IDX Enter Post Production With New Multi-Format Play Out Server

IDX has announced the introduction of a new multi-format playout server being unveiled at the 2009 InterBEE show.
The MFP-100, known as PlayMagic, marks IDX's formal entry into the post production market.
Setting the MFP-100 ahead of current standalone servers offering traditional HDD storage and access is a dedicated SSD (Solid State Drive) configuration with outstanding HD/SDI quality, speed and reliability.
SDD technology offers many advantages with multiple GB per second throughput, much faster access times than HDD, no moving parts, low power consumption, simultaneous record/playback and a highly stable output of digitally stored video/audio - even if problems occur from external content servers.
With a slim 1RU chassis design, the MFP-100 Play Out Server ingests and delivers HD-SDI/SD-SDI using a multi-layer chip equipped with a robust and long-life access engine to optimise faster I/O results than a single layer chip. PlayMagic also uses an automatic cache control protocol to ensure confident data security.
Key characteristics of the PlayMagic model include;

• Supports MXF OP-1a (SMPTE 337M, 378M compatible) MPEG-2, QuickTime file format and DVCPRO HD (optional configuration required).
• Internal memory using multi-layer, dedicated SSD with standard storage starting at 128GB (record two hours at 100Mbps) with optional RAID 1 mirroring protection.
• HD-SDI/SD-SDI video input (1 ch) and output (2 ch). Audio includes AES, analog, balanced/unbalanced (16 ch).
• Provides multiple pass capability using two network channels (1 Gbps) for media file broadcasting (two monitoring channels and two control channels for a total of four channels). This also includes networked broadcasting during play out and file importing from removable media.
• Creates simple playlists in the main unit. Select choice of operation locally or from external control.
• Supports external control via two (2) RS-422 serial ports, reference input loop-through, external time code input, GPI port, dual USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, IEEE1394b output (800MBps max) and four (4) Ethernet connections (1 GBps x 2; 100MBps x 2). Controller software is included.
• 1RU chassis includes dual, hot-swappable power supplies.
• Maximum selection of one or two play-out channels (On-Air/Next x 2) and additional encoding functions are configured as options.

With its superior SSD throughput, HD signal processing and flexible control connectivity housed in 1RU, the MFP-100 exceeds HDD in stability, reliability and access speed. PlayMagic is suited for a number of production and broadcast workflows as a fast access cache server and in contents/archiving for many applications such as non-linear editing, mobile live production, news/sports ops and high-end displays.
IDX is showcasing PlayMagic for the first time during November at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (InterBEE) at the Makuhari Messe Convention Centre in Japan (IDX stand: 6404). The MFP-100 will start shipping from IDX Technology Europe throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa from January 2010.
Further information is available at: www.idx.tv.
(KMcA)