Pixel Power StreamMaster implements NewTek NDI thanks to future-proof software defined architecture

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Pixel Power, the global automation, branding and graphics innovator, has added the NewTek's NDI technology to its StreamMaster integrated playout platform. NDI is a royalty-free standard that can be readily implemented across an IP infrastructure and is supported by a broad mix of vendors, ensuring broadcasters and media companies can build a complete infrastructure around it.

The primary application of NDI in StreamMaster is as a means of generating and monitoring low latency proxies. These allow operators to view multiple output buses from convenient locations, either within the Pixel Power Gallium Automation user interface or via a third-party multiviewer that supports NDI. StreamMaster otherwise uses low bitrate H.264 streams for proxies, which have higher latency and require more processing to encode and decode.

StreamMaster can also use NDI as a delivery format, as part of a wider NDI architecture and can be integrated within production environments for graphics & clip playback.

The addition of NDI support to the StreamMaster platform was completed in less than two weeks, said James Gilbert, CEO of Pixel Power. This demonstrates the major benefit of a future-proof software defined architecture by being able to deploy new standards or features into existing deployments quickly and easily.

Our users want to move to the most efficient architecture and operation that meets their commercial requirements, Gilbert added. They see that IP connectivity and virtualized applications are key steps on that path, with the StreamMaster platform a natural fit. NDI is a pragmatic connectivity choice, delivering key operational benefits like low latency monitoring.

For a live channel, in particular, it is very reassuring to be able to command an action - like go to a commercial break in a sports event - and see that it has happened without having to wait seconds for an H.264 encode and decode to complete. NDI is frame accurate and gives us a latency of less than a frame, Gilbert concluded.

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About NDI

NDI is in use on millions of devices and allows multiple video systems to identify and communicate with one another over IP. NDI can encode, transmit and receive many streams of high quality, low latency, frame-accurate video and audio in real time. This benefits any network-connected video device, including video mixers, graphics systems, capture cards, and many other production devices. This makes it possible to exponentially increase the number of sources available for live production switching, without directly attaching to devices, changing locations, or investing in expensive, high-bandwidth networks that simply replace SDI-based workflows. NDI is a registered trademark of NewTek. #NDIcentral

About Pixel Power

Pixel Power provides innovative graphics production and integrated playout delivery systems for broadcasters, outside broadcast truck companies, playout facilities, post production houses, venues and sports complexes. Our award-winning branding and promotions systems, graphics-enabled master control switchers and sophisticated switchable graphics production systems allow producers to deliver dynamic live and pre-recorded content for any SD, HD, 4k, mobile, online or interactive application. Pixel Power has 30 years' experience of engineering prowess and dedication to customer support that has made it the industry's first choice in graphics, branding and playout. With more than 2500 installations worldwide, customers including market-leading broadcasters such as Al Jazeera, BBC, CBC, Disney, Discovery, Ericsson, ESPN, Sky, ViaSat and WDR. With corporate headquarters in Cambridge UK, and with regional offices in Grass Valley, California and Dubai, UAE, Pixel Power has a global organisation and is supported by a well-trained and focussed distributor network. Pixel Power can be contacted online at www.pixelpower.com.

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