MDX Core & Aggregate Media over IP Switching

With its swiss-army-knife approach, the Nimbra 400 family is the very definition of versatility. Engineered for the harsh realities of the internet, the Nimbra 400 family supports a wide range of video and transport technologies. The combination of native support for both AVC and HEVC encoding/decoding, compressed video over IP and ASI and an open and flexible approach to IP networking in a super-efficient 1 RU form factor makes the Nimbra 400 family a perfect companion for space constrained remote sites and flight kits. With native support for RIST, SRT, Zixi and our own Edge Connect software means you can get your content anywhere. The integrated encryption and firewall paired with transport of any remote management traffic and comms also minimizes the need for third party equipment on site.

Paired with its standalone software counterpart, the Virtual Nimbra, means there are solutions ranging from highly redundant appliances for flight-kit and racks, to flexible software for datacenters and public cloud providers.

Combining native video, audio and high quality ethernet transport with switching, the Nimbra 300 provides a high-quality multiservice solution for demanding media applications. Multi-service capabilities allow you to transport live and file-based content across the same network, and with native support for DTT (ATSC 3.0, DVB-T2, ISDB-T) transport, Broadcast Radio distribution and video contribution the Nimbra 300 series gives you all the flexibility you need.

With support for service admission control and guaranteed bandwidth, performance and characteristics different services can safely be mixed no matter the network load. With hitless 1+1 protection of media and data services you can be sure that the expected service quality will always be delivered.

• High quality up to 4K 60p 4:2:2


• Switchable between encoder and decoder function


• Reliable & Secure IP transmission with CTP


• Easy management and monitoring

HOME is a management platform for IP-based media infrastructures. It is designed to connect, manage and secure all aspects and instances of live production environments. HOME provides the tools and centralized services for swift and effective interaction of engineers with their tools.

HOME is cloud-native by design and ready to run anywhere, irrespective of the system’s size. With HOME, the cloud starts on your campus, private and locally. It turns an array of devices, setups, sites, hubs and data centers into a powerful, agile network — quickly and in a perfectly secure way.

Inside HOME, discovery of devices is automatic, while registering and admitting them to the network is only a button press away.

With the adoption of IP well underway, the focus of operators has shifted from whether to adopt IP to how to use its potential with minimal effort and maximum effect. This is where HOME shines: it addresses all pressing issues real-world operators face today and tomorrow. In one place and via a single, platform-agnostic, intuitive user interface.

Lawo’s HOME platform is based on open standards such as ST2110, NMOS, IEEE802.1x and RADIUS and has been designed and built from the ground up using LUX—the Lawo Unified Experience, a framework for conceiving, designing, and building solutions that put you first and defines the standard for user experience and design across the Lawo portfolio.

Discovery and Registration: HOME solves IP complexity with automatic plug & play discovery of IP audio and video devices, which are registered with their name, location, status and type. This applies not only to Lawo products but to third-party solutions as well via NMOS. Discovered devices are managed in a central inventory list, ready for access and configuration.

Device Management: In today’s hectic live broadcast environments, operators rely on speedy, unified device configuration routines, especially when setting generic device parameters or configuring senders and receivers. The ability to save and recall configurations is key to speed up tasks. HOME provides a centralized “mission control” for these processes, providing fast and unified access to device parameters for easy tweaking, irrespective of the end point being controlled.

Operability: With its simple, user-friendly UI, HOME allows users to organize and access processing services. With all required facilities accessible in one place, operators can set up and change stream configurations, and route them across an infrastructure without the need for a separate controller. For large infrastructures HOME works seamlessly with a broadcast controller in the same set-up and helps to speed up configuration and operation. HOME is based on LUX, a UI language common to all Lawo devices and many of their functionalities. Through HOME’s user interface, operators can access and edit device parameters quickly utilizing integral mechanisms that help get the job done efficiently. With HOME, operators quickly get right to what they’re looking for, without distractions and complications, to focus 100% on the task at hand.

Security: The content created by a production crew and transported over a network is any operation’s most valuable asset and deserves strong protection. While a robust security system needs to cover all aspects of media infrastructure and content creation, the key lies in its simplicity. HOME provides a variety of security strategies, first of which is quarantining unknown devices when they come online. Only after being deliberately approved, via an intuitive IEEE802.1X-based routine, can they begin exchanging signals with the HOME network. Secondly, HOME uses an authentication strategy based on a centralized user management system, with dedicated user roles and groups. The LDAP based service allows users to authenticate either locally – within HOME – or via their own corporate IT infrastructure, e.g. Microsoft® Active Directory. Finally comes the arbitration of devices and individual streams based on pinpointed rights management. HOME’s architecture is prepared to manage services such as transport layer security, network segmentation and other IT security mechanisms such as RADIUS.

