Grass Valley Changes the Landscape of Live Production with Direct IP Camera SolutionMore broadcasters have IP networks with large bandwidth in use, and Grass Valley, a Belden Brand, is making it easier to produce live programming efficiently with Grass Valley cameras across those networks. The LDX Series is the only family of cameras with a direct IP interface on the camera itself, enabling live IP productions for the first time. The direct IP interface is available for the XF-Transmission on the LDX Series and LDX 86 Series cameras through an eLicense software upgrade. With the IP interface on the camera, broadcasters are able to connect LDX Series cameras directly to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) switches on an IP network, transporting the full camera protocol through an IP network to the XCU base stations connected to another COTS switch on the same IP network. The system enables control of all the cameras through a centralized control room. By facilitating complete transmission protocol between the cameras and XCUs over IP networks, broadcasters can capture events anywhere with no OB van required, reducing staff costs and opening up the possibility of managing multiple production locations all from one central studio. "We are seeing increasing interest in direct IP broadcasting, and the adoption of fast, reliable IP networks is making that much more practical," said Mike Cronk, senior vice president of strategic marketing, Grass Valley. "Our approach of offering a direct IP interface is ideal for the most demanding remote camera applications, including large studio complexes or universities with multiple sports facilities. And a big advantage is that with IP, there is no latency to cause problems." By connecting LDX Series cameras through the XCU Universe XF or XCU HD/4K XF IP base station to a 10 GigE IP network, cameras can be mixed and matched to any XCU, which creates maximum flexibility between cameras, XCUs and a complete production team. NEP The Netherlands is the first customer to take advantage of this capability. The group launched its revolutionary comprehensive IP-based video production platform Cloud Production in October 2015, and already has produced hundreds of live multi-camera programs. With the centralized approach of Cloud Production, only the essential equipment such as cameras, microphones, and crew members are needed on location. The rest is in its centralized data center. "Users of the LDX series are leveraging the robust IP network infrastructure as well as affordable COTS switches. Only cameras are needed, so it's easy for a broadcaster to begin direct IP production on a small scale," added Cronk. LDX Series cameras with the direct IP interface were on display at NAB in Grass Valley's booth last month. ![](/std_images/blank.gif)
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