Bridge Technologies adds Closed Caption and Packet Capture to its VB440

  • 05 October, 2021

 

Bridge Technologies equips VB440 with host of new functionalities.

NOR: Bridge Technologies, a leading provider of end-to-end monitoring solutions in the broadcast field, have significantly expanded the capabilities of their production-focused monitoring probe - the VB440, adding a number of features which enhance the flexibility and functionality of the technology in settings which include core broadcasting networks, production studios, master control centres and outside broadcast vehicles and venues. Along with the recently-announced accommodation of the JPEG XS compression standard, these enhancements include Closed Caption support and Packet Capture functionality, and will ship with all future versions of the VB440, as well as being accessible online to existing customers. 
 
Operating to deliver ultra-low latency analytics of compressed and uncompressed data in a range of production environments, the VB440 represents an award-winning monitoring solution for both IP and SDI-encapsulated production environments across ST2110 and ST2022-6 defined high-bitrate broadcast media traffic. The net result is the ability to deliver deep insight to creatives and technicians alike, facilitating remote/distributed access to creative tasks (such as those undertaken by camera painters and audio engineers) and ensuring error-free delivery of live and recorded broadcast, from any remote location across the globe. 
 
The new Packet Capture functionality (PCAP) is a tool designed to help those who are moving from SDI to IP-based 2110 uncompressed data streams - accommodating the fact that whilst with SDI a recorder could be used to capture each stream, ST2110 networks operate in a way where  each component exists separately, on a network that includes other traffic. PCAP capability thus allows users to capture individual or collective components of the ST2110 stream, based on either time or packet limits, on a fixed or rolling basis. This ability to capture a single packet as it crosses a specific point in the network allows for more in-depth identification of data and packet loss, the troubleshooting of network behaviours, diagnosis of congestion issues and recognition of security threats - all enhancing the already intuitive and easy-to-interpret fault-finding capabilities of the VB440.
 
The Closed Caption review function has been introduced in order to aid broadcasters in their commitment to providing accessible productions which meet the diverse needs of audiences, including those with hearing impairment. The Closed Caption addition to the VB440 will allow the display of Closed Captions (CEA-608/CEA-708) and Subtitles (OP-47), giving visualization of the incoming ancillary data on the output reference video, and further allowing the user to review, control and correct caption placement and characters. Alongside displaying the captions  an additional ´debug-view´ functionality provides a deeper insight with decoder logs, encoding errors, field reversal warnings, and a visualisation of the grid itself.

The functionality supports all of the most common incoming caption types, and thus allows operators to ensure that captions are correct before handing off the signal, adding a new layer of protection for the operator.
 
Speaking of the host of additions and improvements that have been made to the VB440, Simen Frostad, Chairman of Bridge Technologies, commented: “The constant expansion of the VB440’s functionalities, including Closed Caption review, PCAP and improved audio visualization tools - and its capabilities, supporting data rates of up to 100 Gbit/s, 4K and above, and both uncompressed or compressed data types, including new compression standards such as JPEG XS - all represent our endeavor to create the ultimate, indispensable production tool”. 
 
He continued: “The expanded VB440 carries particular value for those operating in the field of remote, outside and distributed production, granting production professionals the tools and insight they need to carry out both creative functions and technical review of production quality from anywhere in the world, all through an HTML-5 browser. This ultimately results in higher production values, greater flexibility and creative potential, and lowered production costs”. 
 
Bridge Technologies will showcase these new functionalities and more solutions at IBC2021 (booth 1.A71).

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Bridge Technologies adds Closed Caption and Packet Capture to its VB440