Lawo paves the way towards broadcast 3.0

Lawo unveils in Las Vegas a powerful multiscreen based on its virtualized audiovisual broadcast ecosystem V__matrix, the general orchestration service Seamless Orchestration and Unification Layer (SOUL), the new console for video production over IP mc²90, and the Ruby radio console.

As is becoming evident at NAB 2017, Theirs is betting on broadcast 3.0 as part of the transition of the audiovisual content creation industry to the production and delivery of content based on IP, taking advantage of Internet Protocols to manage the delivery of video, audio, metadata, accessory data and control data such as elementary sequences or transport sequences taking advantage of IP network technology and COTS hardware.

For Lawo, the new broadcast 3.0 environment makes it easier to create a “smart production facility”, whether in a studio, mobile unit or hybrid installation with distributed resources. The approach is based on the deployment of IP network technology for the transport of video, audio, control and auxiliary data. This requires function- and format-agnostic, software-defined processing hardware that allows the principles of data centers and cloud computing to be transferred to the main audiovisual broadcast infrastructure.

Also required in this new environment are network and resource system orchestration and control systems that can flexibly map available infrastructure resources (hardware and virtual) to production workflows. Finally, intelligent production technology is necessary that allows automated workflows and technology-assisted productions.

Multipantalla

Lawo adds a new multi-screen module to V__matrix, its virtualized audiovisual broadcast ecosystem, with software-defined functionality. At NAB 2017, Lawo is introducing vm_mv24-4 and vm_mv16-4 virtual modules (VMs) for V__matrix, which add high-quality multi-display functionality to the V__matrix ecosystem when loaded on a c100 main processing module.

Capable of supporting both IP and SDI sources, these MVs can monitor uncompressed 4K/UHD, 3G, HD and SD video, as well as both integrated and discrete audio, while generating pixel-perfect mosaics and ultra-low latency.

V__matrix, first introduced at last year's NAB, is a software-defined IP core processing and routing platform based on the principles of data center flexibility, fabric-based computing, and COTS economics. Designed to provide a fully virtualized real-time production infrastructure, V__matrix leverages multiple cores connected to a high-capacity COTS IP network with redundant 10GE and 40GE connections to form a distributed IP processing and routing matrix with clean and accurate switching, just like a legacy baseband matrix.

The vm_mv24-4 can monitor up to 24 sources or a maximum of 36 Gbps of IP or SDI video, while the vm_mv16-4 is capable of monitoring up to 16 sources or a maximum of 36 Gbps. Both multiviewer MVs can generate up to 4 output heads (tiles) and scale and display any source on any output head without limitation. The same source can be displayed on multiple output heads at different resolutions. The output heads can be configured as HD, 3G or 4K and output over IP interfaces or as SDI using the modular I/O backplane.

SOUL

In Las Vegas, Lawo has unveiled Seamless Orchestration and Unification Layer (SOUL) is a general orchestration service provided by Lawo for IP production environments. This service obtains and manipulates information across all system components, manages the generation and routing of audiovisual streams in any multi-vendor IP configuration, and supports individual interfaces and technical solutions.

SOUL provides a single point of control for any network size and topology, and offers the core service for routing flows and managing resources in single-switch, spine-leaf, or mesh network infrastructures. Using Ember+, it presents a unified matrix representation of the northbound network to an overall control system such as VSM (Virtual Studio Manager), and orchestrates and controls IP-based environments at different levels. SOUL has Hitless Merge and Routing State Recovery capabilities and provides redundancy for sophisticated systems.

IP video production with the mc²96 console

The new Lawo mc²90 top-of-the-range audio mixing console has been specifically designed to provide optimal performance in IP video production environments through native support of all relevant standards (SMPTE 2110, AES67, Ravenna and Dante).

The Lawo mc²96 console, available in different sizes with 24 to 200 faders and the same legendary quality that the Lawo mc²90 series is known for, has been designed as Lawo's most visual broadcast console to date. The mc2 96 console is equipped with 21.5-inch touch screens with Full HD resolution, multiple mini color TFTs in rows of channels and color-coded, touch-sensitive encoders, enabling a quick overview and easy operation.

For the first time in the world, with the new Lawo production console it is possible to display miniature videos in LiveView format. In addition to allowing standard channel labeling with channel numbers, individual text labels and static photos or icons, the mc²96 console can display real-time miniature videos on the fader's mini TFTs for intuitive channel identification. Touching a fader switches the miniature LiveView video to full screen mode, providing a more detailed view of the channel's video source, such as a camera or replay machine.

Designed for network operation in complex IP production infrastructures, the Lawo mc²96 console employs Lawo's exclusive IP-Share Network Gain Compensation feature when using shared DALLIS inputs/outputs to prevent unforeseen changes from occurring on up to eight networked consoles when individual users configure their gain settings. The DALLIS I/O system communicates with all networked consoles, and its IP-Share algorithm sets the optimal analog gain for multi-client requirements. The IP-Share algorithm also ensures that appropriate gain compensation is applied to the digital gain phases of all consoles when adjusting the preamplifier's analog gain.

Responding to today's requirements for 3D/immersive audio productions, the mc²96 console provides not only superb tools for surround sound mixing, but also a dedicated lift controller as a standard feature.

Ruby

Lawo presents Ruby, a new mixing console for radio operators. Ruby is ready for the modern radio studio, allowing operators to mix and route audio using the same multi-touch screen environment used by other studio tools.

The result is a more natural and efficient way of working, with the huge added benefit of reducing studio monitor clutter. The Ruby console surface combines physical faders and switches with multi-touch controls; These “soft” controls can coexist with other studio applications such as playback systems, phone queues and codecs allowing operators to modulate settings quickly and easily without diverting their attention.

NEP bets on Lawo

Audiovisual services company NEP Australia has incorporated Lawo's V_matrix platform with all IP routing, processing and multi-display functionality based on the software-defined virtual modules of the V_matrix ecosystem. Additionally, Lawo's Virtual Studio Manager (VSM) and 'The wall' multiviewer control will provide overall orchestration and control, as well as a common user interface for all operators.

Along with the new software-defined V_matrix platform, NEP has also shown its commitment to the new mc296 audio console for six control rooms and four mc256 audio consoles for the new IP-based mobile units.