ITV

Category: Technology

  • Planetcast promotes seamless content management, distribution and monetisation at IBC2023

    Planetcast promotes seamless content management, distribution and monetisation at IBC2023

    Mumbai: Planetcast Media Services, a leading global broadcast technology and media services provider, has announced that it is promoting its full portfolio of cloud first media suite including the unified service orchestrator for content processing, distribution and monetisation services and technologies at IBC2023 (15-18 September, RAI, Amsterdam, Hall 5, stand H78). Planetcast’s single-window, seamless content supply chain management will show how media companies can utilize an integrated suite of services that enable frictionless workflows and a hyper-connected approach to content creation and distribution.

    “We are excited to be promoting at IBC2023 our unified service layer that puts the customer at the centre of the content processing, distribution and monetization journey,” said Planetcast’s chief executive officer Sanjay Duda. “As operators seek new opportunities, there is a growing number of components and service providers in the value chain that can make the process of creating, distributing, and monetising content more complex and costly. At IBC we will be promoting  our single window offering that brings together all our existing modules – including content management, post-production and localisation, cloud playout, IP distribution, OTT and FAST channel services – as a seamless, yet modular, fully integrated solution.”

    At IBC2023, Planetcast will show how it enables broadcasters and other media and entertainment companies to employ cloud solutions more efficiently – together or as separate components. Innovative services and solutions Planetcast is demonstrating live on its booth include:

    ●   CLOUD.X, its cloud playout platform, which enables FAST workflows and rapid ad insertion in partnership with Wurl, a world leader in dynamic ad insertion for streaming TV services;

    ●   Contido, a leading-edge, cloud-native content supply chain management solution designed to handle video processing and publishing across multiple platforms.

    ●   Switch Media will showcase Its versatile suite of OTT solutions – whose customers include Foxtel (Australia), Antenna (Greece), Media Prima (Malaysia), and Freeview (New Zealand).

    Planetcast has developed one of the industry’s most comprehensive cloud offerings, trusted by the world’s most demanding global media companies, including Disney, Star TV, Viacom, and Doordarshan, the premier public broadcaster in India. Other world-class clients include Amazon Prime Video, Discovery, Indian Premier League (IPL), and Sony.

    As the global media landscape continues to evolve rapidly, throwing up new challenges for media companies trying to meet the changing needs of consumers, Planetcast has looked for ways to help its customers meet new demands on their businesses.

    In addition to providing demos of the company’s innovative and proven cloud playout and MAM solutions at IBC2023, the Planetcast team will discuss other elements of its comprehensive media services portfolio, including:

    ●   Recaster – a dynamic and robust IP transport solution, which delivers a secure internet stream from anywhere to anywhere, be it a linear channel or a live sports stream;

    ●   Managed Post-Production Services – a software and cloud-curated ecosystem of post-production services with a high degree of process automation, plus AI-enabled capabilities;

    ●   Playout Disaster Recovery – cloud-based DR solution that provides incredibly cost-effective protection against broadcast service disruption;

    ●   OTT solutions, which it is offering internationally in partnership with Australia-based Switch Media, whose customers include Foxtel (Australia), Antenna (Greece), Media Prima (Malaysia), and Freeview (New Zealand).  

  • Cinedeck launches ConneX at IBC

    Cinedeck launches ConneX at IBC

    Mumbai: Cinedeck has launched ConneX, its flexible and scalable media processing platform, ahead of IBC 2023. Delivering media workflow automation, ConneX’s award winning capture, conform, and media processing technologies enable media companies to batch process and edit files seamlessly and cost-effectively.

    ConneX delivers a wealth of media-focused features without users needing to write code or invest in expensive software. It offers services to trim, rewrap and transcode content, as well as restripe timecodes and captions, insert edits (including audio WAV extraction and metadata edits), and move or copy content within databases or the cloud.

    Thanks to a number of third party integrations, ConneX provides the media industry with revolutionary workflows to overhaul usage of video and audio content. Its latest integrations include Filmworkz, allowing users to seamlessly restore, digitize, and reversion content; Qscan for automated file quality control; as well as enabling cloud storage workflows with Backblaze and Wasabi.

    Cinedeck chief operating officer Jane Sung commented, “Cinedeck’s objective is to optimize workflows within media. ConneX delivers intelligent automation to enable quick and cost-effective content management and processing. Our technologies provide broadcasters with the tools they need to manage and edit content, without having to deploy costly software, allowing them to maximize their catalog and improve ROI. ConneX’s partnerships allow our customers to manage their content using intuitive and feature-rich workflows which integrate seamlessly with required platforms.”

