VSM

IP Broadcast Control and Workflow Solution

VSM, Lawo’s broadcast control system, easily integrates with the majority of broadcast equipment on the market and allows for custom workflows that meet the most complex project demands. IP edge devices and network infrastructures, traditional video ­routers, video switchers, audio routers, audio consoles, multiviewers, intercoms, modular equipment and other third-party devices can all be controlled from a single, highly automated and intuitive user interface.

Entirely vendor-agnostic, VSM provides seamless control with unmatched logic and recall possibilities on top of a scalable TCP/IP backbone, in combination with a rock-solid redundancy strategy. Operators can intuitively control their production facility through highly customizable touchscreen-optimized software panels and a wide range of hardware LCD button panels, giving them the freedom to tailor the control system to their specific workflows. Advanced features, such as dynamic resource management with Pooling and Boxing, a comprehensive Tally management and logic engine, dynamic tieline management, virtual signals, logical Pseudo devices, and lots more, set the benchmark for IP broadcast control systems.

A VSM IP control system brings together all the requirements for a safe and flexible broadcast operation. The “everything under one roof” philosophy unites technical devices and operators in a most adaptable way. User panels and interfaces can be configured without limitation to meet the requirements of different workflows and applications, while the whole system is under redundant control.

All VSM user interfaces display the confirmed action from an attached device, for example, a router. This ensures maximum transparency for every operator and every control unit. Additionally, a global naming facility for mixers, UMDs, user panels, and many other devices provides status information at a glance.

Vendor neutrality for network nodes and IT switches
Unified northbound matrix representation through vsmStudio
Designed for multi-vendor deployments
Supports Hitless Merge (seamless switching)
Full SDN solution with Arista MCX/CVX, incl. a Flow State View
Easy transition from baseband to IP: consistent workflows
Crosspoint-centric routing behavior: routing of offline resources

Brings a level of automation to the
complex setup process not previously attainable

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Lawo VSM brochure

 The VSM control system offers an extensive system integration toolbox that allows the customer to easily change interfaces without manufacturer support, giving peace of mind that the system will be able to adapt and grow as needs and requirements change over time.

KEY FEATURES OF VSM

  • A single control system for all broadcast applications, perfectly at home in cutting-edge facilities
  • Integrates with the majority of widely-used broadcast equipment (baseband and IP)
  • Based on an IP backbone and standard IT servers
  • Robust redundancy architecture designed for 365/24/7 operation
  • Large toolbox with comprehensive third-party device control capabilities
  • Comprehensive Tally management and logic engine
  • Dynamic resource and tieline management
  • Global, system-wide snapshots for recalling and scheduling recurring setups
  • Simple and flexible control panel design to craft and optimize production workflows: control complete broadcast facilities with freely configurable LCD button panels or custom designed soft-panel GUIs
  • Users can easily deploy their individual workflows and production setups
  • Constant evolution based on customer feedback

NEW vsmShare

vsmShare, the latest add-on for vsmStudio, allows to share signal resources like sources and targets—whether physical or virtual—among separate vsmStudio clusters. Resources to be shared can be determined by the user via the front-end UI.

Natively designed for SDN environments, vsmShare includes sharing of Pseudo Device dependencies (logical signal bundles, like video/audio/metadata) as well as Signal Tags (used, e.g., to identify essence formats such as HD or UHD, SDR, HDR, etc.)

NEW HOME API interface

The new HOME API interface enables deep integration with the HOME management platform. VSM has access to routing and parameter control for HOME Apps as well as HOME-native and NMOS devices discovered and registered in HOME.

In addition, the interface enables simplified deployment and configuration processes in VSM.

NEW General Enhancements

In addition to other general product enhancements, an undo/redo functionality has been added to the panel editor, and an online Help feature is now available inside vsmStudio.

THE BASIC CONCEPT

  • The most open and sophisticated broadcast control system
    on the market!
  • Supply the best system integration and control interfaces to all
    essential broadcast equipment!
  • Remain third-party hardware manufacturer independent to
    offer free choice based on the best technology available!
  • Protect the investment of our customers by a commitment to
    continual protocol implementation!
  • Provide unique logic solutions to simplify operational user
    interfaces and workflows!
  • Offer a simple to operate yet powerful tool box allowing configuration changes, system expansion and workflow changes without manufacturer support!

THE BASIC CONCEPT

  • The most open and sophisticated broadcast control system on the market!
  • Supply the best system integration and control interfaces to all essential broadcast equipment!
  • Remain third-party hardware manufacturer independent to offer free choice based on the best technology available!
  • Protect the investment of our customers by a commitment to continual protocol implementation!
  • Provide unique logic solutions to simplify operational user interfaces and workflows!
  • Offer a simple to operate yet powerful tool box allowing configuration changes, system expansion and workflow changes without manufacturer support!

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

With hundreds of different protocols implemented and growing by the day, VSM already seamlessly integrates with the majority of the most popular broadcast equipment on the market. These include video routers, video switchers, audio routers, audio consoles, multi-viewers, intercoms, modular equipment and many special third-party devices. By talking native protocols where possible, equipment from different manufacturers can be seamlessly “glued” together, giving unmatched recall and logic control possibilities system-wide.

