continue to see quad-link 3G-SDI even on current offerings. The Eco Capture QL-SDI 4K M.2 complements our popular single-link 12G-SDI model by seamlessly supporting quad-link 4K sources."

The Bottom Line: Magewell's Eco Capture cards offer systems integrators and OEM developers high-performance video capture with low power consumption in a space-efficient form factor. The low-latency devices feature a high-speed PCIe 2.0 bus interface with an M.2 connector and measure 22x80mm (0.87x3.15 inches), making them well suited for use in small or portable systems where full-sized PCIe slots are not available.

The What: Magewell has announced version 3.2 of its free Capture Express software that expands the application's live streaming capabilities with new support for multiple streaming technologies including the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol developed and open-sourced by Haivision. 

The What Else: Already supporting the RTMP protocol in earlier releases, version 3.2 further expands the software's streaming flexibility with support for the SRT protocol as well as MPEG-TS over UDP or RTP. Capture Express 3.2 automatically detects compatible graphics hardware in the host system and leverages GPU-accelerated H.264 encoding when possible, using the CPU for encoding only as necessary. Capture Express runs on the Windows operating system and is compatible with all current Magewell capture product lines.

The Bottom Line: While Magewell capture devices feature extensive compatibility with popular third-party software for streaming, live production, web conferencing, lecture capture and more, the Capture Express software offers Magewell users a lightweight, dedicated tool for recording, previewing or streaming input sources up to 4K at 60 frames per second.

To read more InfoComm Connected stories, visit avnetwork.com/tag/infocomm.

The What: Magewell has released a new upgrade of its free Capture Express recording application that expands the software's streaming capabilities. Version 3.2 adds new support for multiple streaming technologies including the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol developed and open-sourced by Haivision.

The What Else: Version 3.0 of Capture Express initially offered easy recording and previewing functionality, and the subsequent version 3.1 added the ability to stream H.264-encoded video using the RTMP protocol. Now, version 3.2 further expands the software's streaming flexibility with support for the SRT protocol as well as MPEG-TS over UDP or RTP. Enabling secure, reliable, low-latency video delivery over unpredictable networks, SRT ensures high-quality streaming experiences even over the public internet. Magewell is a member of the SRT Alliance.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Distance Learning and Streaming

Capture Express 3.2 automatically detects compatible graphics hardware in the host system and leverages GPU-accelerated H.264 encoding when possible, using the CPU for encoding only as necessary. Capture Express runs on the Windows operating system and is compatible with all current Magewell capture product lines—including USB Capture Gen 2 and USB Capture Plus external devices, Pro Capture PCIe cards, and Eco Capture M.2 hardware—as well as Magewell's first-generation capture cards and boxes.

"The importance of streaming as a communication medium has been accentuated in recent weeks by the health crisis the world is facing," said James Liu, VP of Engineering at Magewell. "While we had planned all along to expand the streaming capabilities of Capture Express, the beta release of version 3.2 has become particularly timely given the increased demand for streaming today. Customers who previously used our capture devices primarily for internal production workflows may want to begin streaming to stay in touch with their followers, and Capture Express offers an efficient option for users who don't need the full functionality of a third-party encoding and streaming application."

The Bottom Line: Capture Express software offers Magewell users a lightweight, dedicated tool for recording, previewing or streaming input sources. Originally designed to help users easily verify their input signals and capture devices, Capture Express has evolved into a simple yet full-fledged capture application supporting video up to 4K at 60 frames per second.

The beta version of Capture Express 3.2 is available immediately on Magewell's website.

The What: Magewell will unveil its most powerful decoder hardware to date in booth SU5724 at the 2020 NAB Show (April 19-22 in Las Vegas). The hardware decoder supports both Newtek's NDI technology for production-grade media transport and the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol for internet-delivered H.264 and H.265 streams.

[Magewell to Premiere Compact 12G-SDI M.2 Capture Card at ISE 2020]

The What Else: The company is also simultaneously launching a second new model, the Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI 4K, which offers the same features as the Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI 4K for users who don't require NDI support. Both models also support additional streaming protocols including RTSP, RTMP, UDP, RTP, and HTTP streaming.

