Harris Launches Loudness Management Tools

Harris demonstrated its APM6803+ multi-channel audio processing station, a key component for Harris' comprehensive broadcast loudness management solution at BroadcastAsia 2011. This comprehensive solution for managing loudness and surround sound audio streams features the DTS neural loudness control and uses critical band analysis for perceptual loudness measurements that preserves the spectral balance of the signal and delivers a natural, open quality not found in traditional multi-band compression technology.

The addition of DTS Neural Surround UpMix, DownMix, and MultiMerge provides unparalleled surround sound image placement and stability. Flexible user-defined workflows and intelligent metadata handling ensure that the right processing is applied at the right time, allowing broadcasters to meet regulations while preserving the artistic integrity of the content.

The APM6803+ is an audio processing system on a card and can be configured to support a wide variety of multi-channel applications, including dual Dolby encoders and decoders, a full-featured SD/HD/3G-SDI audio/video frame synchronizer, and discrete AES inputs and outputs. This allows the APM6803+ to handle virtually any type of signal. Setup is simplified through a virtual stream interface that eliminates complicated routing and configuration menus.

The complete Harris loudness management solution also features Harris Videotek QuiC file-based analysis and correction tools for ingest applications, and the Videotek LLM-1770 real-time measurement and logging device for transmission and compliance applications. The LLM-1770 monitors audio levels leaving the stations on a constant basis and logs the data, allowing stations to confirm loudness patterns and compliance.

Contact: Harris Communications Limited, 1015-1018, 10/F, Tower 1, Grand Century Place, 193 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Tel: +852-2174-2515 (D); Fax: +852-2776-0227

Kramer Electronics Offers Audio-Video Router with Preview Monitor

Kramer has introduced VS-162AVM 16?ó16 composite video and balanced stereo audio matrix switcher with preview monitor. The VS-162AVM features a built in high- quality 3.5 inch LCD display and audio headphone output with volume control to conveniently monitor the video and audio of any channel before and after switching. It provides excellent video performance, which ensures that it remains transparent in any video application. It also offers broadcast-quality specifications for audio bandwidth and levels. The video bandwidth extends well over 90 MHz making the unit suitable for all video and audio applications and has multiple SNYC that make it appropriate for a wide range of applications with glitch-free transitions when sources share common reference sync.

In addition, the VS-162AVM can be configured into a Kramer multi-signal switcher system including digital and analog video, digital and analog audio, and RS-422 control switchers. When integrated in a system all units switch in true audio-follow-video mode. Both audio-follow-video and breakaway modes are available. It also includes an alpha-numeric display to clearly view the switching status and operate the menus and setups and recalls up to 60 configuration setups via the non-volatile memory and provides for an unlimited quantity of setups when using the Kramer control software on the PC. With its flash memory, the latest Kramer firmware version can be upgraded through download via the internet.

The VS-162AVM can be controlled using the front panel buttons, remotely by RS-485 or RS-432 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller. It can also be controlled via the Kramer RC-IR3 infrared remote control transmitter and via external contact closure push buttons.

Contact: Kramer Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., Unit-102, Saleh Centre, 18/9, Cunningham Road, Bangalore-560052; Tel: +91-80-41485388; Fax: +91-80-41485387

Riviera Introduces Versarray Series and SP Series

Riviera has launched new range of sound system and loudspeakers, the Peavey Versarray and SP Series.

The Peavey Versarray features planar ribbon drivers, neodymium-loaded woofers, and exclusive adjustment technology for high-level sound reinforcement. This three-way enclosure is outfitted with two 12-inch Black Widow woofers, ten midrange drivers and four planar ribbon drivers mounted to a manifold line source that enables operation with immediate transient response. The Versarray 118 and 218 subwoofers incorporate eavey's ultra-high power Lo Max 18-inch woofer into a 13-ply Baltic birch cabinet. The 2?ó18 model also features the enclosure, maintaining cool operating temperatures, increasing reliability and reducing power compression under heavy continuous-drive conditions. The Versarray system allows maximum articulation from each enclosure from Peavey's exclusive bracket-and-pin flying hardware.

The SP Series loudspeaker enclosures are built with patented and exclusive technology that not only makes clear and true, but also efficient and strong, sound. Peavey Black Widow series loudspeakers are designed with Kevlar-impregnated cones and 4-inch edge-wound aluminum ribbon voice coils wound on Kapton formers for high efficiency and sensitivity. With die-cast aluminum alloy frames, a vented magnet structure that allows superior cooling at high drive levels, and heavy-duty, spring-loaded terminals with industry-standard color coding, Black Widow loudspeakers are professional application loudspeakers.

SP Series enclosures offer clarity and efficiency in high frequency range through the specially designed R?ó22 titanium diaphragm compression driver with ferrofluid cooling. This driver is coupled to the patented Quadratic Throat Waveguide to provide smooth, even response, low distortion, and excellent dispersion. The horn has an asymmetrical vertical polar response, so it aims the sound directly at the audience members and minimizes ceiling reflections for clarity and gain before feedback. The R?ó22 also features the patented Radialinear Planar Phase Correction System, which provides a smooth and extended frequency response by preventing cancellations and interference in the horn.

Contact: Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd., 614, Nirman Kendra, Near Famous Studio, Off. Dr. E.M. Road, Mahalaxmi (W), Mumbai-400011; Tel: +91-22-24939051; Fax :+91- 22-66604461

RSG Announces Mac Remote Control Software for V-Mixer Lineup

Roland Systems Group (RSG) has launched Mac versions of their remote control software (RCS) for the popular M-480, M-400, M-380, and M-300 V-Mixer consoles. The RCS is used for control or sending/receiving setup data allowing users to prepare channel setups, effects, and configurations before arriving at the venue. When connected via USB it allows additional and independent control of the V-Mixer.

