THIRTY YEARS OF CREATING EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE FOR TV BROADCASTING AUTOMATION
Greetings!
I am delighted to introduce our company! SoftLab-MM is a Russian manufacturer of systems for the automation of television broadcasting and television production. Our systems are used by more than 1,500 companies in 65 countries: in TV stations, TV studios, cable operators, sports arenas and educational institutions (Product Implementation Map). In the professional community, our products are known as “Forward” systems.
SoftLab-MM was founded in 2006. Having grown with our users from analog to digital broadcasting, we are constantly developing and improving our products to meet the modern requirements of the industry.
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPLEXES FOR SPORTS TV BROADCASTING AND VIDEO REFEREEING, I/O BOARDS
All Forward sports systems are based on I/O boards and software developed and manufactured by SoftLab-MM. What benefits does it provide?
- You get a fully functional system at a reasonable price.
- We guarantee the uninterrupted and stable operation of the system: by fully controlling the development of both the hardware and software, we can make sure they work seamlessly together.
- Receiving technical support is quick and easy, with the technical support team being able to provide assistance on questions regarding both the hardware and software.
- We can immediately process requests to integrate the system with new stadium equipment: new control panels or a stadium scoreboard, for example.
- If the technical conditions or requirements change, you can easily switch to a new version of the system. For example, when cameras became required on blue lines, users of our Forward Referee systems upgraded their video refereeing servers without wasting time by simply adding cameras. Users will also have no difficulties when transferring the server from SD to HD or 4K signals.
SLOW MOTION REPLAYS
The Forward Goalkeeper system is used during live broadcasts of sports competitions. The system provides multi-channel recording of the competition and live playback of slow-motion replays:
- up to 24 recording channels;
- input/output signal types: SD/HD/3G/12G-SDI, HDMI, NDI, analog. Mixed mode SDI+NDI. Support for Super Slow Motion cameras;
- quick setup and playback of replays without stopping recording. The delay between the event and the start of the replay is minimal;
- instant switching between cameras;
- playlist editor.
The I/O boards and software for the Forward Goalkeeper systems are developed and manufactured by the same company – SoftLab-MM. The software and hardware systems are installed onto a PC with the Windows operating system.
SPORT TITLES
The Forward Sports Titles system is used for the graphic design of live sports broadcasts. The video server with Forward Sports Titles provides real-time infographics output during the game: the score, play time, information about the teams and players, the refereeing team, etc.
There are options for different sports: hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, MMA, boxing, etc. A system configured for any other kind of sport is available upon request.
The Forward Sports Titles system consists of a video input/output board (SD/HD/3G-SDI) and software for managing infographics. All components are developed and produced by SoftLab-MM. The system installs onto a PC running Windows. The system provides the following:
- creation and display of infographics based on current game data: static and animated overlays;
- two modes of overlaying graphics onto the passing signal: using the server or in Fill+Key mode using an external mixer;
- contains up-to-date title templates, prepared in full compliance with the requirements of the respective leagues;
- an interface for managing the competition database. The database can be filled in beforehand with data from different sources, can register dynamic game information during the competition, and integrates with the stadium scoreboard.
VIDEO REFEREEING
The Forward Referee system is a software and hardware complex for the workplace of a video referee of the Video Goal system. The Forward Referee-based video server performs multi-channel recording of the competition and ensures that the referee can mark and view controversial moments of the game in real time, prepare a video report with the controversial moments of the game, and store them in the archive.
The Forward Referee system is supplied as a complete server in a professional case. The system modification is determined by the user requirements (2-25 input channels, 3G/6G/12G-SDI, HDMI, NDI or analog signal, SD/HD/Ultra HD resolution). Simply connect the cameras to get started. The functionality of the Forward Referee system complies with the current requirements of the technical regulations of the KHL, VHL, and JHL sports leagues. The system also provides:
- access to the video input of all cameras installed in the Video Goal System as well as the TV signal. 2-25 input channels: 3G/6G/12G-SDI, HDMI, NDI or analog signal;
- simultaneous recording and playback of video from all cameras for the entire time specified by regulations;
- receiving information from the match controller and synchronous timing and video;
- instant switching between the live signal and recorded video. Images from all cameras are synchronized with each other;
- the possibility of viewing any part of the video recording and quickly locating the necessary footage (controversial moments of scoring). View replays without stopping recording;
- playback modes when viewing: slow-motion (any speed), frame-by-frame, fast-forward, real time; image magnification;
- support for external consoles to manage replays;
- functions for preparing a report with footage of controversial moments.
The Forward Referee system is successfully used not only in hockey, but for refereeing other sports competitions.
Forward Referee
HARDWARE
We have been designing and manufacturing TV signal I/O boards for almost 30 years, since the earliest days of the company. Boards of our own design are used as part of all SoftLab-MM software and hardware systems for broadcasting and sports broadcasting automation; in our encoders, decoders and splicers. SoftLab-MM boards can also be supplied in the form of OEM kits: board, drivers, developer’s SDK.
We offer boards for working with all popular signal transmission standards: SMPTE ST 2110 IP, SDI (from SD to 12G), ASI, HDMI (1.4, 2.0), analog (YUV, CVBS, RGB). The boards can work in multi-channel mode. Depending on the board type, up to eight I/O channels are supported. Mixed input and output modes are supported, such as HD SDI + SD SDI, ASI + SDI.
SoftLab-MM boards are compatible with all modern PC motherboards. They install onto a high-performance PCI-Express bus. They work with Windows and Linux operating systems. Several boards can be installed onto one server.
