A leader in embedded and automation products and solutions, Advantech has joined the International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (AIMS) alliance.

The Taiwan-based company specialises in integrated video processing platforms and Video-over-IP products and operates a worldwide sales and support network in 23 countries. ‘Advantech is a pioneer in IP-based innovative solutions for the broadcast industry,’ says AIMS Senior Director of Video Solutions, David Lin. ‘Becoming an active member of AIMS will allow us to further collaborate with the industry’s top engineers, technologists and visionaries on open-standard solutions that streamline customer transition to a virtualised IP environment.’

AIMS’ efforts are focused on promoting the adoption, standardisation, development and refinement of open protocols for media over IP, with an initial emphasis on VSF TR-03 and TR-04, SMPTE 2022-6 and AES67. Broadcasters and other media companies are seeking to leverage IP to increase the flexibility of their networks, help streamline workflows and improve agility to better compete in a rapidly evolving ecosystem. Open standards are the key to protecting current investments and ensuring long-term interoperability.

Open standards are employed by the 77-member Video Services Forum (VSF) for the IP transition, with the support of organisations such as SMPTE and the EBU. More than 30 broadcast equipment suppliers and broadcasters were involved in the development of VSF TR-03 and companies are actively testing and validating it today.

AIMS provides specific guidance in its bylaws to its members and to the media industry via the AIMS Roadmap. The organisation endorses an IP transition plan that includes support for SMPTE 2022-6, AES67 and VSF recommendations TR-03 and TR-04.

A number of solutions are already on the market to help media companies begin the transition by introducing IP components to an SDI workflow. The transition represents a significant investment and will not happen overnight. An open standards approach allows media companies to implement the technology over time and transition at the pace that makes sense for their businesses.

Membership in AIMS is available to all individuals and companies that support open standards and share a commitment to the group’s founding principles.

More: www.aimsalliance.org