Sandbox Testing of HDR Over ST 2110

The Ultra HD Forum’s generic testbed was defined to evaluate state-of-the-art IP-based media systems relative to technologies beyond HD (e.g., UHD, HDR, HFR). A first experiment, directed to ST 2110, carried live, uncompressed video, in HDR. This experiment proved extant capabilities, but identified a need for more comprehensive signaling. The Ultra HD Forum’s Interoperability Work Group launched the IP Production Users Group to evaluate the readiness of IP-based media systems to carry content that relies on technologies promoted by the Forum – those beyond HD, such as UHD resolution, HDR/WCG color volumes, and HFR timing. Interested in not only productions having IP networks residing strictly on-prem, but also live, cloud-based workflows, the Forum defined a generic testbed for evaluating the state-of-the-art with respect to technologies beyond HD (UHD, HDR, HFR), in the context of current IP-based media environments. For NAB this year, a first instance of the testbed was constructed, an SDI-ST 2110 hybrid, wherein the experiment conveyed live, uncompressed, HD video, in HDR, over ST 2110. Assembled from components contributed by members and interested industry partners, this instance proved the extant capabilities of present-day off-the-shelf components, but also identified needs for more comprehensive signaling.