Modular Processing

ACE-3901 Application Platform

Agile Computing Engine, a high-density cost-efficient SDI/IP processing platform for HD and 4K UHD

Overview

The Densité® 3+ ACE-3901 from Grass Valley® is a high-density, cost-effective and agile processing platform designed for premium live production. It supports HD, 1080p, 4K UHD and HDR, delivering exceptional image quality and flexibility for modern broadcast workflows.

This platform is a bridge for the hybrid world, consisting of today’s proven SDI technology and the new IP SMPTE ST 2110 connectivity. To meet customers’ needs both now and in the future.

Exceptional Scalability and High-Density Performance

The ACE-3901 Agile Computing Engine provides a versatile array of rear interface options, supporting high-density I/O configurations of up to 64x 3G-SDI or 32x 12G-SDI channels. Equipped with dual 200 GbE QSFP cages, the platform delivers reliable, high-bandwidth support for SMPTE ST 2110 IP I/O and GRID-based applications, ensuring seamless integration into next-generation broadcast workflows and AMPP integration.

The ACE-3901 is supported by both Densité 3+ FR1 and FR4 frames. The high density allows 384 (192 SDI->IP and 192 IP->SDI) gateways per 4 RU Densité 3+ FR4 frame, saving substantial rack space in high channel count environments. Its modular scalability is ideal for addressing increasing content demands.

Seamless Integration within the GV Media Universe

At the heart of the GV Media Universe, the ACE-3901 Agile Computing Engine integrates seamlessly into larger systems as a distributed edge processing unit. This innovative hybrid approach combines modular hardware, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computing, and advanced software to deliver a flexible and agile solution tailored to your unique needs. With intuitive NMOS IS-04/05 support, an HTML5 web-based configuration interface, and comprehensive control through GV Orbit®, managing your broadcast operations has never been easier or more efficient.

ACE-3901-IO Application

High-density SDI to IP gateway for seamless transition into modern media workflows

The ACE-3901-IO application transforms ACE-3901 into a high-performance SDI to IP gateway, encapsulating and de-encapsulating up to 64 SDI signals to uncompressed SMPTE ST 2110. It supports HD, UHD and HDR workflows with full quality and reliability.

It allows media production companies to introduce IP without disrupting existing operations. SDI infrastructure remains fully in place, while IP workflows are added where they create value.

Dual 100/200 GbE connectivity enables redundant, high-bandwidth network designs, ensuring resilience in live environments.

The result is a controlled, low-risk path to IP that protects existing investments while enabling immediate operational flexibility.

ACE-3901-GRID Application

World’s first MXL gateway and MXL-connected processing for software-defined and hybrid production

The ACE-3901-GRID application connects SDI infrastructure directly into AMPP OS environments, enabling up to 64 GRID gateway channels per card and up to 128 AMPP Grid signals per 1 RU server.

It delivers a step change in efficiency and scale, with up to 384 GRID gateway channels in a single 4 RU frame, dramatically increasing I/O density while minimizing footprint.

As the world’s first MXL gateway and MXL-connected processing solution, it extends the shared memory architecture of AMPP OS into hardware, enabling deterministic, low-latency media exchange between SDI and software environments.

This removes the boundary between infrastructure and compute. Signals are no longer tied to where they enter the system, allowing processing to be deployed wherever it delivers the most value.

The result is a unified operational model where SDI, IP, and software-defined workflows operate as one, enabling true flexibility, efficiency, and scale without compromise.

Features

High-Density Design

Supports up to 64 gateways per card and 384 gateways per 4 RU frame, optimizing rack space for high-channel-count setups.

UHD and SDI<>IP and AMPP GRID Support

Enables seamless transitions between SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 workflows, and between SDI and AMPP Grid workflows, including UHD Single Stream and 12G SDI I/O.

Flexible IP Connectivity

Dual 100/200 GbE QSFP sockets support optical or electrical modules.

Comprehensive Control Options

Features NMOS IS-04/05 for device management, HTML5 web-based configuration, and GV Orbit® integration for monitoring and control.

Future-Proof Licensing Model

Application-based licensing allows for rapid switching between ACE-3901 applications, adapting to new workflows and ensuring long-term flexibility.

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Two awards. One industry first.

The ACE‑3901-GRID is the first MXL‑native gateway, bridging SDI and DMF workflows into AMPP OS with up to 64 GRID channels - an embodiment of our open approach, recognized by judges for its transformative impact.