ARET upgrades RAI studios and OB vans with Lawo V__pro8 video processors
ARET upgrades RAI studios and OB vans with Lawo V__pro8 video processors
Italian public broadcaster RAI, a long-time user of Lawo products and solutions, has just taken delivery of 37 Lawo V__pro8 8 Channel Video Processing Toolkits.
The new Lawo equipment will be employed in a nationwide technical upgrade and renovation of studios and OB vans located all over Italy. System integrator and Lawo partner ARET Video and Audio Engineering, headquartered in Milan, won the tender after participating in a test procedure which scrutinized prominent brands’ ability to process video in broadcast environments.
Alessandro Asti, ARET’s VP of Sales comments: “The unique features and flexibility of V__pro8 – its ability to synchronize, convert, embed / de-embed and apply delay to both audio and video, as well as monitoring eight inputs at once – received the maximum technical marks in the tender. Thanks to the outstanding performance of the V__Pro8, it is the perfect tool for signal monitoring in RAI’s studios and OB vans.”
The RAI project is the latest in a number of successful joint projects between ARET and Lawo. Another notable project, from 2017, was the outfitting of Italian production company NVP’s OB4 OB Van. The heart of OB 4’s audio systems is a pair of Lawo mc²56 production consoles, a Nova router and DALLIS interfaces. The complete OB Van is controlled using Lawo’s VSM (Virtual Studio Manager) system; Lawo’s V__pro8 eight-channel video processing units give producers control of the complete broadcast production workflow using just 1 RU of rack space. Together, these Lawo systems deliver the versatility required for multiformat operation on Europe’s most challenging productions.
About V__pro8 eight-channel video processing toolkit
V__pro8 is a compact, fully digital eight-channel video processor with all of the “glue” features needed for today’s broadcast production workflows. It works as a flexible matrix system: using its 8 x 8 video matrix and 384 x 384 audio matrix, it is possible to switch any signal to any other. A modern GUI (based on HTML5) provides an intuitive interface for fast handling of day-to-day work.
V__pro8 connects differing video formats, with high quality format conversion, color correction and audio embedding / de-embedding capabilities. It also combines video and audio management, with a high-density MADI audio connection providing efficient video-to-audio bridging within the studio infrastructure. This combination of video and audio management in a single unit guarantees maximum operating efficiency by significantly reducing required space, wiring infrastructure and cost.
About Lawo
Lawo designs and manufactures pioneering network, control, audio and video technology for broadcast and post-production, as well as live performance and theatrical applications. Products include control and monitoring systems, digital audio mixing consoles, routers, video processing tools as well as solutions for IP-based A/V infrastructures and routing systems. All products are developed in Germany and manufactured according to highest quality standards at the company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany.
Thank you for your visit at CABSAT 2018
Thank you for visiting our stand ZB5-B80 at the Dubai World Trade Centre
ARET at CABSAT 2018
Booth: ZB5-B80
Date: January 14 – 16, 2018 | Sun – Tue
Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre
We would like to thank all our stand visitors for taking their time to visit our stand during CABSAT 2018 in Dubai on 14-16 January 2018.
We enjoyed meeting you and were glad that you had the chance to see all our latest projects and the new products on the market. Also, we are pleased that you had the opportunity to discuss your current business and future perspectives.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@aret-engineering.com for any questions or further information. Scroll down the page for the new video of this 2018 edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
DTC AEON-TX - Wireless 4K UHD HEVC Transmitter
DTC Domo Broadcast presents its new 4K/UHD wireless transmitter, the AEON-TX
As the authorized equipment distributor of DTC Domo Broadcast, ARET took part in the presentation of the new AEON-TX transmitter for wireless 4K/UHD video, which was held at CABSAT 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from 14-16 January 2018.
This new wireless solution is available to all ARET customers on the Italian market and abroad.
