Cobalt Digital integrates AV processing platforms with Embrionix SFP modules

Cobalt Digital and Embrionix have entered a partnership that will integrate Cobalt’s advanced audio and video processing platforms with Embrionix’s range of feature-rich SFP modules known as “emSFPs.” Specifically, certain openGear cards in Cobalt’s 9991 Series will host Embrionix SDI-to-IP and IP-to-SDI emSFPs, making it possible for customers to use Cobalt equipment to send SMPTE 2022-6 SDI signals over IP and Ethernet networks, among other signal I/O options.“Most of our customers in the production, broadcast, and A/V markets are moving away from traditional SDI architectures in favor of IP-centric designs that will eventually be more scalable and affordable. Until then, customers will be working in hybrid environments with a combination of technologies and protocols, so our aim is to make it easier for them, especially when it comes to switching and routing signals,” says Bob McAlpine, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Cobalt Digital. “During the transition from SDI to IP, this combination of Cobalt and Embrionix solutions means Cobalt can offer customers unique, immediate support for the next generation of signal interconnectivity alongside the sophisticated signal processing solutions we are known for — and do it much sooner than we could have on our own.”

Embrionix emSFP modules are effectively stand-alone microsystems optimized for the professional broadcast industry. Cobalt’s openGear cards — with inherent capabilities such as audio embedding and de-embedding, mixing, shuffling, A-to-D, and D-to-A — can take advantage of Embrionix emSFPs. Combining the cards with the emSFPs opens up additional signal I/O options, such as fiber-optics, HDMI, composite, MADI, and the all-important SMPTE 2022-6 SDI over IP.

“Cobalt has been a long-time customer with an excellent reputation for quality. We see great value in combining our technologies to strengthen both of our brands and in the process help our mutual customers keep pace with changes in the industry,” adds Renaud Lavoie, president and CEO of Embrionix. “The integration of our SMPTE 2022-6 gateway with Cobalt’s cards will allow customers to work in a hybrid environment, in which they need to send serial digital signals running over coax into and out of consumer off-the-shelf 10GigE switches with minimal delay and no compression.”

The Cobalt-Embrionix solution will be available in the fourth quarter. Cobalt Digital will demonstrate the joint solution at IBC2015 on stand 10.B44. Embrionix will demonstrate Cobalt openGear equipment at stand 6.B02.