  • Net Insight drives multinational theater play fusing culture and tech

    Net Insight drives multinational theater play fusing culture and tech

    Mumbai: Net Insight is proud to support a groundbreaking theatrical production, “Tre Rum” taking place in September. This innovative play explores the life of a woman across different stages of her life and is performed simultaneously in three countries, Sweden, Finland and Norway. This unique format was made possible through Net Insight’s innovative media technology, ensuring minimal delay in video and audio, and a real-time experience for audiences in each location.

    The play is part of the collaborative project “Innovative Rooms”, part of the EU program Interreg Aurora, and a development project that supports collaborations between Nordic cultural actors, technology developers and educators, specifically in the northern parts of the countries. Net Insight is committed to supporting creative initiatives that merge culture and technology, and “Tre Rum” represents a significant step forward in this regard.

    “By harnessing Net Insight’s low latency network technology to transport media, we have been able to revolutionize theater production with “Tre Rum”, performed simultaneously in three countries. This level of innovation is a testament to the transformative power of technology on cultural expression,” said Riksteatern, Swedish National Touring Theatre (one of the involved parties) , project manager Ann-Cathrine Fröjdö.

    “We are delighted to see our technology serve as a key component in realizing this spearheading production and equally thrilled to support and develop cultural projects that enable a wider audience reach,” said Net Insight CEO Crister Fritzson. “We eagerly anticipate the transformative impact this will have on the arts.”

    The production of ‘Tre Rum’ exemplifies how technology can profoundly reshape the landscape of performing arts. With a physical actress on each stage in the three countries, the three women meet in a virtual world before three different audiences in real time. The result is an out-of-body experience; a new form of stage art where the performance is unique depending on which of the three rooms you are in. Net Insight’s commitment to this project aligns with its strategy of expanding into new market segments and customer segments.

    The play is made possible in partnership with Net Insight, Epson, Servanet and Remote North, the Nordic community for distributed presence (NCDP), a network of universities, theaters, music schools, system specialists and organisations within performing arts.

    Besides this play, Remote North utilises Net Insight’s ultra-low latency solution to foster all forms of live remote artistic performances, collaborations, and arts education. This allows for cultural exchange between artists, students, and teachers beyond geographical constraints. The result is a boost in efficiency, enhanced knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Moreover, it reduces the necessity for physical travel for rehearsals, lectures, and performances, thus contributing to sustainability by diminishing the environmental impact related to travel and logistics.

     

  • Pyramid Analytics and Smollan forge international partnership

    Pyramid Analytics and Smollan forge international partnership

    Mumbai: Global retail specialists Smollan have formalised an international reseller and implementation partnership agreement with next-generation decision and business intelligence (BI) software provider Pyramid Analytics. The agreement will see Smollan, via its data and technology business, DataOrbis, expanding its current service offering to include the ability to both sell Pyramid Analytics licenses and implement Pyramid Analytics software.

    “Our clients operate in incredibly competitive industries, where the ability to make the best decision, quickly is the key to strong performance. Our hunt for a BI solution that delivers superior functionality, excellent value, and next-generation capability led us to Pyramid Analytics. We migrated the majority of our DataOrbis solutions onto their software last year, and already our clients are noticing a step-change in how we can help them capitalise on the explosive amount of data they have at their fingertips,” said Smollan’s chief executive: data & technology James Collett.

    The Pyramid Analytics partnership also provides DataOrbis with a growth opportunity geared at expanding DataOrbis’ services and footprint into verticals outside of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) space where they have traditionally played. This is further supported by DataOrbis and Smollan’s global footprint, which includes operations in all major gateways.

    “DataOrbis has an excellent understanding of what it takes to implement a successful data strategy across an organisation, regardless of industry. We are incredibly excited to be partnering with them   internationally. By leveraging their global presence throughout their client and partner networks, I believe DataOrbis, together with Pyramid Analytics, can streamline and optimise their data analytics ecosystems to prepare them for what’s next. We are thrilled to have them on board,” said Pyramid Analytics CEO Omri Kohl.

