Article Overview

Snell at IBC 2010: New Sirius 830 Router, New Turnkey Solutions Based on Morpheus ICE

See the Sirius 800 Family Router and the Morpheus ICE Solution at Stand 8.B60


• Newest Member of Sirius 800 Family of Large-Scale Routers Offers Flexible Control Options and High-Performance Modules in a Compact 16RU Package

• With Integrated Morpheus Automation, ICE Provides Complete "Station-in-a-Box" Solution for Ingest, Management, and Playout of SD and HD Content in Multi-Channel Operations

Snell To Unveil Sirius 830 Router at IBC2010

Snell today announced the release of the Sirius 830, the newest member of the company's acclaimed Sirius 800 series of large-scale, multi-format expandable routers. At 16RU, the Sirius 830 offers a more compact 288 x 288 frame size for mid- to large-scale studio or OB productions, with the ability to add an additional 144 independently controllable outputs for connection to Snell's MV-Series or any third-party multiviewer solution. The new router will be on display during IBC2010 at Snell's stand, 8.B60.

Like all routers in the Sirius 800 family, the Sirius 830 features high-performance crosspoint modules for flexible routing of SD, HD, ASI, 3Gbps, and embedded audio signals. Optional redundant crosspoints use intelligent path monitoring, which in the event of a failure can automatically switch to the redundant path and issue a user alarm through Snell's system-wide Centra control and monitoring application. The intuitive touch-screen interface on the Sirius 830's front panel allows quick and easy access to a comprehensive range of status and diagnostic information. All this information can be linked to Snell's Centra system, allowing remote access to the same information, or through the Centra rules engine for automatic re-routing of signals — making the routing system truly self-healing. Snell's unique Catsii technology provides immediate indication of router input and output status, and four independent monitoring outputs enable users to monitor signal health at both the input and output stages of the Sirius 830.

"In a highly compact package, the Sirius 830 delivers all of the industry-leading functionality that our Sirius 800 Series is known for, including expandable, multi-format capabilities; extremely flexible control operations; easy integration with multi-vendor systems; and comprehensive video and audio routing based on a flexible and cost-effective modular approach," said Alan Smith, product manager at Snell. "The Sirius 830 is ideal for all sizes and applications — from simple edit suites, through OB trucks, to large switching centers and playout facilities — and of course, the system is backed by Snell's world-renowned reputation for outstanding quality, reliability, and service."

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Snell Announces New Turnkey Solutions Based on Morpheus ICE

At IBC2010, Snell is launching a range of turnkey solutions based on Morpheus Integrated Content Engine (ICE), the company's cost-effective "station-in-a-box" delivery platform. The new solutions are targeted to smaller, regional stations as well as larger broadcasters that need a cost-effective, more efficient path to HD broadcasting. Powered by Morpheus automation, the ICE solutions give broadcasters everything they need to ingest, manage, and playout live feeds, supporting SD and HD content in both single- and multi-channel operations.

"Morpheus ICE is designed for broadcasters who have tried first-generation 'channel-in-a-box' graphics servers but have been frustrated with their performance and lack of integration with third-party automation systems, which often results in hidden costs and little to no opportunity for expansion," said Neil Maycock, chief marketing officer at Snell. "Since ICE is a more powerful 'station-in-a-box' built on the proven automation technology of Morpheus, the potential for expansion is almost unlimited. As our customers' requirements grow in channel complexity or across multiple sites, Morpheus can be easily scaled up as required."

Morpheus ICE brings together a video server, graphics, switchers, channel branding, captioning, and subtitling in a convenient 3RU package, all managed by Morpheus automation. ICE offers a low-cost solution for start-up channels as well as a cost-effective building block for distributed operations supporting activities such as regional program management and remote disaster recovery. The system works seamlessly with either SD or HD source material, managing all of the processes required to prepare pictures, sound, and ancillary data for the highest-quality HD playout. For instance, ICE provides integral, real-time up-scaling of SD source material on-the-fly, which can be easily combined with HD material on the same timeline. When higher-quality, real-time up-conversion is required, ICE provides an HD/SDI insertion point for each output to enable access by an external up-conversion system such as Snell's Quasar Ph.C. Each ICE system offers up to 500 hours of storage with the ability to manage SD and HD assets with both QuickTime® and MXF wrappers side-by-side in the same system.

"We took a broadcast-specific approach when developing ICE, combining both IT and broadcasting technologies to deliver a uniquely flexible multi-function building block for managing a wide range of programming and event types," added Maycock. "ICE dramatically reduces the costs and risks of third-party system integration, since both the automation and the HD infrastructure are supplied as a complete package by Snell."

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About Snell

Snell is a leading innovator in digital media technology and provides broadcasters and global media companies with a comprehensive range of solutions to create, better manage, and streamline the distribution of content for today's multi-screen world. Snell provides the tools necessary to transition seamlessly and cost-effectively to HDTV, stereoscopic 3D, and 3Gbps operations. Headquartered in the U.K., Snell serves more than 2,000 broadcasters, post facilities, and global media companies in more than 100 countries through its worldwide team of sales and support personnel. More information is available at

Snell

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