Barco Introduces Multi-Format Video Production Switchers

June 19, 2008

Source: Barco

Barco, a leading manufacturer in display technology, today announced the introduction of the FSN Series — a high-resolution production switcher that combines advanced video switching functionality with the power of Barco image processing. As a modular multi-format switcher, the FSN Series is highly configurable, easy to operate, and enables users to adapt to today's continuously demanding live production environment at an economical price point.

"With each event in which we participate, whether it's a concert, conference or a permanent install, we recognized the need for live production switching to complement our line of presentation switchers," said Dana Corey, Director of Marketing for Barco's Media and Entertainment division, North America.

"In addition, it was very clear that Barco image processing gear always played a key role in the backstage equipment lineup. To this end, with the FSN Series, we've merged our image processing power into a highly modular production switcher. We know what our customers need — high-resolution switching, precision scaling and powerful aux bus routing, and the FSN Series delivers all of this in a highly robust package."

The FSN Series includes a modular 6RU FSN-1400 chassis with 14 slots, hot-swappable front cards, passive rear connector cards, and dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies. There are two choices of control panels: the FSN-150 is a 1.5 M/E panel providing 20 assignable crosspoints (10 buttons plus SHIFT), and the FSN-250 is a 2.5 M/E panel providing 32 assignable crosspoints.

Features include native HD or SD operation, cross-conversion, frame synchronization, selectable native output formats (480i, 576i, 720p, 1080i), and low video delay. As its most important feature, the FSN Series has unprecedented multi-format input and output flexibility. Users can install up to two eight-channel Native Input Cards (NIC), and using the power of Barco's Athena scalers, users can install up to five dual-channel Universal Input Cards (UIC).

This overall flexibility enables the seamless integration of analog, digital, and computer resolutions (up to UXGA or 1920x1080) into the video production workflow. For output flexibility, the FSN Series offers powerful Aux bus routing, with six native Aux outputs as standard. Using the power of Barco's Athena scalers, users can install up to two dual-channel Universal Output Cards (UOC), or one UOC plus an additional eight-channel Native Aux Output Card (NAC).

Additional features include internal storage of 100 still frames (with up to three frame buffers on line simultaneously), up to four channels of optional internal 2D DVEs, and integration with the Encore Presentation System.

As the industry's next generation switcher, the FSN Series represents the perfect fusion of production switching, Athena scaling, and the roadworthiness you've come to expect from Barco. With the FSN Series, the future of switching is fusion.

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