    The Pyramid Platform consistently receives top ratings among leading analyst firms that evaluate business intelligence and analytics technologies. Most recently, Pyramid earned top rankings from Gartner in the 2023 Critical Capabilities for Analytics and Business Intelligence Platforms report, including #1 for business analyst use case, #1 for augmented consumer use case, #2 for data scientist use case, and #4 for analytics developer use case.

    The Pyramid Platform consolidates data preparation, business analytics, and data science into a single, integrated, self-service platform that can be accessed by all levels of data users.  

    “The time it takes for a decision-maker to access data can make or break a company’s competitive advantage. Pyramid Analytics reduces the amount of time it takes users across the organisation to easily find the information they need without having to request it from IT. It’s a win-win for both users and overly stretched IT departments,” said Kohl.

    Implementation is key to success

    As the need to unlock the power of data has accelerated, businesses are realising the benefit of having one enterprise BI platform across the organisation, ensuring a single source of truth that can be safely, securely, and ethically managed. As an early adopter, DataOrbis has invested in creating and upskilling several Pyramid Analytics’ implementation teams working out of South Africa, India, and Slovenia to assist clients in creating and implementing their own unique global views. These teams, with over 50 certified Pyramid Analytics specialists, include senior resources with expertise across industries and geographies.  

    “The choice of BI platform is one part of the insights puzzle. The skill and time needed to implement the software is the next piece. In our experience, most companies don’t have these two vital resources readily available. By partnering with DataOrbis we can ensure the Pyramid Analytics software is expertly implemented and used to its fullest potential—all based on global best-practises. I am excited by the opportunities the Pyramid Analytics partnership will unlock for us and our clients,” said Collett.

  • Ensavior Technologies collabs with ASHRAE Rajasthan chapter as conference partner

    Ensavior Technologies collabs with ASHRAE Rajasthan chapter as conference partner

    Mumbai: Pioneering sustainable solutions provider, Ensavior Technologies Pvt Ltd, took center stage as they were invited to lead a workshop at the ASHRAE Rajasthan chapter on 29 July. The workshop, which unfolded at the elegant Hyatt Regency Mansarovar in Jaipur, delved into thermal storage applications aimed at decarbonising buildings. This event was yet another manifestation of Ensavior’s steadfast commitment to championing sustainable energy solutions.

    Distinguished trailblazers within the green solutions sphere graced the workshop with their presence. Noteworthy figures such as Kamal Cogent Energy MD Rishabh Kasliwal; Shreshta Consultants founder Sudhir Mathur; ACE (Aayojan School of Architecture), Jaipur head professor Archana Singh; and AHRI senior technical analyst Dalip Singh, were among the esteemed attendees.

    The engaging workshop, conducted by design and engineering expert Praveen Kumar and Ensavior head of marketing and corporate affairs Ambily Menon delved into the manifold merits of green energy solutions and the transformative potential of thermal storage applications in reducing carbon footprints in buildings.

    Boasting a global network of over 50,000 members spanning over 130 nations, ASHRAE stands as a dynamic organisation dedicated to advancing the fields of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration in service of humanity and a sustainable world. The honor of conducting a technical workshop on thermal storage applications for building decarbonization at this esteemed platform was not lost on Ensavior.

    Reflecting on the experience, an Ensavior representative stated, “This workshop was an indelible moment for us. The discourse on thermal storage applications for building decarbonization struck a resounding chord, culminating in a resounding success. The privilege of addressing such distinguished guests who share our ardor for sustainable energy solutions was genuinely humbling.”

  • GroupM launches new hyperlocal audience targeting solution for addressable TV

    GroupM launches new hyperlocal audience targeting solution for addressable TV

    Mumbai: GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, has announced the launch of Geo Granularity, a hyperlocal and granular targeting technology developed by Finecast, the addressable TV solution of GroupM Nexus. Engineered for high-quality broadcaster inventories on the big screen, the new technology has been enhanced from broader pin code level targeting to granular 1000-meter geo-targeting, allowing advertisers to zero in on more defined audiences for their campaigns.

    Traditionally, a pin code in India could comprise hundreds of thousands of households. By zooming in on a smaller geographical area – narrowed down to a one square kilometre grid – advertisers can enjoy improved proficiency and optimised ad spend through Finecast’s audience planning technology that targets specific households based on consumer affluence, behaviour, and demographics.

