AJA Video Systems is unveiling Io X3, a Thunderbolt 3-connected professional video and audio I/O device that offers HDR or SDR 2K/HD capture and output via 3G-SDI and HDMI. Compact, rugged, and portable, Io X3 streamlines high-quality HDR I/O up to 2K/HD 60p on compatible Thunderbolt 3-equipped Mac or PC hosts running professional video and audio applications.

[AJA Releases Bridge Live v1.11]

Whether working remotely, on-set or in a studio, Io X3 provides a powerful mobile solution for single-, dual- and multi-channel SDI workflows, offering pristine 2K/HD/SD I/O with HDR directly from any modern laptop or computer. Lightning fast, flexible and whisper-quiet, Io X3 is an ideal capture and output device for a range of production environments, including high-end color grading, audio mixing, on-set monitoring or playback, and remote editorial and VFX. With four independent inputs for workflows with OBS and Wirecast, together with simultaneous MultiView monitoring for each source, Io X3 is also a perfect fit for streaming workflows.

[AJA Launches v16.1 Desktop Software and SDK with Apple M1 Support]

Io X3 features eight switchable analog audio ports, allowing users to shift between eight channels in or out, or split connectivity between four inputs and four outputs, in addition to a 3.5 analog audio connection to plug in headphones directly. Up to 16-channel audio is included on each SDI port, and eight channels on HDMI. Compact and rackmountable, Io X3 devices can easily be placed side by side in a rack for studio, mobile truck or video assist needs, allowing users to benefit from up to eight channels of up to 2K/HD/SD I/O in a 1RU.

Io X3 is now available for $1,599 U.S. MSRP through AJA's worldwide reseller network.

The What: Extron has begun shipping the DA4 12G HD-SDI, a compact, four-output distribution amplifier for multi-rate SDI digital video signals. 

The What Else: The DA4 12G HD-SDI supports all common serial digital video data rates up to 11.88Gbps, while passing HDR, embedded audio, and other ancillary data allowed by the SMPTE and ITU standards. Automatic input cable equalization adds up to 984 feet (300 meters) for SDI, 787 feet (240 meters) for HD-SDI, 590 feet (180 meters) for 3G-SDI, 295 feet (90 meters) for 6G-SDI, and 230 feet (70 meters) for 12G-SDI digital video, when using RG6 cable. Automatic output reclocking reshapes and restores signal timing at each output for added headroom when connecting multiple devices.

The Bottom Line: The DA4 12G HD-SDI is designed to send 4K-capable, multi-rate SDI signals long distances to multiple locations in broadcast, production, medical imaging, and other demanding applications. It is housed in a quarter-rack-width, metal enclosure, providing integration-friendly mounting options into both new and existing AV systems.

The What: Extron Electronics has introduced the new DA4 12G HD‑SDI, a compact four‑output distribution amplifier for multi‑rate SDI digital video signals.

The What Else: It supports all common serial digital video data rates up to 11.88 Gbps, while passing HDR, embedded audio, and other ancillary data allowed by the SMPTE and ITU standards. Automatic input cable equalization adds up to 984 feet (300 meters) for SDI, 787 feet (240 meters) for HD‑SDI, 590 feet (180 meters) for 3G-SDI, 295 feet (90 meters) for 6G-SDI, and 230 feet (70 meters) for 12G-SDI digital video, when using RG6 cable. Automatic output reclocking reshapes and restores signal timing at each output for added headroom when connecting multiple devices.

"The DA4 12G HD-SDI supports the latest SMPTE standards and compliments our growing 12G-SDI product line," said Casey Hall, vice president of sales and marketing for Extron. "Customers now have a convenient option for sending 4K capable, multi-rate SDI long distances to multiple locations in broadcast, production, medical imaging, and other demanding applications."

The Bottom Line: The DA4 12G HD-SDI is housed in a quarter rack width, metal enclosure, providing integration-friendly mounting options into both new and existing AV systems.

The What: MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions has designated IBC2018 as the European debut of SilverBack V, the latest innovation in its popular SilverBack series of camera-mounted fiber transport solutions.

