Category: Cisco

AI, Cameras, Cisco, events, Learning, Life Choices, Moving Forward, Streaming, Technology

Cisco 4D Replay & Top Tracer Technology in Sports – A 360 View

The Cisco 4D Replay technology premiered at the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend, which was held in New York City. It was used to capture and provide 360-degree replays of the All-Star Game, allowing viewers to experience the game from a new and immersive perspective. The technology was developed in collaboration with Replay Technologies, which was later acquired by Intel. Since its debut, the Cisco 4D Replay technology has been used in a variety of sporting events, including the US Open Golf Tournament, NFL games, and the NBA Finals.

At the 2019 US Open Golf Tournament, Cisco 4D Replay was introduced to capture and provide 360-degree replays of live events. The technology utilized 80 cameras that were placed around the course, including on towers and cranes, to capture multiple angles of each shot. The footage was then processed through a system that created a 360-degree view of the shot, which could be viewed from any angle.

Cisco and the USGA went deeper, and brought 4DReplay to the tee box of golf courses, which allows golfers and fans to view a player’s swing at 360 degrees. With 88 cameras set up in a ring around the tee box, the video captures enough footage that it can be paused at 34 different points in the motion. Not only could broadcasts show the technology they added to their analysis of players’ swings, and fans could watch the clips on demand through the USGA app.

The process of creating a 360-degree view from multiple camera angles involves stitching together the footage from each camera into a single panoramic view. There are various types of software that can be used to accomplish this, including specialized 360-degree video editing software such as Kolor Autopano Video or VideoStitch Studio, and even mainstream video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can be used to achieve this effect. Additionally, there are companies that offer specialized services for creating panoramic views from multiple camera angles, such as Pixvana SPIN Studio and Mistika VR. However, it’s worth noting that without more specific information about the technology used in the Cisco 4D Replay system, it’s difficult to say which specific software or systems were used to process the footage.

This innovative technology allows viewers to experience the tournaments in a unique way, providing a level of detail and perspective that was not previously possible. The 4D replays are shown on television broadcasts and are also available for viewers to watch online.

The use of Cisco 4D Replay at the US Open Golf Tournament provides an exciting way for viewers to engage with the event and gain a deeper understanding of the game. The technology allows for a more immersive viewing experience that brings the action closer to fans and provides a level of detail and perspective that was not previously possible.

Overall, the use of Cisco 4D Replay at the US Open Golf Tournament has demonstrated the potential of innovative technologies to enhance the viewing experience for fans and provide new opportunities for engagement with live events. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more exciting and innovative ways to experience live events in the future.

Toptracer is a technology used in golf broadcasting to track the flight of the ball in real-time. It works by using CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensors to capture images of the golf ball in flight from multiple camera angles. These images are then fed into a computer system that analyzes them to calculate the ball’s trajectory and projected landing point.

Unlike traditional cameras, which use light to capture images on a negative film, CMOS image sensors convert light into electrical signals that can be processed by a computer. This allows Toptracer to capture and analyze multiple angles of the ball’s flight path, providing accurate data on its speed, spin, and trajectory.

Overall, Toptracer technology provides a more engaging viewing experience for golf fans by allowing them to see the flight of the ball in real-time and providing detailed data on each shot. It also provides valuable information for golfers and coaches to analyze their performance and make improvements to their game.

Agile, AI, Best Practices, Career, Cisco, Digital Platforms, Employment, Hacking, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, PTP, Quality Control, Selenio, Teamwork, Technology

Why We Care: PTP Clocks Hierarchy

PTP (Precision Time Protocol) is a protocol used for synchronizing clocks in a network. It is a time synchronization protocol that is designed to provide high-precision time and frequency synchronization for networked devices.