About AEON-TX
AEON-TX is a compact and feature-rich COFDM digital video transmitter, specifically designed for high quality wireless link applications. With proven Domo COFDM and next generation HEVC encoder technology at its core enabling Ultra High Definition images, the small size and actively cooled enclosure give maximum operational performance. Designed to offer future proof connectivity, the unit supports native 12G-SDI, dual 6G-SDI, quad 3G-SDI, as well as SFP+ expansion. Two true balanced audio inputs are included with phantom power. The transmitter has an integrated control panel with sunlight-readable OLED display covering all major functions and has 16 user-defined presets, as well as IP based control. The HEVC codec used in AEON products offers a step change in compression efficiency over H.264 systems, whilst maintaining low end to end latency suitable for live events.
The accelerating demand for UHD and HDR has until now been hampered by the limited ability of wireless-equipped cameras to transmit vast volumes of raw data, making them almost useless for covering live sport, events, and news in 4K. However, by taking advantage of the extremely efficient, ultra-low delay HEVC SD, HD, and 4K encoding technology built into the AEON-TX transmitter, operators in any wireless application can now transmit 4K UHD video formats up to and including 2160p60.
First live 4K over RF broadcast
The system has already been extensively tested on the field, with excellent results and flawless operations. On December 2nd, 2017, coupled with a camera control and fiber system, Domo Broadcast’s AEON 4K transmitter (AEON-TX) was used to help broadcast a Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, London.
The 4K wireless camera system was comprised of a Sony PXW Z450, which provides 4K UHD (3840x2160p50/59.94) video. Additionally, by taking advantage of the extremely efficient, low-latency HEVC 4K encoding technology built into DTC Domo’s recently launched AEON-TX, the TV operators were able to wirelessly capture live football action in native 4K UHD video format for the first time.
About DTC Domo Broadcast
DTC Domo Broadcast (Domo Tactical Communications) is at the forefront of wireless broadcast communication technologies. DTC has developed its cutting edge technologies for the broadcast market providing real technical and operational benefits to newsgathering, live production, and other high profile applications in solutions that empower users to broadcast without boundaries.
A world-class supplier of wireless links globally and a leader in the MPEG4 wireless technology revolution, DTC offers high-quality, DVB-T low-delay broadcast transmitter/receiver systems and IP solutions designed specifically for electronic news gathering, outside broadcast, satellite newsgathering, motor and extreme sports coverage, portable field monitoring and video assist applications.
Backed by more than 50 years’ valuable experience of transmitting and receiving information in difficult electronic environments in the military and surveillance market, DTC’s broadcast portfolio benefits from the ultra-high build quality and ruggedness these products require.
Request more information on AEON-TX
Vinten Flowtech 75 Tripod
Revolutionise the way you work with the world’s fastest tripod legs
Presenting flowtech™75, a versatile, lightweight tripod that is easier and faster to deploy and adjust than any other tripod. Performance tested in extreme conditions, flowtech™75 is a revolution in tripod technology, giving the camera operator ultimate versatility and improving their workflow. flowtech™75 is a revolutionary new set of two-stage carbon fibre tripod legs with quick release brakes, a mid-level spreader,* rubber feet and a payload capacity of 20 kg (44 lb). Try it and join the revolution.
Unique quick release brakes
deploy and adjust your tripod in an instant.
Located at the top of the tripod, the quick release brakes enable the legs to be deployed simultaneously and can quickly adjust to the height that you need and the ground’s surface – eliminating the need to bend over or manually adjust multiple brakes on each leg.
New ergonomic carbon-fibre leg design
Lightweight and easy to transport
Lightweight and easy to transport, flowtech™ 75 is specifically designed to comfortably rest on the camera operator’s shoulder while magnetic locks ensure that the tripod legs remain secured during transport. Exceptional torsional stiffness ensures that the tripod doesn’t twist during panning movements.
Versatile hinge lock mechanism
Capture extremely low and high shots with a single tripod.
flowtech’s unique hinge lock allows users to capture extremely low, ground-level shots along with higher shots. This effectively eliminates the need to take a set of baby legs to the shoot.
Extensive endurance and environmental testing
Superior performance and reliability.
Tested in the most punishing environments, flowtech excels in sludge, sand and extreme temperatures. Furthermore, with 30,000 deployment cycles and 1.5 million clamp operations on an endurance rig flowtech surpasses Sachtler and Vinten’s stringent performance targets.
