FOR-A continues to develop its live production system built to work with all types of IP, support 12G over 4K, and address a cloud-based workflow, shown at IBC and now at NAB New York.
Combining new, expanded partnerships and emphasising software-defined development, FOR-A has created a live production system that works with all types of IP, supports 12G over 4K, and addresses a cloud-based workflow. FOR-A is showing this new approach at the 2022 NAB Show New York, as it did for the first time at IBC2022 in September.
The system’s name, SOAR-A, stands for Software Optimized Appliance Revolutionized by FOR-A and marks the company's move toward a software-based strategy. At IBC, SOAR-A Edge, an IP transport appliance and SOAR-A IPTV, an IPTV distribution service, were introduced.
At NAB New York, the SOAR-A line up has expanded to include SOAR-A Graphics, a CG and graphics engine based on FOR-A’s ClassX broadcast graphics software, and SOAR-A Switch, a software-based switcher. SOAR-A Play is a software media server based on the ODYSSEY Insight Production Server, a four-channel playout system with a full web interface that allows users to control the server from any device. All modules within the SOAR-A line are SMPTE ST 2110 capable.
SOAR-A Edge enables secure REMI production and streaming without relying on a gateway. It has an expandable IP-based architecture and supports the conversion and delivery of SD, HD, 4K and NDI to SMPTE ST 2110 signals. It is compatible with WebRTC and utilizes RIST (Reliable Internet Streaming Transport). The SOAR-A system is suitable for content creators transitioning to IP, live event producers looking for a 12G 4K video production solution, as well as organisations looking for a workflow with low latency, software-based services.
The SOAR-A IPTV module is an ultra-low latency, web distribution service that supports streaming from one location via WebRTC to any number of remote browsers or set top boxes, serving as a SMPTE ST 2110 suite. It requires a single SOAR-A device at the main location with set top boxes or PCs at remote locations for monitoring. Viewers can watch the video on standard computers, tablets and smart phones. Cameras can also be monitored via a low latency preview on the web browser, without needing custom software. SOAR-A IPTV also enables 24/7 recording.
"A software-defined architecture is supports cost-effective migration from SDI to media-over-IP," said Satoshi Kanemura, President of FOR-A Corporation of America. "Adding new functionality through software means the customer can configure the system to their needs, without additional hardware investment. It also means that hybrid production, using a variety of signal formats, can be easily accomplished. This agile type of system is what drives FOR-A, and the kind of innovative thinking that powers all FOR-A products." www.for-a.com