The What Else: In addition to its future-friendly IP capabilities, SilverBack V also brings a wealth of new features and benefits to fiber users in markets ranging from electronic newsgathering (ENG) and live sports coverage to motion picture productions and other remote contribution applications. SilverBack V supports both single-link 12G and quad-link 3G SDI connectivity, maximizing 4K Ultra HD signal interface flexibility.

The SilverBack V base station supports two camera heads simultaneously, enabling exceptional cost-effectiveness and space savings. A built-in multiviewer provides live monitoring of both camera feeds, with audio monitoring available as an option.

The space-efficiency of the dual-camera base station is paralleled by the reduced width of the SilverBack V camera-back unit, which makes it the most compact unit in the SilverBack family to date. The significantly narrower design enables a much lighter camera-back load and eases operator mobility while still ensuring proper overall weight balance between the camera-back, body and lens. MultiDyne is also working closely with camera vendors including Sony, Panasonic, Canon, JVC and more to develop specific SilverBack V designs tailored to the connection points, color, texture and ergonomics of each camera.

In addition to supporting 12Gbp/s and 3Gbp/s connections, SilverBack V also combines 1.5Gb/s video, audio, intercom, camera control, tally, data and power onto a single tactical cable, SMPTE hybrid fiber cable, and/or IP network connection. Integrated expansion slots support a variety of interchangeable I/O connectivity modules for frictionless interoperability with other MultiDyne fiber transport systems and third-party products.

The Bottom Line: A 12G- and 4K-capable camera-back system that incorporates an IP output, the SilverBack V elegantly enables the convergence of fiber and IP-based production workflows while building on the renowned flexibility and robustness of the SilverBack family. MultiDyne will demonstrate the SilverBack V at IBC2018 from September 14-18 at Stand 11.D40 at the RAI Convention and Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam.

MultiDyne’s extensive range of SilverBack camera-back transceivers are well-known for simplifying infrastructures, enhancing connection flexibility and providing the high-bandwidth performance needed by Ultra HD formats. SilverBack V adds to this powerful fiber transport foundation by integrating an IP Gateway into the SilverBack V base station, enabling users to deliver content to studios and mobile production vehicles over both SDI and IP network connectivity.

The What: MuxLab has introduced two IP-based Uncompressed Gateway Converters for SDI and HDMI. Both solutions are designed to support the integration of AV equipment in commercial broadcast systems such as in TV stations and studio facilities.

The What Else: The HDMI 2.0/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter (model 500774) gives broadcasters the ability to deliver uncompressed HDMI 2.0 signals throughout the studio at 4K resolutions. Users can opt to connect equipment to a local 10Gb Ethernet network in which nearly unlimited sources and displays can be matrixed together to enable point to multipoint and multipoint to multipoint connections.

Connections to the local 10Gb Ethernet network is accomplished via multimode fiber at up to 1,300 feet (400m) in distance from the Ethernet switch using OM4 fiber. Alternatively, users can also connect one AV source to one display in a point-to-point arrangement at up to 1,300 feet (400m) in distance using one duplex multimode OM4 fiber with LC connectors. Both methods support uncompressed 4K resolutions at 60Hz. External audio can be inserted at the source and extracted at the display to accompany the video. One 1Gb Ethernet switch port is provided for the connection of additional network devices, as well an RS-232 port for the remote control of end devices.

The 3G-SDI/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter (model 500767) connects HD- and 3G-SDI sources and displays to a local 10Gb Ethernet network, enabling the ability to send multiple video sources to multiple displays in nearly any combination. Users can also opt to install this system in the traditional point-to-point way in which one AV source is delivered to one display using Cat-5e/6 cable from up to 100 feet (30m) in distance or by using duplex multimode fiber cable at up to 1,300 feet (400m) in distance. All methods of signal extension support uncompressed resolutions up to 1080p resolution at 60Hz. A 1Gb Ethernet switch allows the connection of additional network devices, and an RS-232 port allows for the remote control of end devices.

The Bottom Line: Both Gateway Converters support SMPTE ST-2110. When riding on an IP infrastructure, the 3G-SDI/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter can be accessed and controlled by MuxLab’s Pro Digital Network Controller (model 500811), which simplifies the configuration of IP-based systems and gives complete access from any smartphone, tablet, or third-party control system. Furthermore, the HDMI 2.0/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter supports NMOS for third-party management. Both models will begin shipping in Q3 2018.