IBC 2024: Grass Valley unveils two groundbreaking additions to its Densité Modular Platform
Grass Valley announces the launch of the ACE-3901 Next Generation 12G Modular Agile Computing Engine and the XIP-3911-GRID firmware for the XIP Modular Processing Platform at IBC 2024. The new innovations mark a significant evolution in Grass Valley’s Densité Modular Platform, offering unparalleled processing power and density for media companies navigating the migration from SDI to IP workflows.
Setting a New Standard in IP Gateway Density
The ACE-3901 represents the pinnacle of modular processing, designed to meet the growing demand for high-density IP gateway solutions. It delivers the highest IP input/output density in the market, offering up to 400Gb IP bandwidth per module and up to 256 12G-SDI or 384 3G-SDI gateways within a single 4RU Densité frame. Providing up to a tenfold increase in density and a fivefold reduction in cost per channel, it is a game-changing solution for media companies looking to maximize their existing SDI infrastructure while embracing the flexibility and scalability of IP technology.
The ACE (Agile Computing Engine) platform is centered around the GV Media Universe, offering a seamless integration of modular devices as distributed edge processing units within a larger system. This setup allows for a hybrid approach, combining modular hardware, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computing, and software to create a highly flexible and agile solution tailored to your needs. With the ability to control and configure the system from anywhere, ACE uniquely provides unmatched versatility in designing and managing your solutions at a density that cannot be beaten. Of course, ACE can also operate as a standalone gateway and processing device, featuring comprehensive APIs and third-party control options for easy integration with existing systems.
Expanding SDI I/O Capacity for GV AMPP Workflows
The XIP-3911-GRID firmware addresses a critical pain point in SaaS applications running on COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) servers. Grass Valley’s innovations with AMPP Grid in the last year have allowed customers to go beyond processing capabilities of a single COTS server appliance, but traditional COTS servers continue to be limited by their PCI expansion slots, often restricting SDI inputs/outputs to just 12 or fewer signals. The XIP-3911-GRID solves this by providing an SDI gateway interface directly to AMPP GRID leveraging FPGA modular hardware, enabling a single 1RU server to handle up to 128 AMPP GRID signals, a more than tenfold increase in capacity. This innovation increases the I/O density of on-premises edge compute workflows with minimal footprint, making it an ideal solution for AMPP customers looking to optimize their infrastructure.
“With the ACE-3901 and XIP-3911-GRID, we’re delivering solutions that not only address current challenges but also future-proof our customers’ investments,” explains Lee Buchanan, VP of Networking at Grass Valley.
“As the market continues its transition from SDI to IP, there remains a significant volume of SDI equipment in use that cannot be immediately replaced. The ACE-3901 offers a cost-effective solution for integrating existing infrastructure with IP technology, while the XIP-3911-GRID enhances the flexibility and scalability of edge compute workflows in hybrid environments.
“These innovations set a new standard in modular processing, offering unmatched density, flexibility, and integration with AMPP.”