The Lawo vm_avp app for V__matrix expands its features

A new update of vm_avp opens numerous doors for users of the Les leurs software-defined V_matrix C100 ecosystem.

Vm_avp (formerly known as vm_streaming) has been enhanced with important features, most of which will be provided by different licenses. Among these new features is the +ab_dsk option, which adds video mixing and encoding to V__matrix. This unlocks eight instances of @3G video mixing/key per vm_avp instance. The +ab_dsk also supports four modes: AB Mix (mixing between two sources), AB Mix Independent (mixing sources on colour matte), LUMA Keyer (linear keying) or LUMA Keyer Advanced (linear keying supporting shaped keying).

On the other hand, the new +tc_gen licence generates different timecode options from PTP or other sources, as well as providing up to three independent generators. The generated auxiliary timecode (ATC) formats, which can be embedded in the TX and SDI outputs, include VITC1, VITC2 and LTC. Linear time code (LTC) can be generated as a digital audio signal.

There’s more: the +VC2 option has been enhanced so that vm_avp can receive 20 ultra-low latency VC-2/DiracPro video codecs supporting single link transmission, as well as compression ratios of up to 6.6:1 et 8:1 for monitoring purposes, with less than 20 lines of end-to-end delay. This, according to Lawo, makes it a “great fit” for remote production scenarios where bandwidth is limited et minimal delay is essential. Finally, the existing +FS licence enables frame synchronisation and delay for video, as well as sample rate conversion et delay for audio. In response to numerous requests from V__matrix users, the video frame sync/delay processing block now includes a mode for 12G square division (SQD) merging.

Available now

With these new features and licences, vm_avp is now able to offer up to 20 video transmitters and receivers, 128 audio transmitters and receivers, 50 video crossbars, 20 audio-video crossbars, 25 audio crossbars, 24 video delay handlers, 64 audio delay drivers, 8 colour correction instances, 8 video mix/key instances, 24 sample rate converters, an audio downmixing engine and a digital audio gain stage on all crossbar outputs.

The new vm_avp and its revised licensing options are now available for both new and existing installations in technical rooms, private cloud centres and OB trucks.

Stephan Türkay, senior product manager for media infrastructure at Lawo, appreciates the new enhancements to vm_avp: “Lawo’s vm_avp app for V__matrix C100 has evolved from being an IP gateway heavy-weight into a fully featured, IP-based video and audio processing powerhouse. The software-defined nature of our V__matrix ecosystem inherently means that its feature set can be adapted to evolving market expectations. This strategy turns V__matrix into a secure investment for the long term.”