PlayMaker: Orad's replay server, now with 3D support

Orad's PlayMaker replay server, with configurations up to 8 channels and support for stereoscopic 3D, will be introduced at NAB 2010. Orad will also present Blend, a solution to meet today's workflow challenges by providing HD/SD video output along with real-time 3D graphics in a single box.

Orad will present at this upcoming NAB 2010 new and powerful capabilities for its PlayMaker sports replay server system. Understanding the challenges of live sports productions, the PlayMaker sports replay server now offers support for super-slow motion and stereoscopic 3D productions based on its single server of up to 8 channels housed in a compact 3U chassis.

PlayMaker can significantly reduce production costs as fewer servers and operators are required. With its flexible configuration, PlayMaker can ingest six cameras, or combine support for a 75-frame super-slow motion with three additional cameras. Another unique configuration allows the ingestion of two 75-frame super-slow motions on a single server.

All configurations include pre/program outputs or two program outputs. Each PlayMaker server can be controlled by 1 or 2 separate controllers, each assigned its own output while sharing the same database of clips and clip lists.

For stereoscopic 3D productions, PlayMaker can offer a unique configuration of three stereo 3D inputs, and one stereo output with all the advanced and intelligent capabilities of the PlayMaker controller.

PlayMaker, Orad's SD/HD super-slow-motion video server, offers high-quality Motion JPEG2000 ingest, synchronized slow-motion and super-slow-motion replay, and powerful yet simple editing tools. PlayMaker's disk capacity allows storage of more than 60 hours in HD (at 100mbps) and more than 120 hours in SD mode (at 50mbps). With its RAID6 configuration, redundant power supply and Linux operating system, PlayMaker is a highly reliable production system that has been designed to accommodate the harsh conditions of outdoor production environments.

Blend, a channel in a box

On the other hand, in Las Vegas we will also be able to see the channel-in-a-box proposal, Blend, at the Orad stand. It is a high-quality, low-cost solution that is set to meet today's workflow challenges by providing HD/SD video output along with real-time 3D graphics in a single box.

With Blend, a channel dedicated to playing video clips and a channel dedicated to outputting graphics coexist. Both channels are controlled from the same user interface by a single operator, dramatically reducing operational costs.

As a file-based video server, Blend enables broadcasters to support all commonly used file formats, codecs and containers. Clips can be played in SD, HD, and even uncompressed HD, and copied to local storage while on air without affecting the broadcast. Additionally, with Blend, broadcasters can choose to trigger clips either manually or from automation using standard VDCP protocol.

Blend provides broadcasters with full use of graphic elements such as multiple tickers, banners, full screen graphics, and animated logos or any type of graphics without requiring code programming.

Blend also allows external access to storage, the ability to swap out failed hard drives while in the air, hot-swappable power supplies, mechanical and software bypass, and RAID configuration for both system and storage drives. The system supports up to 16 embedded audio channels (8 pairs) supporting mixes, presets and cross fades.