SAM: Snell Advanced Media

Real-time signal routing shown at NAB2014 based on best-of-breed collaboration

NAB 2014, Booth N1820 —April 6, 2014 — Snell and Cisco today announced plans to enable real-time IP-based signal routing. Integration between Snell’s broadcast infrastructure and imaging expertise and Cisco’s world-leading IP and MPLS networking will be demoed at NAB 2014. The resulting combination of technology could enable broadcasters to exploit the benefits of IP routing without costly investments in proprietary infrastructure.

By deploying world-class, off-the-shelf, enterprise and carrier-grade IP routers, along with broadcast specific solutions from Snell, broadcasters could not only lower their initial investments, but continue benefitting from economies of scale. Unlike traditional broadcast-specific routing technology, IP-based routing costs scale with bandwidth – not with the number of signals supported. IP routing supports multiple signals per port, making the whole system more adaptable and efficient.

“Our relationship with Snell offers the potential for a unique opportunity for us to lead development of IP-based broadcast production,” said Charles Stucki, Vice President and General Manager, Service Provider Video Technology Group at Cisco. “By combining our advanced technologies and expertise with a deep understanding of the changing media landscape, we’re both well positioned and determined to transform the way broadcasters operate.”

IP real-time signal routing allows broadcasters to benefit from a distributed routing infrastructure that’s flexible and nimble. Unlike with traditional routing infrastructure, it’s possible to re-configure a system on the fly to meet changing production requirements.

In addition to integrating with existing file-based infrastructure and workflows, IP routing bridges the gap between current production workflows and cloud-based broadcast infrastructure. The use of familiar Snell router control surfaces and systems, between traditional SDI and IP routers provides near seamless integration from an operator perspective.

“IT-based technologies have been driving broadcast efficiencies for some time now, and we’ve already seen the move to IT-based systems forchannel playout automation and master control, file-based storage and processing, and media asset storage/retrieval and management,” explained Robert Rowe, managing director, LiveTV at Snell. “Generic IT equipment is also increasingly able to handle more and more real-time video processing. Real-time IP signal routing is a natural progression from existing SDI infrastructure to interface seamlessly with generic IT equipment and broadcast data centers.”