Mediaset migrates live production facilities to IP with Sony XVS-7000 video switchers
Italian broadcaster Mediaset is future-proofing its TV production infrastructure with a progressive migration to ST2110 open standards. As part of this IP evolution, it has equipped production centres in Milan and Rome with Sony’s XVS-7000 video switchers as well as the PVM-X2400 24in 4K HDR Trimaster monitors for high-grade picture quality control.
Offering a wide range of free-to-air DTT, SAT, as well as free and SVOD OTT channels, the multiplatform media provider is transitioning from its legacy SDI infrastructure to the benefits of IP production workflows. As part of this, existing switchers at the broadcaster’s three studio sites in Milan and Rome are being replaced with IP-enabled XVS-7000 video switchers. They’re complemented by a further XVS-7000 installed in Mediaset’s IP19 OB vehicle that services a wide range of entertainment productions.
Compliant with ST2110 and NMOS standards for IP media production, the multiformat switchers are fitted with 100G input/output boards to support simultaneous 4K and HD working in a single stream with on-board format conversion. A total of five XVS-7000 units have been supplied and commissioned by Padua-headquartered integrator Professional Show, which has been assisting Mediaset with its IP upgrade plan, including system installation and training.
“We’ve been familiar with the quality and reliability of Sony vision mixers for a very long time, and the XVS-7000 was a logical choice for Mediaset,” said Marco Di Concetto, head of broadcast production systems at Mediaset. “As the first production switcher with 100G I/O capability – as well as support for both ST2110 and NMOS – it fits smoothly into our new IP-based studio infrastructure that’s based on open standards.”
“In the pre-competitive phase for Mediaset’s selection of technologies, Sony and Professional Show co-operated closely in the careful evaluation and interoperability of equipment with respect to SMPTE and AMWA standards,” said Enrico De Capitani, key account manager, media solutions, Sony IPSE. “The positive results demonstrate how efficient Sony was in implementing the standards specifications – and how the close working partnership between Professional Show and Sony has enabled the best integration of the IP solution for Mediaset.”
In addition, Sony has delivered 25 PVM-X2400 24in 4K HDR Trimaster high-grade picture monitors that are installed in studio control rooms and OB vehicles at the broadcaster’s Milan and Rome sites. While the broadcaster is currently producing content in 1080P HDR, the new monitors also offer a future-proofed path to 4K working. Complementing the PVM-X2400, Mediaset is using Sony’s LMD-A170 and LMD-A220 Full HD high-grade LCD monitors to maintain optimal colour consistency throughout the production workflow from shooting to distribution.
“At the outset of this project Mediaset set the goal of selecting the most reliable technology, together with the involvement of partners to guarantee efficient operations as well as a clear evolutionary path,” said Enrico Beoni, sales manager EMEA at Professional Show. “With Sony, we have found the ideal partner to best meet Mediaset’s requirements and look forward to developments counting on a first-class vision.”