Author: Gary Whitten

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Plura Master Clock Solutions Brings Broadcast and Production Workflow into lockstep

New GNS 10 MHz module receives precise time signals from global satellite systems, eliminates signal drift for on-air & production operations

Plura, a global manufacturer of high-performance digital broadcast and video production solutions, will introduce a multi-GNSS receiver and master clock at the 2015 NAB Show (April 13-16, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth N2718) to serve a variety of time and frequency synchronization tasks for broadcast and production applications. The highly accurate Plura GNS 10 MHz module is a new innovation from the company’s Alpermann-Velte range of networked reference products, and is intended for precise time-keeping in studio facilities, as well as mobile news and production vehicles.

The GNS 10 MHz module includes a built-in receiver to accept time-locked signals with submicrosecond resolution from all existing worldwide satellite systems, including GPS (USA), Galileo (Europe), GLONASS (Russia), QZSS (Japan) and Compass (China). In addition to global functionality, its rock-solid stability and versatility ideally suits the GNS 10 MHz Module for synchronization tasks such as:

• Time and frequency reference in broadcast facilities (slaving video sync to time code generators, for example)

• Master signal generation for test and measurement applications

• Synchronization across computers for production and playout tasks

• Antenna synchronization between studios and mobile units (newsgathering, outside broadcast)

“Any drift in the signal beyond nanoseconds will resonate across the production workflow, adversely affecting everything from editing to playout automation”, said Ray Kalo, president, Plura Broadcast. “The GNS 10 Module brings exceptional stability through a highly robust oscillator, ensuring broadcasters and consumers are not inconvenienced by lip sync and other on-air performance issues. Leveraging Alpermann-Velte’s years of expertise in timecode solutions, broadcasters are assured a rock-solid reference signal for accuracy and synchronization.”

Plura will offer the GNS 10 MHz module as an option for its Alpermann-Velte Rubidum Series, a range of compact, modular 1RU and 3RU housings for the integration of all-in-one master time code systems. A typical Rubidum chassis can incorporate the GNS 10 MHz Module and Ethernet connectivity alongside distribution amplifiers, time code inserters and readers, blackburst generators and switches, and a wide variety of analog, HD and 3G video signal converters. The Rubidum architecture ensures scalability for multichannel systems requiring additional housings.

Options include a second antenna input and receiver to improve the availability of GNSS signals, with the redundant systems in constant communication to determine which offers the best line of sight to satellite systems—and which receiver has the best reception quality. This redundant architecture is especially ideal for mobile news and production vehicles working out in the field. Plura Broadcast will unveil the new GNS 10 Mhz module at the 2015 NAB Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, taking place April 13-16. The company will exhibit at Booth N2718.

 

ABOUT Plura 

Plura is the parent company of Plura Broadcast Inc., based in the U.S., and Plura Europe GmbH based in Germany. Collectively, Plura is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance multi-function HD and SD LCD video monitors (up to 70″) and equipment engineered specially for digital broadcast and professional video production. Plura products offer an incomparable feature set, superior picture quality and extraordinary value and reliability, and is known for truly affordable high-end features built upon core technology.  The company’s solutions include studio and portable video monitors, test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, digital signage systems and the Alpermann+Velte brand of timecode products, production timers and studio clock systems.

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Plura Enters 4K Production Space at 2015 NAB Show

New 4K monitor series amplifies quality for sports & other advanced production applications – with native resolution displays up to 84″

Plura Broadcast, a global manufacturer of high-performance digital broadcast and video production solutions, will introduce a complete portfolio of 4K monitors at the 2015 NAB Show in alignment with increased industry demand. Available in widths scaling to 84 inches, the Plura 4K Series brings together the exceptional built-in feature set Plura monitors are known for, while doubling down on quality, detail and performance to give production facilities an edge in Ultra HD monitoring.