The two new low-latency converters decode input streams up to 4196x2160 at full 60 frames per second for output to baseband monitors, projectors, production, or distribution equipment via an HDMI 2.0 interface. 

The Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI 4K and Pro Convert H.26x to HDMI 4K can automatically optimize output parameters based on EDID metadata of the connected HDMI display, while FPGA-based video processing enables high-quality up/down-conversion between HD and 4K. The compact devices measure 3.97 by 2.4 inches (100.9 by 60.2mm) with a height of 0.92 inches (23.3mm), and can be powered via external adapter or PoE. Users can manage advanced features of the devices via on-unit controls, a browser-based interface, or connected keyboard or mouse.

"We have received considerable interest from customers wanting the flexibility of decoding either NDI streams from their internal networks or SRT streams from external sources over the public internet," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO at Magewell. "Each technology has its own distinct advantages for different applications, and we are seeing deployments of mixed infrastructures using multiple technologies to support specific production, display, and distribution facets of the content chain. With support for NDI, SRT, and even more protocols, the Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI 4K gives customers the versatility they need as their IP workflows evolve."

The Bottom Line: Designed for reliability, the converters are well suited for applications including multi-site video distribution, image magnification (IMAG), video walls, digital signage, remote production, and bridging legacy and next-generation media infrastructures.

Like most of the professional AV industry, Magewell has been closely monitoring recent discussions of the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on the upcoming ISE 2020 exhibition in Amsterdam. 

After careful consideration, the company has decided to staff its stand (8-G475) exclusively with regional representatives from Europe and North America. No personnel will travel to the show from the company's headquarters in China, but attendees will still be able to get their questions answered and see demonstrations of the solutions from experienced experts.

[What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus for ISE 2020]

"We understand the potential concerns of ISE attendees, and want them to be able to experience the benefits of our solutions without any worries," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO at Magewell. "Combining that with an abundance of caution, we are choosing not to send anyone from China to the show. Fortunately, we have trusted channel partners we can rely on for our booth presence, so Magewell will still exhibit at ISE. We regret not being able to meet directly with attendees and partners ourselves in person, but we trust our regional representatives to provide visitors with the answers they need."

Magewell says its local agents are well-equipped to represent the company at the show, as the manufacturer has always sold and supported its solutions through its network of expert distributors and dealers worldwide.

To read more ISE 2020 news, visit avnetwork.com/tag/ise.

The What: Magewell will launch the Eco Capture SDI 4K Plus M.2 video capture card at the upcoming ISE 2020 exhibition in Amsterdam. The card captures one channel of 4K video up to 4096x2160 at full 60 frames per second over a single-link, 12G-SDI interface.

The What Else: The low-latency Eco Capture devices feature a high-speed PCIe 2.0 bus interface with an M.2 connector and measures 0.87 by 3.15 inches, matching the M.2 2280 size specification.

The new 4K 12G-SDI model joins four existing Eco Capture M.2 configurations: a single-channel model that captures 4K video at 30Hz via an HDMI interface; dual-channel models that capture HD and 2K video over HDMI or SDI; and a quad-channel HD/2K model with SDI inputs. All five Eco Capture products also support up to eight channels of embedded audio per input.

"Our Eco Capture products have proven very popular with integrators and OEM partners for enabling them to incorporate high-quality video capture into small form factors while reducing their power requirements," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO at Magewell. "The Eco Capture SDI 4K Plus M.2 brings these benefits to full-frame-rate 4K capture with the cabling simplicity of single-link 12G-SDI connectivity."

The M.2 Eco Capture models are available with drivers for Windows and Linux operating systems. OS-native capture APIs including DirectShow, DirectKS, V4L2 and ALSA are supported, and a comprehensive SDK enables developers to directly access the full feature set of the cards. The Eco Capture family also provides advantages for manufacturers of products such as smart displays by delivering lower latency than processor architectures often used in System-on-a-Chip devices.

Stream replication enables each input channel to be delivered to multiple software applications simultaneously with identical capture parameters. FPGA-based video processing provides high-quality up/down/cross-scaling, picture controls and color space conversion without tasking the host system CPU.

