German fibre network specialists Optocore in partnership with BroaMan demonstrated at last week’s ISE Show in Barcelona, that they continue to break new barriers in their technological evolution.
In particular this applies to the new 12G-SDI standard. With the increasing demand for higher bandwidth, in both the broadcast and live event spaces, 12G-SDI is the logical option to support higher speed UHD formats (4K, 8K etc), with higher bitrates and a greater number of colours.
Explaining the move, Optocore Technical Support Engineer, Marci Sós,“ states, “The advantages are obvious. As market leaders in fiber distribution, our pledge is always to keep ahead of the technological curve, supporting new standards in the evolving world of broadcast signal transmission to ensure the best outcome for our customers, and meet their demands.”
As early subscribers, Optocore and sister brand, BroaMan have been early subscribers to this evolution, ensuring their devices are capable of delivering uncompressed, unencrypted video signals, securely and robustly.
With eight times the bandwidth of standard HD-SDI, 12G-SDI allows the transmission of high frame rate and deep colour 4K/UltraHD signals, supporting rates up to 100/120fps over a single cable.
Consequently, BroaMan has been able to announce three 12G SDI capable models in its product portfolio: Mux22-12G / Repeat48-12G / Repeat48WDM-12G, all of which will be in evidence at ISE.
Optocore also announced at ISE a new, advanced four-channel version of its M12 Redundancy Firmware, which they see as a further step towards reliability, flexibility and ease of use.
While the standard Redundant firmware upgrade gives the user the possibility of switching between the upper row and lower row on a GPI trigger, the new version enables triggering of the switchover for individual pairs of MADI streams. In other words, in a playback rig of four primary interfaces and two secondaries, a GPI trigger for MADI2 will switch the input routing only to MADI6 and leave everything else unaltered.
For enhanced compatibility and ease of use with DiGiCo consoles, the standby input routing for the MADI 5, 6, 7 and 8 streams are copied automatically from MADI 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. This means, if the user’s playback and recording devices are not utilising all 64 channels (32 at 96k), allocating the sufficient number of channels to each stream provides the possibility of using the M12 to maximum capacity.
BroaMan, a leading manufacturer of professional video solutions, celebrated a successful presence at IBC Amsterdam 2024, where the company unveiled its latest innovations, including the powerful Mux22 12G video transport system. The event, which attracts key stakeholders in the broadcasting industry, provided a platform for BroaMan to highlight its cutting-edge products designed for the evolving needs of 4K/UltraHD production environments.
During the exhibition, BroaMan engaged in numerous high-profile meetings, discussing ambitious projects with industry leaders. Stability, redundancy, and scalability were key topics of discussion as broadcasters increasingly seek reliable, future-proof solutions for high-bandwidth video transmission. The Mux22 12G, which was prominently featured at the show, stood out as the go-to product for ensuring robust 12G-SDI video transmission over a single pair of fibers, with optional built-in redundancy for mission-critical applications.
Introducing the Mux22 12G: A Leap Forward in 4K/UltraHD Video Transmission
The Mux22 12G is BroaMan’s latest addition to its well-established Mux22 range, offering unparalleled video transport performance. Capable of handling up to 8 channels of 12G-SDI video, the Mux22 12G simplifies complex video setups by enabling full 4K/UltraHD workflows through a single pair of fibers. This high-capacity solution is perfect for live events, broadcast studios, and any professional AV setting that demands top-tier video quality and reliability.
Key features of the Mux22 12G include:
Support for up to 8 channels of 12G-SDI: Handling SDI formats from SD to 12G, the Mux22 12G ensures flawless transmission for high-definition and ultra-high-definition content.
Redundant power supply and optional fiber redundancy: Ensuring stability even in the event of power or signal failure, making it ideal for critical broadcasting applications.
Optocore compatibility: Seamless integration with Optocore networks for full flexibility in video, audio, and data distribution.
Configurable modules: The Mux22 12G can be customized with audio, data, and intercom options to meet the specific needs of different broadcast environments.
