Canal+ launches IP infrastructure with EVS solutions

O Canal+ new IP production infrastructure is based on key SVE developments such as LiveCeption, MediaCeption and MediaInfra.

Canal+ Group, a major player in content creation and distribution worldwide, has deployed an IP-based infrastructure built with end-to-end solutions from EVS at the new Canal+ One headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris. The installation follows Canal+ Group’s decision to concentrate its main control room (MCR), broadcast and production workflows in a single building to streamline its operations, reduce redundancies and increase automation. As Pierre Maillat, head of technical studies and architecture at Canal+ Group, says: “The idea was to accelerate our SDI to IP transition, limit as much as possible the use of hardware and move towards more software-defined and cloud-based solutions.”

To fulfil this vision, EVS partnered with Red Bee Media to build a new IP-enabled production infrastructure based on EVS solutions’ LiveCeption, MediaCeption and MediaInfra. The installation consists of several XT-VIA servers for ingesting multiple sources and delivering productions in any format and resolution. With 100 GbE high-speed live IP fabric connectivity, the servers work in 1080p with the ability to easily switch to UHD in the future if required. This LiveCeption workflow also integrates the IP-based LSM-VIA replay system, giving operators direct access to all content on the network.

Signal conversion and processing is performed by the EVS Neuron network-connected processor, which also acts as the primary tool for SDI/IP bridging and as a firewall. Being able to activate a wide number of different functionalities from the same hardware will help Canal+ Group reduce rack occupancy and power consumption. Connected to the entire CANAL+ Group infrastructure, the EVS Cerebrum broadcast monitoring and control system offers advanced visual control for production and flexible orchestration of all devices for the engineering teams.

Finally, in terms of MediaCeption asset management, users can remotely access a fully virtualised, multi-site IPDirector system to navigate, control, edit and play out content from easy-to-use interfaces. With its open and modular architecture, IPDirector can be adapted to any production environment and allows for easy integration and media exchange with any third-party system.

This project, which according to EVS marketing director Nicolas Bourdon, “combines all layers of EVS’ live video creation frontends,” will completely change the way Canal+ Group works. As its CTO Ralph Atlan believes: “In a very short amount of time, both EVS and Red Bee have managed to implement a comprehensive IP-based workflow that will allow us to significantly optimize our live operations, transform our workflow capabilities and deliver compelling media experiences our audience expects.”