Latest news with #FOR-A
Broadcast Pro
13-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
FOR-A showcases next-generation broadcast solutions at CABSAT
The company will highlight four key technologies, all making their CABSAT debut, that are transforming broadcast workflows across the Middle East, Africa and beyond. FOR-A is set to showcase its latest lineup of next-generation broadcast technologies at CABSAT 2025, taking place from May 13 to 15 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Stand AR-G10). Under the theme 'Connecting the present, Building the future,' the company will demonstrate how its cutting-edge solutions are bridging current production needs with the evolving demands of tomorrow's broadcast environments. Among the highlights of FOR-A's exhibit will be four groundbreaking technologies making their regional debut. Leading the lineup is FOR-A IMPULSE (Integrated Media Platform with UnLimited StructurE), which recently earned the Best of Show Award at NAB 2025. This software-defined live production platform merges essential broadcast functions—such as switchers, signal processors, multi-viewers, graphic generators, audio mixers, and media players—into a single, cohesive software solution. Its intuitive graph editor allows operators to create tailored production pipelines on the fly, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and enabling unmatched workflow flexibility. Another showstopper will be the HANABI HVS-Q12, FOR-A's flagship production switcher, which represents a major leap forward in compact and scalable switcher technology. Housed in a space-saving 4RU chassis, the HVS-Q12 is designed for both 3G and 12G operations, allowing broadcasters to transition seamlessly to 4K/UHD workflows. The unit supports up to 60 inputs and 32 outputs in 3G mode, and up to 42 inputs and 23 outputs in 12G mode. It also features dual HDMI outputs and offers compatibility with IP standards such as Dante and NDI, enhancing its integration potential across diverse production environments. Also making its regional debut is the FOR-A MixBoard, developed in partnership with ClassX. Following its initial launch at IBC 2024—where it won the TVBEurope Best of Show award—and a subsequent Best of Show Award at NAB 2025, the software-based switcher continues to impress. With unlimited layering capabilities, the MixBoard allows seamless operation across SDI, NDI, SMPTE ST 2110, media files, and live streams. Available in 8-input and 16-input configurations, it offers advanced features through an intuitive interface, giving producers creative freedom in live production scenarios. Rounding out the showcase is FOR-A's AI-powered assistant, codenamed AiDi, which will be introduced to the region for the first time. Designed to run offline on a single PC, AiDi delivers real-time video processing with ultra-low latency. Drawing on over five decades of archived content, AiDi supports a range of intelligent features including automated subtitle translation, audio analysis, live video monitoring, face and object recognition, synthetic graphics generation, and player tracking for sports broadcasts—bringing new levels of automation and insight to modern production workflows. 'The broadcast landscape in the Middle East and Africa continues to evolve rapidly with major sporting events, cultural celebrations, and government initiatives driving demand for higher quality content and more flexible delivery options,' said Mohammed Abu Ziyadeh, FOR-A Regional Manager for the Middle East and Africa. 'Our solutions bridge traditional workflows with next-generation technologies, allowing broadcasters to evolve at their own pace, whether maintaining SDI infrastructures, exploring hybrid workflows, or fully embracing IP and software-defined production.' Stand AR-G10
Broadcast Pro
25-03-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
FOR-A to introduce software-defined live production platform at NAB
FOR-A will also hold a technology sneak preview just before the start of NAB, 'FOR-A Connect,' on Saturday, April 5. In response to the growing demand for cost-effective and flexible live video production, FOR-A is set to introduce its next-generation platform, FOR-A IMPULSE, at the NAB Show 2025 in April. This solution consolidates multiple production functions into a single host machine, eliminating the need for dedicated devices while maintaining high-quality video production. FOR-A America will showcase the new platform at Booth N707 during the event, which takes place from April 6-9 in Las Vegas. FOR-A IMPULSE (Integrated Media Platform with UnLimited StructurE) integrates essential production functions such as signal processing, multi-viewing, switching, graphics, audio mixing and media playback into software-based nodes. Operators can intuitively connect these nodes using the system's graph editor, allowing for flexible and easily reconfigurable production pipelines. Satoshi Kanemura, President, FOR-A America, said: 'By creating an efficient and flexible production environment, FOR-A IMPULSE will have a major impact on live production workflows. Until recently, live production has required purchasing large-scale, physical equipment and combining a variety of devices. We are introducing a fully software-based platform that's easy to change as you like depending on the application. 