The Bottom Line: Well suited for use in small and embedded systems where full-sized PCIe slots are not available, the cost-effective Eco Capture family offers systems integrators and OEM developers a robust capture solution with low power consumption for space-constrained applications.

The Eco Capture SDI 4K Plus M.2 is expected to ship in January and will make its global debut in stand 8-G475 at ISE, which will take place from February 11 to 14, 2020.

To read more ISE 2020 stories, visit avnetwork.com/tag/ise.

The What: After exhibits in China, Australia, and Europe the past three months, Magewell is heading to the NAB Show New York (October 16-17, booth N354) with new model variants in the company's Eco Capture family of compact, power-efficient M.2 video capture cards.

The What Else: The Eco Capture cards themselves continue to measure 22x80mm (0.87x3.15in), matching the M.2 2280 size specification. The Eco Capture HDMI 4K M.2 captures one channel of 4K video up to 4096x2160 at 30 frames per second, while the dual-channel Eco Capture Dual HDMI M.2 can capture two HD or 2K video signals up to 1080p60 simultaneously.

While the initial models used a break-out cable connected perpendicularly to the M.2 card to provide externally-accessible HDMI ports, the new alternatives employ a flatter ribbon cable and daughter card combination that requires less space.

The Bottom Line: Well suited for use in small and embedded systems, the new versions of the Eco Capture Dual HDMI M.2 and Eco Capture HDMI 4K M.2 make it even easier for integrators and OEM partners to incorporate high-performance HDMI video capture in the most space-limited form factors. 

One of the most transformative technologies shaping higher education is lecture capture—providing students and professors alike with tools to enhance and revisit lessons, and for remote students to engage with the course material. More than one million videos are created annually with the Mediasite solution alone, with 40-plus-million views annually. Advancements, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), are promising to take this engaging technological category even further.

Skyrocketing Demand

At an institutional level, Indiana University has been using lecture capture solutions since 2010. Since the first-generation systems were installed, “We've tried to make it available to everyone,” said James Scott McGookey, manager of collaboration technologies at Indiana University.

IU deploys lecture capture in various ways. Classrooms have their own installed PCs with software enabling lecture capture, so every classroom is capable of offering lecture capture at a minimum level. For IU, that translates into 700 classrooms, approximately. With lecture capture enabled across myriad spaces—from regional locations to departmental spaces to and university-owned classrooms—the uniting factor must be ease of use. As McGookey explained, “We've worked with our vendors over the years to create something that's incredibly easy to use.”

Joel Bennett, media services, Santa Clara University (SCU), is also managing a diverse array of capture spaces. “We have 70 capture stations,” he said. “The primary usage is classroom recordings, and we do about a thousand recordings per month across campus.” 

SCU is currently using the Matrox Maevex 6020 remote recorder and Panopto VMS. From academic lecture needs to classrooms, “everything's distributed through Canvas—that's how the students access the content,” Bennett noted.

[AI Meets AV in Higher Ed]

The lecture capture figures are impressive at the University of Pennsylvania. “We've been hovering around 25,000 hours a year,” said Jimmy Lieu, IT director of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. “That number has been going up about 10 to 15 percent every year.” 

Why such a dramatic spike? Lieu has observed that when the technology first rolled out, faculty were hesitant to do lecture capture, because “they thought that if we distributed lectures online, students wouldn’t come to class. But we're seeing a bigger push from today's generation of students. They are actually pushing lecture capture, not as a tool to replace class, but as a tool to review it and get even more out of it.”

Ease of Use

Customization where and when possible has been beneficial, said McGookey. He pointed to a pivotal moment a few years ago when IU made a vendor change. The team was then able to craft a software solution that would make lecture capture operation even easier for instructors. “When the faculty member logs into the in-room computer, they press the big red button. That's it. That's all they have to do to make a recording. You just can't make it any easier than that.”

