Ross, Evertz collaborate to put ASPEN 10GE IP interface into Ross switchers

Ross Video and Evertz announce a collaboration to add 10GE IP interfaces with ASPEN support for Ross Video’s flagship Acuity series of production switchers.  The collaboration between the two industry leaders allows for the realization of an IP-based broadcast production facility.

Ross Video, regarded as at the forefront of production systems technology, is adding hybrid IP I/O as an option for its large format production switchers.  The benefits of IP-based production are of great interest to many broadcasters.  With the addition of 10GE interfaces on the Ross Acuity Production Switcher family, broadcasters have an opportunity to combine traditional SDI infrastructure with state-of-the-art IT centric hardware and software to produce programming.

Ross’ Acuity production switchers can be directly connected to Evertz Software Defined Video Networking (SDVN) high capacity switching cores, the 3080IPX and EXE-VSR using 10GbE interfaces.  This removes the need for external gateway modules and simplifying the installation and signal management in the production environment.

David Ross, Ross Video CEO, said: “We’re proud to be a partner in this innovative project to deliver Ross state-of-the-art Production Switching with Evertz designed, delivered and deployed IP solutions.”

The use of ASPEN, an open format currently submitted to SMPTE for publication as a Registered Disclosure Document (RDD 37), is a key element of the collaboration.  ASPEN offers a robust format for encapsulating uncompressed Ultra HD/3G/HD/SD over MPEG-2 transport streams (TS).  ASPEN when combined with SMPTE 302M (Audio over TS) and SMPTE 2038M (Ancillary data over TS), broadcasters can seamlessly switch uncompressed video and audio over an IP network.  Many leading broadcasters are actively deploying the ASPEN format as it provides them with a flexible method of transporting video, audio, and data over scalable IP networks.

”Working with innovative partners like Ross Video to incorporate native support for 10GbE/ASPEN provides tremendous system flexibility, and reduces system complexity and cost for our customers.  We are excited to have Ross Video Production Switchers as part of the growing open interoperable IP ecosystem” says Rakesh Patel, CTO of Evertz Microsystems.