'As the amount of video production continues to skyrocket, there are several issues we wanted to address immediately: the shortage of technical talent, the efficient use of equipment resources, and streamlining workflows. Since our design philosophy is to create 'Software Defined' technology, we created a solution that includes all the functions needed for video production as software nodes, creating a 'Station in a Box' model.' By consolidating backup and maintenance functions, FOR-A IMPULSE minimises technical burdens and offers an intuitive interface, making it accessible even to users without advanced expertise. Its comprehensive support structure ensures smooth operation through license management and service assistance. Designed for remote and distributed production, FOR-A IMPULSE allows full control via a web browser, enabling operation from virtually any location. Additionally, hardware panels can be connected for enhanced flexibility, supporting collaboration across multiple locations. Beyond individual production environments, FOR-A IMPULSE integrates with the Hi-RDS hierarchical RDS solution, facilitating shared resource allocation across different production islands. This capability helps reduce equipment costs and increases productivity by dynamically assigning nodes to various projects based on scheduling needs. Offering deployment flexibility, FOR-A IMPULSE can operate on-premises, in data centres, or within public cloud environments, giving users strategic control over infrastructure and costs. Future cloud-based deployments will enable a scalable, cost-efficient approach, allowing users to start with lightweight instances and expand as needed. With no vendor lock-in, the platform supports multi-cloud environments, ensuring reliability and redundancy. FOR-A plans to continuously enhance the FOR-A IMPULSE lineup, introducing updates to the on-premise model along with the development of a new cloud-based solution. Additionally, FOR-A will host a technology preview event, FOR-A Connect, on April 5 at 3 PM in Room S232 of the South Hall, offering attendees an exclusive first look at the platform ahead of its NAB Show debut.
Broadcast Pro
18-03-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
FOR-A to unveil HANABI HVS-Q12 switcher at NAB 2025
FOR-A will also hold an NAB welcome reception, 'FOR-A Connect,' on Saturday, April 5th at 3pm in Room S232 in the South Hall. FOR-A is set to debut its latest innovation, the HANABI HVS-Q12 switcher, at the NAB Show 2025 in April, aligning with its theme, 'Connecting the Present, Building the Future.' Designed for broadcast control rooms and live event production, the 3G-SDI switcher can be upgraded to 12G-SDI, offering versatility in a compact 4RU design. The HVS-Q12 supports up to 60 inputs and 30 outputs in 3G mode and up to 42 inputs and 21 outputs in 12G, with expandable keyer options for enhanced production flexibility. It features an intuitive web GUI, IP interface compatibility with Dante and NDI, and seamless integration with existing HANABI Series models. Satoshi Kanemura, President of FOR-A America, said: 'The 'Q' in HVS-Q12 stands for quantum. The HVS-Q12 represents a quantum leap in design for the HANABI Series. With its feature set, ease of use, stability, cost- and space-efficient design, the HVS-Q12 is a true game changer for live event and broadcast TV producers. 'With the ease of its SDI to IP conversion, the HANABI Series connects today's high-end workflows to the future, while our software-based SOAR-A and FOR-A IMPULSE production platforms connect producers to a powerful future.' In addition to event memory, the HVS-Q12 includes functions from the HANABI Series such as sequences, macros, GPI for external control, user flags and user button functions. FOR-A's intuitive solutions offer a seamless migration path for all flavors of IP and feature full support for SMPTE ST 2110 standards. Stand #N707
Broadcast Pro
18-03-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
FOR-A brings ‘Connecting the Present, Building the Future' theme to NAB
The company leads the way with its new software-based production platform, 12G switcher, software-based switcher, advanced LED displays and cutting-edge cloud and AI technology. FOR-A is set to showcase a range of innovations at the upcoming NAB Show, reinforcing its commitment to the theme: 'Connecting the Present, Building the Future.' Among the highlights are a new software-based live video production platform, a software-driven video switcher, expanded Dante support and a cutting-edge 12G video switcher. Designed to facilitate a smooth transition to IP workflows, these solutions fully support SMPTE ST 2110 standards. Satoshi Kanemura, President of FOR-A Americas, said: 'A software-defined architecture is the perfect solution for a cost-effective migration from SDI to media-over-IP. Adding new functionality through software means the customer can configure the system to their needs, without additional hardware investment. It also means that hybrid production, using a variety of signal formats, can be accomplished easily.' Leading the company's product lineup is FOR-A IMPULSE, an advanced software-based production platform that consolidates functionalities from multiple FOR-A and third-party products into a single host machine. The platform offers essential production tools, including signal processing, multi-viewing, switching, graphics, audio mixing and media playback, all configured through an intuitive