Grass Valley Securely Links LDK Camera Control via Ethernet for Grass Valley Switcher and Third-party Control

C2IP provides full camera control functionality over industry standard Ethernet, which simplifies installation and cabling, and enables sophisticated and advanced connectivity solutions to cover any remote installation hurdles. The conventional, single camera operational control panel (OCP) incorporates features normally found in master control panels, with functionality ergonomically designed to dramatically speed up camera set-up, tracking, and reconfiguration.

Now, the LDK Connect Gateway, powered by Fusion – which allows users to connect their Grass Valley products together, forming a tighter, highly integrated solution, adds a portal to external Ethernet networks and internet. To maintain security and the integrity of the camera control system, the LDK Connect Gateway is an independent platform that can simultaneously access the C2IP camera control network and a public network. This is achieved without compromising the operational control of the cameras in any way.

LDK Connect Gateway is an XML-based platform, allowing any systems integrator to write user-specific camera control applications. Routine interaction is through a remotely accessible intuitive GUI, which will make multiple camera set-ups faster and easier.. The result is that other Grass Valley products and third-party systems will have secure access to camera control, helping broadcasters and production facilities develop more efficient studio automation, increasing productivity, and boosting their return on investment.

“Our customers tell us that they need their staff to focus on delivering creative content that engages with customers, so they want to eliminate routine tasks which take experienced people away from the front line,” said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Grass Valley. “With LDK Connect Gateway, we are once again leading the industry, this time by opening up control of top-end cameras to external systems, whether for automation or for systems monitoring.”

The LDK Connect Gateway platform is compatible with the HD LDK camera family. At IBC the LDK Connect Gateway was demonstrated with the Kayenne™ Video Production Center controlling Grass Valley LDK cameras featuring the world’s first Tally over IP application.

Pricing and Availability

The LDK Connect Gateway platform will be available in Q3 2010, with a list price of US$18,200/€14,000

About Grass Valley

With a rich history serving the broadcast and professional video industries, the Grass Valley name is synonymous with innovation, leadership, and performance. With a full range of products and services supporting many of the world's most high-profile television events, Grass Valley offers the most comprehensive portfolio of flexible and cost-effective digital technologies and systems available. Customers deploying Grass Valley solutions include most of the world's leading broadcast and teleproduction facilities, independent video professionals, as well as emerging content creators and distributors providing broadband, telecommunications, and transmission services. When you’re watching news, sports, or entertainment programming, whether on a TV, the Web, or a mobile phone, you’re watching Grass Valley at work. For information about Grass Valley products, please visit