NEWS & VIEWS
August 2015
Shotoku to unveil
next-generation VR/AR
tracking
Shotoku Broadcast Systems will be
launching Free-d 2 , its next-genera-
tion VR tracking solution. Free-d 2 is
said to represent a new generation
of tracking systems that do not
require physical encoder devices
attached to the camera support’s
moving axes.
The system, based on advanced
algorithms developed within the
BBC’s R&D centre, uses simple ceil-
ing markers to precisely determine
the exact position and orientation
of the studio camera. The system
is designed to provide highly ac-
curate and constantly referenced
position tracking. No concept of a
home or reference point exists for
Free-d 2 — regardless of where the
camera is positioned; the system
instantly knows its exact location
and orientation in all eight axes.
The position tracking data does not
drift, despite many complex moves
or hours of operation.
At booth 11.F40, Shotoku
will also present, for the first time
in Europe, the TP500 pneumatic
pedestal. The TP500 is capable of
supporting camera payloads of
up to 55kg and ranges from 665-
1,485mm in height, and is suitable
for multi-location use, such as OB,
Shotoku will also
be presenting
the TP500
pneu-
matic
for the
first
time in
Europe.
studio or event production. The
robust and modular design allows
for simple transportation between
locations, without compromising
the TP500’s ability to provide a sta-
ble platform for camera operators.
For optimal performance,
Shotoku recommends pairing the
TP500 with its SX300 and
SH100/120 pan-and-tilt heads.
Matrox Video to highlight Monarch HDX
The Monarch HDX dual-channel
H.264 encoder leads Matrox Vid-
eo’s IBC 2015 offerings.
A compact, easy-to-use, dual-
channel H.264 encoding appliance,
Monarch HDX features 3G-SDI and
HDMI inputs with frame synchroni-
sation to compensate for unstable
sources. Two independent H.264
encoders provide redundancy or
can be set to stream and/or record
at individual settings.
Monarch HDX is equipped with
features that are suitable for broad-
casters, event producers, medical
facilities, CDNs, educational institu-
tions, houses of worship, corporate
communicators and legal videog-
raphers, according to Matrox.
From any SDI or HDMI input
source such as a camera or switch-
er, Matrox Monarch HDX gener-
ates two H.264-encoded video
streams at bitrates from 200Kbps to
30Mbps. Powerful scaling, deinter-
lacing and noise reduction engines
ensure only pristine images are
sent to the encoders. For streaming
purposes, the encoders use either
RTMP or RTSP protocol to deliver
live streams to local or cloud-based
media servers.
In recording applications, the
encoders write MP4 or MOV files
to local USB drives, SD cards or net-
work-mapped drives for post-event
editing or archiving. An additional,
dedicated H.264 encoder provides
EVS leads the way in IP for Live
EVS will be focusing on IP technol-
ogy, the best in cloud-based multi
media distribution and live replay
management, among others.
Visitors to booth 8.B90 will be
presented with the live production
possibilities offered by IP-based in-
frastructures, including content con-
tribution between venue and studio
and remote production operations.
Designed for ingest, management,
exchange and contribution, the
IPDirector live production software
13
suite offers a range of new capabili-
ties based on advanced SOA (ser-
vice-oriented architecture) founda-
tions. On display will be the suite’s
Web-based tools for collaboration
and content exchange between
venues and studio, automated clip
management, metadata integration
and archive management.
According to EVS, its IT-based
DYVI switcher is maximising creative
resources as the convergence of IT
and broadcast infrastructures draws
Monarch HDX
is a compact, easy-to-use, dual-
channel H.264 encoding appliance.
remote preview of the input.
At booth 7.B29, visitors can
also check out the VS4Recorder
Pro, which is designed for use
with Matrox VS4 quad HD cap-
ture cards. Each VS4Recorder Pro
system frame-accurately captures
up to four video and audio inputs
to create files for use with various
editing apps from Adobe, Apple
and Avid and for archiving.
EVS’ IT-based DYVI
switcher aims to maximise
creative resources as the
convergence of IT and
broadcast infrastructures
draws nearer.
nearer. The switcher-like hybrid
solution combines an easy-to-use
operational i