Cisco Updates Cloud-Enabled Video Processing Service

At the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) show in Las Vegas this week Cisco announced plans to launch Videoscape Virtualized Video Processing, Akamai announced that it has passed a MPAA security assessment, and Mellanox and Pixit Media help power visual effects in post-production for Glassworks. The NAB 2014 online conversation can be followed on the Twitter hashtag #NABShow.

Cisco launches virtualized video processing. Advancing its Evolved Services Platform strategy Cisco (CSCO) announced plans to virtualize and cloud-enable the video processing elements of its industry leading Videoscape TV service delivery platform. Cisco also announced enhancements to the Videoscape AnyRes encoding solution to support full-frame rate 4K/Ultra High Definition content for higher quality and the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard for more optimized delivery. Cisco's Videoscape Virtualized Video Processing (V2P) will be comprised of virtualized video processing portal, virtualized video orchestrator, and the hardware software including Videoscape AnyRes software, Cisco’s DCM and 9036 families of high performance video processing platforms and UCS blades. “Our customers need a radically simpler and more agile video processing infrastructure as they seek to deliver new video experiences, and stay ahead of the rapid growth in video processing options and formats," said Joe Cozzolino, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Service Provider Video Infrastructure at Cisco. "Virtualized Video Processing enables our customers to focus on delivering better video services, faster and more cost effectively, and frees them from the burden of buying, configuring and re-configuring individual pieces of hardware. As the proven industry leader in cloud and virtualization, we are using these technologies to empower our customers with far greater agility in deploying compelling TV experiences, while reducing operational burdens.”

Akamai cloud workflow completes MPAA security assessment. Akamai Technologies (AKAM) announced its cloud-based digital media workflow has passed the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) security assessment. As one of the first to undergo an MPAA security assessment, Akamai's cloud workflow has the integrated digital rights management (DRM) element that is critical for premium content protection. The cloud-based workflow is intended to alleviate the physical resources and operational complexities often associated with in-house content preparation. In conjunction with the introduction of its secure workflow, Akamai announced its DRM partner program, designed to integrate a range of DRM providers and technologies into the Akamai workflow and offer customers an array of options to best meet their DRM requirements. The first two participants, Irdeto and BuyDRM, will offer Akamai customers a choice of Microsoft PlayReady and Adobe Access DRM technologies.  "Meeting the rigorous criteria set forth by the MPAA is a meaningful achievement in Akamai's ongoing commitment to drive innovation in online video and securely deliver the highest possible quality content at scale," said Michael Fay, vice president, media products and operations, Akamai. "Content protection is crucial, and qualifying our workflow through the MPAA assessment adds further credence to Akamai's goal of being the trusted provider for source and derivative content on the Internet. We plan to continue to evolve Akamai's online media solutions so that our customers recognize the Akamai partnership as essential for providing the highest quality online experiences. Achieving this recognition requires not only the highest-performing, most reliable cloud storage and global delivery services, but also scalable, secure and consistently high-quality content preparation."

Mellanox an Pixit Media selected by Glassworks for Visual Effects. Mellanox Technologies (MLNX) and Pixit Media, provider of enterprise-ready storage, network and archive solutions, announced that Glassworks has selected a combined Mellanox and Pixit Media solution to power its visual effects (VFX) and post-production storage and networking infrastructure. Glassworks is using Mellanox’s end-to-end Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) solution, which provides InfiniBand and Ethernet connectivity on the same wire, and Pixit Media’s PixStor technology to increase the performance and efficiency of its system without needing to add servers. The solution also future-proofs its infrastructure for 4K workflows. PixStor leverages Mellanox’s end-to-end FDR 56Gb/s InfiniBand and 40/56Gb/s Ethernet interconnect solutions with VPI technology to provide a seamless, high-performance rate of media data traffic from storage disk to creative application desktop. “The ability to share project data between creative departments without the need for multiple, proprietary storage systems will have a big impact on our business,” said Will Isaac, head of engineering at Glassworks, “Our creative staff has instant access to content, enabling quicker and more elegant project collaboration at a reduced cost. As an innovator in an evolving industry, we need to be ready to deliver 4K projects without any further investment in our network. It’s a win-win.”