IBC 2013: Miranda to debut iTX IP simulcast output

Miranda Technologies, a Belden Brand, a global provider of integrated solutions for production, playout and delivery systems for television broadcasters and multi-system operators, will introduce its new IP Simulcast Output functionality for iTX at IBC 2013.

 The IP Simulcast Output is a mezzanine-encoded IP signal output that resides alongside the standard SDI channel output on the iTX hardware. The production of the encoded stream within iTX improves playout efficiency because this step traditionally has required an additional downstream encoder.

Broadcast facilities are transitioning to IP platforms to streamline operations, lower costs and handle the increasing demand for data throughput. The development of the iTX IP Simulcast Output serves this growing need in several ways. For example, the encoded stream can emanate directly from iTX to an emission-level encoder/transcoder for simple distribution of programming bound for multiple platforms, such as Web and OTT. One such transcoder is Elemental Live, which is being demonstrated in an integrated workflow with iTX on Miranda’s stand at IBC.

Dave Stollery, Miranda’s vice president, Workflow and Playout, says: “Because the iTX simulcast output – either MPEG-2 or H.264 – leverages the power of an IP infrastructure that is for many already in place, the headaches of dedicated SDI cabling and distribution are sharply reduced. By removing an interim step and a potential failure point in the workflow, we create an unobstructed, straight-line route to fast and efficient playout to a multitude of devices.”

In addition to the new IP output, Miranda will also be featuring several new enhancements to iTX including version 1.1 of iTX Render Service for Adobe After Effects CS6 software. iTX Render Service automates and manages fully rendered After Effects graphics, making them immediately ready for playout from either the iTX platform or Miranda’s Vertigo Suite of graphics automation and asset management tools. Also being demonstrated is the iTX Master Control solution, the only integrated playout solution that combines playout automation with live event functionality using hardware control panels that can be seamlessly switched to, and from, as required throughout a live broadcast.