The Plura 4K Series, which supports resolutions up to 3840×2160, focuses on delivering the highly detailed, accurate color representation and stunning picture consistency that high-end production applications require. The series also adopts the exceptionally slim form factor that Plura customers enjoy, ensuring that even the largest 4K monitors in the portfolio demand a modest slice of real estate. Ray Kalo, president, Plura Broadcast notes that while 4K adoption is gradually escalating, the Plura 4K Series will provide flexible options for customers that still need to switch between Ultra HD, HD-SDI and SD resolutions. This flexibility also allows customers planning for a 4K future to invest today, without breaking the bank.

“We believe that 2015 is the year that 4K spreads beyond mostly film production and into more broadcast-centric production workflows, particularly sports,” said Ray Kalo, president, Plura Broadcast. “Our 4K Series will suit any studio or mobile production workflow, and will be especially valuable to our customers in sports that lack affordable options for larger 4K monitors. However, our customers can rest assured that buying a 4K monitor today will give them the flexibility to work across multiple formats.”

The Plura 4K Series will also feature the traditional software-redefined feature set built into most Plura monitors, including intelligent connections for calibration alignment, adjustable colormetry, gamma correction and audio monitoring – all accessible from an intuitive menu offering smooth navigation. Using Plura’s unique ICAC tool, production staff can quickly and automatically calibrate multiple color-related elements across the entire monitor network over IP, including the 4K Series. This ensures that the 4K Series is quickly recalibrated to its reference standard, returning optimal brightness and color consistency for demanding 4K workflows. Plura Broadcast will unveil the Plura 4K Monitor Series at the 2015 NAB Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, taking place April 13-16. The company will exhibit at Booth N2718.

ABOUT Plura 

Plura is the parent company of Plura Broadcast Inc., based in the U.S., and Plura Europe GmbH based in Germany. Collectively, Plura is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance multi-function HD and SD LCD video monitors (up to 70″) and equipment engineered specially for digital broadcast and professional video production. Plura products offer an incomparable feature set, superior picture quality and extraordinary value and reliability, and is known for truly affordable high-end features built upon core technology.  The company’s solutions include studio and portable video monitors, test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, digital signage systems and the Alpermann+Velte brand of timecode products, production timers and studio clock systems.

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Broadcast and Production Monitoring Simplified – But Not ‘Simple’ – Live-Production.tv

From Live-Production.tv

Author: Dave Guerrero, VP Technical Services, WLVT-TV

We have been led to believe that in today’s broadcast production environment, quality is determined when employing an automated measurement device analyzing and reporting problems using SNMP traps, email, SMS text and/or etc. The question is whether the information collected, and later generated by these ’Quality Analyzers’ is sufficient to ensure the quality of our content being delivered to our viewers or from a post-production facility.

I have read (and in some cases written) articles summarizing as much. I have found via more years of experience than I care to share, that automated analysis is limited to sets of rules used to determine compliance to a suite of parameters ensuring both standards compliance (quality of service) and subjective criteria (quality of experience). It is very difficult to understand that rules can be written covering every potential image issue:  For example, the wrong light temperature shining through a window on the production set.

What I find when looking for a device to ‘monitor my content’ is a variety of products each capable of a particular set of analysis criteria, albeit a few capable of displaying all required analysis criteria.  For example, many of the current generation of picture monitors include some rudimentary test and measurement displays in addition to the picture. Other monitors are very heavy on picture and audio bar graphs but offer very little in the features that actually help my operators understand the quality of the image.

I find that the only true means of evaluating overall image quality is somewhat ‘old-fashioned’, and relates to someone actually viewing the content while using this tool called ‘a monitor’ to assist in determining that the image (and signal) produced by the camera or edit system is ready for air. Remember a 3G/DH/SD/2K-SDI or fiber video signal is not just providing an image; the image is carried within the ‘signal’ along with metadata and related information.

I always use the analogy for monitoring audio: Until someone figures out how to place a TOSLink or AES port in my head, I need to hear sound from a source producing analog audio. The same is true with an image.  Until my knowledge of images, image artifacts and subjective quality is placed in a device that replaces my eyes and experience, I will need to view an analog representation of the image to determine its quality.

