Aperi and Barco Silex partner for native IP live 4K remote production

Aperi, a pioneer in bringing software-based realtime IP media processing to live production and networking, and Barco Silex, a provider of image and video compression technology in the audiovisual industry, successfully demonstrated industry-first native IP live remote production for a UEFA EURO 2016 quarterfinal match this summer.

Barco Silex provided the VC-2 HQ codec IP core, critical to the 4K remote production from the IBC Centre in Paris Porte de Versailles to the match in Bordeaux – a distance of more than 600 km. Aperi’s native-IP platform performed all functions in real-time software with industry-low latency.

The project for one of Europe’s most significant sports events went from concept to implementation – including integration and testing – in a streamlined six weeks, illustrating the platform’s ability to launch and execute complex workflows easily and in record time.

Barco Silex is one of the leading app partners to join Aperi’s App Partner Program, endorsing Aperi’s software-based live native-IP platform and MFV (Media Function Virtualisation).

“Aperi has succeeded in developing an open, versatile and robust software ecosystem on their A1105 platform that allows for fast, high-quality new function integration and market deployment,” said Thierry Watteyne, CEO at Barco Silex. “This is a major accomplishment that represents a significant development with far-reaching implications for our industry.”

“Barco Silex is a leader in high-quality video codec IP cores backed by a highly professional team,” said Joop Janssen, CEO at Aperi. “The 4K/VC-2 HQ mezzanine compression solution gave an impressive visual lossless quality at 4:1 compression rates that was critical to this project.”

The approach and commitment of the two companies mirrored each other, producing an effective partnership and a great result for the EURO 2016, despite long distances and different time zones. “Historically you would develop specific hardware cards to offer the same groundbreaking functionality and it takes at least a year to develop,” added Janssen. “We did it in weeks not months or years. That’s the power of great, open software with an IP-centric core architecture.”

IBC attendees will be able to see the same IP live remote production workflow used for UEFA at Aperi’s stand (2.C27). Aperi will also be demonstrated at Barco Silex (10.D31) and Gearhouse (10.B39).