Amazon’s Fire TV Cube, a hands-free Alexa-enabled Fire TV experience, is now available for pre-order in Canada, the U.S., UK, Germany, and Japan. Fire TV Cube allows users to access movies and series from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Crave, CTV and others in 4K Ultra HD, HDR, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision, and access websites such as Facebook and Reddit with browsers like Silk and Firefox. In addition, Fire TV Cube comes with Local Voice Control, a new on-device processing feature that lets users more quickly execute frequent voice commands including “Alexa, scroll right,” “Alexa, go home,” “Alexa, select number one,” and more. This feature is available in English only at launch. Fire TV Cube uses multi-directional infrared technology, cloud-based protocols, and HDMI CEC, that when combined with Alexa, let you control your compatible TV, soundbar, and A/V receiver, as well as other smart home devices. With the built-in speaker, Fire TV Cube lets you dim the lights, check the weather, listen to the news, and play music, even with the TV off. Building off the success of Fire TV Edition smart TVs in the U.S. and Canada, Amazon is also introducing an entirely new category of products – Fire TV Edition soundbars. Anker Innovations and Amazon have teamed up to launch the Nebula Soundbar – Fire TV Edition, which turns any TV into a cinematic smart TV experience. The Nebula Soundbar – Fire TV Edition will launch in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany.
Broadcast Pix is launching RadioPix, an integrated production system for visual radio applications, at IBC2019 in Amsterdam, Sept. 13-17. Ideal for radio studios using fixed or PTZ cameras, RadioPix features a dedicated user interface designed for easy setup and operation of dynamic yet automated video-follow-audio productions. Using Broadcast Pix’s advanced macros, RadioPix can roll clips and animations, add or remove titles, select camera presets, and even execute picture-in-picture compositions based on the active microphone. In addition, users can set conditions to avoid camera changes for one-word comments (or coughs) and create dynamic camera moves within long discussions. The host can also override the automated system using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The Telos Alliance will introduce its new SDI AoIP Node at IBC 2019, Sept. 13-17. As the successor to the SDI xNode, the SDI AoIP Node brings the power and flexibility of Audio over IP to broadcast television. The SDI AoIP Node features two independent 3Gb/s HD/SD-SDI inputs and outputs. Up to eight audio pairs from either or both SDI inputs can be de-embedded and converted to AES67, where they become available as network sources for monitoring, distribution, or loudness control via the Linear Acoustic AERO.8000 Processing Engine. Up to eight audio pairs of the networked audio can then be re-embedded (and pair shuffled if desired) back into two independent SDI outputs. Offering support for 3G video standards, the SDI AoIP Node can be integrated into UHD facilities. Installations built to SMPTE ST 2110 standards will appreciate its AES67 I/O, which natively supports SMPTE ST 2110-30, including 2-channel streams with a 1ms packet time.
DVB, an industry consortium that develops open interoperable technical specifications for the delivery of digital media and broadcast services, will present the world’s first demonstration of linear television services using the DVB-I solution, which relies on internet-based access and streaming mechanisms alongside classical broadcasting techniques. At IBC 2019, several DVB members will collaborate to present the world’s first working demonstration of DVB-I, built from the related specifications. The demo will include broadband- and broadcast-delivered linear television services using HTTP-based access and streaming mechanisms. It will showcase key elements such as a DVB-I Service List, DVB-DASH streaming with the recently released low-latency mode, and Multicast Adaptive Bit Rate support for network optimization. Demo partners will include ATEME, Broadpeak, ENENSYS Technologies, Harmonic, ITV, Kineton, Newtec, RAI, Rohde & Schwarz, SES, TPV Technology, and Viaccess-Orca.
The IP Showcase Theatre lineup for IBC 2019 will feature more than 50 speakers and panelists covering a full range of IP video and audio technologies and applications over the five-day program. Sponsored by a consortium of industry partners — the Audio Engineering Society (AES), the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), and the Video Services Forum (VSF) — the IP Showcase will feature more than a dozen end-user case studies, including: BBC’s new headquarters in Cardiff, Wales, featuring an “IP Live Core” of SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, and Dante; FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, the largest uncompressed IP remote production to date; and Telstra’s advanced IP-based live sports production network that stretches across Australia. Dozens of other industry experts will describe current and forthcoming industry standards and best practices for IP media systems. The full slate of IP Showcase Theatre programming is available here.
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