In the world of field production it is imperative, and goes without saying, that a monitoring product offer battery (DC) operation. Field monitors also need to be light weight, include some means to mount on a camera tripod or lighting stand and be rugged. A requirement that is usually overlooked in field monitors is their ability to truly reproduce the camera’s image quality, be it a 4K SDI camera or DSLR with HDMI.

Above all, the field monitor MUST provide the confidence to the production team that the content being captured will survive the post-production process and be acceptable to any level of distribution. A monitor that is not truly producing an image can fool even the best producer while working in the field.

The cinematographer working with the producer may also need to verify that the image’s dynamic range is not compromised. Image attributes clipped on the high or low end cannot be corrected after recording and also must be verified on location. The embedded test and measurement displays are used to monitor exposure/contrast levels.

The field monitor provides a multitude of information for the remote production team. On Screen Display of safe title, safe action, clean aperture, image center, title safe, etc., are not ‘nice to have’ – they are a must have for any professional.  Timecode burn (including userbits) and custom source ID are always useful features to look for when acquiring a field monitor.

In post-production, more attributes are verified prior to rendering the final file for distribution (post-production QC). At this point audio and video levels must be monitored for quality, including audible loudness. Metadata may have been added to the final clip, including closed captions, VChip, and second language support.

Today’s technologies across 2K, 4K, HD and other formats require fairly complex monitoring to ensure standards compliance and subjective acceptance by the distribution network. I have found a relatively new ‘standard of quality’ with monitors from Plura Broadcast, a company offering wonderful monitoring products that include every bit of quality and performance needed by field and post-production.

Every production team desires the flexibility of using the same family of monitors in the field as well as in the post to ensure image consistency. Using Plura 9” and 17” monitors in the field; and 32” in the edit suite ensures that there will be no questions from any production team on image quality.

Test& Measurement:
I‘ve seen many companies add a variety of test displays having low quality to monitors; resulting the user purchasing of features, that in the real world, are not of much use. In general today’s waveform monitor is used mainly to ensure proper exposure (no clipping), black level, and gamma. Many video attributes can be corrected in post, however getting the camera exposure correct will go a long way in reducing the amount of time spent correcting the images later.

Plura monitors have a great quality of rasterization, ensuring very usable waveforms, while also offering the ability to present SDI data in a textual format. Not many operators understand that the engineering behind the fact that image data, like the SAV, may be placed improperly, but what he is concerned with is more from a high level – that the camera connected is operating properly (or not).

Audio bar graph displays and the ability to monitor (earpiece) any of the 16 embedded audio signals are expected features in any monitor.  However, the Plura SFP model adds CALM certifiable loudness measurement, a must for post-production facility.

The first day I showed a Plura monitor to my production team, they literally would not give it back.  They had been waiting for something lightweight and battery operated, offering features of the most expensive monitors. They could now take the monitor out on single camera and/or fly-pack shoots and be assured of the image quality without waiting to return to the office and view in the edit suite.

Unsurpassed quality, simple operation, and flexibility; that’s all they’ve every asked for, and with Plura it’s finally…in the house.

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Test Bench Report on PRM-217-3G TM Broadcast Intl. TM Broadcast

Tested! Plura PRM-217-3G, In this new TM BROADCAST issue we analyze a kind of equipment that has a big presence in all our audiovisual productions. We are talking about the PRM217-3G monitor from the American manufacturer ” Plura Broadcast” represented by its subsidiary in Europe ” Plura Europe GmbH “.