    Covering an expansive area of 26,000 square kilometres across India’s top cities, this innovative solution was developed using proprietary geo-spatial technology and is the country’s first ever initiative of its kind, offering unparalleled targeting capabilities exclusively designed for TV advertisers. Each square kilometre grid incorporates a wide range of valuable data points which are meticulously refined and integrated using Finecast’s audience planning technology. The comprehensive data empowers advertisers to create precisely targeted campaigns that resonate with their intended audience.

    Studies have shown that users who are shown relevant ads are more likely to have a positive experience with the advertiser’s brand, resulting in better engagement, higher click-through rates, and ultimately, more conversions.

    All GroupM clients will be able to harness the benefits from this geo-targeting solution via their media planners.

    GroupM South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar said,“Finecast’s Geo Granularity technology is a game-changer for businesses seeking to achieve more targeted and hyperlocal TV advertising across high-quality broadcaster inventories. This innovative solution will revolutionize the way advertisers approach TV advertising by offering a more precise and coherent approach to targeting specific geographic areas. By reaching potential customers in their local markets, businesses can enjoy higher relevance, better consumer experience, and ultimately, more conversions.”

    GroupM India data, performance & digital products president Atique Kazi said, “With Geo Granularity’s innovative targeting strategy, businesses can leverage the increased flexibility to connect with captive audiences and grow their brand equity. GroupM Nexus’ Finecast has continued to be a trailblazer in addressable TV by developing technology like Geo Granularity that’s revolutionising the industry by providing advertisers with stronger outcomes and higher return of investment.”

  • BT Tech Today Congress: Empowering change through technology innovation and collaboration

    BT Tech Today Congress: Empowering change through technology innovation and collaboration

    Mumbai: The Business Today’s inaugural Tech Today Congress, a highly anticipated gathering of technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and esteemed business leaders committed to harnessing the power of technology for transformative change, took place on 2 June in Bengaluru. The event served as an immersive platform for engaging discussions, thought-provoking panels, and invaluable networking opportunities, featuring an impressive line-up of distinguished speakers from various sectors. 

    With a primary focus on cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the future of work, the Tech Today Congress aimed to explore the vast potential of technology in revolutionising industries and society as a whole. With over 200 delegates in attendance, the event fostered a dynamic environment conducive to knowledge sharing and collaborative ideation.

    The Tech Today Congress showcased an unparalleled roster of speakers, featuring globally recognised figures such as DK Shivakumar, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Sindhu Gangadharan, Irina Ghose, Dr Manish Gupta, and many more. These luminaries brought their wealth of expertise and insights to the forefront, providing invaluable perspectives on the role of technology in shaping the future.

    Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy shared inspiring anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey during a session titled “India’s Techade: The Skills. The People. Vision for the Next Decade”. Murthy’s speech resonated with the audience as he highlighted the challenges he faced while taking Infosys public in the early 80s, demonstrating the tenacity required to build a successful company.

    The enthralling session titled “AI: Super Intelligent. Super Trouble” included esteemed speakers like Jaideep Kewalramani (Head of Employability Business & COO, TeamLease Edtech), Kanishk Gaur (Founder & CEO, India Future Foundation), and Vinayak Godse (CEO, Data Security Council of India), with the session moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

    India Future Foundation founder & CEO Kanish Kaur said, ”Every new start-up getting funded has AI and ML enabled. We want AI that can safeguard user privacy, AI that does not have biases, and AI that can prevent misuse- aspects like informational warfare.”

    Kewalramani said that every digital job is at risk because of AI. Talking about India’s part in the AI revolution, Kewalramani said, “We are the tech hub of the world and India recognised the power of AI early on.”

    Godse said, “We are putting a lot of corporate workloads on AI systems which is creating a lot of problems with privacy and ethics.“

    Continuing the exploration of artificial intelligence, the subsequent session titled “Keeping an ‘AI’ for Transforming Industries & Society” featured Romesh Wadhwani (Chairman & Founder, SAIGroup) and was moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

    The Congress also delved into the 5G revolution and its impact on technology, connectivity, and collateral benefits in a session titled “The 5G Revolution: The Tech. The Connect. Collateral Benefits.” Distinguished speakers for this session included Mohan Rao Goli (CTO, Samsung R&D Institute India), Muralikrishnan B (President, Xiaomi India), Manoj Gurnani (Head Strategy & Technology, India, Nokia), Harmanpreet Dhillon (CTO, Airtel, Karnataka Circle), and the session was moderated by Siddharth Zarabi.

