Eight playback channels in 3RU
Orad will also launch at NAB 2010 a playback platform for HD sports productions called PlayMaker. It is an 8-channel server with the ability to handle stereoscopic 3D material, real super slow motion with frame rates of up to 75cps and real pre/program outputs.
PlayMaker can ingest 6 cameras, or a 75cps channel with three additional cameras, or compromise its full capacity with two super slow motion signals. In the case of 3D productions, the six input channels can be configured to synchronously handle up to three stereoscopic signals with 1080p resolution with a single 3D output occupying the remaining two channels.
Each PlayMaker server can be controlled by one or two independent controllers that can handle each of the program outputs while sharing the same clips and playlists, which is especially attractive for sports productions that must handle several unilateral feeds : A controller and an operator can attend to the replays . of one computer while another operator generates those of the other client ... and all this happens on a single server that occupies three rack units and using controller devices with editing capacity and relatively low cost.
PlayMaker uses a fairly conventional-looking controller with "hard" buttons, a T-Bar to control speed, and a dial to fulfill jog/shuttle and menu navigation functions. Operators have a screen to view their clip lists and do simple editing tasks, but in essence the PlayMaker controller does not require special learning: Any operator expert in attending replay tasks can be working at 100% in a couple of hours.
PlayMaker's basic setup handles up to 60 hours of HD footage at 100Mbps with JPEG-2000 compression, or 120 hours in 50Mbps SD mode. Thanks to its Linux-based architecture, Raid6 storage, and redundant power supplies, PlayMaker is a highly reliable system, suited to withstand the rigors of outdoor work.