Request more information on Flowtech
LAWO VSM
LAWO VSM - The Broadcast Control and Monitoring System
A VSM control system brings together all the requirements for a safe and flexible broadcast operation. The “everything under one roof” philosophy unites technical devices and operators in a most adaptable way. User panels and interfaces can be configured without limitation to meet the requirements of different workflows and applications, while the whole system is under redundant control.
The IP infrastructure of a VSM network, including all control panels, interfaces and external devices, guarantees easy installation. All the advantages of IP connectivity, such as its high data performance and standard management components, increase the power of a complete broadcast system. As a unique feature, real time feedback from every single crosspoint and parameter is available, as well as special applications such as audio metering via the protocol. All VSM user interfaces display the confirmed action from an attached device, for example, a router. This guarantees maximum transparency for every operator and every control unit. Additionally, a global naming facility for mixers, UMDs, user panels and many other devices provides status information at a glance.
One Independent Control System – Full System Control Under One Umbrella
Making the most out of available budgets, technology and personnel resources are hot topics for both engineers and management in today’s modern broadcast environment. With technology advancing so fast, protecting investments in professional broadcast hardware over the long term becomes a harder challenge day by day.
Combine this with the need to simplify operational tasks and workflows to increase efficiency, without compromising on-air quality and security, and the importance of investing in flexible core infrastructures becomes even more apparent. The key to addressing all these topics revolves around a single sophisticated layer of control throughout an entire system.
Imagine having an independent control and monitoring system that allows operation, configuration and system integration of your chosen broadcast equipment and third-party devices.
The concept separates hardware technology decisions from the operational control requirements therefore allowing core hardware components to be freely exchanged without changing interfaces or workflows for operational and technical staff. Training costs and time can be saved due to a single control system administrational interface that handles the control and setup of numerous devices.
Abstracting the control parameters of many devices into a single control layer provides a platform to freely create workflows and user interfaces specifically optimized to simplify operational tasks without reference to the hardware behind. The VSM control system offers an extensive system integration toolbox that allows the customer to easily change interfaces without manufacturer support, giving peace of mind that the system will be able to adapt and grow as needs and requirements change over time.
VSMSTUDIO – POWER AND CONFIGURABILITY IN YOUR HANDS
vsmStudio software is the heart of the VSM system and the main administration and configuration tool that runs continuously on all VSM servers in the system. From here, an easy-to-use GUI provides all the functions, tools and setup wizards to control and customize your VSM system to your specific application and workflow needs. Additionally, all connected hardware settings and statuses are shown in real-time, with instant control and feedback.
After initial assistance and factory support with custom configuration to mold the product into the project specific requirements, the customer is trained on the toolbox so that changes to all parts of the system can be handled without further factory support. As your needs change, the full power and configurability of VSM is in your hands. In addition, technical staff need only learn one system interface to control numerous devices, saving time and money in training.
VSMPANEL
vsmPanel is a software that runs on a network PC workstation client (Windows based) and, from a design and setup perspective, acts identical to a hardware panel. In fact, the administrator can control and view any hardware panel in the system directly from this client, if needed. Any number of client licences are possible, each offering a different control interface if necessary. Normally operated in conjunction with a touchscreen for the most intuitive operation, vsmPanel allows free design and layout of an operational interface. Pictures and images can be incorporated into a panel design to help the user quickly and simply understand the navigation concept and control possibilities laid out in front of them.
Request more information on VSM
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CABSAT 2018
Join ARET in Dubai for CABSAT 2018: stand ZB5-B80
ARET at CABSAT 2018
Booth: ZB5-B80
Date: January 14 – 16, 2018 | Sun – Tue
Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre
ARET is exhibiting at CABSAT 2018 in Dubai at the Wolrd Trade Centre from January 14-16. Come and join us at stand ZB5-B80 to know all about our latest projects and to learn about the new products and solutions available.
Recently, we brought to life our products in an effective way to engage the visitor’s attention. Our stand will feature large video monitors where we are presenting all the videos of our latest projects with stunning quality. Every project is illustrated from technical and design points of view: with 4K video quality and on-screen graphics, the video guides the viewer from the very beginning, providing essential information to appreciate even more the product.
