Grass Valley adds IP option to playout offering

Version 2.8 features two major developments: compressed IP input/output and full Softel subtitling functionality.

iTX 2.8 aims to aid broadcasters in migrating to video-over-IP, either directly or in an incremental manner using a hybrid IP/SDI system so the transition to IP can be performed without having to change playout hardware.

The IP I/O is based on H.264/MPEG 2 compressed IP inputs and outputs, and is implemented on Appliance 2 servers without any additional hardware changes. The compressed IP I/O is available in addition to the existing SDI I/O, with channels played out via IP outputs or played out by SDI.

The IP inputs enable direct feeding of iTX via IRDs and content delivery devices, and the compressed IP outputs enable modern multiplexers or OTT services to be fed without a downstream encoder. The system includes also content ingest and media management tools.

iTX also features a Softel Inside subtitling/captioning system, supporting OP43/47/WST/EIA-608/CEA708 and DVB via IP and offering up to 20 languages per channel. Subtitles and captions can be previewed at the desktop.

“With iTX, facilities can continue to operate with SDI playout, and upgrade to video-over-IP playout when they choose, without requiring a hardware change,” said Grass Valley senior vice president Mike Cronk (pictured).

“Alternatively, they can transition directly to a pure IP channel if that’s what they need.”