EVS debuts its XT 4K servers and demonstrates IP interoperability

Marc Caeymaex, senior vice president for EMEA at EVS, reviews in this video interview the presence of EVS at IBC 2016 where the Belgian company has exhibited a completely integrated production solution interconnected between different live production sites and the broadcast center and the online distribution of content.

EVS has shown for yet another year at IBC that its solutions are capable of interconnecting different live production sites with a broadcast center and online distribution of content. Marc Caeymaex, senior vice president for EMEA at EVS, reviews some of the Belgian manufacturer's technological solutions in this video interview.

To strengthen the possibilities offered by IP, EVS is collaborating closely with the Belgian broadcaster VRT and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in the IP Live Project, which aims to demonstrate how it is possible today to have a fully interconnected infrastructure for live production over IP. For Caeymaex there are two key aspects that have been evident both in the on-air experience carried out this summer and in the pilot implemented at the RAI Center on the occasion of IBC. On the one hand, interoperability between systems and the need to have standards that all systems share.

During IBC 2016, EVS acted as an IP-enabled hub, presenting live media streams, which live-connected different studios, broadcast central control rooms and users. By connecting the live environment, EVS technology enables better storytelling as well as an enriched viewing experience.

New XT4K servers

In this IBC, EVS has expanded its line of XT servers by incorporating two 4K models capable of encoding a native 4K stream with the same 10-bit architecture and support for high dynamic range (HDR).

The XT4K is a 4K production and playback server that uses uncompressed 12G SDI input and output ports and integrated IP input/output options to offer flexible new ways to design production facility infrastructures. The new UHD server will offer users the ability to build upon future engine software updates that enable even more flexible UHD/HD configurations through greater channel density options.

The XT4K offers users up to four 4K channels or eight HD channels and delivers HDR-capable live content via its native 10-bit XAVC-4K codec. The XT4K's flexible use of SDI and IP connections allows operators to use the server with native IP, traditional SDI or hybrid workflows. The XT4K is also built to support current and future SuperMotion cameras, as well as common native codecs that provide speed and flexibility.

Based on the same proprietary loop recording as all EVS live production servers, the XT4K has the ability to reliably record over 130 hours of 4K-UHD content with the same speed and functionality as existing LSM playback and highlight production systems. It has never been easier to captivate audiences with higher quality images, allowing broadcast operators to tell better stories.

Furthermore, optimized to enable a smart transition to an IP-connected studio environment, the XS4K features hybrid SDI/IP technology. The server features a flexible four 4K channel and eight HD channel configuration that enables seamless capture and playback of multi-format content in studio operations.

EVS' XS4K is available in Quad-SDI or 12G-SDI configurations, while a new built-in XIP option enables simple integration with native IP workflows of future production infrastructure. Also based on EVS's unique loop recording, the new server supports the XAVC codec for 4K and will support AVC-Intra, DNxHD and ProRes codecs for HD workflows. Enabling simple media exchange with post-production workflows, the XS4K is perfect for a fixed studio production environment.

Marc Caeymaex highlights in this interview Mediapro's purchase of ten XT4K servers in order to cover major sporting events throughout Europe such as the Spanish LaLiga.

C-Cast opens new opportunities

As has been evident in this IBC 2016, C-Cast, now in its version 3, is consolidated as a cloud-based multimedia distribution platform. This EVS proposal also demonstrates that moving content to the cloud provides benefits such as having a syndication model between affiliates and viewers.

With C-Cast's new syndication operation, digital media owners using this platform can grant regional rights holders, clubs/stadiums and sponsors access to content shared with Central C-Cast. This allows them to quickly create Video On Demand (VOD) packages with content that interests their respective audiences. Using an extensive publishing tool and C-Cast API, digital media teams can easily manage custom content collections for publishing to any partner or client application, providing a completely new fan experience.

Access to the IBC 2016 Special in Audiovisual Panorama