Orca is Pebble Beach Systems completely virtualised IP-enabled software-defined integrated channel. Running in a VM on a virtualised platform, it optimises a software-only implementation of the companys Dolphin platform to run in a private cloud with IP inputs and outputs. Orca provides equivalent functionality in a pure software environment to that which was previously handled […]
Orca is Pebble Beach Systems completely virtualised IP-enabled software-defined integrated channel. Running in a VM on a virtualised platform, it optimises a software-only implementation of the companys Dolphin platform to run in a private cloud with IP inputs and outputs. Orca provides equivalent functionality in a pure software environment to that which was previously handled by discrete video server, graphics and subtitling systems. As with Dolphin, Orca software-defined channels can be configured to meet the exact requirements of each service. An advanced orchestration layer also allows ultra-fast deployment against pre-configured templates, so that channels can be launched and integrated into a running Marina system literally at the click of a button.
Pebble Beach Systems Technical Director, Ian Cockett, confirmed: Crucially, Orca deploys grid-based GPU power for encoding, freeing up CPU power to enable us to increase channel counts more cost-effectively for the end user. However, the real game changer with Orca is the orchestration and deployment layer which enables you to create new channels and services from a series of templates, and to deploy those new channels into a running system without having to restart or make complex configuration changes. All of the virtualised infrastructure and configuration is handled for you. Orca provides a new environment that enables our customers to easily expand or contract the number of channels in the system in line with their own business requirements.
The IBC demonstration on Stand 8.C71 showcases the companys flagship Marina automation solution controlling a full range of virtualised channel types hosted on the new Orca virtualised IP channel solution, and on their partner Harmonics Electra X VM platform.
The demo will feature highly reactive prime channels with 3D graphics, and clip-based thematic channels hosted on Orca. Regional variation services will be hosted on Electra X, Harmonics Media Processor which integrates encoding, high-quality branding and graphics, and reliable transport stream playout. Electra X offers content and service providers high video quality, highly integrated functionality and increased operational flexibility either as a cost-effective appliance or as a completely virtual media processing system, as demonstrated on the Pebble stand.
