Axon Launches TIDE Platform

Axon Digital Design has launched TIDE, a new high-performance multi-codec, multi-format, modular processing platform for the contribution and distribution of live video. The platform will be unveiled at IBC 2015.

Developed for network service providers, news organisations, programme distributors and bouquet providers, the new TIDE series provides high-quality contribution and live streaming using whatever medium is available. Offering an extensive modular range, it can process live broadcast quality signals, perform HD and SD video encoding and decoding (MPEG2 and H264), Conditional Access or BISS scrambling and descrambling and transport stream (re)multiplexing for a wide range of applications; from contribution to channel back-up – over satellite, microwave, 3G/4G/5G mobile networks, managed IP networks and the open internet.

The TIDE platform features the Reliable Real-time Transport Protocol (R2TP), which manages and improves the bandwidth usage ratio to deliver reliable streaming over the open internet and public networks. This enables organisations to manage the streaming of live events, ad-hoc connections and back-up distribution.

With 15 modules, TIDE provides the functionality required to set up a connection in any situation. It comprises satellite and terrestrial reception modules, high performance multi-channel encoder and decoder modules and a set of MPEG Transport Stream I/O modules via IP and ASI. A descrambling unit with space for four Common Interface Conditional Access descrambling units completes the range.

TIDE also offers ultra-low latency encoding, faster than real time file-transfer and modular high density – all within a 1RU 19" frame with six slots. Based on a compact PCI architecture with power redundancy and hot swap functions, the modules can be replaced without switching off power or affecting other modules, an important feature to the system's setup, expansion, and maintenance.

At IBC2015, Axon will also preview the new TIDE LiveCastPro (LCP), a mobile video uplink system that can be mounted on the back of any ENG camera. The system also makes use of TIDE's R2TP protocol to deliver high quality pictures. It utilises all available IP networks, bonding them together to create a high quality link for video and audio transmission, making it suitable for digital newsgathering, multicasting and live-cast streaming. LiveCastPro also features a high quality recording function and using the R2TP protocol provides a reliable transfer of high-quality video files back to base using any IP network that is available.

All TIDE elements feature a built-in web-based control user interface, but when configured for large deployments, the modules can also be monitored and controlled by Axon's Cerebrum software platform.

"TIDE provides a high-performance cost-effective platform for streaming from live events, for news contribution, studio interconnection, and the backup of satellite broadcast," said Jan Eveleen, Axon's CEO. "This launch, together with the roll-out of our SMART DVB transport stream monitoring solution earlier this year, reflects our strategy to deliver effective solutions that address the needs of today's broadcasters and content providers as they evolve and adapt to IP environments."

www.axon.tv

(JP)