What products or product categories will IHSEusa be highlighting at NAB Show New York this month?
Dan Holland: As one of the key events IHSE attends each year, we expect NAB New York to be one of immense presence for us. As part of IHSE’s presentation, we will also be promoting kvm-tec, the KVMoIP solutions provider we acquired last year. Not only will we be showcasing our latest hardware solutions but also how these solutions integrate with those from kvm-tec. We will share how these combined solutions address arising KVMoIP requirements in command-and-control environments beyond traditional high-end broadcast, including military, government, telecommunications, and security markets.
NAB Show New York emphasizes opportunities to get hands-on with gear. What technologies or workflows will attendees be able to experience at the IHSEusa booth (Booth 920)?
Holland: Our main focus for NAB New York will be showcasing video, audio and data extension and management solutions using low latency and high frame rate switching systems used in eSports and media production distribution.
In eSports, competition milliseconds count. These professional, highly attended events are run on offline computers running frame rates of 120, 144, or even 240 fps. Therefore, video production must provide low latency and high frame rates for the gamer’s computers while producing audience previews in standard 1080p/60. Unfortunately, most streaming or production equipment used today are limited to 60Hz, which means production teams need to be able to switch between real-world action and non-broadcast resolutions and frame rates without losing quality or interfering with the gamer’s computer graphics resolutions, which can jeopardize the match and/or the viewing experience.
IHSE has solved this problem with the introduction of Synchronized Sequential Frame Rate Conversion (SSFRC) technology available in its draco ultra series of DisplayPort and HDMI extenders. This technology can be used to enable live screen display, real-time broadcast, or super-slow-motion (slo-mo) replay when combined with an EVS replay system.
SSFRC technology combines high frame rate (HFR) computer actions and broadcast transmission workflows into one extender system. Not only does this simplify the onsite infrastructure but also ensures that the same content is available everywhere at a pristine quality level that greatly enhances the overall impact of the event and enjoyment of viewers. This is a great solution for larger esports venues that service the public and where expensive computer hardware needs to be moved closer to the production team or locked away to prevent accidental damage or potential theft. Production teams simply place the keyboard, mouse, and high frame rate display at the player’s station. Connections between the computer and player’s station can be separated up to 10km using fiber optic cable connections. Each draco ultra SSFRC extender is then routed back to the main KVM switch systems, allowing full control of the HFR computer used at each player’s station and which source is streamed to video walls, live broadcasts, or media sites such as Twitch.tv or YouTube.
With IHSE’s new Draco ultra SSFRC extenders a complete production system supporting up to 240 frames per second for offline computers can be accomplished while secondary outputs can be configured to stream at 60 frames without additional encoders, decoders, or other signal transmission devices that could create excessive latency or GPU bottlenecks in the gamer’s computer. The result is a pristine eSports event that meets the highest quality broadcast production standards for today’s fast-paced and exciting matches.
Which industry trends or technology advances do you expect will change media & entertainment workflows in the next year?
Holland: There are two active trends going on for KVM right now. Primarily we are seeing an increase in the requirement for latency-free remote access using 4K60 computer systems. Most network systems are still at 4K30 so as facilities start a refresh build or a new greenfield setup, the demand for full 4K60 is on the bid specification. Secondly many larger facilities are looking to support dual head 4K60 over fiber. As many facilities are allowing work-at-home setups, it is important to make operations between remote or local computer access as transparent as possible.
The broadcast and related products industry encompasses a plethora of interactive solutions to achieve efficient visualization. Rather than buying basic components to support digital computer management and distribution, decision makers need to adopt an end-to-end ecosystem with security, stability, and standardized configurations in mind for both IP and non-IP connectivity equipment.
Undoubtedly, IP technology enables incredible operational benefits: improved efficiency, lower costs, and greater flexibility. People can connect simply and easily to remote computers. This allows organizations around the globe to access applications to communicate with staff, customers, and external agencies; manage complex data; and control distant operations. However, IP-based client/server solutions have limitations that affect their usability, which are predominantly in dynamic performance and security, and serious considerations in professional applications. The majority of these solutions require additional hardware and complex software. This requires decision makers to look deeper into what products and interconnections are needed to allow full-scale performance while maintaining a high level of security.
In basic terms, users require a system that is simple to install and set up, flexible in operation, compatible with all existing equipment, and offers high performance and maximum security. It also provides direct access to a remote computer without the delays and inconsistent performance experienced in most client-server setups.
One solution is IHSE’s IP module, Draco vario Secure IP Remote Access (SIRA) Gateway, which overcomes problems associated with security, accessibility, immediacy, and image quality of traditional packetized remote IP-connection to distant computers using client-server models. SIRA‘s premise is simple and straightforward: It provides KVM extension over an IP network by extending keyboard, mouse, USB and video signals in the same manner that IHSE’s traditional KVM extenders transfer signals. As a result, remote operator can access any desired computer from anywhere, using a keyboard and mouse as though they were physically located alongside that computer.
An associated problem with many broadcast companies is trying to find qualified people to operate equipment. With any reduction in staff or shortage of available resources, it becomes more important that those who are working live events like news or remote-site production have the ability to log on to any computer no matter the location. KVM over IP provides this type of support making it much easier to remote into any computer at any location as if it is located at the user’s desk. Many graphic software programs offer user licenses that would have to be purchased for each user but with a KVM system, programs that are used less often can reside on one computer and easily be accessed remotely by each user as needed.
About Dan Holland
For more than 35 years, Holland has been instrumental in product development, business development and strategic marketing for the broadcast and AV markets.
In his current role as marketing manager for IHSE, he is responsible for the development, execution and launch of strategic marketing plans for existing and new high-definition products for KVM management solutions. His experience in product development covers the KVM needs for defense, security & surveillance, network operating centers, broadcast centers, mobile production trucks, oil & petroleum and esport markets.
About IHSEusa
IHSE USA LLC is the leading provider of KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) products and solutions supporting long-distance signal extension and switching for video, audio and data sources.
Since 1984, IHSE has been developing new and innovative ways of supporting next-generation products for KVM and signal extenders.
IHSE technology is deployed worldwide by public and private organizations in industries such as broadcasting, post production, eSports, government and military, medical, financial, and oil and petroleum. The company offers a complete line of video signal extenders over Cat-X or fiber-optic cables for secure data access.
Learn more at https://ihseusa.com/.