The EVS X-One production system takes software-based technology to a new level

The system targets small productions where budgets and staff are a challenge

Although EVS is synonymous with high-cost replay systems, with the launch of X-One, an all-in-one production tool that uses touchscreen technology to allow a single operator to produce a show with up to six cameras, the company is taking an important step in expanding its customer base.

“People are coming to love EVS technology, but they can’t afford it,” says James Stellpflug, Vice President, Product Marketing, EVS. “So we took the essence of our technology with a software approach to create a 2RU framework that brings our brand to a whole new class of users. It’s the start of a lot of things you’ll see from EVS in the next three or four years, as we use software rather than dedicated hardware boards.

X–A is designed to be operated by a single user, who can take advantage of its contextualized user interface, which adapts to the type of production on which it is deployed. Different sports or entertainment productions will have dedicated interfaces that highlight specific features and remove unnecessary ones. This places the user in a single production environment with predefined functions and simplified operation. The dedicated user interfaces will be available on the EVS cloud and can be quickly downloaded and installed before any production.

The new system is based on software-defined technology from EVS and puts all the capabilities of a control room in the hands of a single production operator, who controls everything via a touch screen.

“Small-scale live ops producers are challenged to find the right set of creative production tools that meets their professional technology needs at a lower budget,” says Laurent Small, SVP, product, EVS. “X–A fills this gap. It offers the best compromise between quality and price, and [it] has an ultra-simplified production system that allows all aspects of live production to be managed and controlled by a single operator.

Stellpflug sees the first release as a solid bet for tier two sports productions and says the next two releases will allow it to scale so it can be used for shows that require more cameras, 4K production, or super slo-mo functionality.

Petit adds that it’s also an intuitive system, with enough variable functions to give users what they need today. “This is what we call contextualized production.”

The system also allows the import of files that operators use to create replays, control audio, assemble a live stream with the built-in video switcher and even add graphics to live programming, which is broadcast in standard quality. of dissemination.

“There are currently no third-party applications onboard, but it is designed so that an external graphics system like a Viz or other high-end system can connect via an NDI link,” says Stellpflug. “There is also an API available.”

The system natively supports AIMS-compliant uncompressed ST 2110 IP streams and further assists production operators with functions deployed through a number of applications and plug-ins, which can be created and continuously added to the system. X–AThe architecture of can be easily configured to expand I/O, as well as provide UHD/4K formats for future needs.

And, because it’s built with EVS technology, users can be confident that X–A will provide the speed expected in a production system, the reliability needed in the real environment, and the after-sales and ongoing support that comes with EVS products. The system will be available for purchase by the end of this year, with software upgrades available in Q1 2018 giving users a wider range of applications and features.

EVS’ software-defined architecture is built on a new GPU-based technology foundation, which unlocks more creative capabilities for users able to customize and personalize operations workflows. The software-defined architecture has so far been implemented in the company’s DYVI switch, Xeebra VAR system, and several products currently in development and expected to be announced soon.