03.07.2024

Rohde & Schwarz manages and monitors for 3Cat

Prismon networked multiviewers integrate diverse signals

Rohde & Schwarz has provided its R&S®PRISMON multiviewer to the 3/24 Channel, 24-hour news channel of Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals (3Cat). The uniquely powerful networked platform allows 3/24 to monitor uncompressed IP feeds alongside SDI and NDI signals.

3Cat is the most watched television network in Catalonia, delivering a broad mix of content from its studios and headquarters in Barcelona. The 24-hour News Channel has recently undergone its renovation and transition to HD with SMPTE 2110 technology in coexistence with SDI signals and without neglecting other IP formats such as NDI and transport streams.

The architecture of R&S®PRISMON uses networked servers to allow users to build up large numbers of tailored multiviewer displays. Each server can accept any mix of SDI and IP feeds, eliminating the need for external converters, saving capital costs and reducing the carbon footprint. Each feed needs to be connected to only one of the servers: the resulting mosaic tile feeds are shared across the network, simplifying the processing demand while delivering complete flexibility in displays.

This results in engineers having the ability to set up multiviewer displays which are capable of meeting the specific needs of each operator and area, without concern about the source format. It allows operators to monitor feeds side by side, incorporating audio VU meters, various tally signs, countdowns, stopwatches, clocks and warnings.

“We have a very busy technical setup, and we need a large number of different multiviewer layouts,” said Marc Sanclimens, Specialist Engineer at 3Cat. “Rohde & Schwarz was able to demonstrate how Prismon could provide all the different layouts we required from just three servers, and allow us to freely mix SDI, NDI, ST2110 and other feeds as necessary. Like all modern broadcasters, we need to be flexible in our operations, and Prismon gives us the complete freedom we require to set up and dynamically change our monitoring.”

Marcus Ruoff, Product Manager Multiviewing and Monitoring at Rohde & Schwarz said “We designed Prismon for critical live production applications such as those at 3Cat, delivering extremely low latency and a completely flexible mosaic design. We understand the needs of a busy media facility, and we responded to those demands with a highly innovative design which brings everything into the networked server, eliminating the need for external converters and additional router paths.”

R&S®PRISMON runs on COTS hardware and is cloud-ready. It supports Ultra HD, both in inputs and in displays, and its networked design means that in complex applications each feed needs to be processed only once. It is readily integrated into control and automation systems, and for live production it links directly with IP-based tally and UMD signals. The installation at 3Cat was implemented by distributor and systems integrator Unitecnic, which provides support from its Barcelona office.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Rohde & Schwarz Broadcast and Media

For decades, Rohde & Schwarz has been a leading technology innovator in broadcast distribution and a trusted partner in media production. Broadcast solutions from Rohde & Schwarz deliver the latest generation of energy-efficient, software-defined transmitters and enable network operators to leverage new broadcast technologies. Providing solutions for live and studio production, post-production, multiviewing and playout, Rohde & Schwarz helps media professionals produce and deliver great content.