Scalable Architecture: Home is cloud-native by design, which means that its architecture is built to run detached from hardware constraints. This does not automatically mean that services must be outsourced to an external service provider whose meter is running 24/7; with HOME, the cloud starts on your campus, private and locally, on COTS hardware. The HOME platform is designed as functional blocks that provide microservices, which are self-contained and supply functionality to operators or other services.

HOME can be expanded with additional services at any time to increase its functionality — the platform scales on demand. Should there be a need for a larger RDS, because the installation grows, additional instances of the required resources can be added anytime. One of the core principles of HOME is its focus on the utilization of open standards wherever possible, for broadest compatibility and future-proof integration. With HOME, flexibility and resource utilization in IP media infrastructure maximizes.

Deploy and manage complex video with Caton Relay Server

Caton Relay Server is a TS streams management platform that manages your input streams and relays them seamlessly to multiple locations and devices, while monitoring the status of the stream transport.

Caton Transport Protocol (CTP) multipathing is an enhanced feature for the Caton Relay Server. The CRS can now set up 8 x 8 network connections with up to 64 paths for a single transmission. The intelligence of CTP multipathing with traffic shaping capabilities improves the resilience of the transmission over the public internet, even in the most challenging network conditions. In addition, the CRS customises and prioritises the network for different streams based on business needs like priority of service and costing. The newly introduced auto-failover feature within the CRS automatically switches from the primary CRS to the backup CRS in the event of a breakdown. Thus eliminating the need for physical intervention by the network engineer, resulting in a reduced downtime and support resources.

Supporting major industry standards protocols (including CTP and SRT) and with native support for CatonNet Video Platform (CVP), the Caton Relay Server is designed to handle complicated video routing, real-time status, built-in TS analyzers, and stream-level monitoring alert that provides constant information about bandwidth, jitter, up-time and connection status for network operators.

The DARK8ADI (Analogue & Digital Input) is a very powerful Dante®/ AES67 network audio interface, in a robust 1RU 19" subrack It has a 8 of low noise analogue line inputs and 4 of transformer balanced AES3 digital audio inputs. These inputs are transmitted on a fully redundant Dante/ AES67 network interface.

In total 16 audio circuits are sent to the Dante/ AES67 network. Eight of these circuits are always derived from the 4 x AES3 inputs, the other eight are automatically switched between the AES3 and analogue inputs. If the DARK8ADI detects valid AES3 signal on a channel then this will be routed to the network output.  If no valid AES3 is detected then the analogue input will be routed to the network output instead of the AES3.

The rugged design, redundant mains powering & redundant network facility of the unit means that it can easily be placed and left unattended wherever audio sources are required.

Eight Analogue Audio InputsThe DARK8ADI has 8 electronically balanced analogue line level audio inputs. Each input is on its own Neutrik 3 pin XLR socket.Quality Analogue To Digital ConvertersTo get the best possible results from your analogue audio inputs, the very best widest range analogue to digital converters (ADCs) currently available are used to make sure the digital audio on your network is as good as it possibly can be.Four AES3 Audio InputsThe DARK8ADI has 4 transformer balanced digital AES3 audio inputs. Each input is on its own Neutrik 3 pin XLR socket. These inputs can accept sample rates up to 192kHz.

Analogue/ AES3 Auto SwitchingEight of the audio outputs are derived from both the 4 x AES3 inputs and the 8 analogue inputs, whereby the AES3 inputs take priority to the analogue circuits. Our input circuitry looks for valid AES3 data streams on the AES3 inputs.  If one is detected then the pair of audio outputs (AES3 is two audio channels) associated with that circuit will be routed to the Dante/ AES67 output and if no valid AES3 signal is detected then the analogue input will be routed to that output.

AES3 Network OutputsAs well as the switched outputs, the outputs of the 4 x AES3 input circuits are always routed to 8 audio channels of the AoIP network.

Sample Rate ConvertersThe AES3 audio inputs are fed through sample rate converters so that they match the AoIP networks sample frequency. The AoIP network supports up to 192kHz sampling and the AES3 inputs can be between 32 & 192kHz.

