THE SWITCH FAQs
Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions. If you are unable to find the information you require here please Contact Us.
What do I need in my Broadcast Center to Facilitate Ethernet?
Ethernet service provided by the Switch requires local access service and Customer Premise Equipment to “hand-off” a standard type of data connection, typically a RJ 45 interface.
Does Ethernet service have the same level of diversity and redundancy as other service that is transported by The Switch?
Yes. 1+1 protection is in place for all Ethernet service scheduled on The Switch network.
What are some of the technical attributes of data services supported by The Switch?
- E line point to point connectivity
- E LAN point to multipoint topologies, mesh or “star,” any number of sites.
- 802.1q – VLANS
- 802.1D 1998/2004 protocols
- Jumbo frames
- Extremely low network induced latency variation (Jitter
- Port speeds up to 10Gbps
- Extremely low network induced latency variation (Jitter)
- Port speeds up to 10Gbps
How is Ethernet service monitored?
As a product of The Switch Network, monitoring and diagnostic tools are in place at The Switch Network Operations Center to provision, monitor and diagnose problems and issues that may arise. These tools are similar to the tools that allow the operation to monitor video service and overall, the same level of service and support exits for Ethernet service that exists for video service.
What are the increments of data that Ethernet service is offered?
The Switch has established a very granular and dynamic Ethernet product, one that we believe is suited to accommodate several different applications to serve media organization’s dynamic needs that include, communications, administrative data requirements and the evolving file based workflows that continue to be important production tools to support media productions. These increments of service include:
- 20Mbps
- 50Mbps
- 100Mbps
- 200Mbps
- 300Mbps
- 400Mbps
- 500Mbps
- 600Mbps
- 700Mbps
- 800Mbps
- 800Mbps
- 2000Mbps
- 300Mbps
Special Event Service Packaged with Video Service:
- 500Mbps
- 650Mbps
- 1000Mbps
- 2000Mbps
- 4000Mbps
How is Ethernet Scheduled?
With a recent upgrade of its Customer Controlled Software system, SwitchIT, customers can schedule and provision Ethernet service themselves or call The Switch Booking Operation (212 227 9191) to schedule their Ethernet service.
What do I need in my Broadcast Center to facilitate HomeRuns?
Sufficient Switch connectivity to support all inbound and outbound requirements. FiveNines venues. FiveNines infrastructure, but not necessarily.
When are HomeRuns available?
Now
Do HomeRuns have the same level of diversity and redundancy as other service that is transported by The Switch?
Yes
What is the trouble-shooting procedure for HomeRuns?
The Switch has enhanced its monitoring, internal routing distribution systems and, coupled with network transmission diagnostic tools already in place, has access at its Network Operations Center to all HomeRuns signals transported in the network. These capabilities assure that if a HomeRuns transmission anomaly occurs, isolation of the problem, and remedy, is rapidly achieved.
How are HomeRuns monitored?
Like any other feed, HomeRuns are monitored from The Switch’s 24/7/365 Network Operations Center(s) which features state of the art network management and video monitoring systems, 24/7 booking support, and is equipped with UPS and Generator backup systems, Snell & Wilcox Alchemist Standards Converters and HD/SD Up/Down conversion capabilities.
How are HomeRuns scheduled?
Generally scheduled via templates. HomeRuns and SwitchIT
How does the HomeRuns service work?
Each individual camera source is JPEG compressed. The Switch is provided isolated hand off of each camera feeds at the venue’s I/O panel, The Switch encodes each individual camera feed and transports it, 1+1, across its network to the customer’s on net facility where the signals are decoded and presented as a baseband HD SDI handoff to the client for routing to their production control room. Audio channels are embedded with the video. Directors can direct camera operators with <.03 second delay. Return paths to venue can be supported as well.
What are HomeRuns?
HomeRuns is The Switch’s solution for centralized production, allowing isolated camera feeds, audio channels and file based workflows to seamlessly integrate the remote production with the customer’s broadcast center facility. The Switch’s HomeRuns service is designed to support the high quality, low latency, needs of Sports, News and Entertainment production using our J2K platform
When is 4K available?
The Switch can provide 4k service now.
What do I need in my Broadcast Center to facilitate 4k?
Every Broadcast Plant is different but for the most part, the Broadcast Center will need 3G SDI routing and distribution infrastructure to internally pass the 4K signal that is handed off to the customer by The Switch. 4K monitoring capability is required at the customer’s Transmission Center, through to the Production Center environment offering technical and operational support of 4k service at the client facility.
Are there any audio limitations?
