Category: Press Releases

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the IBC2014 show in September, Plura Broadcast, a global manufacturer of high-performance digital broadcast and video production solutions, will integrate advanced new features within its innovative 3G monitors that boost operational value without raising costs.  The new software-defined features, which cover audio loudness logging and V-Chip decoding, also further empowers quality control across broadcast and production workflows without adding complexity or increasing form factor.

The new features, to be demonstrated on the Plura Broadcast stand at IBC2014 (September 12-16, RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Stand 8.B73) represent a software-driven evolution of the company’s leading SFP-3G and PRM-3G monitoring portfolio.  This is a continuation of company strategy that aligns its portfolio with the changing requirements of broadcasters and production professionals in the digital television age.

“Plura has blazed the trail for all-in-one monitors, eliminating the confusion and complexity of mix-and-match modules and options that many vendors still require of their customers today,” said Ray Kalo, president, Plura Broadcast.  “Our vision for broadcast and production monitoring remains integrated functionality of rich feature sets within sleek, easy-to-manage platforms.  This ultimately minimizes costs for our customers while increasing the reach and power of their monitoring environments.”

For broadcasters worldwide, Plura Broadcast will extend software-defined loudness monitoring and logging functionality within the same two monitor families — saving its customers another several thousand dollars in additional component and integration costs.  The company, which currently offers standard live monitoring of digital audio loudness LFKS levels — essentially the amplitude level of TV audio converted into decibels — will introduce new timeline-centric features that allow broadcasters to quickly review and troubleshoot fluctuations in audio loudness over a given time period.  The Plura Broadcast monitors log all LKFS activity on a continuous basis, and provides graphical representations on screen via a built-in HDMI output.  This enables broadcasters to better understand when and where fluctuations took place, and troubleshoot issues to prevent further occurrences.

The integration of V-Chip technology is of special interest to North American broadcast stations and networks that must transmit ratings data for content that specifies suitable viewing audiences.  The integration of this technology into Plura monitors gives broadcasters peace of mind that this sensitive data is being delivered on screen without hiccups.  It also saves several thousand dollars for broadcasters who would otherwise be forced to purchase separate units and integrate them within existing workflows.

The integration of these new features follow other recent built-in software developments for its monitors, including simultaneous waveform vector display of LKFS for side-by-side comparison and manipulation of two images; and 16-channel audio monitoring, which doubles the capacity of most competitive broadcast and production monitors.  These features, along with 17-inch HD panel configurations for QC monitors, serve as key differentiators to competitive monitoring solutions on the market.

The new SFP-3G Series indisputably; The Most Adaptable, Incomparable & Flexible Broadcast Monitor Ever!.

New Plura SFP-3G seriescurrently consist of SFP-217-3G-17”, SFP-221-3G-21”, SFP-224-3G-24” & SFP-232-3G-32” , FULL HD 1920×1080 Precision Broadcast LCD panels with the below prominent features:

• Various Plura SFP Modules to fits every possible broadcast application
• Fiber, Coaxial TX & RX, Hybrid and HDMI Plura SFP Modules
• Plura PSC-400 Ethernet Controller with Firmware & Calibration File Transfer
• 6 x 6 Built-IN CROSSPOINT Switcher
• Powerful Audio Measurements including LKFS
• Closed Caption (708/608)
• 1 RU Universal Control Panel with Ethernet capabilities for global Plura SFP monitors control
• 3 preset programmable functions
• Line Mode, Skin tone, Range error, Focus Assist
• Color Temperature – User, VAR, Adjustable (11000K TO 3200K)
• Internal Monitor Display (IMD)
• Pixel to Pixel Mode, Tally, DC Operation
• Display LTC & DVITC time code with line select
• Internal Pattern Generator, Digital Audio Decoding
• Picture and Picture (PaP), Picture in Picture (PiP) display / Blend
• RJ-45 Ethernet, 100Mbps, LAN to Serial supported for wall control applications along with programmable GPI & RS232 Remote Control

About Plura Broadcast.

Plura is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance multi-function monitors (up to 84″) including 4K and Timing/Synchronization solutions engineered for digital broadcast and professional video production. Plura products offer an incomparable feature set, superior picture quality and extraordinary value and reliability. Plura is known for truly affordable high-end features built upon core technology. The company’s solutions include studio and portable video monitors, studio production timer, Time-code displays & Time-code PCIecards, test and measurement equipment and software, character/template-driven graphics generators, and digital signage systems.