Ross unveils the new Ultrix Acuity hyper-converged production platform

Ross has announced the release of its hyper-converged production platform, the Ultrix Acuity.

The Ultrix Acuity platform converges the functionality of Ross’ flagship Acuity switcher and the Ultrix routing and AV processing platform, to create a complete, futureproof solution. Ultrix Acuity takes routing, audio mixing, multiviewers, trays of frame syncs and audio embedders/de-embedders – all solutions that have traditionally filled multiple equipment racks – and compresses them down to a single 5RU chassis.

Ultrix Acuity is aimed at environments where size really matters, such as OB vans and mobile units. Add 2RU of rack-mounted redundant power and the result is a complete system in 7RU that can outperform packages requiring multiple racks, complex cabling and control system integrations.

As with the current Ultrix solution, Ultrix Acuity is based on Ross’ Software Defined Production philosophy, ensuring that futureproofing is never a concern. The Software Defined Production Engine – SDPE – removes the need for costly ‘forklift’ upgrades by providing base hardware that can grow via convenient and relatively inexpensive software licences. Ultrix Acuity’s SDPE backbone will therefore reduce the uncertainty around meeting future creative or technical requirements.

The flexible architecture of Ultrix Acuity means that format and connectivity challenges disappear. Users can transition from HD to UHD with a software licence, mix SDI and IP sources in the same frame transparently, or use sophisticated tie-line management tools to incorporate the system into a larger distributed routing fabric.

It is also said to provide strong return on investment as power, cooling, maintenance and support costs are significantly lower than non-combined offerings. In addition, Ultrix Acuity can become one node of a larger distributed routing environment, reducing the incremental cost of adding I/O and further production switchers.

Commenting on the new platform, Nigel Spratling, VP of production switchers at Ross, points to an ongoing emphasis on workflow efficiency: “Our customers have been focused on increasing efficiencies, reducing costs and embracing new signal transport and management schemes. By bringing together an entire suite of necessary production solutions, we’re providing an answer to this need and delivering a compelling new platform that works for 2021 and beyond.”