Vizrt has introduced Viz Vectar Plus, a software-only, IP-based live production system for broadcasters and other visual storytellers. It can be configured for on-premises or virtualised cloud environments and will operate on any infrastructure that meets performance requirements.

Vizrt-3

Vizrt: Viz Vectar Plus can deploy, control and output video from anywhere to anywhere

It promises to switch, mix and actualise any type of live production for television, internet and mobile distribution “while removing traditional boundaries of media formats, I/O, channels and delivery”. It also offers commercial flexibility and accessibility, and can be deployed on a per month basis, if required.

Viz Vectar Plus launches with Live Call Connect, a feature that can harness nearly every major video calling application currently in use, including Skype, MS Teams, Zoom Meetings and Discord. Live Call Connect transforms conference callers into separate video sources, regardless of platform, to deliver a range of creative options, so that producers can instantly bring together in-studio guests and remote video callers without compromises or worrying about connectivity.

“Viz Vectar Plus is truly made for today’s visual storytellers who find the old ways increasingly outdated, difficult and cost-prohibitive. By providing flexible terms, customers can create more quality content, free from the normal up-front costs,” said Daniel Nergard, president of Vizrt Global. “Live Call Connect very conveniently opens up more ways to bring more actors into the story, regardless of their location or app preference.”

“The magic here is software - not where you are running it. The true revolution is software, and software creates a new production paradigm where content producers are handed back control by removing traditional hardware constraints on inputs, formats, outputs and even mode of deployment,” added Dr Andrew Cross, Vizrt’s president of global research and development.

Viz Vectar Plus also premieres Audio Connect, an extension that utilises NewTek’s NDI to enable a fully virtualised audio workflow connected with a wide range of audio mixing and processing applications for increased flexibility. It interoperates with Dante/AES 67 formats.

A new system re-entry function allows for multiple versions of the same programme to be output with different aspect ratios, resolutions and graphics simultaneously. With built-in media players, recording, streaming, audio and graphics control, Viz Vectar Plus employs standard computer hardware and network infrastructures with IP connectivity. It boasts almost unlimited IP video sources, including SMPTE 2110, NDI, SRT, RTMP, RTP, HTTP and SRC, and can be accessed and used simultaneously, providing connectivity with all types of media devices, including the NDI|HX Camera app available for smartphones.

Viz Vectar Plus plans are priced from $2995 per month and the minimum contract period is one month. It will be available in October.