Plura Broadcast, has extensive experience in the manufacture of technical systems for the broadcast industry worldwide , with excellent results. Always focused in facilitate the work of media professionals, with designs made considering the needs of the end user as described in the numerous positive reviews for their teams. We are in a situation in which the technology goes fast forward increasing multi – purpose products, with the highest possible characteristics and reasonable prices. On this monitor these premises have presence. I work with all kinds of monitors during my workday. I meet with such classic tube monitors, although evicted years ago, but we
still find them in almost all facilities, and also LCD panels, TFT, LED, etc, with different characteristics. With multi – screen generators is becoming increasingly complicated, through the screens on which are implemented, confirm that the image you are monitoring is the standard reference we want in our
productions. Hence the need for monitors capable of offering a reliable reference video, with the possibility of external calibration to adjust its parameters over the years, without having to perform on a single monitor a relatively excessive financial outlay.
WE VALUE THE POTENTIAL
We have a monitor that allows us to control quality of different signals, giving us several options for displaying data measured on the video and audio signal.

Its main features are:
– HD/SD SDI 2 Input / 2 Output.
– WAVEFORM / Vector Scope / Time code Display. – Dual waveform display available
– 16 ch Audio Lever Meter Display. (SDI only)
– Analog & Digital Signal Audio Lever Meter Display. 
– LeverMeter Size display selectable (Small or Large)
– Dual Link MODE & 1080p 60 Compatible
– Closed Caption CEA 608, 708, Line 801 & OP-47 • H Flip, H/V Delay.
– Audio Disembedder & Internal Speaker & Headphone out & Monitor out
– Color Temperature – User, VAR, 11000K, 9300K, 6500K, 5400K, 3200K
– Over Scan/Zero Scan/Under Scan/Pixel to Pixel
– PIP (Picture In Picture)/PIP Blend
– Tally LED function (Green/Red/AMBER)
– Integrated DVI (HDCP) function.
– HDMI (HDCP) function.
– Supports VESA DDC2B and a subset of VESA standards.
– Single board is suitable for mounting behind an LCD panel.
– Support RS-232C.
– Support External GPI Control (RJ-45).
– OSD: Graphic based OSD, 7 Languages (UNICODE System).
– LCD Dimming Control
– Manual Dimming Level Control.
– Rack Mount (OPTION)
– Battery Mount (OPTION)
– UMD
– Native Calibration: CA-310, CA210 (Minolta), K-10 (Klein)
– 10bits 3D LUT Color Calibration (BT.709, SMPTE-C, EBU, NTSC, D-Cinema)
– Multi Control(RS-232C)
– Lan To Serial
– Audio Loudness(LKFS)

READ FULL REPORT HERE Download

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TV Technology User Report: SportsNet NY Upgrades With Plura Monitors

UPGRADES WITH 40 NEW PLURA MONITORS

TV Technology Magazine. November 19, 2014 — NEW YORK — SportsNet New York—known to national and regional viewers as SNY—is the official television home of the New York Mets, Jets and, in general, “all things New York” sports. Earlier this year, they decided to upgrade their control room and post-production monitors, as their legacy
CRT units were approaching the end of their useful life. After evaluating several options, they went with Plura monitors and so far have installed some 40 new monitors with screen sizes ranging from 17- to 55-inches.

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“NZ Video News” Interviews Ray Kalo

New Zealand Video News Magazine interviewed Plura President & CEO – Ray Kalo for their very fist interview at IBC 2014. Kalo discusses Plura’s recent acquisition of Alpermann -Velte Gmbh in Germany and how the addition of time code products to the Plura Products portfolio increases its global visibility while enhancing Plura’s overall digital broadcast and video production solutions. Other items discussed were the new PHB- Series (Plura High Brightness) 7 & 9 inch outdoor monitor solutions.

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Plura Introduces Alpermann+Velte Production Timers for the Connected Studio

Phoenix, AZ — The broadcast and production industry has lacked options for professional timers and clocks over the past two years, with longtime vendors ending support of these valuable and often underappreciated studio tools.  Plura is filling the void in this market with a new range of networked production timers from its Alpermann-Velte brand of infrastructure solutions for connected studios, complete with a mobile app for advanced wireless applications.

