Miami, Florida20-Mar-2020

R&S SpycerNode delivers performance, security or New World Symphony 4K-UHD storage

The classical music educational institution has deployed a massive 4K Ultra-HD video system.

The New World Symphony (NWS), a renowned educational institution training the next generation of orchestra and ensemble musicians, has deployed the Rohde & Schwarz R&S SpycerNode storage solution as part of a nearly $8.5 million upgrade to transition its video production, distribution and presentation technology to 4K Ultra-HD.

NWS has installed a 1.4 Petabyte (PB) R&S SpycerNode to record and archive 4K Ultra-HD program feeds and ISO camera shots of orchestral performances. The solution also stores productions of NWS rental clients.

“We started looking around the one Petabyte range, and we actually found a lot of storage systems were available,” says Dan Slentz, NWS chief video engineer. “Some were very untested, and when it came down to it, Rohde & Schwarz had the most robust, tested system available.”

The R&S SpycerNode leverages a High-Performance Computing (HPC) file system for seamless workflow integration and HPC RAID technology for comprehensive redundancy. The storage solution is fully scalable and can be adapted to capacity and bandwidth demands during operation. Multiple R&S SpycerNode devices with different configurations can be combined.

“I knew Rohde & Schwarz from their transmitters, and their transmitters are seriously top of the line,” says Slentz. “And their test equipment is top-notch, too. So, knowing the reputation of the company added a big comfort level when we decided on the R&S SpycerNode.”

The New World Symphony deployed its R&S SpycerNode in its IT server room. The unit takes up less than half of a 72-inch-high rack, which later can be populated with up to about 5 PB as future needs require, says Slentz.

Integrated with the R&S SpycerNode is R&S SpycerPAM production asset management software, which enables powerful searches, rights management and proxy generation.

NWS transports signals in the ProRes 4444 format via 12G SDI cables. Its new production setup boasts 30 12G SDI camera drops, 22 4K Ultra-HD cameras, including units from Hitachi, Panasonic and Io Industries, 12G production switcher, 144 x 144 routing switcher and a new Ravenna-based audio-over-IP network.

“We are extremely proud that our R&S SpycerNode is playing a critical role in the New World Symphony’s upgrade to 4K Ultra-HD,” said Rohde & Schwarz Erik Balladares, Head of Global Sales for Media Production Solutions. “The R&S SpycerNode delivers full redundancy thanks to complete hardware redundancy and data protection measures like erasure coding. The New World Symphony can be certain that its valuable 4K Ultra-HD concert footage is secure for the long haul.”

The New World Symphony sees the R&S SpycerNode as a key technology in its media strategy. Slentz in particular values the role of Rohde & Schwarz in the project. “I can say this about Rohde & Schwarz. They have been very attentive to our needs and very helpful,” continues Slentz further highlighting the excellent customer service that Rohde & Schwarz provides.

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Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2022, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.53 billion in the 2021/2022 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

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Rohde & Schwarz Broadcast & Media

Rohde & Schwarz is a leading technology innovator in broadcast and media for over eight decades. With technology for live studio production, premium post production, playout delivery and distribution Rohde & Schwarz helps creative, operational and technical people make and deliver great programs for great entertainment.

Rohde & Schwarz develops virtualizable, software and hardware solutions for live ingest, transcoding, graphics & branding, master control playout, automation, multiviewing, monitoring, intelligent storage as well as solid state satellite amplifiers and terrestrial transmission for radio, linear television, OTT and VOD. As media people we design for media people and with our engineering prowess and dedication to customer support we know exactly how to make it happen to highest quality. Privately owned and engineering led.