NEP have integrated arkona technologies and manifold technologies IP core infrastructure systems into its growing fleet of IP-enabled OB trucks and Andrews Hubs production centres.
Key components of the NEP Group's network of connected production centres are its dispersed global fleet of IP OB trucks and upgraded Andrews Hubs. NEP Group operates one of the largest fleets of mobile units worldwide, which is recognised in the broadcast production services market for sports and entertainment and continues to grow.
NEP has chosen arkona’s BLADE//runner AT300 platform to supply audio and video gateway, routing and processing equipment and services for its infrastructure as it moves to greater IP adoption.
Modular Software Framework
Designed with a flexible, modular software framework, BLADE//runner has a suite of live broadcast production software and hardware tools that supply capabilities for audio/video routing, compression and processing. The platform operates on arkona’s AT300 FPGA programmable acceleration cards (PACs) through a web-based UI, open APIs and NMOS IS-04 & IS-05, and enables real-time connection, control and monitoring of processing functions.
Designed with a straightforward interface, automated set-ups and a large set of features, BLADE//runner supports users like NEP who need to handle complex multi-site productions. The platform’s adaptability helps overcome many of the technical barriers associated with live broadcasting, promoting operational efficiency and maintaining production standards in diverse environments. With BLADE//runner’s functionality, NEP can transition across different production environments to deliver services for live events ranging from sports competitions to entertainment broadcasts.
Flows application, hosted on the AT300 blade and part of the Blade//runner GUI.
The system is natively controlled by NEP’s TFC broadcast control platform. As well as device configuration and control, TFC supports workflow management by managing infrastructure at scale across and between facilities, and movement of production teams between facilities. Its approach is unified, bringing systems, facilities, networks and the cloud into one place, where broadcast control and software-defined networking can be handled together.
manifold CLOUD Multiviewer
Supporting TFC’s control, the ultra-low latency multiviewer service from manifold CLOUD will also be incorporated into NEP’s technology stack. Running on off-the-shelf FPGA programmable acceleration cards, manifold CLOUD services scale linearly, directly related to the total connected network capacity. As services are created they are automatically placed on available compute in the hardware resource cluster.
The manifold system employs time multiplexing of services using FPGA High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). This puts multiple data streams into a single signal by separating the signal into segments, each with a very short duration, before reassembling each individual data stream at the receiving end, based on the timing. Without a fixed number of senders and receivers, manifold CLOUD’s only limitation is the amount of allocated bandwidth. It is inherently self healing as well, and will automatically recover from processing failure.
arkona AT300 FPGA programmable acceleration card
As mentioned, as well as the IP OB fleet, NEP Group is also integrating arkona’s BLADE//runner and manifold CLOUD as part of a major upgrade to its IP-enabled Andrews Hubs in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. The Andrews Hubs productin facilities form a large, interconnected, high-bandwidth network, connecting 59 sporting venues to support remote production. The installation of the manifold CLOUD multiviewer, expected to be one of the world’s largest, features over 1,300 inputs and 500 outputs.
A Pivotal Element
“A pivotal element in our strategic growth is adopting technology that both meets current demands and anticipates future needs of our customers,” said Marc Segar, Chief Technology Officer for NEP Australia. “arkona’s BLADE//runner platform and manifold’s manifold CLOUD align with our vision, giving us the agility and innovation essential for our expanding mobile fleet and dynamic Andrews Hub. This partnership enables us to design robust, versatile production solutions that meet the extensive needs of our customers worldwide.”
“We are pleased to see BLADE//runner and manifold CLOUD play a central role in NEP’s ambitious technology expansion,” stated Erling Hedkvist, Business Development Manager for arkona and manifold. “This collaboration underscores our ability to support standout live broadcast productions and achieve new industry standards. We are proud to support NEP’s commitment to delivering exceptional content for its customers with efficiency and precision.” www.arkonatech.com