PTP (Precision Time Protocol) is an IEEE 1588 standard protocol that synchronizes real-time clocks of connected nodes in a distributed system using a network. This protocol establishes a leader-follower hierarchy among the nodes (referred to as clocks) where followers synchronize with their leaders, and the leader-follower relationship is determined by a Best Master Clock (BMC) algorithm. Through dynamic relationship determination, the PTP network can simplify the interconnect graph, resolving cycles down to a tree of leaders and followers. The grandmaster, located at the root of the tree, synchronizes with GPS and serves as the ultimate leader for all clocks. Interior nodes in this network are called boundary clocks (BC) and have follower ports and one or more leader ports. PTP can achieve high accuracy, even within sub-microsecond limits on local networks.

PTP works by sending time signals between devices, a best grandmaster, leader, and a follower clocks. The best grandmaster clock sends synchronization messages to leader clocks, and the leader clocks adjust their clock frequency and time to match the best grandmaster clock. The leader clocks send synchronization messages over their network(s), and the follower clocks adjusts their clock frequency and time to match the leader clock. Again, aka boundary clocks. PTP uses precise hardware timestamps to measure the time between devices.

PTP is often used in real-time systems, where accurate timing is essential, such as in audio and video production or industrial automation. It can also be used in some communication networks, such as 5G and industrial Ethernet.

Each of the following company’s products support and /or generate PTP:

1. Leader Electronics Corporation offers the LT8900 and the LT8910A PTP Time Server/Grandmaster Clocks, both of which are designed to provide accurate PTP synchronization for broadcast and post-production applications. The devices generate IEEE 1588-2008 PTP packets with sub-microsecond timing accuracy and support PTP profiles such as the Audio-Video Profile (PTP AV) and the IEEE Power Profile. They also feature two independent 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, allowing for redundant operation and the ability to simultaneously serve as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. The LT8910A additionally offers dual electrical inputs, enabling it to function as a redundant PTP Grandmaster clock.

2. Cisco Systems, Inc. offers a range of PTP solutions, including routers, switches, and network interface cards that support IEEE 1588v2. Some of the models that support PTP generation and/or synchronization include the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches, the Cisco 9200 Series Switches, the Cisco NCS 1002, the Cisco NCS 540 Series Routers, and the Cisco NCS 560 Series Routers. These devices provide high-precision timing capabilities for a range of applications, including 5G mobile networks, industrial automation, and financial trading. They can serve as a PTP Grandmaster clock, Leader clock and/or follower, depending on the application requirements, and have features such as hardware timestamping, clock quality monitoring, and PTP profiles for specific industries.

3. Riedel Communications offers the MediorNet MN-C-OPT-HDMI PTP Media Interface Card, which is designed to provide PTP support and synchronization for its MediorNet media network. The card supports SMPTE ST 2059 PTP profiles and is capable of acting as both a PTP Grandmaster clock and a PTP client. It features multiple input and output ports, including an HDMI port for timecode distribution, and has a high-precision oscillator for sub-microsecond timing synchronization. The card also supports redundancy, multi-casting of PTP messages, and monitoring and configuration via a web-based interface. Additionally, Riedel’s Artist and Bolero communications systems offer PTP synchronization for intercom communication applications.

4. Meinberg Funkuhren offers a variety of PTP Time Servers/Grandmasters that are designed to provide accurate PTP synchronization for a range of applications, including telecom, financial trading, and industrial automation. Some of the models include the LANTIME M900/M600/M4000 PTP Time Servers and the IMS – M400 Industrial PTP Time Server. These Time Servers support IEEE 1588-2008 PTP profiles and various ITU-T G.827x telecom profiles such as G.8275.1 and G.8275.2. They can serve as a PTP Grandmaster clock, Leader, and/or follower clock, depending on the application requirements, and offer features such as hardware timestamping, fault-tolerant design, and redundant power supplies. Meinberg also offers PTP software and network interface cards that support PTP generation and synchronization.

5. Tektronix offers a range of PTP hardware and software products that support PTP generation, including time servers, grandmasters, and clients that generate and measure PTP signals with high accuracy and precision. These devices are specifically designed for PTP and are capable of supporting PTPv1, PTPv2, and PTP-RA.