AV Infrastructure and ROI

First things first: For a lecture capture system to deliver its ROI, reliable cameras and proper microphones are vital. When it comes to audio, one size does not fit all. Acoustics vary from space to space. Audio’s inherent variables also affect lecture capture system design, so understanding the use case is paramount. What happens, for example, when one room houses a faculty member in the morning with an active learning class who wants to record every single conversation and every activity in that room, but the professor who enters the room next prefers straight lecture—recording no student engagements nor papers rustling? One best practice is finding a microphone system that is both reliable and flexible enough to meet the needs of both whole-room and single presenter capture.

System Requirements

For tech teams running lecture capture over a wired Ethernet infrastructure, having good network bandwidth on the wired network is absolutely critical. 

Room-by-room management works for Wharton. As Lieu explained, “We tried to keep everything contained within a room. If we lose the network, video capture will still happen. We can still turn our rooms on and off without having to traverse the network just to be able to do so.” This approach helps Lieu make every classroom as usable as possible.

Wharton also deploys a lecture capture box in every single classroom, paired with Magewell capture cards, a system controller, and the room system all driven by a touchpanel interface. 

Cloud Capture

While Wharton appreciates the room containment, Lieu noted that Wharton uses Panopto for lecture capture, equipped with a cloud-based service. 

[How It's Done: Integrated Production Environments for Lecture Capture and Conferences]

“One of the biggest reasons why we use [Panopto] is because, even if our clients are not connected to the cloud, we're able to still kick off scheduled recordings, as long as the schedule got there before we lost the network. We can also start clients from our classroom touchpanel through RS-232 control, removing any dependency on the network.”

From Lecture Capture to Classroom Capture

IU thinks about the technology in the terms of “classroom capture,” not just lecture capture, because stakeholders want to promote active learning and keep everything deeply interactive.

There are many classroom activities that are not necessarily lectures that would benefit from a recording. For example, in a 100-level speech class, students can make their recordings using the same tools that faculty use for lecture capture. Students can record assignments or as practice for an upcoming presentation. “This is a shift for us,” McGookey said, “not to focus exclusively on the ‘lecture capture’ piece, and to think about enhancing engagement more broadly.”

Pedagogical First

Across the higher ed landscape, online learning, flipped learning, and other permutations of cyberlearning are gathering traction. But lecture capture itself doesn’t constitute an effective online learning program. “Lecture capture, on its own, is not an online strategy,” McGookey said. 

A robust online program should incorporate best practices gleaned from instructional designers. Lecture capture should serve as a tool, not the core, of a cogent online learning experience.

Classroom Capture and AR

Augmented reality (AR) and holographic projections are being explored in higher education as ways to enhance lecture capture and telepresence. Lieu expressed interest in technologies that might help to facilitate distance learning without students feeling like they are indeed distant, or “that you're being spoken to by a head on the screen,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to [project] a professor into the middle of the room to teach a class remotely?” he enthused.

While still on the bleeding edge, newer technologies like AR eventually do “come into the classroom and interact with our AV technology.” 

The bottom line, according to Lieu: “We want to get away from the teaching through PowerPoint.” More fully featured classroom capture is one strategy. 

Accessibility

Another driver for lecture capture is its relationship to accommodations vis-à-vis a school’s disability services. By having lecture capture tools in place, higher ed stakeholders can make it easier to capture what's happening in the room to get it closed-captioned or create transcripts for those students who require accommodations.

Scaling Up and Big Picture Planning

Phase one is making a system work in a specific classroom, but once a tech team starts to scale up, it can become challenging. A best practice is implementing a solution that users can grow with and scale up from the beginning. 

At IU, standardization has been useful. “Standarization of AV in our classrooms has allowed us to scale,” McGookey said. “Coming up with those standards so that faculty know what to expect when they walk into different classrooms—a baseline of AV capabilities.” IU also tries to think about AV in the classroom holistically, putting “all the relevant people together on the same team so they can think about workflow.” 

Standardizing doesn’t mean compromising on functionality. “Our systems are more complex and expensive than the average university's,” added SCU’s Joel Bennett. “We’ve standardized on providing a pan/tilt/zoom camera with control from our AV system for the end users, where a decent portion of the universities are just doing a fixed camera and sometimes a fixed USB camera in the room.” He is also moving to a Linux device. Prior to that, SCU had spent about 10 years running a Windows-based system with capture cards. With security updates, it's became unmanageable.

