Rohde & Schwarz has added functionality to its VENICE platform for live studio production to support 4K Ultra HD signals using either 12G or 2SI formats. VENICE is a media platform designed to manage complex signal processing and storage requirements, particularly in live studio production applications.

Venice provides uninterrupted operations such as scheduled recording, clip transforms and playouts. Operations can be done across a network of processors, in Rohde & Schwarz storage and through third-party qualified storage sub-systems. It also bridges the SDI and IP environments. VENICE servers can now be configured for multiple HD and Ultra HD signals, and units can work together as a single resource from a single user interface. 

The high bandwidth of Ultra HD 4K signal demands special handling beyond the traditional 3G environment. The Rohde & Schwarz VENICE media platform now supports both 12G and 2SI, enabling it to fit comfortably into any environment. Because each VENICE processor is software-defined, a channel can easily switch between an Ultra HD signal and HD signals. Resources can be shared across a network from a single management user interface.

The VENICE architecture allows resources to be shared through a method called Transform Channel Assignment. This allows a source to be recorded, viewed and processed — trimmed, merged or edited, for example — simultaneously while making the optimum use of available resources. Using Record Scheduler, VENICE looks ahead to ensure there are sufficient channels for planned recordings while serving current requests for access.