6. Juniper Networks provides networking equipment that supports PTP generation, including network switches and routers that are capable of handling PTP traffic, as well as software tools for the configuration and management of PTP networks. Juniper’s devices are designed to support PTPv2 and can be used in a variety of PTP network architectures.

7. Ross Video offers PTP generation solutions for the broadcast industry, including PTP time code generators and servers that are designed to synchronize video and audio signals across multiple cameras and equipment. These devices support PTPv2 and PTP-RA and are specifically designed for the broadcast environment.

8. Mellanox Technologies provides network adapters and switches that support PTP generation, allowing for the transmission and synchronization of time-critical data across high-speed networks. Mellanox’s devices support PTPv2 and can be used in a variety of PTP network architectures, including data center and telecommunications applications. Nvidia does not offer a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) implementation as a standalone product. However, Nvidia’s Mellanox networking solutions product line includes NICs (network interface cards) and switches that support PTP as well as other timing protocols such as Network Time Protocol (NTP), Precision Time Protocol (PTP), and IEEE 802.1AS.

These products help enable synchronization throughout data centers and other networked deployments that require tight synchronization between multiple devices, such as high-performance computing, financial trading, media and entertainment industries, and industrial control systems. In addition to PTP support, Nvidia Mellanox’s networking solutions offer low-latency and high-bandwidth capabilities, making them well-suited for demanding applications.

9. Spectracom specializes in precise timing solutions, including PTP servers and PTP-enabled network devices for PTP generation. Spectracom’s devices support PTPv1, PTPv2, and PTP-RA and are designed to provide high levels of accuracy and precision for a variety of industries, including telecommunications, defense, and finance. They also offer software tools for PTP network analysis and management.

10. Selenio Media Communications offers support for various versions of Precision Time Protocol (PTP), including PTPv1, PTPv2, and PTP Profile for Professional Broadcast Applications (PTP-RA). This enables customers to synchronize media processing and transport devices in IP-based broadcasting systems with sub-microsecond accuracy. It offers a single timing source and does not have built-in redundancy.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list of PTP generators or supporters thereof.

In summary, the main differences between PTP offerings are the level of accuracy, redundancy, and interoperability features they offer, allowing customers to select the product that best suits their requirements for timing accuracy, scalability, and reliability.

I’ve been asked if I’m being paid for this post. No, I am not being paid to share this information, nor do I work for any named company within the article.

Please 👍 Follow and Comment- it’s free!

#cloud, Career, Cisco, Digital Platforms, Technology

Examples of Cisco’s Broadcasting Innovations

I’m not touting any one product or brand. I am trying to give some in-depth abbreviated information on different products. Please reach out if you’d like me to cover a specific product, or aspect of how it works.

1. Cisco’s Media Blueprint: In 2020, Cisco launched a Media Blueprint initiative to help media companies transition to IP-based broadcasting. The blueprint includes hardware, software, and network components that are designed to help media organizations improve agility, scalability, and efficiency.

2. Media Services Proxy: Cisco’s Media Services Proxy is a software solution that helps broadcasters to manage and deliver video streams across multiple platforms and devices. This cloud-based solution provides adaptive bit rate streaming, content encryption, and other features that are critical to modern broadcasting.

3. Acquisition of Scientific Atlanta: In 2006, Cisco acquired Scientific Atlanta, a leading provider of video production equipment and solutions. This acquisition helped Cisco to expand its portfolio of video-related products and services, and to become a major player in the broadcasting industry.

4. Partnership with NBC Olympics: In 2016, Cisco partnered with NBC Olympics to help deliver video coverage of the Rio Olympics to viewers around the world. Cisco provided networking infrastructure, video processing technology, and other solutions to help NBC deliver high-quality, low-latency video streams during the games.

Overall, Cisco has a strong presence in the broadcasting industry, with a range of products and services that help to improve the efficiency, quality, and scalability of video content delivery.

Cisco’s IP-based broadcasting blueprint is a comprehensive framework that provides media organizations with a variety of hardware, software, and network components to help them transition to an IP-based broadcasting infrastructure. 

