Anthony Kable, CCS Group Manager for Sony Australia, announced some exciting updates to their SDN VideoIPath application during an interview at the NAB Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The application has added new broadcast controller functionality, allowing users to control not only the network side of things but also televisions and other broadcast-type applications. Sony has also introduced a new product called the LEO live element orchestrator, which enables users to configure and allocate resources and control the setup and systems.
One of the key features of the updates is the new NXL-ME80 ultra-low latency HEVC encoder. This standalone box can handle up to eight channels of HD or two channels of 4k, with input options including SDI or 2110 and output options of 2110 or SDI. It compresses the footage down to between 50 and 100 megabits for 4k and 25 to 30 for HD streams, making it ideal for connecting remote locations with limited bandwidth. The latency is also incredibly low, at around two frames per second.
Sony's encoder is unique in this regard, as many other vendors are doing compression over similar network links but without the ultra-low latency capabilities of the NXL-ME80. This makes it a great choice for live environments where traditional applications with a few seconds of delay aren't appropriate.
Kable noted that there are more and more applications of IP, and Sony is seeing an increasing number of people working with similar resources but using them more effectively. The MLS-X1, Sony's new stackable 2110 IP-based switcher, allows users to connect devices and expand or contract the operation to meet their specific needs. This flexibility is ideal for the changing needs of broadcasters, as it allows them to optimise their resources and use them more cost-effectively.
In addition to this, Sony has also released a new BVM-level monitor capable of handling up to 4000 nits of 5C power. It also has IP 21 TV interfaces directly in the monitor, and it can come standard with the option for a JPEG XS license if users want to do native monitoring directly on the BVM monitor. The BVM-HX310 is an impressive addition to Sony's product lineup, providing high-quality monitoring for broadcasters.