A Bright Future for BroaMan’s 12G Solutions
BroaMan’s participation at IBC 2024 was marked by a series of forward-looking conversations, where industry partners emphasized the need for reliable, high-bandwidth solutions that could scale with the growing demands of 4K broadcasting. The Mux22 12G, with its ability to transmit video signals over distances of up to 120 kilometers via optical fiber, was heralded as a game-changer in the market.
“We had some very exciting meetings this year at IBC,” said Tine Helmle, Managing Director at BroaMan. We are very delighted to introduce more products of our 12G product line. Aside from the Mux22-12G a multiplexer with redundancy, we brought for the first time our Repeat48-12G and Repeat48WDM-12G.These converters equipped with 12G with up to 24 channels are now available for shipping. The overall feedback was, as expected, overwhelmingly positive. Flexibility and redundancy are key concerns in the industry, and we are proud to offer solutions that not only meet but exceed these expectations.”
With the Mux22 12G now available for order, BroaMan is poised to continue its leadership in broadcast video transmission, providing state-of-the-art solutions that keep pace with technological advancements in 4K/UltraHD and beyond.
Mux22-12G / Repeat48-12G / Repeat48WDM-12Gto be announced
With the increasing demand for higher bandwidth, in both the broadcast and live event spaces, 12G SDI is a great option to support higher speed UHD formats (4K, 8K etc), with higher bitrates and a greater number of colours.
German network fiber specialists, BroaMan have been early subscribers to this evolution, ensuring their devices are capable of delivering uncompressed, unencrypted video signals, securely and robustly.
“The advantages are obvious,” suggests BroaMan’s Marci Sós. “With eight times the bandwidth of standard HD-SDI, 12G-SDI allows the transmission of high frame rate and deep colour 4K/UltraHD signals, supporting rates up to 100/120fps over a single cable.”
Consequently, BroaMan has been able to announce three 12G SDI capable models in its product portfolio: Mux22-12G / Repeat48-12G / Repeat48WDM-12G.
Mux22-12G converter/multiplexer boasts channel capacity of up to 8x 12G, and 16x 3G/HD/SD-SDI. Features include: Intelligent MicroMux I/O module; Dual Input with adaptive EQ; Dual Output; Optional reclocker for each input or output. MUX22 has optionally the feature to have video path redundancy.
Selectable audio/sync modules include: Intercom module – 4 four-wire ports for Clear-Com (IC422) or RTS (IC485) or generic intercom (IC444) with 4 Line In, 4 Line Out, 4 GPI and 4 GPO; MADI module – 4 duplex SC MADI ports; FrameSync8 module – 8x Word Clock, BNC 1Vpp, BNC 3Vpp, Black Burst (bi-level) or Tri-Level, PAL/SECAM, NTSC, 720p59.94, 720p50, 1080i29.97, 1080i25 with Line, Frame, Pixel, Percent and Degree shift option.
The device also features: Built-In CWDM module; 2 fiber auxiliary ports for third party devices and protocols; Full integration into SANE and Optocore network; Optocore module with 2 LAN ports and 2 SANE/LAN ports; RS485 or optional GPIO port; Word Clock and Tri/Bi-Level sync input and output and Redundant power supplies. It is fully controllable via the Optocore Control Software.
Likewise, the Repeat48-12G / Repeat48WDM-12G interfaces are also 12G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Video/MADI Repeater capable.
Repeat48-12G features include up to 24 video channels/MADI streams; Up to 24 EOE converters, which can be configured as: MADI/SD/HD/12-G/3G-SDI input to fiber transmitter; Fiber receiver to SD/HD/12G/3G-SDI output. The Repeat48 is a set of optical-to-copper (and back) 1RU converters. Functioning as stand-alones, they convert from BNC to fiber (and back) as required.
Repeat48 CWDM features include: Up to 24 video SD/HD/12G/3G-SDI I/O channels/MADI streams; Built-in CWDM or DWDM modules; Auxiliary fiber ports for external MUX/DEMUX connection, enabling Optocore integration.