Network InterfaceThere are 4 network interfaces on the DARK8ADI. There are 2 x Neutrik Ethercon (RJ45) connectors and there are also 2 x SFP slots for customers to fit their own preferred fibre interfaces.

Redundant Network InterfaceWhen using the Dante protocol it is possible to set the DARK8ADI to have a fully redundant network interface whereby a completely glitch free automatic redundant audio network link is provided across 2 of the network interfaces.

PowerEach DARK8ADI can be powered from two independent sources to provide a multi-redundant power option.Two wide range switch mode power supplies are fitted as standard to provide redundant mains power supplies.

Alarms & LEDsThe front panel features two LEDs (one indicating OK and the other fault) for both power supplies and both network ports. This data OK/ Fault information is also provided on solid state relay outputs on front panel D connectors.

The Macnica MPA1000 4K AV over 1GbE Module merges the promise of AV over IP with the reliability and performance of ST 2110 in a module that has that has what it takes to deliver encrypted UHD 60P 4:4:4 content and control over a standard 1GbE connection.

The MPA1000 Module is field configurable for transmit or receive. Only one part number is all that is needed for delivering routable UHD video, audio, USB, and HDMI control signals (EDID, HDCP, HPD, CEC, etc) over IP.

Once connected to the network, the module’s traffic is discoverable through the RESTful NMOS protocol - an open standard for publishing and discovery of content streams in broadcast. Simple configuration and control is the core principle in the design of this module. Every module includes a built-in web server with a RESTful API and a web application that is ready for customization. Host access is provided through an optional dedicated standard interface (Ethernet or serial).

Additionally, Macnica offers the MPA1000 Development Kit for test and development. Design files available upon request (currently for limited alpha customers only). Please contact Macnica directly for price and availability.

• 4K AV over 1GbE based on SMPTE ST 2110 standards


• Capable of transporting HDMI2.0 4K60p 4:4:4 HDMI 2.0 AV and Control Signals (Configurable as Rx or Tx) over standard 1Gigabit Ethernet network


• Encrypted USB 2.0


• Sub-frame Latency


• JPEG-XS based Visually-Lossless Compression


• Synchronous Sources


• Full-stack API with Web Interface and Scripting Built In

Network 1 is a reliable and cost-effective internet-based platform, for the primary distribution of linear content. It offers content owners 24/7/365, point to multi-point channel distribution to global audiences. Network 1 empowers customers to focus on the content, not the distribution.

From public service broadcasters, to global media giants, the UK's oldest commercial network and premier league football teams, Network 1 customers are increasingly utilising global connectivity to transport linear video content.

Network 1 offers significantly quicker implementation than traditional fibre and satellite distribution methods, with set-up normally measured in hours rather than months. Network 1 is multi-cloud compatible, protocol agnostic and delivers over managed or unmanaged networks. Infinite scalability ensures on-boarding new channels is easy and if no hardware is required, customers can deliver to new affiliates or broadcast platform operators straight away.

Network 1 is a fully managed service, with network management and monitoring capabilities, offering complete reliability.

Livelink is a robust IP delivery solution for transporting live linear and OTT content from point to single-point or multi-point. It allows users to self-manage their live content for delivery to any destination worldwide by utilizing cloud environments available in every region. Livelink is cloud agnostic and compatible with any transport protocol including Zixi, RIST, SRT, HLS and RTMP.

Livelink’s expand on demand infrastructure ensures that teams can quickly scale their requirements within minutes. This flexible approach enables stakeholders managing live broadcasts and events to adapt to changing circumstances. Livelink does not rely on traditional infrastructure which makes it extremely cost-effective. Its intuitive self-service interface enables users to easily transport, manage and extract value from live content. The platform integrates rights management, automatic booking updates and customisable monitoring and alerts so that customers retain control of all aspects of delivery.

Livelink offers broadcasters the ability to deploy and deliver live feeds with minimal on-site presence. The platform offers global reach and is the ideal solution to reduce live event overheads and also supports current social distancing measures which the broadcasting industry has implemented. The self-management interface monitors availability, routing and scheduling for all feeds, as well as tracking cloud environment costs. Cerberus Tech can fulfil hardware requirements, direct to the end user if required. However, in many instances no additional hardware is required for set-up, just an internet connection.

