Vizrt and Matrox deliver IP-based graphics production solution for IBC TV’s LiveIP studio

posted:

02/09/2016

Matrox-powered Viz Engine to render all graphics in real-time at IBC2016 for show’s official TV channel

Vizrt, enabled by Matrox DSX products, will deliver an IP-based graphics solution for IBC TV, the official television channel of IBC 2016 (Amsterdam, Sept 9-13). The powerful Viz Engine video server and real-time media compositor, which runs the latest Matrox X.mio3 IP cards, has been implemented into the pioneering VRT-EBU LiveIP studio production set-up, which IBC TV will use to shoot, edit and produce content on-site during the conference and exhibition. Aiming to demonstrate the unique advantages of IP production, such as remote production and automation, Viz Engine will be used to render all of the graphics in real-time. This content will be delivered online and on screens throughout the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

Supported by the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), of which Vizrt and Matrox are members, the LiveIP set-up spans across sites within the venue that are connected by fibre. These include the LiveIP studio floor, control room, and data centre in Hall 8, and the IBC TV studio in Hall 13 which can control the LiveIP studio remotely. The project is led by Belgian public broadcaster VRT and the EBU in close collaboration with other industry leaders in IP development and innovations including Vizrt and Matrox.

The VRT-EBU LiveIP project is nominated as a finalist for the IBC Innovation Award for Content Creation.

The latest version of Viz Engine will be on show on the Vizrt stand (7.A20). As a central part of any IP ecosystem, it offers a complete IP production and playout solution. It has been designed to help broadcasters move to new IP architectures without disturbing current workflows by operating effectively in both hybrid SDI/IP and IP-only environments. Vizrt will also highlight Viz Engine’s integration with various IP formats such as SMPTE 2022-6 and ASPEN.

The versatile Matrox X.mio3 IP card, within the Viz Engine, offers full multi-channel video I/O support over 10 GbE networks, adding IP encapsulation of HD and 3G. With its unique on-board up/down/cross scaler and compositor, the X.mio3 IP frees up CPU and GPU resources.

“Working alongside our trusted partner Matrox, we’ve developed an infrastructure that is future proof for IP productions,” said Gerhard Lang, chief engineering officer at Vizrt. “Viz Engine incorporates the latest in IP technology, while at the same time offering the flexibility to work in both hybrid SDI/IP and pure IP. For IBC TV we will deliver SMPTE 2022-6, but the X.mio3 IP card with different firmware can also be used for alternative standards like ASPEN or SMPTE 2110. The IBC TV and LiveIP projects are an ideal way for Vizrt and Matrox to showcase to attendees this technology in action and the production benefits it can bring.”

“With the robust Viz Engine, Vizrt is demonstrating how simple IP production can be,” said Alberto Cieri, senior director of sales and marketing at Matrox. “X.mio3 IP allows Vizrt to smoothly navigate the transition from traditional SDI to IP, providing the advantages of IP while maintaining the high-quality production value expected when using Matrox products.”

Matrox will be present at IBC2016, showcasing the X.mio3 IP and the complete line of Matrox DSX™ Developer Products at stand 7.B29.

About Matrox Video:
Matrox Video is a technology and market leader in the field of 4K, HD and SD digital video hardware and software for accelerated H.264 encoding, realtime editing, audio/video input/output, streaming, A/V signal conversion, capture/playout servers, channel-in-a-box systems and CGs. Matrox's Emmy award-winning technology powers a full range of multi-screen content creation and delivery platforms used by broadcasters, telcos, cable operators, post-production facilities, live event producers, videographers and A/V professionals worldwide. Founded in 1976, Matrox is a privately held company headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

About Vizrt:
Vizrt provides real-time 3D graphics, video playout, studio automation, sports analysis, journalist story tools, and asset management tools for the media and entertainment industry. This includes interactive and virtual solutions, animations, maps, weather, social media, video editing, compositing, and multiplatform VOD and live playout tools. Vizrt has customers in more than 100 countries worldwide including CNN, CBS, Fox, BBC, BSkyB, Sky Sports, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Al Jazeera, NDR, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK and the list keeps growing. Vizrt has nearly 600 employees and operates in 40 offices worldwide. Vizrt is a privately owned company by Nordic Capital Fund VIII.