A/V Headend System offers full functionality in compact design.
Press Release Summary:
While designed with minimal hardware components, R&S AVHE100 integrates all essential headend functions and uses technologies, such as R&S CrossFlowIP, that improve fail safety. Core components include R&S AVS100 A/V server and R&S AVG100 A/V gateway. In 2U, components can be set up for DVB-T2 headend that include multiple decoders and encoders for HD and SD programs, multiplexers, DVB T2 gateway, and workflow-oriented headend management system.
Original Press Release:
The New Headend System from Rohde & Schwarz Offers Industry-leading Functionality in a Compact Design
With the introduction of the R&S AVHE100, Rohde & Schwarz is entering the audio/video (A/V) headend market. This solution differs from conventional solutions in its revolutionary architecture and its use of innovative technologies, such as R&S CrossFlowIP, that greatly improve failsafety. All essential headend functions are integrated in just a few hardware components. The company's initial focus for the R&S AVHE100 is on the DVB-T2 and DVB-T standards.
Munich - Unlike conventional headends, the R&S AVHE100 has just a few hardware components, making it one of the most compact systems on the market. Its core components are the R&S AVS100 audio/video server, which is built with the highest quality IT hardware, and the R&S AVG100 audio/video gateway. In just two height units, the two components can, for example, be set up for a DVB-T2 headend that includes multiple decoders and encoders for HD and SD programs, multiplexers, a DVB T2 gateway, and a workflow-oriented headend management system.
All audio and video signal processing functions have been implemented entirely with software-based modules in the R&S AVS100 server. Signal distribution and communi-cations inside the headend are fully IP-based. This simplifies installation and allows for flexible, customizable configuration and easy system upgrades. The R&S AVHE100 is also easy to integrate into playout structures and is well-suited for direct IP connections to and from the headend. The audio/video gateway converts legacy signals such as SDI and ASI to IP right at the system boundaries.
The headend can encode video streams in both H.264 and MPEG 2 format. There is also an option to consolidate the streams into a statistical multiplex. This efficient utilization of data rates makes it possible to transmit more programs and achieve higher picture quality. In the DVB multiplexer, the relevant program information is added.
The integrated headend management system allows users to configure, control and monitor the individual system components. A straightforward, workflow-oriented graphical user interface - also available in touchscreen format - simplifies system operation. The SFN adapter for DVB-T and T2 gateway for DVB-T2 software options make it possible to operate transmitter networks as single-frequency networks (SFN). The options provide the required signaling and generate the appropriate standard-compliant data streams. The R&S AVHE100 can be optionally upgraded from DVB-T to DVB-T2 or another successor standard with a simple software license, making it a future-ready investment.
A unique redundancy concept provides an especially high degree of failsafety. The proprietary R&S CrossFlowIP feature ensures uninterrupted signal switching during redundancy operation. Using additional IP switches, the crossbars normally used are no longer necessary. R&S CrossFlowIP makes it possible to route the signal via the main path and redundancy path of the headend as required for the specific operating situation. This allows seamless signal-switching during maintenance and in the event of faults. Core R&S AVS100 server and IP switch hardware components such as hard disks and power supplies are duplicated to ensure high availability.
An optional video wall for the R&S AVHE100 enables quality control on all critical interfaces of the signal path. The video wall indicates the quality of the programs supplied and of the output transport stream, showing measured results graphically and numerically.
The R&S AVHE100 is cost-effective to maintain. The small number of integrated hardware components reduces susceptibility to faults, making service and stocking of spare parts easier. The headend functionalities can be expanded by adding software options to the A/V-server or hardware modules to the A/V-gateway.
The new R&S AVHE100 audio/video headend with integrated R&S AVS100 A/V-server and R&S AVG100 A/V-gateway is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.
Press contacts:
Europe (headquarters): Patrizia Muehlbauer, Phone: +49 89 4129 13818, E-mail: press@rohde-schwarz.com
North America: Chris Petrole, Phone: +1 410 910 7836, E-mail: chris.petrole@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
Asia Pacific: Wen Shi Tong, Phone: +65 6 307 0029, E-mail: WenShi.Tong@rohde-schwarz.com
Contacts for readers:
Customer Support Europe, Africa, Middle East: Phone: +49 89 4129 12345, E-mail: customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com
Customer Support North America: Phone: +1 888 837 8772, E-mail: customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
Customer Support Latin America: Phone: +1 410 910 7988, E-mail: customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com
Customer Support Asia: Phone: +65 65130 488, E-mail: customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com
Customer Support China: Phone: +86 800 810 8228 or +86 400 650 5896, E-mail: customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group of companies specializing in electronics. It is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcasting, radiomonitoring and radiolocation, as well as secure communications. Established more than 75 years ago, Rohde & Schwarz has a global presence and a dedicated service network in over 70 countries. It has approx. 8400 employees and achieved a net revenue of Euros 1.6 billion (US$ 2.2 billion) in fiscal year 2010/2011 (July 2010 to June 2011). Company headquarters are in Munich, Germany.