With a modern TCP/IP backbone, VSM utilizes standard IT hardware but enhances reliability and redundancy with sophisticated software redundancy concepts. VSM also provides interfaces to connect serially controlled devices, again freeing you to decide on the best hardware technology, no matter the format of the physical control interface.

VSM servers are the heart of the control system. Running vsmStudio software, all administration and configuration is both programmed and saved runtime in intuitive and easy to use software. Control interfaces in the form of a wide range of hardware LCD button panels and software panel clients allow simplified operation from highly flexible and custom designed configurable GUIs. Additional VSM hardware includes GPIO interfaces, UMDs for dynamic labelling, and SmartHubs, which convert control signals to and from serial to TCP/IP. SNMP Monitoring capabilities are realized via the vSNMP editor software tool which runs on a separate server. VSM is the ultimate control system integration solution.

APPLICATIONS

MOBILE PRODUCTION

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR UNIFIED CONTROL

Flexibility, efficiency and fast reaction: the essential requirements for today’s and tomorrow’s mobile environment. Situations can change very quickly in the high pressure mobile truck environment, even on a daily basis. A host of new challenges are being presented to the technical teams on location as 3D, 4K and 5.1 surround sound become the norm rather than the exception. Short setup times and fast reaction to production staff demands on location are essential for smooth and stress-free mobile productions. Any tools and functions in the hands of mobile engineers that simplify and speed up the setup of the production environment are hugely beneficial. This is where VSM comes into its own.

THE VSM STANDARD IN MOBILE PRODUCTION

 

  • A single control interface for numerous devices – learn one not many
  • Global system wide snapshots for complete recall of recurring show setups
  • No need for an external Tally system – VSM has built-in sophisticated Tally and signalization logic
  • Centralized labelling simplifies and speeds up operation
  • Virtual signal paths provide unbeatable speed and flexibility for a constantly
    changing environment
  • Bundle different signal types together logically to route multiple signals from a
    device at the press of a button
  • Simple and flexible control panel design to adapt to or optimize existing production workflows
  • Real-time changes to panel layouts without the need for an upload
  • Touchscreen operational GUIs for simplified and efficient control
  • Wireless tablet support for portable control panels incorporating control of numerous devices

STUDIO PRODUCTION

MAXIMUM RESOURCE FLEXIBILITY – VSM HAS IT UNDER CONTROL

Modern TV production facilities are looking to maximize the flexibility of available resources to get the most out of hardware and real estate investments. Centralizing routers, intercom systems, modular gear and other hardware devices to be accessible in all studios brings both operational flexibility and studio redundancy features. Administering the availability of these resources to the various studios needs careful management and logic.

Shifting a production from one control room to another in an emergency is only sensible if all aspects of the original production (signals, labels, panels, multiviewers, Tally, etc.) can be quickly established and setup. The advantage of a system that has control over all major equipment is clearly to understand. VSM offers unique functionality to handle both the resource management and studio switching requirements in fast and simple operational steps – maximizing your hardware investments!

VSM SIMPLIFIES OPERATION IN MULTI-STUDIO ENVIRONMENTS

  • Dynamic router tieline management that includes transparent Tally logic
  • “Boxing” complete studios for fast switching to emergency backup studios on the fly
  • Prepare a production offline and recall to any free studio/ control room combination
  • Automatic resource management with administration and user rights
  • Global system wide snapshots for recalling and scheduling recurring show setups
  • Complete Tally management across multiple studios and facilities
  • Working side by side with news automation systems to maximize available resources
  • Combine hardware and software control interfaces for simplified control

TV MASTER CONTROL ROOM (MCR)

YOUR MISSION-CRITICAL CONTROL IS IN SAFE HANDS

Any system to be utilized in the mission-critical MCR application for TV must offer sophisticated redundancy features to ensure 24/7 operation without critical failures under any circumstances. In
addition, control requirements are based around pre-programmed transmission switching, switching control from third-party automation systems, signal monitoring and alarms with automatic routing based on specific alarm status or logic detection. Quick operational reaction to failed devices is essential to ensure transmission lines never go “dead”.

Signal path overviews and automatic handling of different signal types and formats are also essential requirements for a unified control system designed for this use. With VSM’s unique “Pooling” function, customers can easily manage their signals through the whole MCR by automatically inserting free “pooled” devices dynamically and automatically setting the device so that the signal arrives in the right format. If one of the devices fails, VSM will automatically re-route the signal to another spare device without user intervention.

