Bridge Technologies is adding new capabilities to the VB440 IP probe to support the monitoring and visualisation of HDR and SDR production outputs, compressed and uncompressed, from anywhere in the world. Users only need an HTML5 browser, removing the need for specialist HDR-enabled monitors and equipment.
The VB440 monitors and analyses high-bitrate broadcast media traffic, as defined in ST2110 and ST2022-6 for IP and SDI/IP-encapsulated production environments – core broadcasting networks, production studios, master control centres and OB vehicles and venues. Production teams can continuously survey all layers of media transportation on an IP network and have a better opportunity to rectify potential problems quickly, helping to maximise their Quality of Service (QoS) to viewers.
Adding HDR functionality to the VB440 begins with the ability to identify the type of coded stream coming in, such as HLG, PG, S-Log3 or various other standards, either through manual settings or through automatic recognition from ancillary data or NMOS signalling data. Users then have access to the waveform scopes within the VB440 and can apply them to HDR streams.
The scopes’ graticules have been adjusted to accommodate HDR media more comprehensively, including not only IRE but NITs graticules, as well as an ability to adjust graticule sensitivity. An HDR CIE Chromaticity scope has been added as well, which demonstrates the full colour gamut of a given video, and has several options to customise the software to the user’s requirements.
Equally important, however, the VB440 is able to give a visual preview of an HDR output image through a non-HDR compatible browser. This is achieved by converting, or mapping, the specific coding of the HDR image into the sRGB colourspace of the browser, effectively producing a localised preview of how the HDR output will look to audiences. This functionality gives production teams greater insight and control over clients’ media and sets the VB440 apart from other monitoring and analysis equipment.
Because it will work through regular HTML5 browsers with ultra low latency, the VB440 supports productions from anywhere in the world, in real time, serving as a browser-based tool, complementary to existing HDR-capable equipment. Recognising that HDR is still a transitional standard that has yet to penetrate the market, the VB440 continues to monitor and analyse data and images according to SDR parameters as well. Until now, working with both SDR and HDR in tandem, especially in live or remote contexts, has been challenging and potentially expensive.
Bridge Technologies will demonstrate the new HDR capabilities of the VB440 at IBC 2021, as well as the integration of JPEG XS compression analysis announced in October. bridgetech.tv