This guided experience allows the viewer to perceive even the smallest details of the OB Vans and Studios that otherwise are only visible in person. Also, it is possible to notice the different lighting setups and production configuration that can be created inside the various production areas of the OB Vans.
To find out more about the exhibition, visit the company’s official space on the exhibition website: https://www.cabsat.com/exhibitors/aret-video–audio-engineering
Waiting for the upcoming 2018 edition, see what happened at CABSAT 2017 in March this year.
Reserve a meeting
Ultrix Routing System
Ross Video Ultrix
Ultrix is a compact but incredibly powerful processing platform capable of clean switching video signals from 270 Mb/s to 12 Gb/s, and performing advanced audio processing. The unique design permits users to software license additional capabilities such as integrated multi-viewers, 12 Gb/s signal-switching, and adding frame syncs to inputs. No special hardware is required for any of these capabilities. While these feature sets are typically associated with large and costly systems which cause users to make critical design choices upfront, Ultrix brings such high-end features to all sizes of systems.
Plan Ahead
- Incrementally add UHD signals as requirements arise with software licensing
- Integrate or add multi-viewer capability in the same platform with software licensing and no additional hardware
- Utilize advanced audio processing and clean switching as standard functionality
- Assign frame syncs to one or multiple inputs with software licensing and no additional hardware
- Easily expand base I/O as required due to the modular architecture that the frame provides
Mix It Up
- Route 270 Mb/s, 1.5 Gb/s, 3 Gb/s, and 12 Gb/s video signals in the same system
- Use a combination of single link and multi-link interfaces for UHD
- Choose from embedded or discrete audio (Analog, AES, or MADI) to fit a range of requirements
- Connect with various video interfaces such as HDMI, SDI, Analog, IP, and Fiber to maximize flexibility
Know the Score
- Save rack space with high density, compact one and two rack unit frames
- Leverage the latest advances in IT technologies such as FPGA’s for exceptional performance and function consolidation
- Enjoy easy deployment and maintenance with an integrated control system that provides configuration, soft panels, discovery, and interoperability
Ultrix is a state of the art platform that uses a variety of great technologies to provide users with a flexible, fast, and intuitive router that improves workflows, save costs, and provides the satisfaction that comes with a reliable system designed with the future in mind.
Request more information on ULTRIX
MEDIATECH AFRICA 2017
ARET exhibited at Mediatech Africa 2017 in Johannesburg
ARET at Mediatech Africa 2017
Booth: F17
Date: 19th July – 21st July 2017 | Wed – Fri
Venue: Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa
Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mediatech Africa is a trade show and an excellent platform for new technologies and services for the Media and Entertainment industry. The exhibition is also the continent’s largest media and entertainment technology trade exhibition, that provides the visitors the opportunity to view, experience and engage with the very latest in broadcast technology.
Together with Broadcast Made in Italy, ARET successfully participated in this year’s edition presenting all its latest projects in the South African market. On July 20th, at the Presentation Zone 1 of the exhibition, ARET Sales Engineer Alessandro Bechstein gave a lecture on “HOW 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN OB VANS AND SYSTEMS INTEGRATION SHAPE HIGH-QUALITY TURNKEY BROADCAST SOLUTIONS” where he illustrated how decades of experience in engineering, design, and coachbuilding give birth to cutting-edge OB vans and studios suitable for every type of production.
http://www.mediatech.co.za/session/how-40-years-of-experience-in-ob-vans-and-system-integration-shape-high-quality-turnkey-broadcast-solutions/
ABOUT BROADCAST MADE IN ITALY
Broadcast Made in Italy is made up of a group of four established, passionate and Made-in-Italy broadcast manufacturers and integrators who have come together for a common vision: To showcase our range of high quality, reliable, integrative and open solutions at exhibitions worldwide. The group provides a full range of broadcast solutions including both software and hardware spanning all categories of TV and radio production for all broadcasting needs. Broadcast Made in Italy members include: AEV Broadcast S.r.l., ARET Video and Audio Engineering S.r.l., ETERE Pte ltd, TEM Telecomunicazioni Elettroniche Milano S.r.l.