    A compelling session titled “Catching a Cold: Tech Winter. Weathering the Storm.” shed light on the challenges posed by the ever-evolving technology landscape. The esteemed panel for this session comprised Siddarth Pai (Founding Partner, 3one4 Capital), Mahankali Srinivas Rao (Chief Executive Officer, T-Hub), Anas Rahman Junaid (Founder & MD, Hurun India), with Sourav Majumdar serving as the moderator.

    Exploring the digital landscape, a session titled “Digital Bharat & The New Internet” featured Barnik Chitran Maitra, managing partner, head of Arthur D. Little India & South Asia, offering invaluable insights into India’s digital transformation.

    A highlight of the Tech Today Congress was the session titled “World on a Chip: Wafer Wars. Tech Dominance. Supply Crimp.” Esteemed speakers for this session included David Reed (CEO, Vedanta Foxconn Semiconductor), Neil Shah (Vice President – Research, Counterpoint Research), Hitesh Garg (India Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors), Santhosh Kumar (President & MD, Texas Instruments India), and Dr Satya Gupta (President, VLSI Society of India). This session was moderated by Siddharth Zarabi. The speakers emphasised India’s potential to become a supply hub of semiconductor chips amid increasing global demands.

    “When we were raising money just before our IPO, we had to take our kitty to Rs 1.2 crores. We had to go to a lot of friends and relatives. Almost everybody who was well-to-do asked hundreds of questions and they didn’t put money in. The only people who put money were my sisters, brothers who had very little savings,” Murthy said.

    “I have said this many times. As long as we use any technology in an assistive manner then we all become better and better. How can I use AI in an assistive manner? You can build expert systems, you can improve in a corporation, you can improve your own work productivity, and you can help diagnose diseases. In India, I would like to use AI in food and agriculture and if AI can help us in growing food with minimal agriculture,” Murthy added.

    The Tech Today Congress also focused on the critical issue of gender disparity in the tech industry in a session titled “Women in Tech. Leaking Pipeline. Missing Talent.” Esteemed speakers Sindhu Gangadharan (Managing Director & SVP, SAP Labs India) and Irina Ghose (Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft India) shed light on the underrepresentation of women and discussed strategies to bridge the gender gap. The session was moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

    Exploring the expansive realm of gaming, the session “New Gaming Frontier: Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technologies. Gaming” featured Rajan Navani (Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys), Sai Srinivas Kiran G (Co-Founder & CEO, Mobile Premier League), and Sean Hyunil Sohn (India CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India), with Aayush Ailawadi serving as the moderator.

    Additionally, the Tech Today Congress placed significant emphasis on the development of inclusive artificial intelligence in India in a session titled “AI for India: Inclusive AI. Developing an AI-ready culture. R&D and Innovation,” with Dr Manish Gupta (Director, Google Research India) providing valuable insights. The session was moderated by Aayush Ailawadi.

    Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar was also part of a session which mainly focused on the recent Karnataka win for Congress as well as the state’s development. “Today the world is looking at Bengaluru. The world leaders are travelling first to Bengaluru and then to Delhi,” Shivakumar said as he assured that the newly formed Congress govt is dedicated to improving Bengaluru’s infra.

    The congress concluded with a highly anticipated session led by Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In his talk on “Communicate India: The Big Picture. 5G Foundation. Industry 4.0. Digital Nation,” Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of robust digital infrastructure, 5G technology, and Industry 4.0 in accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a digital nation.

    The Business Today’s Tech Today Congress left attendees inspired and equipped with new knowledge and ideas to drive technological advancements in their respective fields. The event’s resounding success reflects the growing enthusiasm and unwavering commitment within the technology community to leverage innovation for positive change.

  • Network18 ropes in Sunil Sharma to lead tech transformation

    Network18 ropes in Sunil Sharma to lead tech transformation

    Mumbai: Network18 has announced the appointment of Sunil Sharma as chief product & technology officer. 

    In his new role, Sharma will lead the group’s convergence and digital technology initiatives, including tech architecture, content, data and monetisation management tools, software and product engineering for all general and business news brands under the group’s umbrella.  

    He will focus on disruptive technologies such as generative AI to improve processes, develop audiences, localise stories and distribute content efficiently.

    Sharma will report to Network18’s managing director Rahul Joshi, and work closely with other leaders to foster a strong tech and product DNA across Network18 brands.

