IBC 2024: Teradek launches new Prism 877 4K HEVC encoder/decoder cards
Teradek (stand 13.A05) is launching the new Prism 877 Encoder/Decoder Cards at the 2024 IBC Show. The new cards represent a significant improvement in broadcasting efficiency and density. These innovative cards allow users to switch between encoding and decoding modes on- demand, allowing them to customize their workflows on an event-by-event basis. With an optional license for simultaneous encode and decode processing, the 877 card can effectively double Prism Rack’s working capacity from 9 to 18 bi-directional channels.
“The Prism 877 Cards are a first in our segment of the market,” says Tyler Riddle, Live Streaming Product Manager at Teradek. “Teradek is one of the few companies offering a dedicated hardware device capable of seamless encode and decode switching, simplifying your setup by eliminating the need for single-purpose cards.”
IBC showgoers will also get a chance to see and demo Prism Mobile 5G and Ranger, live video solutions that have been streamlining mobile production workflows across the globe.
Launched earlier this year, Prism Mobile 5G is the ultimate video encoder and cellular distribution solution for sports broadcasters, news teams, and live production crews. The solution provides the best possible cellular connectivity over public and private networks while staying compact and lightweight, allowing camera operators to be agile for longer while capturing the action.
The Prism Mobile 5G has already proven its streaming proficiency with numerous high profile partners, including several NBA and NFL teams, NBC Universal, and FOX. The solution seamlessly streams across remote terrains without a single drop, impressing technical directors, engineers, and clients alike with its reliability and performance.
Ranger, a true zero-delay wireless video system for live events and broadcast, has been making its way into everything from commencement ceremonies to major league sports—delivering visually lossless IMAG over the newly opened and uncongested 6GHz frequencies. Ranger has two form factors, the Mk II and Micro, that are designed to accommodate productions of any size and complexity. Both systems will be available for hands-on demos at IBC, giving attendees a chance to experience their performance and versatility firsthand.
Teradek has also announced the upcoming release of CTRL.5, an extensively-customizable lens control handset with its own operating system: CTRL.OS, a proprietary software toolkit that evolved from sister company SmallHD’s award-winning PageOS.
“CTRL.5 is the project that we’ve been dreaming about releasing ever since Kris Bird and RT Motion joined Creative Solutions; a culmination of design and development effort across so many of our teams,” says Greg Smokler, VP of Cine Products at Creative Solutions. “The result is a next-gen focus pulling platform with open ergonomic design, built around a powerful technical architecture that will keep the system ‘future proof’ with new features and integrations for years to come.”
CTRL.5 is the new heart of the Teradek RT wireless lens-control system. It combines an ultra-bright five-inch SmallHD display with CTRL.OS, a custom iteration on SmallHD’s PageOS page-based software toolkit, specifically designed for camera assistants and focus-pullers. A new graphic-rich lens mapping tool allows users to create, browse and select lenses mapped to pre-printed focus rings, allowing for rapid changes in the heat of production. Users can access saved configurations faster via the touchscreen or one of eleven programmable user buttons.
Hardware features include user adjustable friction knob, interchangeable custom grips, interference-resistant FHSS 2.4GHz wireless, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. As with previous RT handsets, a 5-pin USB enables SmallHD overlays, meaning assistants never have to take their eyes off their monitor.
Touchscreen user Interface leverages the power of CTRL.OS, making CTRL.5 the first FIZ handset on the market with its own proprietary operating system. Users can customize a wide range of functions including digital marks, automatic calculations, focus scaling, pointer-color customization, axis lock/unlock, Metric/Imperial unit selection (via pre-marked rings), and third-party rangefinder support.
Future integrations include WiFi Camera Control for RED®️ cameras, expanded customizations from third-party rangefinder systems and more.
CTRL.5 is fully cross-compatible with the entire Teradek RT Lens Control Ecosystem.
It seamlessly integrates with the MDR.S receiver, the expandable MDR.X receiver, the TOF.1 rangefinder, and the MOTR.S and MOTR.S MAX lens motors. CTRL.5 also works with legacy RT receivers and motors.
CTRL.5 offers a variety of accessories, which are sold separately. Those include the all new Bolt-On Monitor Hinge Cube, Kickstand, Neck Strap, Hand Strap, and Hand Grip.
“CTRL.5 packs everything users love about CTRL.3 into an even more advanced handset, loaded with customizable buttons and the most set-proven user interface toolkit around,” adds Colin McDonald, Teradek Cine Product Manager. “Our engineers went above and beyond to make it powerful, durable, customizable, and future-proofed to enhance any focus puller’s ever-changing daily challenges.”