Vega, Snell's most flexible asymmetric routing solution

Snell has unveiled at IBC 2011 its new routing platform, Vega, which allows users to configure any signal port for fiber or coaxial connectivity independently.

Snell has unveiled at IBC 2011 its new routing platform, Vega, which allows users to configure any signal port for fiber or coaxial connectivity independently.

This unique design also allows any port to be configured as input or output, providing the industry with the most flexible asymmetric routing solution within a 96-port router.

“Los switches de enrutado de video se utilizan en prácticamente todas las instalaciones de broadcast y muy pocas de estas instalaciones requieren exactamente el mismo numero de entradas y salidas de enrutador”, ha comentado Kim Francis, director de producto en Snell.

"Traditionally, broadcast and media companies have obtained the additional inputs and outputs they need by purchasing a larger router. This model is uneconomical due to the number of ports left unused, the additional cost and the amount of space it requires. Vega eliminates this waste by allowing users to configure any input that is not being used as an additional output or, conversely, according to application requirements, and its plug-in modules keep the cost and complexity of fiber routing to a minimum. Vega has simply changed the rules of the game.”

Vega has 96 signal ports on its rear panel. The platform's fully asymmetric input and output port designation allows the user to configure the router with a single input and 95 outputs, 95 inputs and one output, or any combination of inputs and outputs. Using small fiber plug-in modules and/or miniature coaxial connector types also means that this innovative design provides 50% more signal ports than a traditional router with the same frame height.

Each pair of ports consists of a receptacle that accepts a very small plug-in module, supporting fiber (LC or SFP type) or coaxial (HD BNC and/or DIN 1.0/2.3) connectivity. As the Vega ports can be configured easily and quickly, broadcasters and production companies can choose the connection medium that best suits them at all times. Support for fiber connectivity without the need for external adapters ensures that maintaining high data rates over long distance links is simple and economical. A 12-port, coaxial-only rear module is also available, offering an entry-level solution when fiber connectivity is not yet necessary.

The router's extended redundancy options include redundant crosspoints, frame controllers, power supplies, and fans. A comprehensive set of “soft” and “hard” control options are also available.

ICE

Snell took advantage of its presence in Amsterdam to also announce important new graphics and character generation capabilities in version 2.2 of the company's Integrated Content Engine (ICE).

ICE Version 2.2 incorporates branding tools for HD and/or SD channel upscaling, plus custom VANC insertion that sets the new standard for channel-in-a-box broadcast solutions. Together, these features allow the user to reduce the cost and complexity of issuance, while maintaining or improving the level of sophistication of the issuance.

ICE combines a video server, graphics, switchers, channel branding and subtitling in a 3-RU package, and all managed by Morpheus automation. ICE offers a low-cost solution for startup channels and serves as a cost-effective building block for distributed operations, supporting activities such as regional scheduling management and remote disaster recovery. The system works seamlessly with SD or HD source material, managing all the processes necessary to prepare images, sound and ancillary data for the highest quality HD broadcast.

ICE version 2.2 offers operators the ability to generate vertical and horizontal crawls through automated URL or RSS ingestion, or from feed information that has been manually created. Crawls can be created and coded by an operator or automated through Morpheus. ICE now also offers multiple DVEs for mixing effects, allowing users to include numerous programs while inserting graphics and audio effects (such as ICE-generated crawls, news tickers, animated lower thirds, and voice-over for specific programs).

Now that ICE offers more keyers, users will be able to leverage the integration with the Morpheus MediaBall for dynamic creation and insertion of graphics and text for end credits, promo marking and other common actions. These graphics can now be programmed through a traffic system, manipulated by an operator or automatically inserted by Morpheus with information obtained from other sources. This procedure eliminates the need for pre-rendering of advanced end pages, while providing users with the flexibility to schedule and reschedule without having to manipulate promotional material that indicates where and when viewers can watch their favorite shows.

In order to meet all network headend requirements, ICE is also prepared to establish specific VANC packets (such as SCTE-104) in the continuous path for each channel. Because the ICE handles this function internally, in addition to AFD insertion, ratio conversion, subtitle insertion, TC insertion, and live subtitle insertion (control protocol A), the need for power, rack space, and maintenance of conventional downstream hardware within the transmission path is much lower.