Ross Video evolves the Ultrix router platform
Natively supporting 12G throughout the entire chassis, Ross Video has evolved the Ultrix series with the release of the FR12 Router. Currently the only router with an integrated production switcher, deployment of the UHD production-ready router ensures that hardware does not need to be replaced and capacity is not lost.
Described by the Canadian brand as ‘the ultimate routing, multiviewer and signal processing platform for studios, OB vans and flypacks’, the software platform enhances power efficiencies together with significant savings in cost and space. No additional hardware is required as the software defined ‘Pay as You Go’ adds new features through additional software licences.
The modular input and output matrix of Ultrix allows unique I/O cards to be inserted. Customisation of the Ultrix Connectivity Platform as a 12G-capable router, multiviewer and signal processing platform, a hybrid-IP switcher, or a signal-processing hub is promoted as the cards are compatible with each other on a single chassis.
Supporting a mix of SDI, fibre and IP signal I/O, the engineering design focuses on the workflow for which Ultrix can be configured as a single frame solution or as part of a multi-frame distributed architecture. Termed as ‘production in a box’, the hyperconverged design incorporates video/audio routing, multiviewers, audio processing, frame synchronisers, quiet switching, UHD gear-boxing, production switchers and audio mixing.
Director of product management for Hyperconverged Solutions at Ross Video, Todd Riggs, explained: “When we launched Ultrix we had 1- and 2-unit height frame sizes. A couple of years later we brought the 5RU frame to market. Today, with the launch of the FR12, our platform makes a huge leap forward, one that will rock the world for a wide range of markets.”
The smart door also serves as an LCD display that monitors the system and serves as an interface for configuring via a high-resolution, full-size touchscreen panel. The FR12 includes up to 288 x 288 SDI ports with a 6144 x 6144 TDM audio fabric, up to 288 frame syncs and 288 switches. Independent and individual control is enhanced with up to 48 Independent multiviewer heads in the 12RU chassis, with each head supporting up to 100 pips. Routing, processing, and configuration down to a mono channel can be performed regardless of I/O. With an optional Ultrimix-MXR licence added to the fabric, a virtual, fully routable audio mixer is enabled promoting audio flexibility and capability to the Ultrix chassis.
Up to eight SDPE blades can be configured as a single 8ME Ross Acuity switcher, eight independent Ross Carbonites or a combination of an 4ME Acuity and four independent Carbonites. Designed to perform in harsh environments, the hardware integrates thermal management, locking card guides and edge connections together with an advanced internal smart fabric.
Riggs continued: “In the past, a traditional system could use around 500 rack units. Now with the FR12, you’re looking at only 14 rack units for the equivalent solution. Less hardware also means less power consumption, so while a typical system could consume 52,300 Watts, the FR12 equivalent system would only consume 2,400 Watts. Less hardware also means far less cabling and significantly less weight at 45 kg as opposed to a traditional system’s 2850 kg.”
In addition, the FR12 is currently the only router with an integrated production switcher. “The FR12’s compact frame packs a massive punch with significantly more capacity, functionality and innovation. This launch represents a major enhancement to the current Ultrix product portfolio. The capacity increase of the frame means Ross Video now addresses and can meet even more of the worldwide router and multiviewer market’s requirements.”
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