At the CABSAT Conference and Exhibition in Dubai, the company is expanding its latest routing and signal processing platform called Ultrix with a new 144x144 I/O version of, which leverages a “software-defined” signal processing core to give users the ability to quickly change and update functionality via software license as necessary.

The Ultrix-FR5 delivers a full-featured routing platform that can include integrated multiviewers and frame synchronizers in a compact 5RU chassis. This protects a customers’ investment while remaining flexible for all types of signal distribution applications. With the Ultrix, customers only buy what they need, when they need it. Installs and strikes occur with a fraction of the cost and time associated with competitive throwaway hardware solutions.

In addition, Ultrimix features a software-enabled audio fabric that allows users to route, process and mix a combination of over 3,000² channels of both embedded and discrete audio.

Ross Video calls it the “world’s first” 12Gbps video clean/quiet switch—available on every output of every frame. Also, its software-centric processing enables all ports of the router to perform 12Gbps processing, with 1 Terabit of bandwidth per RU.

Todd Riggs, Business Development Manager, Infrastructure at Ross Video, said that broadcasters are extremely conscious of what they are spending on infrastructure and want reassurance that any investment in products now will not be compromised by changes in technology. Following a technology trend in the industry, Ultrix provides that security by allowing users to simply turn on additional features and upgrade as required.

Like the first version of Ultrix, which was introduced at the 2015 IBC Show, the new FR-5 platform features 12 Gbps signal support throughout the entire router, allowing users to switch anything from 270 Mbps, to single link 12G UHD signals all within the same chassis. This, in turn, provides a growth path for customers to migrate all or part of their facilities to UHD production as required. The router’s internal architecture uses a new FPGA-based design throughout, allowing customers to add software defined processing capabilities such as multiviewers, frame syncs and other signal processing capabilities simply by ordering software licenses. No special hardware is required.

The innovative architecture can now support up to 24 independent multiviewer heads in 5RU, with each head supports 100 unique PiPs. Users also get unfettered access to all video sources in the router.

The complete Ultrimix product family now includes 34x34 I/O in 1RU, 72x72 in 2RU, and 144x144 in 5RU.