DBS to demo Onyx-IP encoder and decoder at NAB 2022

Domo Broadcast Systems (DBS) has released the Onyx‐IP family of encoders and decoders. Taking latency down to what it calls ‘unheard of levels’ and allowing for video to be transmitted down two different paths, the Onyx is designed for live sports coverage and remote production. It will be the company’s showcase item at this year’s NAB.

Onyx HEVC is a broadcast‐quality H.265 encoder, offering exceptional compression ratios on video resolutions up to 4K UHD. It is suitable for remote production applications over leased lines or satellite, handling four HD or one UHD feed with ultra‐low latency.

“We know an issue for broadcasters has been the risk of losing a transmission,” explained Richard Lane, broadcast engineering lead at Domo Broadcast Systems. “Onyx encoders can stream across dual networks using a variety of IP formats, including SRT, at bitrates of up to 120Mb/s. If one network should fail, the transmission will still make it through the other. So viewers get to see the action in closer to real time, and broadcasters reduce the risk of dead air by having a back‐up transmission path.”

The use of ST2022‐7 technology at the decoder ensures glitch‐free recovery from network errors or path fail over. For legacy systems and satellite modem connections, the Onyx encoder is equipped with ASI inputs and outputs.

“Transmitting over IP can add security risks – we know broadcasters don’t want to risk having their valuable content stolen,” said Lane. “The Onyx takes care of that. Broadcasters can employ built‐in encryption mechanisms, such as AES over SRT or BISS, to protect their content.”

The Onyx builds on DBS’ Sapphire family of encoders and decoders.

Mike Budge, broadcast unit director for Domo Broadcast Systems, said: “Our close tie with the motor sport broadcast industry was one of the main catalysts behind our refinements made to the Sapphire and ultimately our development of the Onyx. We wanted to build upon the Sapphire – already in wide use for motor sport coverage and other major global sports events – to meet the industry’s desire list for additional capabilities.

“The ultra‐low latency levels of the Onyx and its ability to transmit simultaneously over dual networks and using a variety of IP formats were hoped for by the industry, but considered by many to be wishful thinking. But tell us something is impossible, and we will accept and meet the challenge!”

The Onyx’s unique quad mode allows four HD inputs to be synchronised and encoded with end‐to‐end latencies as low as 40ms. This high‐density and low‐latency encoding is ideal for coverage of live sporting events.

“We were able to test the Onyx with a major motor sport broadcaster,” added Lane. “This in‐field testing under real‐life conditions and working directly with the broadcaster’s team has allowed us to continue to make refinements. We will always be striving to add to the capabilities of the Onyx.”