VSM IS TRUSTED IN THE MOST CRITICAL OF APPLICATIONS – TV MCR

  • Strong redundancy concepts designed for 24/7 non-stop operation
  • Built-in scheduler for pre-programmed routing and systemwide parameter changes
  • Control and integration with third-party automation and scheduling systems
  • Automatic signal routing to simplify the handling of different signal formats
  • Manual override control possibilities of “Channel in a box” solutions
  • Sophisticated SNMP and alarm management to avoid problems before they become critical

RADIO MASTER CONTROL ROOM (MCR)

PERFECT MONITORING AND CONTROL WHILE BEING ON-AIR

Already installed in numerous MCRs across the world, VSM is your trusted partner to handle even the largest and most sophisticated system requirements. The VSM system takes into account the unique requirements of a Radio MCR, thus providing special functions for radio applications. For instance, in combination with appropriate audio routers, silence detection is managed easily. A rule management system, that can be defined freely, assists in the automatic change of transmission lines, audio sources, peripheral equipment or can trigger emergency switchings.

The handy apology rules editor helps to manage even complex fall back and backup scenarios. Transmission line and audio source management is also easy to handle – with continuous signal flow control. With the use of VSM’s tieline management functionalities even decentralized broadcast facilities are easy to control. With VSM, satellite downlinks and ISDN codecs can be implemented seamlessly and simply coordinate the original source and final destination. In daily operations, recurring studio swaps can be the normal and with VSM these automatic actions are easy to implement. With the use of VSM’s timers and routing management, operators and editors are supported significantly, so that they can concentrate on the creative part of the job.

VSM IS TRUSTED IN THE MOST CRITICAL
OF APPLICATIONS – RADIO MCR

  • Strong redundancy concepts designed for 24/7 non-stop operation
  • Built-in scheduler for pre-programmed routing and systemwide parameter changes
  • Silence detection implemented easily
  • Easy integration with third-party automation and scheduling systems via standard crosspoint protocols
  • Remote control of complete facilities and even remotely located facilities
  • Easy overview about signal sources and destinations – facilitywide or between different facilities

vsmStudio

POWER AND CONFIGURABILITY IN YOUR HANDS

vsmStudio software is the heart of the VSM system and the main administration and configuration tool that runs continuously on all VSM servers in the system. From here, an easy-to-use GUI provides all the functions, tools and setup wizards to control and customize your VSM system to your specific application and workflow needs. Additionally, all connected hardware settings and statuses are shown in real-time, with instant control and feedback.

After initial assistance and factory support with custom configuration to mold the product into the project specific requirements, the customer is trained on the toolbox so that changes to all parts of the system can be handled without further factory support. As your needs change, the full power and configurability of VSM is in your hands. In addition, technical staff need only learn one system interface to control numerous devices, saving time and money in training.

vsmStudio Overview
  • Heart of the VSM family of products
  • User-friendly software to handle all configuration, administration and central control
  • Configuration changes occur in real-time with no download or need for the system to be offline
  • Offline configuration possible
  • Remote access, control and support with standard secure IT solutions
  • Multiple server redundancy synchronization and seamless changeover
  • True real-time status monitoring of attached devices
  • Virtual matrix view allows all router layers to be combined, organized and controlled in custom XY views
  • Redundant 3rd party driver connection engine for peace of mind
  • Monitoring and control can be combined into a single workflow maximizing response times
vsmStudio - Features & Options

INTEGRATED FEATURES (Full Licence Version)

  • vsmTALLY: Generates Tally, combines it with external triggers and sends Tally to external consumers. Replaces stand-alone tally systems.
  • GPI: Provides a powerful logic toolset to create custom workflows.
  • GADGETS: Controls an unlimited amount of external device parameters.
  • META GADGETS: Allow to “link” any parameter to a source or destination for direct access.
  • VIRTUAL SIGNALS: Creates „re-entries“ without using physical resources of a router.
  • VIRTUAL LAYERS: Provides a crosspoint matrix via control protocol (e.g. SW-P08) to the outside to be remote controlled by automation systems.
  • STORAGE GROUPS: Create, load and save your preset incl. Labels, Crosspoints, GPO states, Parameters and Panel layouts using the Mimic Button.
  • PSEUDO DEVICES: Link Video/Audio/TC/RS-422 signals into a switchable overall bundle, e.g. to create Audio follows Video rules, Stereo switching rules.
  • EVENT SCHEDULER: Enables time based switching of events, e.g. crosspoint salvos.
  • APOLOGY: Alarms can trigger an automatic recovery to Backup conditions.
  • ALARMS: Collect and process alarms coming via SNMP, GPIO or native protocol.
  • TIMERS: Configurable up/down timers with multiple triggers to run actions

OPTIONAL FEATURES

  • BOXING: Disaster recovery and Studio switchover by a single button push.
  • POOLING: Automatic management and insertion of pooled processing paths into your signal chain.
  • SDP STREAM PATCHING: Enables basic SDP transfer for multicast stream patching.
  • EMBER+ GATEWAY: Functionality to provide vsmStudio internal parameters to 3rd party controllers.
  • vSNMP ADD-ON: Master Licence to monitor SNMP messages within VSM.

ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS

vsmSOUL

vsmSOUL

Seamless Orchestration & Unification Layer.

vsmTALLY

vsmTALLY

Multi-Studio Tally Management System. 

vSNMP

vsnmSNMP

SNMP & Alarm Management System.

vsmGear

vsmGear

Control Panels & Interfaces.