Magna Systems has signed a technology partnership agreement to represent Open Broadcast Systems across the Asia Pacific region. Open Broadcast Systems provides cutting-edge and end-to-end encoding and decoding software solutions for the broadcast industry.

Magna Systems & Engineering group CEO, Matthew Clemesha, said, “Open Broadcast Systems is revolutionising the provision of advanced broadcast technology, moving the industry towards a flexible, cost efficient, software-driven future. Its cutting-edge and end-to-end encoding and decoding software is accelerating the delivery of premium content over IP, improving quality at the same time as reducing costs. Its products adapt to the pressures and challenges of the modern broadcast environment and can be developed and installed in extremely short timeframes, without compromising on quality. It is a perfect fit for Magna, our clients and our industry.”

As a result of the new agreement Magna will be selling Open Broadcast Systems’ full range of encoders and decoders which are able to deliver high quality, low-latency broadcast services, running as apps on standard IT hardware.

Open Broadcast Systems CEO, Kieran Kunhya added, “We conducted an extensive search for a new technology partner and reseller in the region. Magna’s experience in, and with, IP and ST-2110 stood out and is very important as the standard is accelerating faster in Australia than the rest of the world. In short, the existing team and portfolio of products Magna has, and represents, is highly focused on IP and ST-2110 and Magna has been involved in many leading IP projects for some time. The fact that it can seamlessly handle our traditional SDI requirements well is another big plus. Many of the technology principals in Magna’s existing portfolio are also existing partners of ours and Magna came highly recommended. Magna also and critically, has a very experienced team on the ground which can represent us both commercially and technically.”

Open Broadcast Systems products are based entirely on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and so can be used in a wide variety of applications. They have native uncompressed IP (ST-2022-6 and ST-2110) support and high density. They are also used widely for major sports, news and channel transmissions.

Kieran Kunhya concluded, “We already have a strong customer base in Asia Pac. The nature of the region means it is more open to COTS solutions and ST-2110 which is an ideal opportunity for us to grow further. Magna is the ideal fit for Open Broadcast Systems and will add great value to customers and users of our products throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

Magna is known throughout the region as a highly respected provider of innovative and best-of-breed systems. A trusted distributor, consultant, and systems integrator, the company has built complete networks, playout centres and turnkey solutions for leading broadcasters and telecommunications corporations. The company’s solid knowledge of broadcast workflows enables it to seamlessly evolve with the rapid changes as new technologies emerge and the industry shifts to IP infrastructures.