Ross Video: Ultrix Carbonite and new graphics solutions featured at first Ross Live 2021

David Ross, Jeff Moore and other members of the RossVideo team have presented in the first episode of their Ross Live 2021 webinar a number of important new products that will be arriving over the next few months. Among the highlights is the new Ultrix Carbonite.

From the Ross Video office in Ottawa, Davide Ross, CEO, began the event by sending a message of unity to the industry, “which has not stopped” during this time of pandemic. Ross remarked that the context of covid-19 has “evolved” the productivity of the industry to provide essential solutions to broadcasters and workers. David Ross also took a few minutes to remember all the victims of covid-19, sending an optimistic message: “If all goes well, we can get back to normal very soon,” he said.

Stuart Russell, Director of Communications, acted as emcee for the event. Although his participation was limited to the introduction of each of the speakers at the event, he left a really interesting clue: Ross video is betting on the return of face-to-face events in 2022, which reinforces the idea that 2021 will be a bridge year until the return of the big broadcast trade shows. He also highlighted the benefits of Ross Video’s Connected Community, a meeting point for the brand’s users.

Two tracks: SDI and IP

Jeff Moore, EVP and CMO, began his speech by remarking that Ross Video has returned to profit in 2021, adding 29 consecutive years of growth. Despite the “difficult year”, the brand has made 30 hardware and software releases, strengthening products such as Dashboard, Xpression, Ultrix, Carbonite Ultra, Gator O CamBot, among many others.

He went on to emphasize his commitment to those broadcasters who continue to rely on SDI. However, he has made it clear that there is “another way” that will drive more and more strongly: the one that goes through the concepts of IP, cloud and virtualization. In this way, he stressed his intention to adapt to the needs of each user.

Focus on graphics

RossVideo focused much of the event on virtual reality and virtualized production, identifying the introduction of the Unreal Engine into broadcast workflows as a gamechanger. The brand announced new developments in the field supported by an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games. Following this announcement, Voyager XR, an upgrade to the Voyager graphics solution compatible with Epic Games’ nVisualizza technology, has been announced. In June, users will be able to attend a new Ross Live conference entitled Voyager XR Tech where they will be able to see new solutions in this area.

D'altra parte, XPression Maps, a mapping tool supported by Microsoft E NASA technologies, receives its version 3.2. This update allows the presenter to interact directly on each of the stories with touch gestures. It also offers new map branding elements, integrated MOS workflow and support for HTML5 clients for remote control. On May 18, Ross Live will dedicate a tech talk to this tool. On the graphics front, Piero version 16.2 has also been announced, with È support in the Piero application and new tracking features.

Jared Schatz, head of vertical markets, emphasized the manufacturer’s commitment to offering a “consumer-driven” approach, which prompted them to look at markets beyond broadcast. In the field of sports, Ross Video solutions have played an “absolutely decisive” role in the SoFi stadium in Inglewood (California). Meanwhile, in the fields of education, legislative, corporate or places of worship, Ross Video has recently integrated systems for both live production and virtualized production.

New Releases

Jeff has introduced a battery of new products at the usual Ross video lightning round. Beyond the new version of Piero, enhancements were announced for AirCleaner, now with 4K UHD license and dashboard integration; the 2.0 versions of Gator Toolbox (now compatible with 2SI, SQD and AES) and the MC1 UHD (DVE and TSL Tally are among its new compatibilities); the new AMX-8952 card, an audio embedder and de-embedder with framesync; and the 8900 series of single and dual-channel distribution amplifiers, with support for SD, HD, 3G and 12-SDI.

Finally, the conference ended with what has been described as the biggest announcement of the day: Carbonite Ultrix, the union of the Vendetta routing system with the Carbonite switcher. This product, described as ultra-convergent, is a “flexible, scalable, cost-effective and future-proof” solution. In fact, it allows “multiple Carbonite” to be joined with an Vendetta FR5. Next May 11, Ross Video will host a new conference where all the details of this product will be previewed.