Sony NXL-IP55: HD production over IP with ultra-low latency

The NXL-IP55 live production unit, which Sony is exhibiting at IBC 2012, represents the next generation of live production environments and will simplify integration with IP infrastructures.

At IBC 2012, Sony presents its NXL-IP55 live production unit, which will be available in early 2013. The NXL-IP55 is key to the new generation of live production environments and will simplify integration with IP infrastructures, without sacrificing broadcast quality and with greater operational efficiency.

Coinciding with the announcement of its launch, Sony has announced the receipt of the first order for the NXL-IP55 from TwentyFourSeven, a rental company that develops and offers technical solutions for TV, sports and events production, such as the Distance Outside Broadcast (DOB) remote workflow solution.

Kent Lundgren, president of TwentyFourSeven, said: "We are delighted to be the first to have Sony's NXL-IP55, as it is an extraordinary product that represents a step forward in IP-based live production. It integrates seamlessly with our DOB fiber infrastructure and will greatly improve operational efficiency and overall image quality."

For use in multi-camera live productions, the NXL-IP55 uses a standard IP link over local area network (LAN) and allows users up to four HD-SDI video streams (three downstream and one upstream, or two downstream and two upstream). The system also supports up to 10 audio channels including intercom, control signals, tally, GPIO and genlock. In this way, the NXL-IP55 considerably reduces the number of cables required and represents a significant simplification of operation compared to conventional coaxial cable systems.

On the other hand, in terms of broadcast environments with PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) function, it should be noted that Sony will soon present the new IP remote control (RM-IP10) and the optional card (BRBK-IP10 and BRBK-IP7Z) that will enable IP control of the Sony BRC range (BRC-H900, Z330 and Z700). The new IP controller for these BRC cameras, whose excellent image quality and reliability features have made them a favorite of TV, radio and event producers, offers even more benefits to new or existing Sony customers. The new RMIP10 controller also inherits the famous functions and ease of use of the RM-BR300 and can control up to 99 cameras on the same IP network.

Combined with the NXL-IP55, you will set up an IP HD live production system capable of transmitting high-quality video, audio and data with very low latency time – less than one field (1/2 frame) – over a single LAN connection (depending on the network environment).

Another area of ​​​​improvement of live production with the NXL-IP55 is sports broadcasts. A configuration of three HD cameras at different points in a stadium, connected to the NXL-IP55, can be configured efficiently with minimal cabling. In this way, the production team can capture various scenes through several cameras in HD quality.

In addition to the unique benefits of simplifying cabling for live events, the NXL-IP55 can also help mobile unit companies control remote operations at a lower cost. The low cost of GbE LAN links, together with improved access to secure and dedicated fiber links around the world, will allow broadcasters to use IP with the NXL-IP55 to generate a low level of latency that will be key in the broadcast market.

The NXL-IP55 is a compact solution (occupying half a rack space) that has received a nomination at the IABM Design Awards in the category of cutting-edge technology for broadcast.