    Sharma brings with him over two decades of ‘Big Tech’ experience in software product development across sectors such as telecom, retail, media streaming and EdTech businesses. Prior to joining Network18, Sharma was vice president of engineering at Byju’s, where he spearheaded customer experience and customer support technology initiatives. Before that, he served at Amazon for over seven years, making notable contributions in retail, logistics, and Prime Video. 

    Rajat Nigam will continue to lead as the Group CTO, spearheading overall broadcast tech efforts, including broadcast IT/infrastructure, technology operations, cyber security, enterprise IT and cloud & infra operations. He will also mentor and guide Sharma. 

    With some recent appointments, Network18 has marked a departure from regular practices of recruiting talent from the same industry. The group is building its tech strength by roping in resources from diverse sectors such as big tech, startups etc. 

    In the last few months, the group has made significant progress in unifying its digital and broadcast teams across editorial, business and operations.

    As part of this process, the group’s broadcast and digital news operations are being converged, keeping technology at the core of it.

    From story planning to content consumption on any and every device, the company’s goal is to deliver a top-class experience and conceptualise solutions that will enrich the story-telling experience, paint a picture of audiences in granular detail and help customers to attain maximum value.

  • Cobalt Digital set to present portfolio of problem solvers at Broadcast Asia 2023

    Cobalt Digital set to present portfolio of problem solvers at Broadcast Asia 2023

    Mumbai:  Cobalt Digital, Inc., is all set to present a portfolio of problem solvers at Broadcast Asia 2023 on Stand 6B1-05 – including a sneak peek at a new router. The designer and manufacturer of award-winning edge devices for live video production and master control, and a founding partner in the openGear initiative, is centering its exhibition around feature-rich, compact solutions that target the trends that are driving an industry in transition. The common threads that can be found throughout the Cobalt stand are high density, flexibility, space conservation, automation, multi-format support, reliable video content transport and operation in the cloud.

    “We are extremely committed to supporting our customers, and to growing our presence in Asia,” said Cobalt Digital marketing & worldwide sales SVP Suzana Brady. “We recently welcomed Anthony Tan to the team as director of sales engineering, APAC to ensure the specific requirements of local broadcasters are addressed and our support and solutions exceed their expectations. That’s why Broadcast Asia, the region’s largest broadcast technology stage, is such an important event. It provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to Asia’s broadcasters, media, and entertainment industries.”

    At Broadcast Asia, Cobalt is presenting a combination of new and upgraded solutions, four of which received awards at the recent NAB 2023 show in Las Vegas.

    HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

    WAVE RTR-64×64 Router

    Broadcast Asia visitors will be the first to get a sneak peek at Cobalt’s WAVE RTR-64×64 Router featuring a 64×64 crosspoint with support for signals up to 12G-SDI, all packed into a 4U frame. This router offers high-density with unprecedented flexibility, ease-of-use, and integration. The frame includes an Ethernet port for IP-based controls such as Cobalt’s Reflex, PESA PNET and General Remote protocol SW-P-08. The unit also incorporates RS-422 & RS-232 9-pin serial communication ports. Web-based controls allow full setup, salvos, monitoring, and preset management. This compact design is specifically optimized for 12G SDI operation but handles lower SDI rates with ease, as well as ASI and MADI.

    Sapphire Converter Series

    Cobalt is also be presenting the following units from the Sapphire Converter Series:

    .    Sapphire BIDI-2H2S – dual channel bidirectional HDMI to SDI / SDI to HDMI converter that conserves space in existing openGear® installations.

    .    Sapphire 8JXS-8S – ST 2110 JPEG-XS to SDI bulk gateway in openGear form factor that allows up to 40 signal conversions in a standard openGear chassis.

    .    Sapphire BBG-2110-H/S & Sapphire BBG-2110-2H – mini converters intended to be mounted behind the monitor including single or dual 25Gb/s ports for redundancy.  

    The Sapphire 8JXS-8S, Sapphire BBG-2110-H/S & Sapphire BBG-2110-2H will be available for shipping in Summer 2023.

    9992 ENC/DEC Family Gets RIST Adaptive Encoding

    Cobalt’s software-defined family of 9992-ENC/DEC encoders/decoders offer the perfect solution for sports, news gathering, video contribution and affiliate distribution. The series now offers RIST Source Adaptation (VSF TR-06-4 Part 1), that defines a protocol for the stream receiver to provide feedback information to the source triggering an appropriate action. RIST Source Adaptation enables the 9992-ENC encoder to adapt its output data rate to match network conditions instantaneously based on feedback from the decoder and automatically restores as the network recovers.  

