JVC has added support for the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) open streaming IP protocol to its Connected Cam series of broadcast cameras. 

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JVC: GY-HC500 is one of the Connected Cam cameras that now offers SRT

Incorporated into the GY-HC900, GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 professional cameras, this update further enhances the cameras’ existing IP connectivity.

“Since introducing Connected Cam, we adopted for best-in-class QoS technologies to enable efficient IP-based workflows that are robust and secure,” said Edgar Shane, general manager, engineering, JVC Kenwood USA. “The addition of the SRT streaming protocol offers Connected Cam customers another choice for video over IP transport in addition to our existing Zixi protocol support.”

Developed by Haivision, SRT is an open source video transport protocol and technology stack. It is optimised for video streaming across unpredictable networks like the internet. The protocol, which grew out of the desire to sidestep the high costs of satellite and private network contribution, relies on end-to-end 128/256-bit encryption to keep content secure. SRT support for JVC Connected Cam cameras is available as a firmware upgrade.

“By introducing support for the SRT protocol, JVC Connected Cam can leverage any network to deliver a best-in-class video streaming experience - a powerful tool for content creation,” said Jesús (Suso) Carrillo, director SRT Alliance, Haivision. “SRT connects edge devices to the cloud in a reliable and secure way, whether it be for live news gathering or transferring files to the studio. With this implementation, JVC Connected Cam ensures reliable cloud-based workflows, whatever the network conditions.”

The Connected Cam Series leverages IP packet delivery technologies to enable bidirectional connectivity for transport of video, audio and control signals throughout the production workflow. It also allows for IFB and return video to Connected Cam cameras in the field. They can be used for simple applications like streaming to social media or more complex tasks such as acquiring and transporting ENG and EFP content to a control room, either live or via FTP.

Depending on the Connected Cam model, cameras can connect wirelessly via built-in MIMO antennas to a wireless LAN, snap-on bonded LTE access point or integrated Ethernet port. Two channels of IFB communication via IP connection allow a studio producer to talk to the camera operator and talent in the field, while return video from the studio transported via the same connection makes it simple to ensure shots are framed accurately.

JVC has also introduced a new HEVC encoder for its Connected Cam cameras. The plug-in H.265 module increases streaming efficiency by 50%.

The KA-EN200G H.265/HEVC encoder fits into the expansion slot of any model within the Connected Cam line for quick and easy HD streaming, offering higher quality images with reduced bandwidth that allows producers to use 10-bit 4:2:2 rather than 8-bit 4:2:0 sampling. The module costs $1,250.