This converts from BNC to fiber, gathers all of the converted fiber signals and ‘muxes’ them onto a single fiber for easier transportation. For this reason, the R48W is generally bought in pairs or with another WDM capable device, such as a Mux22.
Common features to both are: No configuration or user operation is required (the device is plug & play); In addition, they feature channel status LEDs; Modular hardware design, and Built-in dual power supply with automatic switchover.
Summarises Marci Sós,“As market leaders in fiber distribution, BroaMan’s pledge is to always keep ahead of the technological curve, supporting new standards in the evolving world of broadcast signal transmission to ensure the best outcome for our customers, up to their demands.”
A well-known manufacturer of fibre based solutions for the audio industry has provided a complete SD/HD/3G-SDI video solution using the DiViNe (Digital Video Network) transport platform.
In 2011 representatives of Studio Hamburg MCI approached Marc Brunke’s design team to come up with a video routing solution for the new studio facility at the Swedish Television (SVT).
Marc Brunke formed a new company, BroaMan GmbH, based on the experience gained from Optocore, which has traditionally provided optical fibre network solutions for the large-scale events industry, and went to work on a modular transport and routing system that lead to the creation of DiViNe – The Digital Video Network.
Using the DiViNe modules, BroaMan came up with a unique proposal consisting of four independently configured automatic routing systems using a modern, fibre-based video StageBox concept.
“The ability to do this had not existed previously,” explained Marc Brunke, “The customer is not willing to pay extra for something he is not going to use. In this project the system has been entirely cost-optimised to the needs of the customer using the modular components of the DiViNe platform. Upon connection, the system discovers where the portable StageBox is connected and the central Video Router routes the assigned channels to the correct position.”
The devices offer routing and signal repeating, as well as the ability to convert the signal from electrical (BNC) to optical (fibre). Every product was configured independently to offer the most suitable solution for the customer.
The Video Router
The first and the most powerful system is based around a centralized Video router with 8 portable StageBoxes that can be connected to any of the 32 wallboxes within the studio facility.
The central routing system is based on Route66 2RU frames:
Four of the frames are configured as 3G-SDI to fibre converters with routing capabilities. Providing sends to the portable StageBoxes.
One frame is configured as fibre to 3G-SDI converter with routing capabilities. Providing returns from the portable StageBoxes. One frame is configured as an OPTOCORE router. Providing management and discovery for the network.
Two CWDM modules. Providing multiplexing to the 32 wallboxes within the studio.
The routing is fully automatic and based on the assigned ID of the portable StageBox. It does not matter to which of the 32 wallboxes a StageBox is connected to. The router will automatically discover the StageBox and route the 4 3G-SDI sends, 1 3G-SDI return and RS422 serial control signals assigned to the portable StageBox to the wall-box.
System components
Detailed Setup
The Camera and Ceiling Router
The second system consists of two Camera routers and one Ceiling router with 3G-SDI inputs and fibre transmitters, providing outputs to 15 portable StageBoxes.
Routing is controlled with the VSM controller provided by the company LSB. Integration with other controllers is optional.
System components
Detailed Setup
The Light Car Router
The third system consists of one Light Car router based on a Route66 frame and one portable StageBox based on a Repeat33 frame. As in the Video router system, the Light Car router provides automatic routing. Video is routed together with the OPTOCORE stream from the centralized Route66 2RU frame.
Connection between the Light Car router and the portable StageBox is possible in five different locations using a 4 core fibre cable.
System components
Detailed Setup
Electrical-Optical-Electrical converters
The fourth system consists of multiple Repeat48 devices that convert and distribute approximately 200 3G-SDI channels throughout the facility. Due to the modular design, each device provides a different number of I/O interfaces, adding flexibility to the overall system design.
Situated in the Estonian city of Tartu, Vanemuine Theater is the country’s oldest theatre and first Estonian language facility, with its origins dating back to the late 19th century.