graph editor. Its adaptable software structure allows easy reconfiguration for specific production requirements and supports cloud-based hybrid operations. Another key debut at NAB is the HANABI HVS-Q12 switcher. Housed in a compact 4RU frame, it supports up to 60 inputs and 30 outputs at 3G and can be upgraded to 12G, offering up to 42 inputs and 21 outputs. Featuring an intuitive web-based GUI and NDI support, the switcher also introduces a DANTE I/O module, now available across the HANABI series, including the HVS-190S/190I and HVS-490 models. Originally introduced at IBC 2024, the FOR-A Mixboard is a fully software-based switcher built for modern broadcast and live production environments. It leverages a software-defined architecture for maximum reliability and flexibility, featuring an intuitive interface and two configurations—one supporting 16 inputs and another with 8 inputs. FOR-A America, the exclusive US partner of Spanish LED screen manufacturer Alfalite, will also present the latest display innovations at its NAB booth. Alfalite's new MATIX AlfaCOB (Chip-on-Board) and AlfaMIP (MicroLED-in-Package) technologies power the high-end Neopix and UHD Finepix LED panels, available in pixel pitches ranging from 1.5mm to 3.9HBmm. These premium panels are ideal for rental and virtual production applications. Additionally, FOR-A will introduce its AI-powered solution, AiDi+, designed to streamline workflows and enhance creativity. Developed through extensive analysis of over 50 years of archival data, AiDi+ aims to reduce production burdens while expanding creative possibilities. Kanemura added: 'We've been very busy developing solutions that provide the greatest creative flexibility for our customers. In response to extensive customer feedback, FOR-A is focused on creating highly customizable SDI- to IP-based solutions with the power and features to produce dynamic content at a very accessible price point.' Stand #N707
Broadcast Pro
04-03-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Sharjah TV upgrades production capabilities with FOR-A technology
Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), the official television channel of the Emirate of Sharjah, has enhanced its studio and outside broadcast (OB) operations with advanced production switchers and multi-channel signal processors from FOR-A. As part of the project, SBA has installed the FOR-A HVS-2000 3ME production switcher with the HVS-3355OUA panel as the primary switcher in its OB truck, supported by an HVS-1200 12G video switcher as a backup for both OB and studio operations. Additionally, the installation includes multiple FA-505 multi-channel signal processors and two FA-1616HB-12G units with Dante audio capabilities, ensuring seamless signal processing and audio integration. Speaking about the upgrade, Aisha Alzareef, Engineering Technology Sector Manager at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: 'This technology upgrade represents a strategic investment in our broadcast infrastructure. The FOR-A solutions provide us with a unified architecture across our studio and OB operations, enabling seamless integration of 12G-SDI workflows. The scalability of these systems, particularly the multi-channel signal processors, gives us the technical foundation to continue expanding our capabilities while maintaining the highest broadcast standards. Most importantly, the reliability of the FOR-A equipment ensures we can meet our critical mandate of delivering high-quality content to our audience.' Mounaf Hannouneh, Broadcast Engineering Manager, added: 'The integration of FOR-A technology has transformed our production capabilities. In our studios, the multi-channel signal processors give us unprecedented routing flexibility and format conversion options. The ability to handle multiple audio formats with comprehensive processing and delay management has streamlined our workflows significantly. This versatility, combined with the reliability of our new switching infrastructure, ensures we can meet any production challenge.' Moath Faisal, Senior OB Engineer, stated: 'This latest installation represents a significant upgrade to our Outside Broadcast capabilities. The new production switcher gives us exceptional flexibility for live productions, with powerful effects capabilities and an intuitive control panel that our operators immediately embraced. Having reliable backup switching means we can guarantee uninterrupted coverage of critical events.' The upgraded OB setup now features a robust, redundant system designed for seamless format conversion and compatibility across production scenarios, ensuring reliable coverage of government and cultural events. Mohammed Abu Ziyadeh, Regional Manager Middle East & Africa, FOR-A, commented: 'Sharjah TV, as the official broadcaster for the Emirate of Sharjah, requires technology that delivers absolute reliability for their government and cultural programming. The comprehensive solution we've provided delivers powerful creative tools while ensuring bulletproof reliability. From multiple mix effects and sophisticated keying to advanced signal processing and format conversion, the system gives their production teams everything they need to create compelling content while maintaining operational simplicity.' Training and commissioning of the latest equipment was completed in early November 2024, and the facilities are now in daily use.
