Asia-Pacific Broadcasting (APB) November 2018 Volume 35, Issue 10 | Page 19

DISTRIBUTION November 2018 He tells APB: “Fibre is really agnostic. It can take in that high-bandwidth data at one end, and receive and decode it at the other. There is a strong value proposition in the role that fibre transport can play in managing these data rates in an IP world. “Although fibre has the bandwidth to accommodate 4K/UHD, 8K and HDR, their higher data rates translate to shorter distances. MultiDyne has been expanding its range of repeaters for 12G single-link transport, which cannot replicate the same distance that a 3G quad-link architecture can achieve.” At IBC2018, MultiDyne unveiled its next-generation SilverBULLET series. The miniature, fibre-optic link and signal conversion solution features interlocked mounting, centralised power and built- in OLED monitoring that enhance ease of use and systems management. The SilverBULLET series is packed with 12G capabilities for high-bandwidth, single-link transport to and from any video source. “12G is now a reality; it is no longer a buzzword,” Jachetta claims. “Whereas 3G took a while to catch on, 12G was more immediate. The cumbersome elements of moving four signals as a quad-link are eliminated. They have been replaced with the distance limitations of 12G, a problem we are already prepared to solve within our current product range.” Other features packed within the SilverBULLET include built-in cable equali- sation and re-clocking, optimise signal integrity across all short- and long-distance transport, removing the presence of jitter from existing signals. The product’s inte- grated OLED monitoring further provides readings on jitter rates, signal type and optimal power, among others. The daisy-chained mounting options and centralised power are key differentiators from previous SilverBULLET generations, according to Jachetta. At only three inches in length, the SilverBULLET connects to the back of the camera, monitor or other video source, with the ability to add more units with additional cabling, he adds. “SilverBULLET makes it simple for users to attach and detach multiple units to meet the needs of any production,” he says. “A camera operator with four stereo outputs can daisy-chain four units together, and sup- port multi-channel production off a single, self-contained power supply. It can scale much larger from there, without requiring multiple wall warts to power the devices.” The SilverBULLET is also available with a 1RU tray to house up to 24 devices, allow­ ing the product to be deployed for fixed broadcast and production studio require- ments, along with its portable applications in sports production, remote camera links, pre-fibred venues and interconnects for mobile production trucks. Another company supporting 12G-SDI technology is Canare, which is offering the BCP-D series under its 12G-SDI product portfolio. The BCP-D series is SMPTE ST 2082-1-compliant, and is capable of man­ aging 4K/UHD signals. Canare has also developed the L-CUHD series of coaxial cables. The flagship model of the L-CUHD series is the L-5.5CUHD, which is designed to transmit 12G-SDI sig- nals over a distance of 100m. Other members 19 The agreement between Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) and Argosy encompasses the former to supply its bulk cable to the latter, which has the facilities to add connectors and cables to the specific requirements of broadcasters and touring show production companies. ❝ Fibre will not replace copper in the short- to medium-term because copper will have its place, and the choice is application driven. ❞ Under its 12G-SDI product portfolio, Canare has included the BCP-D series, which is SMPTE ST 2082-1-compliant, and is able to manage 4K/UHD signals. of the L-CUHD series are the L-3.3CUHD and L-8CUHD, which feature a diameter of 5.5mm and 11.1mm respectively. Additionally, the company has been in close collaboration with Japanese public broadcaster NHK, supporting the network’s TV productions with its cables and con- nectors. Jun-Ichiro Ohno, president of Canare Electric, says: “Playout and studio instal- lations are definitely going in the direction of IP. File-based transmission, IP routing and monitoring are the basic technologies at every TV station or playout centre, and have been for many years. “Mobile production, on the other hand, is still using broadband technology, and there are plenty of 3G-SDI OB trucks all over the world. Even the new 12G-SDI 4K/UHD trucks still employ a lot of copper cables.” For Argosy, the company recently signed a deal with Optical Cable Corporation (OCC), a supplier of fibre cable assemblies. Under this agreement, OCC will supply multi-channel cables, with as many as 48 fibres in a flexible but rugged jacket. Argosy, which owns extensive clean room facilities, will cut the cable to length and add protective connectors and cable reels. The resulting assemblies can be run in location and provide resilience to the elements, and to heavy vehicles driving over the cables — as is typical in OB envi- ronments. Earlier this year, Argosy also entered into a strategic partnership with Barnfind Technologies, which sees the former add- ing the BarnMini range of fibre converters to its inventory. Chris Smeeton, managing director of Argosy, explains: “The advantage of the BarnMini range is that they just work — they are plug, play and forget. No need to monitor or manage, just put them in the signal path and they will perform. This is a particular bonus in some of the large-scale AV installations we are now collaborating on, and which will be expected to run un­ attended once installed.” The BarnMini range is based on a compact device, which provides conver- sion, particularly between fibre and copper cables. Another feature of the range is that additional functionality can be implemented by the use of SFPs. Josh Simons, director at Argosy, adds: “Fibre will not replace copper in the short- to medium-term anyway. Copper has its — Josh Simons, Director, Argosy place, and the choice is application-driven. “The crux of the problem is balancing the equation of bandwidth over distance because copper simply cannot manage long distances. Broadcasters need to ask what they can achieve with copper, and if they can achieve it better with fibre.” He gives an example where copper is able to perform with some applications, such as when a studio and gallery are located next to each other. But for other applications, such as where two OB trucks are unable to be parked close together, he suggests employ- ing fibre as the cabling choice, as it offers robustness and a longer run length. Simons continues: “There will always be a space for copper in broadcast, where legacy systems must integrate with newer systems. Even if the predominant infrastructure is fibre, the peripherals are likely to require copper connections. Therefore, the ability to convert on and off copper is crucial. “Additionally, broadcasters are placing more data through fibre, and can now use it in dynamic mode, with multiple ways of sending a variety of signals down that fibre pipe. A 100Gb fibre pipe can handle up to 16 channels, for example, and I think it is safe to say that a single signal in the broadcast field would not exceed the capacity of a single-mode fibre connection in this day and age.” Streamline the broadcast workflow Instant access to broadcast devices Accessing content and information rapidly is crucial in today’s broadcast workflow. IHSE KVM matrix switches provide instant connection to remote devices, giving producers, editors and engineers the data they need, right away, from wherever they are. No matter where the source device or server is located. Virtual machine connection The latest addition to the extensive range of KVM extenders brings IP connectivity. Operators can now access virtual and cloud-based machines as easily as local devices. Allowing them to work in the most efficient and effective way. The way they choose. IHSE GmbH [email protected] IHSE GmbH Tel: [phone] [email protected] Tel: [phone] IHSE ASIA IHSE USA [email protected] IHSE ASIA [email protected] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] [email protected] Tel: [phone] IHSE USA www.ihse.com [email protected] Tel: [phone]