VSM

VSM, Lawo’s broadcast control system, has been the pivotal control system for years. Whether for hardware-based resource pooling or intricate workflows—everything becomes stress-free and intuitive. Over the years, VSM has evolved at a breath-taking pace to ensure that new developments can be leveraged and even more efficient workflows are deployed with ease.

The most momentous recent change is that VSM is now HOME-native. Massive amounts of data are exchanged between HOME and VSM to quickly facilitate one-button-press convenience, irrespective of the number of hardware and software solutions that need to be controlled. As a result, VSM now faster to configure than ever before. And it always delivers on its promises.

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Near-Universal Compatibility, Rock-Solid Operation

VSM easily integrates with the majority of broadcast equipment on the market and allows for custom workflows that meet the most complex project demands. IP edge devices and network infrastructures, traditional video routers, HOME Apps, video switchers, audio routers, audio consoles, multiviewers, intercoms, modular equipment and other third-party devices can all be controlled from a single, highly automated and intuitive user interface.

Entirely vendor-agnostic, VSM provides seamless control with unmatched logic and recall possibilities, in combination with a rock-solid redundancy strategy.

Operators can intuitively control their production facility through highly customizable touchscreen-optimized software panels and a wide range of hardware LCD-button panels, giving them the freedom to tailor the control system to their specific workflows.

Advanced features, such as dynamic resource management with Pooling and Boxing, a comprehensive Tally management and logic engine, dynamic tieline management, multi-user configuration, virtual signals, logical pseudo devices, and lots more, set the benchmark for IP broadcast control systems.

The VSM control system brings together all the requirements for a safe and flexible broadcast operation. The “everything under one roof” philosophy unites technical devices and operators in a most adaptable way. User panels and interfaces can be configured without limitation to meet the requirements of different workflows and applications, while the whole system is under redundant control.

All VSM user interfaces display confirmed actions from a connected device, for example, a router. This ensures maximum transparency for every operator and every control unit. Additionally, a global naming facility for mixers, UMDs, user panels, and many other devices provides status information at a glance.

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Vendor neutrality for network nodes and IT switches

Designed for multi-vendor deployments

Full SDN solution with Arista MCX/CVX, incl. a Flow State View

Multi-user panel configuration

Crosspoint-centric routing behavior: routing of offline resources

Unified northbound matrix representation through vsmStudio

Supports Hitless Merge (seamless switching)

Easy transition from baseband to IP: consistent workflows

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Download the brochure here!

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Key Features of VSM

A single control system for all broadcast applications, perfectly at home in cutting-edge facilities
Integrates with the majority of widely-used broadcast equipment (baseband and IP)
Based on an IP backbone and standard IT servers
Robust redundancy architecture designed for 365/24/7 operation
Large toolbox with comprehensive third-party device control capabilities
Comprehensive Tally management and logic engine
Dynamic resource and tieline management
Global, system-wide snapshots for recalling and scheduling recurring setups
Simple and flexible control panel design to craft and optimize production workflows: control complete broadcast facilities with freely configurable LCD button panels or custom designed soft-panel GUIs
Users can easily deploy their individual workflows and production setups
Constant evolution based on customer feedback

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Recent Feature Additions

vsmShare

vsmShare, the latest add-on for vsmStudio, allows to share signal resources like sources and targets—whether physical or virtual—among separate vsmStudio clusters. Resources to be shared can be determined by the user via the front-end UI.

Natively designed for SDN environments, vsmShare includes sharing of Pseudo Device dependencies (logical signal bundles, like video/audio/metadata) as well as Signal Tags (used, e.g., to identify essence formats such as HD or UHD, SDR, HDR, etc.)

HOME API interface

The new HOME API interface enables deep integration with the HOME management platform. VSM has access to routing and parameter control for HOME Apps as well as HOME-native and NMOS devices discovered and registered in HOME.

In addition, the interface enables simplified deployment and configuration processes in VSM.

General Enhancements

In addition to other general product enhancements, an undo/redo functionality has been added to the panel editor, and an online Help feature is now available inside vsmStudio.

VSM panels can be configured by multiple users simultaneously, to save precious time. The same is true of the possibility to import IP addresses from HOME, making manual (and error-prone) entry a thing of the past.

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Room Tally

This add-on for vsmStudio allows to map any system tally to room- or production-related tally levels and makes the configuration of multiple control rooms within one system a breeze.

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vsmShare Tally

On top of the recently introduced vsmShare feature, which allows to share source signal resources among separate vsmStudio clusters, vsmShare Tally enables the exchange of tally states with highly flexible mapping options.

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Product Enhacements

Recent product improvements include protocol driver enhancements, the extension of panel button features, panel state synchronization across servers, more tools to support the general configuration process as well as improved methods for simplified and speedy system deployment, such as a minimal-click Signal Path Creation option for HOME device resources.

