36 TVBEurope
The Workflow Guest Opinion
A new approach to sharing resources
MUCH OF today’s broadcast technology relies on standard computers, running a whole host of different applications. A typical operating area could easily need access to several computers at different times, and equally a typical process might need to be accessed by several different people. The first issue this raises is
simply one of clutter. If an operational area needs several computers this raises practical issues. Second is heat and noise: the sound of massed processor fans switching on and off is not conducive to calm concentration, so putting the hardware in a temperature controlled machine room, behind a shut door not only offers a non distracted working environment, but also delivers greater hardware operating life. If each computer has to have
its own keyboard, mouse and monitor then the desktop will get very crowded. In extreme cases you run the risk of staff losing time in an emergency by grabbing the wrong keyboard. The ideal would be one monitor, keyboard and mouse on the desk, with an elegant way of switching between computers, which is fast, seamless and reliable. KVM units – which extend
the keyboard, video and mouse – have been around for a while. But while the traditional KVM will do the basic task of allowing you to keep the noisy processor in a machine room, they have a number of limitations. They are one to one,
How best to move content from one device to another? Nigel Dickens, technical director, Adder Technology, explains
sets up the transmitter and receiver modules. The administrator can
control the network from any workstation, or while moving around the facility using an iPad or even smartphone over Wi-Fi. Set-up is through a web browser, and an open API is available allowing automation systems to access and control AIM switching. As well as broadcast automation the API can be implemented by show control systems such as Crestron and AMX. When a user logs in at a
Channel presets enable a user to setup multiple workstations in a single area using a single click, useful in studio gallery scenarios
While the traditional KVM will do the basic task of allowing you to keep the noisy processor in a machine room, they have a number of limitations
so do nothing for desktop clutter, and altering the setup is no small task to complete. That is why we took a
different approach. The typical business or broadcast centre today is fully wired for Ethernet, usually with high performance switches from companies like Cisco and HP. It made sense to use this existing fabric which reaches every part of the operation, and which is designed to provide
connectivity from anywhere to anywhere. Furthermore, research and development budgets for these switches, assuring continuous reliable operation, are measured in the billions of dollars, a level of investment a propriety system is unlikely to see. The AdderLink Infinity
provides KVM functionality, making use of IP over fast Ethernet, thus escaping the limitations of more simplistic
point-to-point cable extension solutions. It carries DVI digital video (compatible with HDMI and DisplayPort standards) along with keyboard, mouse and peripheral data.
Flexible configuration In all but the simplest of one to one systems there is a need for configuration management. The AIM management software (running on the AIM server) sits on the network and automatically
workstation, a list of rights managed processors or ‘channels’ available to him or her appears in an EPG style pop-up menu on screen, allowing the right task to be selected while protecting sensitive applications from unauthorised users. While it is unlikely to be used often in the broadcast environment, the system administrator has the power to broadcast the same content to all screens. This could be used as part of an automated emergency alert. The innovative channel concept delivers a combination of video, audio, USB and serial data, but it need not all come from a single computer. A user in a master control room could use this to look at what is going on in another area – an edit suite, perhaps – while still listening to programme audio or talkback, for example. Another unique feature of this technology is channel presets, which enable a user to
www.tvbeurope.com July 2012
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