    SafeLink 8TS-VM – SafeLink Gateway in the Cloud

    Cobalt’s SafeLink Gateway, transporter of audio and video content over the internet with low latency, is now available as a cloud instance in addition to the openGear form factor. It is ideal for ground-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground transmission using RIST.  

    SafeLink Hardware Redundancy

    A 1+1 redundancy for the hardware based SafeLink Gateway is also now available. 

  • Witbe to highlight 4K-compatible Android TV testing technology at BroadcastAsia 2023

    Witbe to highlight 4K-compatible Android TV testing technology at BroadcastAsia 2023

    Mumbai: At BroadcastAsia 2023, part of the Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) event, Witbe will showcase its powerful automated testing and proactive monitoring technology. Highlighted in Booth 6G1-03 will be the Witbox lineup, Witbe’s family of powerful and easily deployed testing devices capable of testing 4K video services on OTT devices and Android TV OS, along with the powerful abilities of a recently opened local Witbe Cloud network. On the show floor in Singapore, Witbe will demonstrate how these products and technologies help video service providers measure the true quality of experience (QoE) that their customers receive.

    “BroadcastAsia is always one of our favourite shows for meeting new people and sharing our automated testing and monitoring technology,” said Witbe president & co-founder Marie-Véronique Lacaze. “After the successful opening of Witbe’s own Singapore office earlier this year, I know our local team is excited for a shorter commute to BroadcastAsia and a great opportunity to meet new video service partners in the region.”

    In the spotlight at BroadcastAsia 2023 will be Witbe’s automated testing and monitoring technology, capable of testing 4K video services on the same real, physical devices that customers use. Set-top boxes (STB) and OTT devices can be tested, including ones running on Android TV OS, as well as smart TVs and mobile devices. Witbe has a specific use case designed for STB and OTT device manufacturers that are working on Google’s Android TV OS, helping them measure true QoE, monitor performance across OS updates, and verify that their content is being properly indexed in the search and voice control functions of Android TV. With over 150 companies worldwide using Android TV as their operating system of choice, specialised testing and monitoring is essential to delivering consistent performance and staying ahead of the competition.

    Witbe’s automated testing technology is also popular with QA teams, delivering the endurance, stress, and performance testing that cannot be achieved manually. Several recent updates to the Witbe Software Suite have been focused on improving ease of use for QA teams, including new AI algorithms that allow test scenarios to be scripted up to 10 times faster than previously possible. The new “Smart Navigate” algorithm makes navigating STBs and app menus as easy as dragging and dropping one block, while the updated “Smart Search” algorithm simplifies text input. At BroadcastAsia 2023, Witbe will showcase the accessibility, interconnectivity, and technical power its testing and monitoring technology delivers for video service providers.

    Witbe Highlights at BroadcastAsia 2023 Will Include:

    New Witbe Cloud APAC Data Center
    While Witbe has had a presence in APAC since 2006, BroadcastAsia 2023 marks the first show in the region since Witbe opened its new permanent Asia headquarters in Singapore. In addition, the company has opened a Witbe Cloud network point of presence in APAC to deliver cloud services at the highest possible quality and to work more closely with video service providers in the region.

    Updates to the REC
    Witbe’s Remote Eye Controller (REC), which provides remote access to real testing devices, is regularly updated with new features to expand its technical capabilities and ease of use. Recent updates came with several major enhancements, including a “request control” feature that allows team members to easily swap access to remote testing devices and a “smart search” tab that allows team members to take control of testing devices by simply searching for the city they are in. In addition, the update increased the Witbe Software Suite’s interconnectivity by further integrating the web-based Remote Eye Controller application into Smartgate, the company’s application for service outage alerts.

    New Additions to the Witbox Testing Device Lineup
    Witbe’s Witbox family of devices packs the company’s automated testing and monitoring technology into a compact, accessible package that is simple to set up. Last year, Witbe completed the Witbox lineup with the scalable Witbox+, the most powerful testing device on the market, and the specialized WitboxNet, designed for web testing. They will both be on display at BroadcastAsia 2023, alongside the flagship WitboxOne, demonstrating the full line of reliable and accessible video testing devices.