Demonstrated at IBC and now shipping, the Alpermann-Velte SPT family from Plura constitutes rackmount and tabletop versions, each capable of distributing six different timers across unlimited associated hardware or software devices.  With freedom to deploy any combination or number of these readout devices, studios can gradually scale the timer network as requirements grow.  The networked SPT architecture, which includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) signal distribution, also enables synchronization with studio clock reference systems, as well as IP control across all connected devices to start, stop, reset and adjust other timer settings.

The SPT range delivers software-defined intelligence to advance production timer applications in broadcast and production facilities.  As with the best legacy timer products, SPT solutions offer to-the-second precision for countdowns leading in and out of transitions, live or recorded, ensuring seamless continuity between programs and advertisements.  Unlike legacy timers, SPT products integrate seamlessly with leading multiviewers, incorporating digital timers and/or analog clocks into the visual display.  This interoperability promotes a cleaner end-to-end production operation for control room and technical staff tasked with program direction and monitoring.

The specialized SPT mobile app further enhances production in the connected studio, providing a wireless control environment for personnel moving around the control room or production floor.  Available for most mobile devices, users can control the same functions as a wired SPT solution, and view countdowns and other timer functions on a corresponding tablet — a unique attribute and an industry first for production timers.

The IP-based SPT design also simplifies integration of the timer network.  With minimal connections required, facilities can use existing infrastructure for PoE signal distribution and eliminate complex LTP legacy wiring in favor of standard network cables.  The design also eliminates large time generator units, reducing costs and adding flexibility to the distribution architecture.  Furthermore, the central rackmount or tabletop unit can exist in another facility, with all addressing, timing adjustments and device control accommodated over the internet.

“The SPT Series represents a modern timer distribution system that is easy to deploy and easy to use, filling the hole left by vendors who no longer serve this space while evolving production timers for the network,” said Reimund Baeuerle, co-managing director, Plura Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of Plura Broadcast.  “This is tried-and-true Alpermann-Velte innovation, developed from a 30-year foundation of leadership in timecode solutions while leveraging the possibilities of IP.  There is no doubt that IP is the future for connectivity in broadcast and production, and this innovation is a significant step in building a connected studio infrastructure.”

About Plura
Plura is the parent company of Plura Broadcast Inc., based in the U.S., and Plura Europe GmbH based in Germany. Collectively, Plura is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance multi-function HD and SD LCD video monitors (up to 70″) and equipment engineered specially for digital broadcast and professional video production. Plura products offer an incomparable feature set, superior picture quality and extraordinary value and reliability, and is known for truly affordable high-end features built upon core technology.  The company’s solutions include studio and portable video monitors, test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, digital signage systems and the Alpermann+Velte brand of timecode products, production timers and studio clock systems.

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Plura Introduces Sophisticated LCM-207-3G Preview Monitor at IBC 2014

New LCM Series monitor integrates the most pertinent tools for video preview integrity for an affordable yet feature-rich solution

Plura, a global manufacturer of high-performance digital broadcast and video production solutions, will introduce a new dual 7-inch monitor solution at IBC2014 (RAI Convention Center, Amsterdam, September 12-16, Stand 8.B73) for video preview applications.  The new LCM-207-3G monitor expands the LCM range of affordable monitors, keeping costs very low by integrating features tailored specifically for preview needs – notably, in-depth color calibration to maximize picture quality and integrity.

The LCM-207 3G monitor feature set is focused on monitoring, calibration and control needs for matching video quality across dual, side-by-side monitors.  Like other Plura monitors, the LCM-207-3G integrates these pertinent tools instead of forcing options and extra components on customers that ultimately raise costs.  The new monitor specifically stands apart from competitive preview monitors by providing two 3G/HD/SD inputs per screen with active loops, and integrating both calibration capability for accurate color reproduction; and Ethernet control for extensive networking.  These tools set the LCM-207-3G apart from other dual 7-inch systems that provide only a basic monitor and driver package, and require users to integrate additional tools to extend feature sets.

At the same time, Plura will keep costs low by omitting advanced measurement tools found in other Plura monitors that serve no purpose in video preview environments.