Having the right management tools in place is another key. IU is using Matrox appliances in about 60 classrooms; Matrox supplies the management tool for the team to monitor devices and usage, and push firmware updates when needed. 

Future of Classroom Capture

Tech managers are also watching AV over IP closely with relation to classroom capture. Imagine tapping into a live stream—any stream—and recording it.

Without one dominant standard, and proprietary solutions still quite popular, some silos remain. However, the industry is starting to see consolidation and interoperability. McGookey looks forward to a time when “we'll just have a camera that's a PoE camera that can stream out and be received somewhere remotely. Who knows where it's going to be received? That will be our lecture capture, but we're not quite there yet.”

What are Key Trends in Lecture Capture in 2019?  

“Wider adoption of AutoTracking cameras and early adoption of AV over IP. Many schools are just now recognizing the cost savings that come from installing AutoTracker cameras and the improved video that results, saving on staffing costs and freeing the presenter to walk around. Early adopters of AV over IP are finding cost savings from simplified cabling. Also, nascent standards like NDI and Dante AV over IP will, eventually, take over from traditional SDI/HDMI implementations.” —Rony Sebok, VP, 1Beyond

What Do Younger Users Want?

“Generation Z students still want a traditional developmental college experience, but schools must figure out what that looks like in the ever-changing educational landscape. Technologies like streaming video have an unparalleled ability to deliver information where and when these digital native students want it. There is massive potential in higher education for artificial intelligence to offer the Netflix model for learning, a la using AI to suggest relevant videos and build personalized playlists. The future of learning will consider student preferences like how and when they want to learn and on what device.” – Michael Norregaard, CEO, Sonic Foundry, maker of Mediasite 

Margot Douaihy, PhD, is a writer and editor based in Northampton, MA.  

The What: Magewell will unveil the second NDI decoder device in its Pro Convert family at the upcoming IBC2019 exhibition. The new Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI model will make its global debut in stand 8.A84 at the event, taking place September 13-17 in Amsterdam.

The What Else: The Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI decodes NDI streams up to 2160x1200 at 60 frames per second for output over its HDMI 2.0 interface. Leveraging built-in, FPGA-based video processing, the device can also up-convert HD or 2K source streams to 4K for viewing on Ultra HD displays. The plug-and-play decoder features DHCP-based network configuration and can detect the video and audio characteristics of the target display device via EDID metadata, automatically selecting optimal output parameters or providing the user with a range of compatible choices.

Users can control advanced settings, select between NDI source streams, and monitor the status of the decoder through a browser-based interface; wired or wireless keyboard or mouse; or using two on-device buttons that overlay an intuitive menu on the HDMI output. The device supports eight channels of audio in the NDI stream, with user control of audio gain, sample rate, channel selection, and on-screen VU metering. Additional convenience and integration settings include image flip for inverted projector installations; safe area controls for ensuring the display of important content; and remote control of PTZ source cameras.

The Pro Convert for HDMI to NDI is the eighth model in Magewell's growing Pro Convert product line, which also features six encoders with a flexible choice of input connectivity and encoding resolution. 

"Our Pro Convert products continue to earn industry accolades and customer acclaim for helping video production, broadcast and professional AV end users and integrators easily and cost-effectively join the IP workflow revolution," said James Liu, VP of engineering at Magewell. "We are pleased to continue expanding it with new models and feature enhancements that add more value and allow customers to choose exactly the right configuration for their infrastructure needs."

The Bottom Line: While Magewell's Pro Convert encoders enable users to bring traditional video signals into IP workflows, the low-latency Pro Convert for NDI to HDMI decoder completes the chain by transforming a live NDI stream into a high-quality HDMI output for connection to a monitor, projector, or other baseband device. This simplifies the use of NewTek's media-over-IP technology in presentation and delivery applications such as digital signage, video walls, image magnification (IMAG), multi-site video distribution, and long-distance, network-based media transport.