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The Basic Concept

The most open and sophisticated broadcast control system on the market!
Supply the best system integration and control interfaces to all essential broadcast equipment!
Remain third-party hardware manufacturer independent and consistently choose the best technology available!
Protect your investment with a commitment to continuous protocol implementation!
Provide unique logic solutions to simplify operational user
interfaces and workflows!
Unique logic solutions to simplify operational user interfaces and workflows!
A powerful toolbox allowing configuration changes, system expansion and workflow changes without manufacturer support!

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System Architecture

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With hundreds of different protocols implemented and growing by the day, VSM already seamlessly integrates with the majority of the most popular broadcast equipment on the market. These include video routers, video switchers, audio routers, audio consoles, multi-viewers, intercoms, modular equipment and many special third-party devices. By talking native protocols where possible, equipment from different manufacturers can be seamlessly “glued” together, giving unmatched recall and logic control possibilities system-wide.

With a modern TCP/IP backbone, VSM utilizes standard IT hardware but enhances reliability and redundancy with sophisticated software redundancy concepts. VSM also provides interfaces to connect serially controlled devices, again freeing you to decide on the best hardware technology, no matter the format of the physical control interface.

VSM servers are the heart of the control system. Running vsmStudio software, all administration and configuration is both programmed and saved runtime in intuitive and easy to use software. Control interfaces in the form of a wide range of hardware LCD button panels and software panel clients allow simplified operation from highly flexible and custom designed configurable GUIs. Additional VSM hardware includes GPIO interfaces, UMDs for dynamic labelling, and SmartHubs, which convert control signals to and from serial to TCP/IP. SNMP Monitoring capabilities are realized via the vSNMP editor software tool which runs on a separate server. VSM is the ultimate control system integration solution.

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Applications

Setting the Standard for unified Control

Flexibility, efficiency and fast reaction: the essential requirements for today’s and tomorrow’s mobile environment. Situations can change very quickly in the high pressure mobile truck environment, even on a daily basis. A host of new challenges are being presented to the technical teams on location as 3D, 4K and 5.1 surround sound become the norm rather than the exception. Short setup times and fast reaction to production staff demands on location are essential for smooth and stress-free mobile productions. Any tools and functions in the hands of mobile engineers that simplify and speed up the setup of the production environment are hugely beneficial. This is where VSM comes into its own.

The VSM standard in Mobile Production

A single control interface for numerous devices – learn one not many
Global system wide snapshots for complete recall of recurring show setups
No need for an external Tally system – VSM has built-in sophisticated Tally and signalization logic
Centralized labelling simplifies and speeds up operation
Virtual signal paths provide unbeatable speed and flexibility for a constantly changing environment
Bundle different signal types together logically to route multiple signals from a device at the press of a button
Simple and flexible control panel design to adapt to or optimize existing production workflows
Real-time changes to panel layouts without the need for an upload
Touchscreen operational GUIs for simplified and efficient control
Wireless tablet support for portable control panels incorporating control of numerous devices

Maximum Resource flexibility - VSM has it under Control

Modern TV production facilities are looking to maximize the flexibility of available resources to get the most out of hardware and real estate investments. Centralizing routers, intercom systems, modular gear and other hardware devices to be accessible in all studios brings both operational flexibility and studio redundancy features. Administering the availability of these resources to the various studios needs careful management and logic.

Shifting a production from one control room to another in an emergency is only sensible if all aspects of the original production (signals, labels, panels, multiviewers, Tally, etc.) can be quickly established and setup. The advantage of a system that has control over all major equipment is clearly to understand. VSM offers unique functionality to handle both the resource management and studio switching requirements in fast and simple operational steps – maximizing your hardware investments!

VSM simplifies operation in Multi-Studio environments

Dynamic router tieline management that includes transparent Tally logic
“Boxing” complete studios for fast switching to emergency backup studios on the fly
Prepare a production offline and recall to any free studio/ control room combination
Automatic resource management with administration and user rights
Global system wide snapshots for recalling and scheduling recurring show setups
Complete Tally management across multiple studios and facilities
Working side by side with news automation systems to maximize available resources
Combine hardware and software control interfaces for simplified control

Your Mission-Critical Control is in safe hands

Any system to be utilized in the mission-critical MCR application for TV must offer sophisticated redundancy features to ensure 24/7 operation without critical failures under any circumstances. In addition, control requirements are based around pre-programmed transmission switching, switching control from third-party automation systems, signal monitoring and alarms with automatic routing based on specific alarm status or logic detection. Quick operational reaction to failed devices is essential to ensure transmission lines never go “dead”.

Signal path overviews and automatic handling of different signal types and formats are also essential requirements for a unified control system designed for this use. With VSM’s unique “Pooling” function, customers can easily manage their signals through the whole MCR by automatically inserting free “pooled” devices dynamically and automatically setting the device so that the signal arrives in the right format. If one of the devices fails, VSM will automatically re-route the signal to another spare device without user intervention.

