Releases

posted on 22 May 2008 14:29

Atlanta, GA – May 22, 2008 – Video Technics, Inc. (VT) and agámi Systems (agámi) today announced an affordable end-to-end file-based HD newsroom solution which includes a video server, nonlinear editor, and unified network attached storage for under $90,000.

NewsFlow™ HDX is an open architecture design based on performance and value that combines best-of-class video servers, centralized media and metadata storage, asset management, and mainstream editing platforms to facilitate a seamless and collaborative high-definition workflow.

A NewsFlow HDX bundle starts under $90K and includes a 2-channel Apella HDX video server, a Studio Pro RTX.2 HD nonlinear editor, and 6TB of agámi AIS3000 networked attached storage. The powerful, cost-effective solution can easily be scaled to meet budgets and workflow demands.

“Many broadcasters are looking for ways to integrate true high-definition capability into pre-existing standard definition production environments in order to remain competitive,” states Mark Rivers, CEO of Video Technics, Inc. “Our open architecture design allows those with smaller budgets to add HD ingest, edit and playout capabilities with a minimal up-front outlay, while preserving the ability to expand at a later date,” he continued.

The Apella HDX video server offers NTSC, PAL, and high definition video standards with one or two multi-rate HD/SD SDI video inputs and one or two multi-rate HD/SD SDI video outputs. Each HD-SDI output also provides real-time high-quality downscaling from HD to SD with center cut output simultaneously as a separate SDI and analog component or Y/C or CVBS signal. For each video stream, the server provides 2-in/6-out unbalanced AES/EBU audio channels, eight SDI embedded audio I/O channels, and 2-in/6-out balanced analog audio channels. The Apella HDX starts at $29,995 for two channels.

Virtually unlimited channel I/O and full redundancy can be implemented simply by networking Apella servers together with a VT centralized database server and VT network attached storage. Each server is protected with local media and metadata caching. The Apella Media Server Family provides extensive native codec support in HD and SD: MPEG-2 I-frame, MPEG-2 IBP, DVCPRO HD, MPEG HD, HDV 1080i, HDV 720p (JVC ProHD), IMX, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO100, DV, DVCPRO, and DVCAM.

agámi Information Servers (AIS3000 and AIS6000 families) provide bandwidth throughput and continuous data availability up to a record-breaking 1 GB/s, multiple Ethernet ports, RAID-5ES protection, live file system replication, and feature-packed software management tools in a package with superior space density which requires less power and cooling to create a truly best-of-class storage solution. "agámi Information Servers deliver enterprise-class functionality and performance, which is perfectly suited for the high-definition workflow environment." says David Stiles, President & CEO, agámi Systems, Inc.

Video Technics has a true "open architecture" approach to media storage by allowing almost any direct attached, SAN, or NAS storage device to be incorporated as a VT Media Location. The VT SQL database engine seamlessly tracks media assets across multiple Media Locations as a single logical volume of storage. These Media Locations are classified as Nearline or Online depending on their sustainable bandwidth throughput characteristics. The agámi product line has been certified with streaming HD content with Video Technics video servers and nonlinear editors.

Video Technics and agámi Systems are jointly hosting an informative Webinar entitled “HD File-Based Production: How Do I Get There without Busting My Budget?” at 2pm EDT on June 10. Interested parties can register through the Video Technics website at www.videotechnics.com.

About Video Technics, Inc.
Video Technics, Inc., a pioneer in revolutionary systems development, supplies the global broadcast industry with innovative, feature-rich workflow solutions built around the company’s IT-based media servers. Video Technics’ Apella™ and NewsFlow™ products streamline the entire production process, and feature inherent proxy editing, embedded ingest/playout tools, and digital asset management. For more information visit: www.videotechnics.com.

About agámi Systems, Inc.
Formed in 2003, agámi Systems is a leading provider of unified network data storage systems for the enterprise. agámi Information Server (AIS) systems deliver efficient, highly reliable, high-performing storage at the lowest TCO available today. AIS systems integrate seamlessly into existing network infrastructures and are certified for operation with leading storage management software products. To find out more about agámi Systems, visit www.agámi.com.

^{[Formatted by Paul Warren.]}