The facility comprises three venues, with the main hall seating 682, a small theatre holding 446, and a concert hall that seats 900. All genres are performed – from opera to classical drama, from musicals to children’s plays, from modern ballet to symphony concerts.
Recently, Teater Vanemuine has undergone a complete renovation including a two-phase audiovisual makeover at the hands of long- standing German specialists, Amptown System
Company (ASC). They worked with overall architects / engineers, Wibbeke & Penders, who in turn were guided by recommendations made by media consultant Dr. Reiner Chemnitius.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• Stagebox fiber-based system
• Transport of multiple 3G-SDI video
• Full automatic redundancy for all transported signals including video, audio and data
• Savings on power consumption • Plug-and-play Stagebox connection
Under the project management of ASC’s Jan Vandrei and Rüdiger Aue, the engineer responsible, the second phase was successfully implemented, and along with Dr. Chemnitius they constructed an advanced and extensive redundant fiber-optic networking system around components from BroaMan.
To ensure continuous smooth operation, a custom version of BroaMan’s Route66 Redundancy Manager, which brings the capability of full automatic redundancy switchover between devices, was implemented. Specially designed for this project,
and harnessing the power of Optocore, ASC have provided the theatre with the security of a completely redundant connection to all points of the system. In the event of failure, switchover takes place instantly, seamlessly and imperceptibly.
The fiber-optic audio transmission network is configured as a virtual ring network topology with auto-routing. The video and fiber-optic network is set out as a redundant, star-shaped network topology. This is an ultra-modern system equipped with high- definition signals for AV throughout at all patch boxes in the theatre. It also enables access to 3G SDI video signals and is transmitted via a fiber-optic interface beneath the rotating stage. This provides connection points for all video sources throughout the entire stage area, in the galleries, including the fly tower.
The BroaMan video network includes a video matrix, with 36 inputs and 40 outputs for the distribution of high-definition video signals throughout the premises. At the same time, a stage management video system by BroaMan with 12 inputs / 22 outputs transmits video signals from the eight Panasonic AS- HE-130 full HD cameras and presentation monitors in the stage housing, so that images can be received in this area as well.
At the control end the theatre has invested in two DiGiCo digital mixing consoles and a redundant Waves server system with ProShow plug-in collection. A DiGiCo SD7 console running T software is used as the main console with an SD10 providing back-up in the control room. Both consoles are connected redundantly via a fiber-optic-based digital Optocore audio network, with connection at both FOH and production. These can be used in combination or independently. The Waves plug-in
suite considerably expands the range of audio effects already stored in the mixing consoles, to satisfy the growing requirements of tonal representation by incoming sound designers.
There are numerous connection points for microphone inputs, and mobile DiGiCo stage boxes—DiGiCo SD racks and DiGiCo Mini racks—are used.
In fact, the Vanemuine Theater has over 700 inputs and the Optocore audio network can process 504 audio channels at 96 kHz. The DiGiCo consoles’ software enable any number of the interfaces to be connected or disconnected. The ensemble regularly goes on tour, and as such, the mobile equipment is also used for guest performances at other locations.
The Theater has responded well to its modernisation which includes renewal of the entire power distribution measures for stage lighting, AV and IT technology. The transition from largely manual operation to highly complex, computer-aided control of stage machinery, stage lighting and audio and video technology has clearly evidential benefits and represents a quantium leap into the future.
The overall project included all facets of media technology: lighting, sound, video, communication, control and IT/network. It is also notable for the unusual system solutions evolved by ASC, in particular the modern video network and BroaMan fibre-optic network as a redundant star-shaped network topology.
Thanks to careful planning, diligent preproduction, a flawless installation and good onsite communication the transition was both quick and seamlessly.
KEY ADVANTAGES
Full Automatic Redundancy with automatic switch over
Redundancy for video & audio signals, as well as for build-in
Fast Ethernet & Serial Data Transport • 40 x 40 Non-blocking Video Matrix
