Ross Video Adds New Functions and Capabilities to XPression

XPression 4K
The unique requirements of 4K productions command a special niche in the current video production landscape. The types of events and programming are typically high profile and require high-performance equipment. XPression Studio 4K and BlueBox 4K are designed to meet this challenge. Studio 4K includes the features of the all-in-one creation and playout XPression Studio, while BlueBox 4K provides full playback capabilities as a headless graphics engine. Both systems supply a single 4K quad-link output. Already used on some of the most watched programs in the world, XPression systems are the right solution at the right time for 4K production.

XPression Clips
While often segregated into individual workflows for live production, clips and real-time graphics come together in XPression Clips, an advanced IT technology production clip server from Ross Video. Built on the XPression graphics platform, XPression Clips is a dedicated clip server with the ability to be upgraded to full CG functionality with a software license. XPression Clips supercharges the production process with instant recall times and back-to-back transitions from an intuitive user interface or via automation triggers from other devices like Ross production switchers. Users can simultaneously ingest multiple channels of baseband video and output multiple channels of clips to air. Three different configurations are available depending on the requirements.

XPression INcoder
XPression’s entry into the clip server market is accompanied by an extremely useful companion product, XPression INcoder, a high-powered file-based ingest and transcoding application that simplifies the use of multiple codecs within a facility. XPression INcoder works in the background to quickly transcode clips into the highly efficient XPression Video Codec - which supports video, key, and up to 16 channels of audio – and then delivers it for playout using its multi-target publishing capability. Destinations can include the XPression Clip Database, a shared storage system, FTP, or any file location across a network.

Version 6.0
“The substantial number of new products and features in the XPression line at NAB this year shows our product diversification commitment to meet the needs of the growing real-time graphic requirements of media organizations around the world,” said Brian Olson, Director of Marketing Product Management for XPression at Ross Video. “In addition to the support of 4K graphics production and clip integration that includes pre-roll elimination and a database with searchable metadata, a number of XPression applications are being updated. And, Version 6.0 is being released with a variety of new features that will greatly benefit the installed XPression user base.”

NAS and SAN Support with SNS
XPression Clips and XPression Studio with the Clip Server Option both support NAS and SAN configurations for storage of high-volume content. To better offer complete end-to-end clips and graphics solutions, Ross Video is announcing a strategic relationship with Studio Network Solutions (SNS), a leading manufacturer of shared storage solutions for film, video, VFX, graphic animation and audio workgroups. SNS EVO is the first certified SAN + NAS solution for XPression clip servers and real-time graphics engines.

EVO is a complete networked storage server combining a high-performance storage array with the most extensive connectivity options available in a single product –including 8 Gb/s Fiber Channel and 10 Gb/s Ethernet, with easy-to-use asset management via EVO’s ShareBrowser application. A fully configured EVO can support a total of 80 disks and up to 28 clients with or without a switch.

This certified storage system provides large-scale direct attached Gigabit Ethernet connections to XPression from SNS EVO with the bandwidth and performance that offers more streamlined workflows between creative service workgroups and playout, and can scale all the way to multi-channel enterprise environments.

XPression and EVO are already deployed and on the air at a major network with high-volume clips and graphics requirements, providing a well integrated solution and smooth workflow.

ABOUT SNS
For over 15 years SNS shared storage hardware and software solutions have been advancing workflow efficiency for Mac, Windows and Linux workgroups for content creators worldwide. EVO, SNS flagship shared storage server combines high-performance with extensive connectivity in a single product including 16Gb/s Fibre and 10Gb/s Ethernet. With EVO’s ShareBrowser desktop client, you can search, index, preview, protect and verify assets with no additional software required. SAN or NAS, or both at the same time, EVO is designed for online real-time use with leading applications including Apple, Adobe, Autodesk, Avid and Blackmagic.

About Ross Video
Passionate about live production, Ross Video designs, manufactures and delivers dependable technology and services that power exceptional live video productions seen by billions of viewers around the world every day. Ross Video’s goal is to make it easy for customers to create compelling news, weather and sports broadcasts, engaging material for sports stadium screens, legislative assemblies, entertainment shows and rock concerts, and inspiring content for houses of worship.
Relentlessly innovating, Ross Video delivers the world’s widest range of products and services for augmented reality and virtual sets, mobile live-event solutions, real-time motion graphics, robotic camera systems, social-media management, production switchers, routers, infrastructure products, video servers, newsroom systems, terminal equipment and more.

Ross products and services are designed to offer the best system integration and unmatched customer choice by both working together seamlessly and integrating tightly with third-party solutions.
Ross Video has offices around the world, and provides outstanding, free-for-life telephone support staffed by technical experts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—even for products bought on eBay. Ross employees are authorized to rent helicopters when necessary.