With precise A/V sync for audio and video, Bridge Technologies’ VB440 functionality now includes metadata alignment for ancillary data including captions, timecode and signalling.
At IBC2025, Bridge Technologies will show updates to its AV Sync Generator tools, a component of its VB440 production probe. As well as frame-accurate synchronisation for audio and video, its functionality now includes synchronisation for ancillary data, helping to ensure alignment of metadata such as captions, timecode and signalling. Syncing is critical to maintain consistent video length, accurate start and end points and precise triggering across complex production workflows.
HDR colour bars have been added as another visual element to help manage and monitor IP-based production workflows. These enhancements will be demonstrated live at IBC 2025.
Maintaining Synchronisation
Precise AV sync is critical in live production. In IP-based workflows, where audio, video, and metadata are transported in discrete streams, maintaining that synchronisation becomes more complex. Although historically, only tier one broadcasters with expensive, specialised hardware have been able to control AV sync with a high level of accuracy, the VB440’s AV Sync Generator now makes affordable browser-based control accessible to large or small production environments, from anywhere in the world. embedding machine-readable electronic markers
The VB440’s AV sync feature works by embedding machine-readable electronic markers directly into the audio signals and using a built-in sync client to visualise, in real time, the differences between video and an almost unlimited number of audio channels or groups – including immersive audio formats.
VB440's AV Sync Generator tools - new synchronisation for ancillary data
This process gives operators immediate, granular insight into alignment and makes swift, accurate correction possible. Other visualisation tools such as rolling shutter simulation, blink-and-beep reference cues and, following these new updates, HDR-compatible colour bars improve ease-of-use and confidence in synchronisation.
Flexibility
The tool’s primary differentiator, however, is flexibility. Running entirely within an HTML-5 browser interface, the VB440 allows multiple users – anywhere in the world – to access and monitor AV sync data in real time, without specialist training or localised setups. The recent addition of ancillary data synchronisation means that each member of the production team is supported in a range of technical and creative roles, covering video engineers and audio technicians to those managing captions, timecode and other metadata streams.
Beyond live monitoring, the VB440 also allows third-party integration via API so that users can manage synchronisation proactively. In other words, the AV Sync Generator isn’t limited to solving immediate problems. It is built to accommodate automation demands into the future.
Bridge Technologies Chairman Simen Frostad commented, “When we build a new feature into the VB440, that’s never the end of the story. We’re constantly evolving each tool to expand its potential and address the emerging challenges of IP production. The result is a platform that delivers very wide ranging functionality for all members of the production team to access anywhere in real time.” www.bridgetech.tv