The native 4K signal that is “handed off” for connectivity to Switch resources (4X 3G SDI) is supported by the J2K compression system in The Switch Network and embeds audio, enabling support of one Group of Digital Audio (4 channels of audio) or four Groups of Digital Audio (16 channels of audio). Audio service for 4K is consistent within the fabric of The Switch Network and is accommodated just like any other service that requires audio transport.
Does 4K have the same level of diversity and redundancy as other service that is transported by The Switch?
Yes. 1+1 protection is in place for 4K service scheduled on The Switch network for 4K service.
How is 4K service monitored?
The Switch has implemented 4K monitoring and management stations at its Network Operations Center that offers the operation complete visibility of 4K video that may be provisioned in the network. In addition to this monitoring capability, all health & status diagnostic systems are available to the NOC operation which can isolate and remedy any 4K technical issue that may exist.
How is 4K service scheduled?
The Booking Operation of The Switch (212 227 9191), using Scheduling and Provisioning systems of the Network, will schedule 4K service. Because it is a relatively new offering, we suggest you have a conversation with your designated Account Representative so the specific 4K application may be discussed so a detailed proposal can be furnished to describe the technical operational and commercial requirements of the potential 4k application.
How does The Switch transport 4K?
The 4K signal is segmented into four quadrants, each of which are 3G or HD SDI. These four signals are each presented as an individual input source at The Switch I/O panel at the venue or the customer location. The Switch JPEG2000 encodes each signal and they are then fed across our 20Gbps network, always 1+1 protected to the receive end where the four signals are synchronized and stitched back together to present one seamless image via four 3G or HD SDI hand offs.
What is 4K?
4K is the new standard for Ultra High Definition Television. 4K is roughly 4X the resolution of 1080p High Definition.
What is the difference between a port identifier that starts with an E and a Port identifier that starts with a N (E01 or N01)?
FiveNines port identifiers that start with an E are Ethernet ports and also have a network plug icon to the right of the port name. FiveNines port identifiers that start with an N are FiveNines capable Video ports and have a video camera icon to the right of the port name.
Is HD-SDI 1.5G the same as the old 1.5G Uncompressed?
Yes. All Quality of Service Transmission types have been renamed to indicate the type of service followed by the speed or bandwidth rating.
What is JPEG 2K (4) 150 Mbps and JPEG 2K (16) 240 Mbps?
With these new QoS designations, we are simplifying and expanding the J2K product offering. JPEG 2K (4) is a 150 Mbps Quality of service with 4 audio channels, JPEG 2K (16) is a 240 Mbps Quality of service with 16 audio channels.
Why do I no longer see J2K US?
The J2K US Quality of Service (QoS) is no longer available and has been replaced by JPEG 2K (4) and JPEG 2K (16)
When I make a Point-to-Point Ethernet booking, why is the price listed as $0.00?
Due to the complexity, currently Ethernet pricing will be added manually during the billing process.
Why do I not see any Ethernet ports to select from, but there are Ethernet buttons in the Transmission section that are greyed out?
Certain customers have the ability to book FiveNines Point to Point Ethernet services and the Ethernet buttons in the Transmission section is used by them to select which bandwidth they need.
My touch Screen is frozen, what should I do?
The first thing you should do is reset your browser on your touch-screen control panel. If that does not work, you should then power cycle the touch-screen unit. If those two options do not work, call the NOC at 212 227-9191.
How do I goodnight my port?
On your touch-screen control panel, select the destination and press the “Goodnight” button.
How do I make a Switch?
On your touch-screen control panel, select your source, then select your destination, press take. It’s as simple as that!
What type of backup capabilities does the NOC have?
The NOC has its own Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) that provides emergency power to the NOC load when the commercial power source fails. Once the main power source fails, the UPS takes the load until the NOC’s emergency generator is automatically activated which takes less than a minute at which time a transfer switch moves the load to the generator. Customers of The Switch should not notice the loss of commercial power.
Do I call the NOC to reserve an ICOD service?
You can but The Switch has a Call Center that is staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our Call Center is always available and dedicated to take your reservations. The direct number to reach the Call Center is 212 227-9131 or you can reserve ICOD services via your own Touch Screen panel.
How do I contact the NOC?
For technical issues with your service, you can contact the NOC in two ways. First direct by phone 212 227-9191 or 866 660-9191 gets you right to the technician that can help you immediately or via email at noc@theswitch.tv
Where is the Network Operations Center (NOC) located?
The Switch has three 24/7/365 Network Operations Centers located in New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and London England.
| City | Address | Phone |
| New York | 60 Hudson Street, suite 201 New York, NY 1003 | 212-221-9191 |
| Los Angeles: | 3440 Motor Ave, The Circular Building Los Angeles, CA 90034 | 310-287-3800 |
| London: | 65 Lever Street EC1V 3AR London England | 011-44-207-566-1060 |