L-GRID tackles the problem of speed mismatches at the source and avoids an extra investment in large buffer core switches.

L-GRID will configure the network card to only allow bursts of the configured bandwidth. Data flows to the preconfigured destinations are sent out of the network card perfectly shaped to the given bandwidth. As the L-GRID eliminates bursts before they enter the network, no exhaustive buffer space is required from the connected switches. The traffic is controlled/managed at the source. The cause for congestion is remediated before it can happen.

L-GRID enables the user to configure specific bandwidths for specific/configured clients. L-GRID runs as a user-space app on a Linux server and is configured via a config file or a REST interface. A certified network card is required

L-GRID will thereby improve the efficiency of your installed network.

GRID encompasses a technology and a methodology to enable guaranteed data flows with effectively-enforced QoS in any IP network: a studio network, a post-production network, a data center network, etc.

GRID’s software transforms the IP network and the data flows to be fully predictable, non-blocking and 100% reliable. As a result, your network will be used much more cost-efficiently. GRID also provides several wizards to make configuration and management of the network easy and intuitive. The software enables a 100% service guarantee with a specific bandwidth, low latency and no packet-loss per service or flow.

GRID is compatible with the hardware of multiple vendors.

Everything you need to begin developing 4K AV-over-IP products with IPMX interoperability, all preconfigured so you can begin using it right away.

Use the Launch Kit to evaluate how standards-based video will work with your current products, to develop new products, and as a reference to the connections and configurations you will need as you go into production.

• Fault tolerant switching hardware


• TICO and JPEG compression for bandwidth conservation


• Fast OpenFlow switching


• Non-blocking switch architecture


• Integrated provisioning and network management


• SMPTE 2110 enabled


• NEBS Certified

• MDX32C Core Switch comes equipped with 32 x QSFP28 switch ports. Each port supports  1 x 40/100GbE, 2 x 50GbE, or 4 x 10/25GbE.


• MDX48x6C Aggregation Switch comes equipped with 48 x SFP28 (1G/10G/25G) + 6 QSFP28 (100G), a switching capacity of 1.8 Tbps, plus OpenFlow and Media Links’ Non-blocking Technology.

• Carrier Class Media Delivery Networks


• High Performance Studio Interconnects


• Flawless Contribution Video Transport


• Contribution Video over Terrestrial and Satellite Networks

• DOWNLOAD Datasheet for MDX-32C


• DOWNLOAD Datasheet for MDX-48X6C


• WATCH 100G Eco-System Video


• DOWNLOAD Media Links Solutions Brochure


• DOWNLOAD North America Case Study (Telecom)


• DOWNLOAD Metropolitan Distribution Network Application Note


• DOWNLOAD Live Sports Production Application Note


• DOWNLOAD Centralized IP Switching Application Note


• DOWNLOAD WAN IP Network Application Note

• Front panel 6.35mm (1/4”) headphone socket and volume control knob.


• Front panel Mute/GPO push button.


• Analogue audio input on RJ45 (the connector provides power to the unit and a GPO back to the portal).


• Loop through audio output on RJ45 (power and GPO signal are not connected).


• Locking DC power connector (if a portal is not being used to supply the unit with power).

• Front panel 6.35mm (1/4”) headphone socket and volume control knob.


• Front panel Mute/GPO push button.


• AES3 digital input on RJ45 (the connector provides power to the unit and a GPO back to the portal).


• AES3 digital output on RJ45 (power and GPO signal are not connected).


• Locking DC power connector if a portal is not being used to supply the unit with power.

RouteMaster uses Rascular’s proven router control and emulation technology to form a powerful yet flexible router control system. Built on tried and tested software modules, RouteMaster can be used with a wide range of video and audio routers  from all major manufacturers.

It’s equally suitable for new router installations or increasing the capabilities – and lifetime – of existing systems. You can add third-party hardware panels to existing systems, add IP connectivity to older serial routers, or simply increase the number of control ports available.

The integrated web server means operators can control routers from any web browser, using custom control panels built with Helm Designer. And because it’s built on HTML5 standards, there’s no need for browser plugins.

• Wide range of platforms to meet different customer needs


• Consistent set of features across platforms provides the extra flexibility in deployment


• Scalable network performance and capacity


• Advanced DoS/DDoS protection, utilizing hardware-assisted, dynamic, fine-grained controls


• Choices in network interfaces and DSP modules for customized solutions