Now both PC and Mac users can use native version of RCS with current users also using the software in conjunction with remote desktop or VNC viewers to use wirelessly with iPads and other tablets.

The Roland V-Mixing system along with the new M-480 V-Mixer, R-1000 48-Track recorder/player, digital snake systems, and personal mixing systems offers high-quality live digital audio control and distribution and represents a new level in power, configurability, and convenience in a world-class digital mixing solution. RSG has released a Mac image converter utility for the popular VR-5 AV mixer. This newly released software allows users to convert still images, video, and audio into and from the format used by the VR-5's internal SD card-based player and recorder.

The Roland VR-5 is a fully integrated audio mixer, video switcher with built-in recorder/player for live production and web streaming. This unique product combines the power of Roland's audio and video technology into one unit. Current formats supported in the VR-5 conversion software include .avi, .mpg, .wvm, .mp4, .dv, and .mov with resolutions up to 1920?ó1200 pixels.¬† Still image conversion support includes .bmp, .jpg, .png with file sizes up to 6400?ó 4800 pixels. Audio formats supported for conversion include .wav, .aiff, and .mp3 with sampling rates of 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz. VR-5's all-in-one solution greatly simplifies production, recording, and streaming of these live events. The VR-5's innovative design incorporates a video switcher, audio mixer, video playback, recorder, preview monitors, and output for web streaming all in a single unit.

Contact: RSG Broadcast India Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 2, Site No. 37-38, Local Shopping Complex, 2nd Floor, Behind Kalkaji Post Office, New Delhi-110019; Tel: +91-11-40542100; Fax: +91-11-40542139

Monitoring Systems from Wohler Technologies

Wohler has launched highly flexible and cost-effective monitoring systems for audio, video, and data, as well as captioning and loudness. These include AMP1-D8MDA-3G Dolby digital audio monitor, MADI-8 monitor, compact Pandora system, the Presto video switcher, HDCC series captioning/subtitling products, and enhancements to the flagship AMP2-16V audio/video processing monitor.

AMP1-D8MDA-3G. The monitor offers a lower-cost solution for operators who only require decoding of Dolby Digital (AC-3) signals.

MADI-8 audio monitor. The monitor enables broadcasters to implement the multi-channel audio digital interface (MADI or AES10) in their production workflows.

Pandora loudness analyzer. Pandora is a compact and easy-to-read desktop or rack-mountable loudness monitor with logging that can be employed in the broadcast chain that requires simple, accurate loudness monitoring.

HDCC Series captioning/subtitling products: HDCC series captioning/subtitling products allow users to handle encoding, decoding, and monitoring of CEA-608, CEA-708, WST, and OP-47 captions/subtitles, as well as encoding and decoding of multiple GPI triggers.

CD-2 native video format captions/subtitle OSD monitor. Wohler's new CD-2 caption/subtitle video monitor adaptor provides an OSD-decoded captions/subtitles output that maintains the original video format, as well as a re-clocked pass-through video output.

Presto video switcher. This video switcher makes 16 3G/HD/SD-SDI video channels readily available for monitoring and straightforward switching via integrated OLED pushbuttons.

AMP2-16V Series modular audio/video processing monitor. The enhancements to AMP2-16V audio/video processing monitor include support for SMPTE 2020 metadata monitoring.

Contact: Wohler Asia Ltd., 1704, Lucky Commercial Centre, 103 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; Tel: +852-2851-8325; Fax: +852-2850-8182

Broadcast Production, Play-to-Air, and Multi-Screen Delivery by SeaChange International

SeaChange will introduce in Asia its scalable Universal MediaLibrary Grid, featuring a unique cloud file system and powerful 10GigE infrastructure alongwith content management solutions.

The Universal MediaLibrary (UML) Grid storage enables direct ingest and edit-in-place with the latest Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5.

Play-to-air solution features the UML for tapeless workflows. The UML Grid storage configuration features industry leading performance of 5Gbps in a single stream and up to 144PB storage capacity in a grid system.

The UML is central to the entire SeaChange media architecture. Each UML brick accommodates a massive 144TB in a 5RU storage matrix. The UML combines the traditional linear playout support with production and streaming into an all-in-one product.

Contact: Seachange India Pvt. Ltd., Gujrals House, III Floor, 167, C.S.T. Road, Kalina, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai-400098; Tel: +91-22-67104190; Fax:+91- 22-67104199

Harmonic Launches Omneon MediaPort 7000 Series

Harmonic Inc. has released its new Omneon MediaPort 7000 series of video I/O modules for the Omneon Spectrum media server system. The MediaPort 7000 delivers new multicodec support with enhanced media processing functionality to streamline playout workflows and simplify the transition to HD.

The MediaPort 7000 series enables the Spectrum video server simultaneously to support an industry-leading range of codecs, formats, frame-rates, and resolutions along with fully integrated up-, down-, and cross-conversion and simulcast SD and HD outputs for every channel.

The series delivers a number of features common across all product configurations including full SD and HD back-to-back DV and MPEG-2 playback in any combination, optional support for additional codecs, such as AVC-Intra, playable back-to-back with DV and MPEG-2, SD up-conversion, HD down-conversion, and 1080i/720p cross-conversion on every channel, regardless of media codec, and simultaneous SDI and HD-SDI outputs for every channel, regardless of media codec with no reduction in channel count or extra system load.

Contact: Harmonic Inc, N-4, Green Park Extension, New Delhi-110016; Tel: +91-11-41756585