Xilinx launches real-time server all-in-one

Xilinx, a global leader in adaptive and intelligent computing, announced the launch of two easy-to-scale, ultra-high density video transcoding real-time computing video real-time transcoding all-in-one. Based on Xilinx's new Xilinx Real-Time Server (RT Server) reference architecture, the two new all-in-one machines will enable today's service providers to deliver video quality and bit-rate optimized applications at the lowest cost per channel. Such as esports and gaming live streaming platforms, social and video conferencing, live distance education, telemedicine and live video streaming, and can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to software-based or fixed architecture solutions.

Tailored specifically for edge and on-site compute-intensive workloads where video channel density, throughput and latency are critical, the new Xylinx Live Video all-in-One uses optimized hardware architecture and software to deliver the highest channel density and lowest latency in the industry. The two new devices provide the industry with two preconfigured options that integrate different Alveo™ data center accelerator cards - the high channel density video transcoding machine and the ultra-low bit rate video transcoding machine.

Donna Yasay, vice president of marketing for Xilinx's Data center Business group, said: "With video traffic growing exponentially, architecture optimization is a top priority. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, each of us is experiencing a variety of telecommuting, learning and entertainment, and the massive increase in concurrent channel occupancy is impacting service providers' business models and driving up bandwidth costs. The adoption of Xilinx's new RT Server reference architecture will enable providers to minimize costs while delivering high-quality live video services."

Optimized for video transcoding

Developed specifically to minimize cost per channel, the high channel density video real-time transcoding all-in-one integrates up to eight Alveo U30 data center accelerator cards, which were also announced today. The new Alveo U30 accelerator card can meet the needs of compact acceleration cards for high-density video processing. Alveo U30 is based on Zynq® UltraScale+™ MPSoC, a power-optimized fully programmable system-on-chip (SoC) that integrates a video codec and graphics engine for ultra HD video. The U30 card supports both H.264 and HEVC (H.265) codecs, and can transmit up to 16 1080p30 channels per card.

The ultra-low bit rate optimized video transcoding all-in-one was developed specifically for high quality live video while helping to reduce bandwidth costs. Can carry up to 8 Alveo U50 accelerator cards. The Alveo U50 card is based on the Xilinx UltraScale+™ architecture and comes in an efficient 75-watt compact package with built-in 8GB HBM2, 100GbE networking and PCI Express 4.0. Alveo U50 supports up to seven full HD 1080p60 channels, in addition to eight full ABR ladders (all with x265 medium presets).

Both new all-in-one machines are built with the FFmpeg framework, providing system developers with a common API to quickly replace existing software and GPGPu-based transcoder infrastructure. Software partners work to build applications that run on top of the standard FFmpeg layer. The HEVC codec is rebuilt from the ground up in a componentized manner to provide stronger codec control (down to the frame level), enabling system integrators to adjust the frame rate control, and fine-tune other parameters to optimize video quality and bit rate to suit a specific end application. Adaptive computing devices offer unique flexibility benefits unmatched by ASIC solutions. Both new all-in-one machines can reduce the cost, board area and power consumption of H.264 x264 by four times at 1080p30 resolution and x264 Medium presets.

The Xilinx RT Server Reference architecture is built with optimized hardware architecture and software protocol stacks, from gate-level to software and AI stacks, to help maximize performance for specific workloads. Both new all-in-one machines feature 1RU cabinet mounting specifications and support full Docker containers and Kubernetes management capabilities for easy scaling.

HPE ProLiant server authentication and ISV support

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has certified the Alveo U50 and Alveo U250 accelerator cards on the HPE ProLiant server. The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen 10 and HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen 10 Plus servers are the first HPE servers to use Xilinx FPGas. HPE will be the first OEM to provide a bit-rate optimized video real-time transcoding all-in-one server based on Alveo U50. The certification of Alveo cards to HPE servers means a further expansion of the number of OEM server partners and ISV applications using the Alveo platform to accelerate cloud and on-premises workloads.

Michael Mangiafico, HPC and MCS Compute Accelerator Strategist at HPE, said: "Today's computationally intensive workloads have accelerated the demand for differentiated video transcoding, video analytics and database acceleration solutions. "By partnering with Xilinx to integrate Alveo-based, high-performance, multifunctional products within HPE ProLiant servers, we are bringing to market an off-the-shelf solution that can be brought to market immediately, providing a range of capabilities for emerging live streaming applications."

Xylinx value-added reseller Wowza has integrated the Wowza Streaming Engine™ media server into an all-in-one machine based on the Xylinx RT Server reference architecture. This web-based GUI application enables users to manage live video in an easy-to-use and intuitive way. The integration is expected to be completed and available in the third quarter of this year.

Anthony Lazaro, Senior Director of Product at Wowza, said: "Wowza worked closely with Xilinx and its VAR to integrate the Wowza Streaming Engine media Server into an all-in-one RT Server-based machine. In the future, this integration will provide a complete solution for live video broadcast that is cost-effective and easy to manage."