52 Q&A
STRONGERTOGETHER
#IBC2021
Fresh from introducing new SDM interfaces/cards, Apantac’s priorities for the next 12 months include its KVM over IP matrices and extenders solution
What are the biggest challenges facing the media and entertainment industry?
One of the most recent challenges that the media and entertainment industry must face is the turmoil caused by the Covid pandemic and its consequences. This includes global supply chain issues resulting in lead time uncertainty and price volatility for components – and hence equipment hardware. More than ever, key words for media companies are agility, adaptability and resilience.
How is your company helping its customer to address the challenges faced by the media and entertainment industry?
As a video hardware supplier company, Apantac is active in two areas: we provide cost-effective equipment that does not sacrifi ce on performance just for the sake of price; and high-end solutions that address demanding feature requirements. In the fi rst category, Apantac recently
introduced a 1080p PTZ camera with SDI, HDMI and USB outputs, NDI-HX 5 and SRT protocol support, VISCA control and its companion Camera Joystick
Panel. Another example is the OG-Mi-xx multiviewer cards for the openGear platform. They are very compact and provide most of the features needed for production and master control applications, which are usually only found with higher-end multiviewers, but at a fraction of the cost. Recent customers include ERT, SABC and Czech TV. In the second category, one example is our range of UE series HDMI 2.0 4K multiviewers with or without built-in KVM capability that can be cascaded with compact 12G-SDI multiviewers for hybrid HDMI 2.0 and SDI environments. They are mainly used for high-end control solutions or medical applications.
What are the main areas of focus for your company?
One key focus for Apantac has been the introduction of a new range of SDM interfaces/cards. The SDM – Smart Display Module – standard was developed by Intel and adds a slot to a display, which is mainly designed for inserting computer cards into SDM- capable displays. However, this slot can be used for other purposes. [We have developed a range] of SDM interface cards that accept either 12G-SDI or NDI,
SDVoE, HDMI 2.0 over HDBaseT signals, acting as a UHD format specifi c signal to HDMI converter, yet getting its power and control directly from the monitor. This converter does not require extra room, power distribution or HDMI cable. The SDM standard is future-proofed with its 4K and 8K resolution support.
What are your priorities for the next 12 months?
One priority is our KVM-over-IP matrices and extenders solution, which is extremely well-tailored to production applications. Recent successes include KVM matrices for the latest Ü10 UHD OB van from Studio Berlin, developed with systems integrator (SI) Broadcast Solutions in Germany, as well as several studios for SVT in Sweden, where the SI was Creative Technology (the local NEP technical arm). These market wins reinforce the fact that our KVM- over-IP solution fi ts the needs of these applications very well.
What sets your company apart as a technology leader?
At Apantac, we strive to put customer needs fi rst. One example is our scaler card for the openGear platform, which
Michel Rudelle, EMEA regional manager, Apantac
we originally developed for Facebook- specifi c ‘conference centre’ needs. These cards proved to do the job well – so well that other well-known companies such as Google, Amazon, Instagram and TikTok are now using them for similar applications.
www.apantac.com
CINEWARE PLUG-IN GAINS UNREAL PERFORMANCE Maxon Computer
CREATE & PRODUCE BY DAVID FOX
Maxon’s new Cineware for Unreal plug-in features substantial workfl ow improvements like dynamic import of Cinema 4D content without pre-caching, and the ability to modify C4D content and attributes directly within the Unreal Editor. It’s now said to be easier and
more reliable to import C4D fi les, whether 3D models or animations, directly into Unreal. An updated Datasmith import uses the C4D installation already on the computer to dynamically import a complete C4D scene without the need to generate any caches. This keeps fi les small and enables new interactive workfl ows with Unreal. The Cineware for Unreal plug-in
All court game: Maxon’s new Cineware for Unreal plug-in is a net gain
allows users to adjust specifi c attributes within a Cinema 4D fi le directly within Unreal Engine. Adjust text and other scene settings within a panel or using the Blueprint editor, and a simple click will reimport the Cinema 4D fi le with any changes applied.
Support for the C4D fi le
format is more extensive than just Cinema 4D; the plug-in can also be used to import fi les from other applications. Datasmith can import fi les from Allplan, ArchiCAD and Vectorworks, useful as a starting point for architectural
walkthroughs and visualisations using Unreal Engine.
Maxon has also updated its Magic Bullet tools for colour correction, fi nishing and fi lm looks to support Unreal Engine 4, enabling users to employ Magic Bullet Looks’ powerful
toolset as a post-process volume or viewport effect. The update also incorporates AVX support for Cosmo, Mojo, Film and Renoiser, providing four new tools, offering more creative choices and fl exibility to Avid editors and colourists.
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