http://broadcast-madeinitaly.com
ABOUT MEDIATECH AFRICA
Mediatech Africa, organized by Sun Circle Exhibitions and Reed Exhibitions, is a biennial advanced media and entertainment technology trade show held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Expo showcases new technologies and services from industry leaders in AV system integration and communications; live entertainment technology; television and broadcast; animation and film; studio and production, DJ and pro-audio equipment.
www.mediatech.co.za
Al Rayyan TV on wheels
Doha-based satellite TV channel Al Rayyan TV has deployed a state-of-the-art 18-camera OB van to cover live events in and around Qatar.
Doha-based broadcaster Al Rayyan TV recently had a state-of-the-art 18-camera OB van delivered by Italian systems integrator Aret. The 1080i/720p HD OB van features the latest Grass Valley LDX 86 Premiere cameras and LDX 86 HS high-speed cameras with twin Triax-Fibre CCUs. It also boasts two wireless cameras and two super slow-motion cameras.
The main vehicle, 14m long with double expansion sides, comes with a support truck with a 70kVA diesel generator, an audio OB van and a DSNG van. It boasts a fully integrated seamless workflow with multi-format cameras and other sound and video equipment integrated into a flexible and redundant signal path. The camera format in the van is 1080i/720p switchable, but the workflow and equipment are based on the 1080p format.
This OB van will cater to the increased programming demand of the broadcaster, which has introduced a second channel to air live events. Al Rayyan will be using the new van to cover high-profile live programmes such as Qatar National Day celebrations, camel racing events and hunting and equestrian sporting events in and around Doha.
Mubarak Alawammi, General Manager of Al Rayyan TV, says that the channel’s remit is to deliver high-quality cultural and sporting programmes using the latest technologies.
“Launched in May 2012, Al Rayyan Satellite Television is a subsidiary of Al Rayyan Media and Marketing Company. We aim to deliver a variety of content and media relating to the identity and culture of Qatar. We will continue to invest in new technology in order to fulfill the channel’s aim of delivering high-quality content that is up to date with current technology.”
The broadcaster awarded the multi-million dollar contract to Italian OB specialist Aret at the beginning of 2015, following a tendering process. The OB van was ready to be shipped at the end of 2015.
“With 40 years of experience in OB vans and more than 450 OB vans delivered throughout the world, Aret seemed like a good choice for us, as it offered us a complete solution right from coach building to systems integration and training. Many of their vans have been deployed in the Middle East, which gave us the assurance that the company will be able to meet our specifications,” comments Alawammi.
Aret handled the complete end-to-end service for the van, starting with consultancy, structural design, electrical engineering and air conditioning, and systems design, right through to coach building, systems integration, commissioning, training and after-sales support. The end user, therefore, has a single point of contact for any requirements.
Umberto Asti, VP International Sales at Aret, comments that Aret’s end-to-end approach and the company’s extensive Middle East experience helped the broadcaster zero in on Aret. “Our end-to-end approach is a great time-saver. In Aret, we keep the original drawings and the hardware inventory of every single component installed in the OB vans, along with the basic configuration inventory of equipment. While designing our vans, redundancy and emergency mode are top priorities. Because we also design the van’s mechanics, hydraulics as well as air conditioning, we can assist the customer in case of a fault or failure, offering a one-stop shop for any after-sales requirements.’’
The trailer tractor, the grip truck and the small vans are all from Mercedes and comply with destination country specifications. The trailer chassis is designed to offer robustness and flexibility; its expandable sides and large side openings give full access to the rear of the racks and cable ducts.
The coach is made of fiberglass, aluminum, and stainless steel, in order to give flexibility and keep it lightweight and to avoid corrosion.
All hydraulic parts (expansion sides, jacks, and movable floors) can be operated automatically and manually.
The van takes into account the high temperature during the summer months and comes with a patented frame bar structure with foam. These are embedded in the walls of the van to allow working in temperatures as high as 90°C. The foam walls take care of thermal insulation as well as acoustics.
