Harmonic’s Omneon Spectrum MediaCenter can now come with solid-state storage, which should increase reliability and improve performance, writes David Fox.
The Spectrum MediaCenter SSD midrange multichannel media server, is claimed to be the first modular server system to offer a choice of SSD or hard-disk drive storage, and is suitable for broadcasters and remote playout facilities requiring from four to 12 channels in a single server configuration.
“MediaCenter SSD extends the Spectrum product line to offer even higher levels of reliability and availability for the most demanding playout applications,” said Mark Cousins, product line manager for media servers at Harmonic.
“While maintaining the flexibility and robust design for which the Spectrum line is known, MediaCenter SSD gives media companies access to a larger-scale server system boasting the many benefits of SSD storage.”
The 2RU MediaCenter SSD chassis offers up to 4TB of usable storage in several SSD configurations. The system supports up to 12 channels at 50Mbps, with 600Mbps total realtime bandwidth available.
SSD storage should reduce operational costs, as it requires less power and cooling. It also operates more quietly than HDD-based systems.
It allows for full media exchange and the same extensive support as the rest of the range for third-party systems such as automation, media management, playout control, and editing systems.
The system operates with all Spectrum-compatible software applications, APIs, and media formats, and it supports up to six externally connected Spectrum MediaPort I/O modules for realtime ingest and playout of video and audio content.
Its integrated storage means that the system simplifies deployment by eliminating external fibre channel storage cabling. It also reduces space and power requirements by collapsing the rack space required for ingest and playout.