VSM is trusted in the most critical of applications – TV MCR

Strong redundancy concepts designed for 24/7 non-stop operation
Built-in scheduler for pre-programmed routing and systemwide parameter changes
Control and integration with third-party automation and scheduling systems
Automatic signal routing to simplify the handling of different signal formats
Manual override control possibilities of “Channel in a box” solutions
Sophisticated SNMP and alarm management to avoid problems before they become critical

Perfect monitoring and Control while being On-Air

Already installed in numerous MCRs across the world, VSM is your trusted partner to handle even the largest and most sophisticated system requirements. The VSM system takes into account the unique requirements of a Radio MCR, thus providing special functions for radio applications. For instance, in combination with appropriate audio routers, silence detection is managed easily. A rule management system, that can be defined freely, assists in the automatic change of transmission lines, audio sources, peripheral equipment or can trigger emergency switchings.

The handy apology rules editor helps to manage even complex fall back and backup scenarios. Transmission line and audio source management is also easy to handle—with continuous signal flow control. With the use of VSM’s tieline management functionalities even decentralized broadcast facilities are easy to control.

With VSM, satellite downlinks and ISDN codecs can be implemented seamlessly to coordinate the original source and final destination. In daily operations, recurring studio swaps can be the norm. With VSM these automatic actions are easy to implement. With the use of VSM’s timers and routing management, operators and editors are supported significantly, so that they can concentrate on the creative part of the job.

VSM is trusted in the most critical of applications – Radio MCR

Strong redundancy concepts designed for 24/7 non-stop operation
Built-in scheduler for pre-programmed routing and systemwide parameter changes
Silence detection implemented easily
Easy integration with third-party automation and scheduling systems via standard crosspoint protocols
Remote control of complete facilities and even remotely located facilities
Easy overview about signal sources and destinations – facilitywide or between different facilities

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vsmStudio

Power and configurability in your hands

vsmStudio software is the heart of the VSM system and the main administration and configuration tool that runs continuously on all VSM servers in the system. From here, an easy-to-use GUI provides all the functions, tools and setup wizards to control and customize your VSM system to your specific application and workflow needs. Additionally, all connected hardware settings and statuses are shown in real-time, with instant control and feedback.

After initial assistance and factory support with custom configuration to mold the product into the project specific requirements, the customer is trained on the toolbox so that changes to all parts of the system can be handled without further factory support. As your needs change, the full power and configurability of VSM is in your hands. In addition, technical staff need only learn one system interface to control numerous devices, saving time and money in training.

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vsmStudio Overview

The heart of the VSM family of products
User-friendly software to handle all configuration, administration and central control
Configuration changes occur in real-time with no download or need for the system to be offline
Offline configuration possible
Remote access, control and support with standard secure IT solutions
Multiple server redundancy synchronization and seamless changeover
True real-time status monitoring of attached devices
Virtual matrix view allows all router layers to be combined, organized and controlled in custom XY views
Redundant third-party driver connection engine for peace of mind
Monitoring and control can be combined into a single workflow maximizing response times

vsmStudio - Features & Options

Integrated Features (Full Licence Version)

vsmTALLY: Generates Tally, combines it with external triggers and sends Tally to external consumers. Replaces stand-alone tally systems.
GPI: Provides a powerful logic toolset to create custom workflows.
GADGETS: Controls an unlimited amount of external device parameters.
META GADGETS: Allow to “link” any parameter to a source or destination for direct access.
VIRTUAL SIGNALS: Creates „re-entries“ without using physical resources of a router.
VIRTUAL LAYERS: Provides a crosspoint matrix via control protocol (e.g. SW-P08) to the outside to be remote controlled by automation systems.
STORAGE GROUPS: Create, load and save your preset incl. Labels, Crosspoints, GPO states, Parameters and Panel layouts using the Mimic Button.
PSEUDO DEVICES: Link Video/Audio/TC/RS-422 signals into a switchable overall bundle, e.g. to create Audio follows Video rules, Stereo switching rules.
EVENT SCHEDULER: Enables time based switching of events, e.g. crosspoint salvos.
APOLOGY: Alarms can trigger an automatic recovery to Backup conditions.
ALARMS: Collect and process alarms coming via SNMP, GPIO or native protocol.
TIMERS: Configurable up/down timers with multiple triggers to run actions.

Optional Features

BOXING: Disaster recovery and Studio switchover by a single button push.
POOLING: Automatic management and insertion of pooled processing paths into your signal chain.
SDP STREAM PATCHING: Enables basic SDP transfer for multicast stream patching.
EMBER+ GATEWAY: Functionality to provide vsmStudio internal parameters to 3rd party controllers.
vSNMP ADD-ON: Master Licence to monitor SNMP messages within VSM.

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IP Broadcast Control and Workflow Solution