“It’s especially important to maintain color integrity in production, and the LCM-207 3G delivers pristine color matching tools for professional calibration at an affordable price point,” said Ray Kalo, CEO and President of Plura.  “The LCM-207-3G delivers the high level of sophistication that broadcast and production professionals deserve in a dual 7-inch preview monitor, while maintaining a focused and sensible feature set.”

On the control side, the compact 3RU LCM-207-3G integrates with Plura’s PCS-400 Ethernet Controller to enable software-defined networking with other Plura monitors. This provides customers with flexible options to network preview applications with other monitoring applications across the broadcast and production workflow.  The software-defined network capability also improves overall quality control by enabling single-seat access to every monitor on the network, allowing users to adjust menus, switch inputs and enhance individual control across multiple units.

The standard LCM-207-3G calibration feature, as with all Plura production-oriented monitors, enables gamma, color temperature and white luminance level adjustments to meet all broadcast standards.  Other integrated features include PIP capability, dynamic or static UMP and tally, as well as HDMI and component inputs.

ABOUT Plura Europe GmbH

Plura is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance multi-function HD and SD LCD video monitors (up to 70″) and equipment engineered specially for digital broadcast and professional video production. Plura products offer an incomparable feature set, superior picture quality and extraordinary value and reliability. Plura Europe GmbH is known for truly affordable high-end features built upon core technology.  The company’s solutions include studio and portable video monitors, test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, and digital signage systems.

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Plura Announces PLURA Europe GMBH

Plura Broadcast announces the formation of Plura Europe GmbH.  The new subsidiary is a core part of the company’s growth strategy across international regions, bringing the company closer to its customers and dealers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Plura Broadcast Inc. Establishes New European Subsidiary

Formation of Plura Europe GmbH brings company closer to European and other international customers, plants seeds for company expansion

PHOENIX, August 5, 2014 — Plura Broadcast, Inc., a global manufacturer of high-performance digital broadcast and video production solutions, is preparing for a busy IBC 2014 (RAI Convention Center, Amsterdam, September 12-16, Stand 8.B73) with the formation of Plura Europe GmbH.  The new subsidiary is a core part of the company’s growth strategy across international regions, bringing the company closer to its customers and dealers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Ray Kalo, President and CEO of Plura Broadcast, has been appointed as Managing Director of Plura Europe GmbH.  The company will announce a second executive appointment later this month.  That executive will be based in Plura Europe GmbH’s office in Wuppertal, Germany, opening in September.  By establishing headquarters and local product assembly in Germany, Plura Europe GmbH will also minimize costs for customers, eliminating tariff codes and customs complications associated with product importing and exporting.

According to Kalo, the formation of Plura Europe GmbH is the first step in a strategic plan to boost the company’s presence in Europe and surrounding regions.  Initially, the company will emphasize the unrivaled I/O connectivity options of Plura monitors, which are ideal for the fiber-rich architectures common in mobile trucks and fixed playout centers across Europe and surrounding regions.  However, the company is also well-versed in test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, and other broadcast and production solutions that have established Plura Broadcast as a leading supplier across the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.

“On the technology side, Plura products and solutions offer a wide range of diversity and flexibility for broadcasters worldwide that solve the problems of connectivity limitations in signal monitoring,” said Kalo.  “From a business perspective, the formation of Plura Europe GmbH will strengthen our means of customer engagement across many unique business cultures, which will improve our depth as a global operation.  We will also better serve our customers in Europe and neighboring regions by bringing local sales, marketing and technical support initiatives closer to their operational bases.”

ABOUT Plura Europe GmbH

Plura is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance multi-function HD and SD LCD video monitors (up to 70″) and equipment engineered specially for digital broadcast and professional video production. Plura products offer an incomparable feature set, superior picture quality and extraordinary value and reliability. Plura Europe GmbH is known for truly affordable high-end features built upon core technology.  The company’s solutions include studio and portable video monitors, test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, and digital signage systems.