The system update aligns with standard redundancy best practice, providing primary and backup TallyMan controllers, and offers synchronization across configurations with live updates across the primary and backup system controllers. A highlight is TSL’s virtual IP address capability, which creates a single point of communication for all TallyMan system and third-party devices. This elegant approach drastically simplifies device management in case of auto-failover. The TallyMan Redundancy Panel (TMRP) provides real-time status indication and allows redundancy control tasks to be managed locally or remotely.

“The new redundancy package provides TallyMan customers with an additional layer of protection from unforeseen events,” says Mark Davies, director of products and technology at TSL Products. “With a simple-to-operate control panel, this system update provides a seamless experience for broadcasters seeking reliable and consistent system operations as well as uninterrupted performance during times of maintenance.”

Virtual re-entries, which is available as part of TSL’s latest free software update for existing customers, allow broadcasters to change source definitions on the fly, share resources, delegate management and re-assign joystick control. The virtual re-entries feature is particularly beneficial for sports and OB productions as it streamlines the operation of switching signal routes during fast-paced, high-stress productions. Easy-to-use, workflow-specific panels can be presented to engineers and operators, allowing them to assign CCUs to virtual camera sources and route cameras exactly where they’re needed.

A common example of the power of virtual sources is quick fault resolution in the case of a CCU failure. When an engineer is informed of a problem with a CCU, they can re-assign the camera to another available CCU, a one-button hit resolution that previously would have taken time and multiple steps to achieve. This allows broadcasters to maintain a smooth production, even in the face of a device failure, with no interruption or change of workflow to the operator. Combined with the previous release of signal grouping, all routing platforms can now gain the functionality of the highest spec systems available, from basic compact routers to SFP-based 2110 routing.

“With virtual re-entry capabilities, broadcasters can make the most of their investment by extending router capacity using virtual signals,” says Davies. “This workflow was previously achieved using physical router re-entries or pre-routing, at the cost of valuable space, equipment and capacity. With virtual-re-entries, engineers and operators can save precious time when it matters most.”