EVS Launches XT[2]+ Server with More of Everything

The XT[2]+ , a new video production server from EVS, has been introduced, offering more bandwidth and greater capabilities to broadcasters across the globe. The shipment of the first XT[2]+ will begin in March 2010.

“The XT[2]+ has been designed to meet extended production requirements from customers,” says Pierre L’Hoest, CEO of EVS. “The newly developed server will offer them the best of breed of broadcast technology for today’s and tomorrow’s demanding operations, while guarantying the highest level of reliability and robustness expected from an EVS brand.”

The new EVS server is available in 6, 4, or 2 channel configurations and in SD/HD ready or full HD/SD mode with dual networking capabilities, including the XNet[2] (high bandwidth media sharing network) dedicated to live production media access and exchange, and the standard Gigabit Ethernet network allowing transparent media exchange with NLE and third-party systems.

Compared to the preceding XT series, the XT[2]+ offers new SAS disk controllers that EVS says has better performance and reliability; boosted internal storage of up to 12 disks with compact 2.5 inches form factor; increased storage with external array (hot-swappable disks) with a total capacity of up to 20TB per serve; and enlarged bandwidth by more than 30 % offering a clear upgrade path to AVC-Intra and 1080p support

It also has support of more multi-codecs, including IMX, MJPEG, MPEG-2 for SD, MPEG-2 for HD, Avid DNxHD, ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 HQ, DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD. Improved monitoring capabilities with multi-viewer modes (2×2 screens, 3+3 screens, 4+2 screens) and  improved SNMP communications are also available.

The newly developed XT[2]+ is based on the XT[2] architecture that has been on the market for over 5 years, and has been designed to offer broadcasters maximum speed, reliability, increased storage capacity, as well as improved media flow performances for intense live productions,  including ingest and playout.

The XT[2]+ comes with a full range of software and remote controllers, such as MulticamLSM, IPDirector, and Insio. The new server offers an even greater open architecture with extended support of formats and codecs for a better control of and a smoother integration with third-party systems.