A top supplier of integrated video production systems for the broadcast TV market is ready to unveil a new dual SDI/IP camera interface that increases camera density for acquisition workflows using SDI PTZ cameras.
In late June, multiCAM Systems unveiled a new interface attachable to its production systems that allows users to choose, or switch between, IP and SDI camera connectivity. With many in the broadcast tech world traveling to Amsterdam for IBC 2017, which runs from Sept. 15-19, multiCAM is giving the interface its big global rollout.
Previously, broadcasters using multiCAM’s multiCAM RADIO (for Visual Radio) or multiCAM Conf, E-Learning or Tracking systems (for lectures, presentations or live events) were limited to five SDI cameras.
The new interface raises the SDI camera count to nine.
“This high-density platform ensures that broadcast and professional AV customers that have not yet transitioned to IP workflows and networks are not limited in production scope — especially when it comes to multi-room productions or larger live events, including concerts and sports productions,” the company said.
Paul Stewart, multiCAM’s North American Director of Business Development, commented, “While our IP connectivity option supports a large number of cameras limited only by network capacity, the fact is that a large majority of our customers will remain SDI at the acquisition point for many years to fully leverage their SDI camera investments.”
From a design perspective, the additional inputs are cascaded to ensure no additional footprint, which simplifies transport of the system between meeting rooms, classrooms and/or broadcast studios, for example.
Furthermore, multiCAM Systems’ design philosophy centralizes all manufacturing processes at the company’s headquarters in France.
As an option, multiCAM Systems will continue to offer its five-input SDI option. However, both the five- and nine-SDI input options will include the IP option on the same interface.
“This new enhancement is really about giving our customers more choices,” Stewart said.
