Wherever possible we like to make use of real broadcast systems and technology to allow us to demonstrate the concepts being introduced/explained in our training courses.

Below are some of the systems we use regularly in course- The systems are subject to change at any time. If there is a piece of equipment you really need on a course please let us know in advance.

We also have a wide range of other equipment which our trainers have built up over the years (sometimes the only way to really learn about something in detail is to fiddle with real equipment & software).

In addition to the kits listed bellow, we can provide additional equipment to facilitate hands-on session and/or to assist with technology investigations. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

The Big Pink Demo Kit(s)

IP & UHD Demo Kit

This kit was created in 2022 to support the growing popularity of our TR1001 IP Media Networks course. Thanks to generous support from some of our partners (and a not insignificant investment in equipment) we now have the ability to demonstrate a wide range of IP media formats and control protocols.

The kit has been built to also allow demonstration of UHD concepts which is an area we are currently building our knowledge and experience of.

The kit consists of:

• PTP v2 Grandmaster (Sonifex AVN-GMC with external GPS Antenna)
  We’ve discovered a repeatable fault with the way this unit operates which Sonifex are currently investigating – it allows us to demonstrate what happens when things go wrong!   
• Sync Pulse Generator (AJA mini brick)
  Not locked to the same master oscillator as the PTP grandmaster – we hope to improve this in the future. 
• Modular Glue Frame (Axon Synapse with 2x NIO 550 cards for 3G-SDI<>SMPTE 2022-6 conversion and frame synchronisation)
• 24″ 3G-SDI Broadcast Video Monitor (BON BXN-242L3G)
  A broadcast monitor is perhaps overkill and may be replaced with a UHD/HDR monitor in future but for now the H/V scan-offset feature is great for seeing the full video raster and reminding trainees about embedded audio and VANC data as this is a key difference between 2022-6 and 2110. 
• Phabrix QxL
  SMPTE 2110 and 12G-SDI/Quad 3G signal analysis and test signal generation. SDI analysis includes EYE up to 12G.
  Using this we can demonstrate receiving of 2110 and 2022-6  including being controlled by NMOS IS-04/05.
• HD Media Player (Blackmagic Design VideoAssist 5″)
  Loaded with a variety of 1080i/25 test signals and clips used for demonstration. 
• UHD/4K Media Player (Sony PMW-PZ1)
  Loaded with a variety of test signals and clips used for demonstration.
• HD-SDI Camera
  Basic live video source useful for assessing processing latency.
• Reidel Fusion 3 (Loan unit – temporary)
  Bi-directional conversion between SDI <> 2110 with NMOS control.
• SERVER1 (Supermicro with Mellanox ConnectX5 Dual 100G)
   – Boot 1: TAG VS MCM-9000 IP Multiviewer: Single head output in 2110, MPEG-TS and NDI formats. Displaying inputs via MPEG-TS, SMPTE 2022-6, SMPTE 2110-20.
  – Boot 2: Windows 10 – RTP Streaming practical alternative source (VLC) and demonstration of Wireshark capture of high-bandwidth video streams.
• SERVER2 (Supermicro with AJA Kona 4 Quad-3G SDI Card)
   – Sarnoff Test Pattern Generator in HD/UHD resolutions with HDR support.
   – RTP Streaming practical main source (VLC).
   – NDI v5 tools.
• PC1 (HP EliteDesk 800 G5)
   – Axon Cortex/Cerebrum for control of 2022-6 cards
   – Imagine Magellan for control of SDI router.
   – Riedel MNet for configuration of Fusion 2110 device.
   – Meinberg ptpTrackHound v2 in service mode for continuous logging.
   – NDI v5 tools.
• 40×40 3G-SDI Video Router (Harris/Imagine Panacea)
  Like most IP facilities you still need lots of SDI!
  Controlled via Magellan running on HP G5 PC.
• 25G/10G/1G Network Switches (MikroTik CCR2004 & CRS326)
• Quad 3G-SDI > 12G-SDI Converter (Blackmagic Design Terranex)
  with video monitoring via smartpanel.
• H264/H265 Encoder/Decoder with NDI HX Support
  Fed from HDMI output of HD Media Player – permanent feed into TAG multiviewer and demo of NDI HX. 
• Intelligent Mains Distribution (TSL)
  Allow quick control of output state via front panel LCD or web-UI to help minimise unnecessary nose when equipment not required. Can also be used to demo monitoring/control via SNMP.

Want to support us?

If you have equipment that isn’t too large/heavy/noisy that you’re willing to provide on long-term loan, please get in touch. If we have it, we like to use it – helping get your product in front of potential customers.

Note, our integrity is important to us so while we like to be educated about systems & equipment provided by partners, we will always share our real un-biased views about any system we use. We will always communicate any issues we have with partners and help where possible to help issues be resolved. Please see our partners page for details of who has been supportive to us.