QinMedia and Broadcast Meditel present the advantages of Versio, an 'all-in-one' solution for automation, graphics and playout

QinMedia and Broadcast Meditel have presented in Madrid Harris' new “Channel-in-a-Box” bet that combines in a single device modules of well-known elements from the Harris catalog such as ADC-100, Nexio server, IconMaster, Branding, ... offering a unique solution for new generation continuity with considerable cost savings and deployment times for new channels.

From the hand of QinMedia y Broadcast Meditel, the world tour Harris On-the-road arrived in Madrid this Tuesday focusing on two of the manufacturer's most cutting-edge solutions: Selenio and Versio.

With respect to Versio, the “Channel-in-a-Box” bet combines in a single device modules of well-known elements from the Harris catalog such as ADC-100, Nexio server, IconMaster, Branding,… offering a unique solution for new generation continuity.

Harris' Versio combines baseband video, channel branding, and automated workflow capabilities into a single-rack, easy-to-install, software-based solution. Versio is reducing the cost and time required to launch broadcast, cable and TV channels and services while offering easy integration with production, traffic and billing, scheduling, asset management, content playback and master control functions, leveraging existing workflows for maximum return on investment.

As it is a software-based architecture, you only pay for what you need, and can work with a wide variety of codec support (automation allows you to control up to 24 channels). It is also a very simple system since everything is integrated and pre-configured on the equipment itself, making it almost plug and play.

According to Harris estimates, Versio allows you to reduce the cost by 40% compared to a traditional architecture and all this in a single rack unit. In addition, its installation is 50% faster than a traditional system.

Versio compresses multiple single-channel workflows into a 1RU platform, incorporating Harris video server, channel branding, and optional graphics and automation components. Flexible software-based configurations range from single-channel launches, independently or within an existing system, to multi-channel distribution and expansion and disaster recovery systems.

Broadcasters will now be able to accelerate the time needed to launch a channel, reducing the usual preparation time from months to just weeks or days by eliminating the resources required to launch traditional channels.

Versio customers will be able to leverage Harris' deep expertise in digital asset, traffic and billing management to help manage overall channel costs and increase revenue, while adding a solution to their existing workflow. This includes the ability to sell and schedule new ads virtually simultaneously with broadcast to maximize flexibility.

Simplicity and cost reduction

Versio is designed to easily launch a new channel (with a unified playout), expand an existing system with new channels, as a disaster recovery (if the main system uses ADC, Versio would even resume the playlist to continue broadcasting from another center or via another route), or as a service provider to add channels as necessary.

Another advantage is its great flexibility, since the client can choose between internal automation + internal storage, external automation + internal storage, or internal automation + external storage.

In terms of graphics, Versio offers an environment similar to an Inscriber G5, with 2D and 3D graphics without compression, up to 2 2D DVEs, an integrated mixer for effects or curtains, branding from server or live, content management and creation and import of graphics. 3D graphics support up to 32 bits, with no limitation on the number of layers (with up to 5 simultaneous layouts).

As a server, its great advantage is the flexibility of working with native codecs, decapsulating the file and saving the essences, being able to choose between external internal storage. Other advantages are the import of subtitles, the possibility of managing audio tracks without having to re-ingest a video, up/down/cross conversion and AFD /ARC support. Harris offers the possibility of external storage with Nexio Farad with RAID 601 or RAID 60, with a bandwidth between 3,000 and 48,000 Mbps.

Selenium

During the Harris On-the-road Tour we were also able to see Selenio, its processing and coding platform, in action. It is a revolutionary concept in which the world of broadcast and broadband converge, with multiple outputs and inputs (SDI, ASI, IP-copper and optical) for all types of broadcast formats (SD, HD, 3G, 3DTv, mobile, web...).

One aspect to highlight is that it is a very young platform with a long development life ahead, so perhaps today we are only seeing a part of what it will be in the future.

This system is intended to replace complete systems with maximum reliability and availability without a single point of failure in the entire chain with very simple operation through a web interface, and easy to install in a simple and compact architecture that provides a significant cost reduction.

Selenium replaces the network management, IP video, control, and synchronization with a single module and its backup equivalent. Note that between each controller and slot there is only copper, so there is no possibility of error through intermediate buses.

Each Selenium module can store two firmware versions. The new firmware is loaded into the secondary bank and activated manually.

When inserting a new module we can keep its firmware intact (test mode) or allow the controller to update it (normal mode). In addition, when activating the Deja-View function (module exchange), the controller will apply the configuration to the new module or otherwise, the module configuration would be maintained.

Regarding the chassis, it is housed in 3RU with 14 modules and a consumption of just 40 W for each one. Both the controller and the power supply are redundant, thus ensuring total reliability (through internal or external matrix, redundancy is controlled by the controllers themselves with two independent video reference inputs). For remote management we can use CCS Nucleus, Navigator, HTTP web Browser, SNMP...

From the audio point of view, it has four virtual blocks for audio processing, in each of which the operating modes are chosen for each video channel.

For encoding applications, it has two models (depending on the card): one for contribution (H264 4:2:2 10 bit at low latency between 150-650 ms, with BISS encryption) and another for header distribution with the most common profiles.

For contribution in DSNG unit environments or where lack of space is important, the advantages are very notable: maximum of 650w for a complete frame with 14 modules, maximum weight of 14 kilos, and latency of 300 ms between point to point, being able to choose the codec that best suits the needs.

The Selenium multiplexer module has two models (MUX1 and MUX2, which includes a DVB-T2 gateway. Each card has 8 multiplexer/demultiplexer modules up to 800 Mbit/s, and can process up to 240 programs and/or 4096 Pids.

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