The company has already put the next-generation production solution to work at major international sports projects this year.

The widely deployed SNP has proved a perfect complement to KAIROS, providing a high-density SDI on- and off-ramp for the next-gen IP live video production platform. In conjunction with KAIROS, the SNP can provide conversion for large numbers of SDI sources and multiplex them onto a single fiber connection, eliminating the need for an external COTS switch and simplifying the architecture at Creative Technology.

Panasonic KAIROS enables Creative Technology to manage extremely complex productions and deliver them to multiple screen sizes, resolutions and aspect ratios. Imagine’s SNP provides the practical connectivity and control needed to integrate KAIROS, as well as the required outboard ST 2110 processing, gateways, audio signal management and PTP versatility. Together, the open-standard devices deliver powerful functionality and operational simplicity that is readily implemented in hybrid and IP environments.

Creative Technology is using its integrated KAIROS/SNP control systems for major corporate events and virtual conferences, as well as at sports venues. In an example of the system’s tangible operational and commercial benefits, a single SNP and KAIROS replaced stacks of switchers and other equipment on an OB truck that travels with the DP World Tour (formerly PGA European Tour). The system is able to support productions that change significantly at each event depending on the local promoter, feeding multiple LED screens of different resolutions and managing a different configuration at each course, as well as creating a tournament television channel for the hospitality areas.

Hosting a broad range of processing functions, the 1RU SNP will handle conversions between ST 2110 and SDI, including 12G SDI as required, as well as up-, down- and cross-conversion between HD/UHD and SDR/HDR formats. It also offers an HDR-capable production multiviewer personality, SNP-MV, which can integrate content from different video formats and HDR systems into a consistent display environment. 

The SNP is ideal for live events where different setups and workflows may be required for different events.