This blueprint is designed to help organizations improve agility, scalability, and efficiency by providing them with a flexible and scalable platform for content delivery. Here are some key elements of the blueprint:

1. IP-based infrastructure: The blueprint is built on an IP-based infrastructure that provides a flexible and scalable platform for content delivery. This infrastructure includes hardware and software components that help to simplify workflows and improve efficiency.

2. Media processing: Cisco’s blueprint includes a variety of media processing tools that enable organizations to ingest, process, and distribute media content across multiple platforms and devices. These tools include transcoders, encoders, content delivery networks, and other solutions.

3. Networking and security: The blueprint also includes networking and security solutions that help to ensure that media content is delivered reliably and securely. These solutions include routers, switches, firewalls, and other network appliances that are specifically designed for media organizations.

4. Monitoring and analytics: Cisco’s IP-based broadcasting blueprint includes monitoring and analytics tools that help organizations to optimize their workflows and improve quality of service. These tools include real-time monitoring, trend analysis, and other solutions that provide valuable insights into media content delivery.

Overall, Cisco’s IP-based broadcasting blueprint provides media organizations with a comprehensive framework that helps them to transition to an IP-based infrastructure. By providing a wide range of hardware, software, and network components, the blueprint enables organizations to improve agility, scalability, and efficiency while delivering high-quality media content across multiple platforms and devices.

Cisco offers a variety of media processing tools that are part of its IP-based broadcasting blueprint.Here are some of the product names of Cisco’s media processing tools along with the specific products they work with:

1. Cisco Media Processing Platform (MPP): MPP is a platform for building media processing applications using open APIs. It can work with a variety of Cisco hardware products, including the UCS C-Series and B-Series servers, and the ASR 1000 and ISR G2 routers.

2. Cisco Transcoding Manager (CTM): CTM is a software-based transcoding solution that can transcode video content in real-time for delivery across different networks and devices. It works with Cisco’s D9800 Network Transport Receiver and other hardware products.

3. Cisco Video Processing Analytics (VPA): VPA is a real-time video analytics tool that provides insights into video quality, audience behavior, and other metrics. It works with Cisco’s DCM and PRM platforms.

4. Cisco AnyRes Live: AnyRes Live is a cloud-based video processing solution that enables live video encoding, transcoding, and distribution to multiple devices and platforms. It can work with a variety of Cisco hardware and software products, including the ASR 1000 router, the UCS C-Series server, and the cloud-based Cisco Streaming Services platform.

These are just a few examples of the media processing tools offered by Cisco. The specific products that each tool works with may vary depending on the particular solution and deployment.

Cisco Routers with & without PTP

Cisco routers can support Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to provide accurate time synchronization between different devices, networks, and applications. PTP is commonly used in industrial applications such as power grids, telecommunications, and automation to ensure precise timekeeping for critical processes.

Cisco offers a wide range of routers with and without PTP support. Some of the popular router series that offer PTP support include:

1. Cisco 829 Industrial Integrated Services Router: this router is designed for industrial and mobile applications and supports both PTPv1 and PTPv2.

2. Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Router: this router offers carrier-class performance and supports PTPv2 for accurate time synchronization.

3. Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series Switches: these switches can be used as routers and support PTPv2 for accurate time synchronization in enterprise networks.

4. Cisco ISR 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers support PTPv2 and offer high-performance routing and security features for branch offices and small to medium-sized businesses.

On the other hand, there are also Cisco routers that do not support PTP, which may be more suitable for customers who do not require precise time synchronization. Some examples of Cisco routers without PTP support include:

1. Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers are designed for small businesses and home offices and do not support PTP.

2. Cisco 1900 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers offer advanced threat protection and VPN connectivity but do not support PTP.

3. Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers offer a high-performance and secure platform for medium-sized businesses and do not support PTP.

It is important to note that the availability of PTP support may vary depending on the specific router model and the software version running on it.  It is always recommended to consult Cisco documentation.

If you have any questions or comments please hit me up.  If you “like” this content please 👍 

Thank you,

Nic