Sony collaborates with Evertz on the development of IP interoperability of its network media interface

The Sony-Evertz collaboration will enable customers to deploy IP infrastructure in their facilities, as well as assist broadcasters in transitioning from legacy SDI environments to IP-based infrastructure.

Sony y Evertz They work closely together to develop new interoperability technologies with IP. The two companies first announced their strategic alliance at IBC last September, as a continuation of their most recent efforts to incorporate innovative IP-based solutions, such as Sony's networked media interface and Evertz's software-defined video networking (SDVN) solution.

The Sony-Evertz collaboration will enable customers to deploy IP infrastructure in their facilities, as well as assist broadcasters in transitioning from legacy SDI environments to IP-based infrastructure.

Sony's network media interface includes and transmits HD and 4K audio, video and metadata in real time over standard network infrastructures. Sony is developing Low Latency Video Codec (LLVC) technology, which supports the video compression necessary for 4K transmission at 60p over a 10 Gbps Ethernet network.

This technology also optimizes the live IP production system, enabling live studios and sports broadcast channels to be more efficient and cost-effective. At IBC 2014, 10 leading companies announced their support for Sony's networked media interface.

Olivier Bovis, Head of Sony Media Marketing, Sony Europe, said: "The goal is to develop real-time IP technologies to reduce system costs and achieve greater set-up and operational efficiency for broadcast channels. Working with Evertz allows us to offer scalable and flexible IP-based solutions for a wide range of production and broadcast infrastructures."

For his part, Eric Fankyauser, vice president of product development at Evertz, highlights that “Evertz's SDVN solution takes advantage of our Magnum unified coordination and control system, together with high-capacity IP switching fabrics (Evertz EXE-VSR and IPX) and IP gateways to deliver an expandable IP-based infrastructure from SD/HD to Ultra HD via 10GbE packet switching. “There is a huge advantage to IP-based architectures, and Evertz has implemented these solutions for our customers. Developing interoperability with Sony's networked media interface will provide customers with greater IP workflow options.”

Sony and Evertz will continue their collaboration on interoperability between their IP-based broadcast equipment based on their compatibility with the network media interface.