For-A debuts range of SDI and IP hybrid products at NAB Show

For-A is set to showcase its complete range of video production and broadcast products designed for hybrid SDI and IP operation, together with an IP migration path for existing products at this year’s NAB Show.

A key element making this IP migration path possible is that For-A products are designed to utilise the Network Device Interface (NDI) protocol. NDI enables the delivery of high-definition, low-latency video – plus audio and metadata – in real-time over standard IP networks, ideal for a live production environment.

“For-A’s products supporting NDI aren’t designed just for studio applications. They’re also suitable for the growing demand for hybrid live event production,” said Satoshi Kanemura, president of For-A. “With our new products and the NDI migration path for existing products, we can handle a variety of signal formats effectively, sources from Zoom feeds to cameras and audio as NDI for example, and deliver a far simpler, less cables required, converter-free operation than has been possible in the past.”

At NAB, For-A will demonstrate this cost-effective, hybrid live event solution, including: the HVS-490 production switcher with a new NDI option; the new MFR-3100EX routing switcher; and ClassX graphics for the creation of backgrounds and lower third graphics. All are NDI-capable and comprise a complete and seamless system.

Kanemura added: “We engineered our range of SDI and IP hybrid products to provide the flexibility required to support this kind of hybrid live event production while our customers create their own migration path from SDI to IP. Also, we start adding new products based on software-defined architecture, which delivers new functionality without the need for additional hardware. This is the kind of innovative thinking that our customers can expect.”

For-A’s new IP workhorse, the MFR-3100EX routing switcher with NDI support, debuts at NAB. A switcher, router and frame synchroniser in a single 4RU-sized unit, it configures a matrix of up to 64×72, with up to 4 inputs/4 outputs for 8K signals or 16 inputs/18 outputs for 4K UHD. Multiple units can be used together, enabling matrix expansion and redundancy. All input channels may be monitored via web browser, and optional functionality like AVDL, SRC, SSD and audio mux/demux is a simple matter of adding an expansion card to an input or output slot.

The HVS-490 video production switcher also offers flexible expansion with NDI card options, opening the door to more affordable 4K UHD production without the need for investing in new hardware. In HD it can accommodate up to 40 inputs/9 outputs, while in 4K it can expand up to 10 inputs/7 outputs. For-A’s MELite technology uses an optional card to extend the switcher’s two M/Es to offer six M/E performance. Users can expand their switching capabilities even more by using Flexakey for flexible reassignment of keyers to M/E or aux busses, and feature-rich 2.5D DVE for compositing with up to 12 keyers.

The HVS-6000 4K UHD production switcher will also be shown during NAB. The HVS-6000 offers up to 80 inputs/32 outputs or 64 inputs/48 outputs. It provides 12G-SDI capability on all inputs and outputs, with an optional board-mounting connector allowing IP interfaces to be mounted on all I/O slots. Thus, the HVS-6000 can be migrated to an SMPTE ST2110-capable switcher. Providing an ideal upgrade path from HD to 4K UHD, there is no need to replace the entire switcher when looking to upgrade. It also includes a frame synchroniser on all inputs, frame buffer, 3D DVE and two M/Es, plus a third M/E via an optional card. Up conversion can be added to all inputs, and down conversion can be added to all outputs (optional). In 4K mode, the unit determines the type of SDI input automatically and up converts HD/3G-SDI to 4K.

ClassX 3D graphics are high-performance software and systems with NDI support that complement For-A switchers. From the CGEditSuite for graphics creation to the LiveBoard with its features for graphics playout, ClassX provides easy setup, connectivity and use in broadcast and live event production.