At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSA, an entertainment technology & event production partner, made the pivot into remote-hybrid event production by creating CONCERTATA®, a fixed studio facility for switching and transmitting programs via the internet. By taking one of their UHD production fly-packs that was sitting idle and repurposing it, OSA was able to maintain a revenue steam and offer clients a solution to multi-location virtual events.
With the return of in-person live events, OSA needed to put its switching system back on the road. However, there was still a steady stream of virtual events that needed to be serviced and taking the fly-packs in and out began to create logistical issues. The decision was made to install a permanent solution to handle virtual event production.
The solution chosen was a Panasonic KAIROS switcher. Based on SMPTE’s ST-2110 standard, the KAIROS allows for uncompressed HD video over high bandwidth networking hardware. The ST-2110 standard does for video what Dante did for audio signal transmission. Being IP based, the KAIROS can also support NDI, SRT and RTMP in and out.
For ease of installation, the new system was inserted in place of the old using the existing 3G-SDI and HDMI cabling. A Selenio™ Network Processor (SNP) from Imagine Communications, was utilized as an endpoint solution for encapsulating/de-encapsulating HD-SDI to and from IP. Computers with HDMI outputs were converted to 3G-SDI prior to being brought into the Selenio. The KAIROS and SNP were connected across the network via 100GB paths through a nVidia switch.
The KAIROS was a perfect fit for us. Our engineers saw the need to transition to ST-2110 while keeping our baseband and NDI sources. The directors wanted the feel of a baseband switcher and Panasonic is a long-time trusted brand in our industry.
The Panasonic KAIROS’ workflow allows it to create multiple window looks without the use of key busses and ME’s like traditional production switchers. Important for creating x-ups of Zoom callers. Its onboard RAM and Clip Stores allow for animated transitions and long format clip playout. In the previous iteration of CONCERTATA®, this was all handled by both a 3ME production switcher and multi-screen switching system to create various window views and convert HDMI signals. That gear is now back out on the road servicing in-person events.
Mark Yokota, Chief Visionary Officer and Head of Video/LED at OSA, states, “The KAIROS was a perfect fit for us. Our engineers saw the need to transition to ST-2110 while keeping our baseband and NDI sources. The directors wanted the feel of a baseband switcher and Panasonic is a long-time trusted brand in our industry.”
Tim Kuschel, CTS
Director of Visual Technology
