MVTP

Modular Video Transmission Platform

We have developed a unique FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based technology that enables network video and audio transmissions superior to HDTV with an added latency of less than 1 millisecond. The device is a real-time system with all video and audio processing done in the FPGA.

The device delay is so small that, after adding network delay, real-time delay-critical applications can be realized over long distances. For example, musicians can play together in real time between cities and countries. Video quality exceeds current HDTV broadcast standards and enables live TV production with multiple cameras and in multiple locations.

The device is very easy to use, an all-in-one device, requiring no computer or software, small, lightweight, fanless, 100% silent.

Features

  • Video up to 1080p60 for MVTP-HD or 2160p60 for MVTP-4K
  • Multipoint operation (3-point video, 5-point audio)
  • 8-channel analog audio and Dante audio (for MVTP-4K)
  • Added latency under 3 ms for video and audio
  • High-quality JPEG XS video compression
  • A true real-time FPGA-based system
  • All-in-one hardware, no PC is needed
  • Small size, lightweight, no fan, 100% silent for music applications
  • Easy configuration using the integrated web GUI, front panel or command line

Use cases

  • Distance collaboration in the performing arts.
  • Distance master classes, rehearsals, auditions, cultural exchanges.
  • Distributed performances with artists in different cities, countries or continents working together in real time for audience in multiple places.
  • Low-latency video and audio contribution.

Download

Data sheet (pdf)
MVTP-HD
Data sheet (pdf)
MVTP-4K & MVTP-8K
Presentation

The technology won the

Czech Head Award, category Industrie, 2022

for the most innovative product developed in the recent years

Learn more about the award:

Czech Head Award for Cesnet

European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2020

for its unique contribution to real-time remote collaboration in the performing arts between European countries.

Learn more about the award:

European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra AwardsCross-border cooperation for European classical music

Demonstration video

Real-time remote collaboration

  • Live performances over a computer network are critically sensitive to low end-to-end audio and video latency.
  • For classical music, the end-to-end delay must be less than approximately 20 ms, depending on the instruments and style of performance.
  • The packet propagation delay over a network in Europe is in the range of 10 to 20 ms, leaving only a few milliseconds for additional transmission device delay.
  • A pair of MVTP devices (transmitter and receiver) adds a delay from about 1 millisecond to several milliseconds depending on the receiver buffer setting and the video format.

Live culture over the network - example events

Publications

  1. T. Beneš, S. Ubik, J. Halák, Packet Reordering Correction for Low-Latency Network Applications, 11th Mediterranean Conference on Embedded Computing (MECO'2022), Budva, Montenegro, DOI: 10.1109/MECO55406.2022.9797070.
  2. S. Ubik, J. Halák, M. Kolbe, J. Melnikov, M. Frič, Lessons learned from distance collaboration in live culture, International Conference on Human Interaction and Emerging Technologies: Future Applications (IHIET - AI 2021), April 28-30, 2021, Strasbourg, France, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74009-2_77.
  3. S. Ubik, J. Halák, J. Melnikov, M. Kolbe, Ultra-Low-Latency Video Transmissions for Delay Sensitive Collaboration, The 9th Mediterranean Conference on Embedded Computing (MECO'2020).
  4. S. Ubik, J. Pospíšilík, Video Camera Latency Analysis and Measurement, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, March 2020, Vol. 30, No. 3, DOI: 10.1109/TCSVT.2020.2978057.
  5. S. Ubik, J. Halák, M. Kolbe, J. Melnikov, Distance Collaboration in Performing Arts - A Use Case and Lessons Learned, 16th International Conference on Cooperative Design, Visualization, and Engineering (CDVE 2019), Springer, LNCS, Vol. 11792, pp. 156-161, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30949-7_18.
  6. S. Ubik, J. Navrátil, J. Melnikov, B. Goo, F. Noor, A. Baumann, J. Hrb, C. Allocchio, G. Castillo. Cyber performances, technical and artistic collaboration across continents, Future Generation Computer Systems, Elsevier, 2016, No. 54, pp. 306-312, DOI: 10.1016/j.future.2015.06.009.
  7. S. Ubik, J. Navrátil, J. Melnikov, B. Goo, D. Cuenca, I. Santana, Collaborative visual environments for performing arts, 11th International Conference on Cooperative Design, Visualization, and Engineering (CDVE 2014), Springer, LNCS 8683, pp. 167-170.
  8. A. Friedl, J. Halák, S. Ubik, P. Žejdl, M. Krsek, Low-latency transmissions for remote collaboration in post-production, SMPTE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition 2012, SMPTE 20122012, Pages 367-377.
  9. S. Ubik, P. Žejdl, J. Halák, M. Krsek, F. Nevřela, Real-time long-distance transfer of uncompressed 4K video for remote collaboration, Future Generation Computer Systems, Elsevier, 2011, Vol. 27, No. 7, pp. 886-892, DOI: 10.1016/j.future.2010.11.014.