Tightrope Video Servers to Debut at NAB

Tightrope Media Systems is using the NAB Show in Las Vegas to launch its Cablecast Flex multi-format video servers. The new servers combine the features of Tightrope's earlier Cablecast SX series with higher channel density, flexible configurability and increased performance. The Cablecast Flex platform is also intended to provide a foundation for future Cablecast automation software upgrades.

The servers are available in two models, the Cablecast Flex 4 and the Cablecast Flex Lite. The Cablecast Flex 4 server features four channels that can be configured as either inputs or outputs for customers with multiple channels, such as PEG operators. The Cablecast Flex Lite features one input channel and one output channel.

Users can change the input and output configuration through software controls. Cablecast Flex 4 servers will be available with 16 TB or 32 TB of content storage configured as RAID5. An additional model without an internal drive array will be offered soon for customers who prefer to connect an external storage system through a Fiber Channel or iSCSI interface.

Multi-format playout is intended to enable media files encoded in MPEG2, H.264, DVCPro, ProRes and other formats to be played directly to air, with no transcoding required. Integrated live input encoding, channel branding and HD/SD up- and down-conversion can be controlled through Cablecast's software.

The new servers are scheduled to start shipping on May 16.