V__matrix vm_udx Converts in All Directions
Lawo’s V__matrix platform does such an appreciated job at enabling a wide range of video and
audio workflows and supporting the transition to a fully IP-based environment that Lawo
celebrates its fifth anniversary with a constant flow of significant software-based enhancements.
The updated vm_udx application turns V__matrix C100 software-defined processing blades into
powerful up/down/cross converters with up to 8 paths of format conversion and, additionally, up
to four 3D LUT color space conversion paths. The latest software release, available on
lawo.com, adds powerful new features that make conversion workflows more effective and
Lawo’s future-proof V__matrix platform more potent than ever.

In the light of a rapidly growing trend towards remote maintenance, vm_udx’s web UI allows
operators to monitor which video content is currently processed by a given C100 blade. The
new Live Video Preview display allows users to visualize the video content received by an SDI
or IP input, or the output of a processing stage, directly in vm_udx’s web UI.
In response to vm_udx user requests, Lawo has enhanced the +hdr color space 3D LUT
conversion engine. Each of the four vm_udx paths now features top-notch tetrahedral
interpolation for conversions between a variety of color spaces.
To support flexible audio workflows, vm_udx adds a range of new features. A newly designed
downmix engine with 2048 mono-equivalent inputs into 256 mono-equivalent summing busses
can be freely configured for flexible mono or stereo summing as well as dedicated 5.1 > stereo
or 7.1 > stereo downmixing.

The digital gain range for all audio leveling instances has been extended to support level
adjustments between –∞ and +24dB. In addition, vm_udx is able to interface with a MADI
environment simply by adding the optional +madi license and communicating with the SDI rear
plate connected to the processing blade that hosts the Up/Down/Cross Converter. BNC
connectors can be software-switched to MADI in almost any combination.
The new vm_udx release furthermore supports metadata workflows with an advanced ancillary-
data handling engine. Able to handle ANC data in 2110-40, 2022-6 and SDI signals
simultaneously during the conversion process, users are free to keep, or remove, individual
DID/SDID contained in the ANC payload.

The new +tc_gen license generates timecode flavors from PTP or other time sources and
provides up to three independent generators. Generated ancillary timecode (ATC) formats,
which can be embedded into TX and SDI outputs, include VITC1, VITC2, and LTC. Linear
timecode (LTC) can be generated as a digital audio signal.
“With this new release, the vm_udx app boasts advanced audio and ancillary data handling
which complements its powerful up/down/cross video feature set,” says Stephan Türkay, Lawo’s
Senior Product Manager Media Infrastructure. “The software-defined nature of Lawo’s
V__matrix ecosystem inherently means that its feature set can evolve as market requirements
change. This flexible approach allows V__matrix users to operate at the cutting edge for many
years to come.”
Stay tuned for even more enhancements of Lawo’s V__matrix ecosystem.

About Lawo
Lawo designs and manufactures pioneering network, video, audio, control and monitoring
technology for TV and radio broadcast, performing arts, houses of worship, stadiums and
corporate applications. Products include IP-based media infrastructure solutions, control and
monitoring systems, digital audio mixing consoles and video processing tools. All products are
developed in Germany and manufactured according to highest quality standards at the
company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany. For additional
information, please visit www.lawo.com.

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