Special care was given to soundproofing all the production areas, especially the sound room, which has been covered with different layers of special soundproofing material inserted in the walls, in the floor and in the ceiling and then covered with a layer of sound-absorbent fabric.
To further improve thermal insulation, additional layers have been placed under the floor, while special gaskets and controlled positive air pressure throughout the OB van minimise sand pollution. The air conditioning in the van is capable of 200,000BTU/h and uses the Aret semi-customised technique, combining the optimum performance of a custom design with the easy maintenance of industrial components.
The layout of the OB van provides a spacious production room, a sound room, a camera control and Slomo /VTRs control room and a completely separate equipment room. The van is also equipped with 16 custom motorised XY 500-metre triax/fibre cable drum system. Wireless links from Cobham, 500mW, H.264, are integrated with the LDX cameras and give up to eight-way true diversity, complete with camera control and with telemetry receiver.
The cameras are equipped with Canon lenses, including long lenses such as 100x and 86x, and GVG super expanders and fibre conversion boxes. The van boasts two networked Grass Valley K2 Dynos servers, one of them with extreme replay 6x capability for the slow-motion section. The vision mixer in the van is the Grass Valley Karrera K-Frame 3ME.
A Calrec Artemis Beam with 48 faders is capable of 340 DSPs. The fully redundant audio mixer provides 464 mono equivalent input patches and 432 mono equivalent outputs. The audio system features a Dolby E encoding/decoding and surround system in production and sound areas with Dynaudio AIR6 loudspeakers.
Grass Valley has also provided the video matrix (180×216), and everything in the van is managed by AXON Cerebrum supervision and management system with dedicated panels.
This system is fully redundant and controls router crosspoints, video mixer tallies, IMD and UMD labelling, SNMP traps, and configurations of complex workflows and control devices, via an intuitive, user-friendly graphical interface.
The van also features a Riedel Artist digital wireless intercom system, a Riface Motorola radio system and a Mediornet interface to support the transit of signals to and from the OB van.
“We provided the commissioning and training for the OB last month, and now the van is ready to use,” says Asti.
Kuwait Broadcast Services Upgrades Radio Studios With Calrec Audio Consoles
Kuwait Broadcast Services Upgrades Radio Studios With Calrec Audio Consoles
State-run Kuwait Broadcast Services (KBS) has installed two Calrec digital audio consoles in its Kuwait City facility as part of an effort to refurbish its radio studios and update its technology. Studio 8, which is dedicated to sports programming, and studio 11, which broadcasts classical music programming, each got a new Calrec Omega console. Italian integrator ARET Video and Audio Engineering and Kuwait Cable Vision were chosen to provide the consoles, workflow customization, training, and support after a government-issued public tender process.
“We recommended Calrec to replace KBS’ incumbent products because Calrec represents state-of-the-art audio technology. The DSP, the reliability, the flexibility, and the built-in redundancy meant that the Omega consoles could not only meet but far exceed KBS’ performance criteria put forth in the public tender — and at a competitive price,” said Umberto Asti, vice president of sales and marketing at ARET Video and Audio Engineering. “All Calrec consoles are designed to be similarly straightforward and intuitive, so you can do everything in a snap without having to navigate multiple menus like you would with other consoles. I’ve received nothing but positive feedback from the KBS operators since they started using the new consoles.”
Each of KBS’ Omega consoles contains 24 faders in a 40-fader frame to allow for future expansion. The consoles can process up to 160 channels each thanks to Calrec’s Bluefin high-density digital signal processing technology.
The Omega consoles satisfied KBS’ requirement for a flexible, turnkey audio solution that could be customized to fit its specific workflow, with dedicated aftermarket support and training. The console’s reliability and flexibility of workflow have proved to be two of the most important features given KBS’ live-production environment.
“KBS is a flagship customer for us in Kuwait that is taking advantage of our consoles’ reliability, performance, and ease of use to advance itself in a budding broadcast market,” said Anthony Harrison, Middle East sales manager, Calrec. “ARET, which shares our philosophy of strong customer support, was instrumental in making this sale happen and continues to be an important partner for us in the region.”
