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Broadcast
Pix Intros HD Family of Slate Switchers First Cost-Effective,
HD Live Video Production Systems
January 15, 2008
Source: Broadcast Pix
Broadcast Pix, the company that redefined
the production switcher as a control room, today announced
HD versions of an expanded Slate™ switcher family. The
new Slate HD switchers provide the easiest and most cost effective
way to create compelling live HD video. Their file-based architecture
streamlines live production workflow by completely integrating
their included switcher, CG, clip stores, still stores and
monitoring, and seamlessly networking them with content from
edit bays. The first Slate HD switcher is being used at the
Sundance Film Festival.
Each of the three new Slate HD models includes: a switcher
with up to six keyers and DVEs, multi-view monitoring, a Harris®
Inscriber® CG, and a clip store. The switchers’ hybrid
I/O supports: 1080i, 720p, SD, DVI and VGA, plus analog output
in composite, Y/C and component. It can add: HD and SD analog
inputs and 1080p output. Both 16:9 and 4:3 content can be
mixed while preserving the native aspect ratio of each element.
· Slate 100 HD provides a very cost-effective, integrated,
live HD video production studio,
priced at $14,400, including a new custom keyboard.
· Slate 1000 HD adds a professional switcher control
panel.
· Slate 3000 HD adds a router manufactured for Broadcast
Pix by Harris Corporation,
providing up to 18 live inputs and more redundancy. Slate
3000 SD was also announced.
· Two switchers can share a large central router, by
adding a Slate 1000 to a Slate 3000 to lower cost, improve
sharing and simplify wiring.
· New software announced today: alpha wipes with audio,
support for four LCD multi-view monitors, play out of MPEG2
clips, and control of Harris® NEXIO® video servers.
“Budgetary issues don’t excuse the need for compelling
live HD programming. These switchers create stunning HD productions,”
explained Ken Swanton, Broadcast Pix President. “Slate
HD makes it possible for HD live production to be carried
out for a fraction of the cost of buying and staffing an HD
control room - without sacrificing quality or polish.”
Unlike conventional HD live control rooms in which many boxes
are wired together and a team of operators is needed, the
new Slate HD systems enable a single operator to create live
HD television productions at a fraction of the cost. They
streamline workflow by inputting and outputting all popular
formats and aspect ratios, and adding files of graphics, animations
and clips that are created within the switcher or imported.
For example, QuickTime clips from edit bays can be sent over
a gigabit network into the switcher’s up to one Terabyte
of hard-drives, just minutes before air-time, and then self-cue
when taken to air. For the ultimate “one-man band,”
the system can control audio mixers, robotic cameras, and
video servers. Slate switchers gracefully expand for team
use when required.
Slate 1000 HD switcher shipments have begun. The first was
sold by Snader and Associates to Hewlett-Packard for use at
the Sundance Film Festival, where it will produce interviews
and commentary in 1080i for broadcast on television and the
Internet, as well local uses at the festival. Slate 100 and
Slate 3000 models commence shipment this month. All existing
Slate SD installations can be upgraded to Slate HD for under
$5,000.
Expanded Cooperation with Harris
Today’s announcement ushers in an expanded level of cooperation
between Broadcast Pix and Harris Corporation. Every Broadcast
Pix switcher sold includes a Harris® Inscriber® CG.
Now, every Slate 3000 model will include a Harris® Panacea™
router, with a Broadcast Pix brand and extensive integration
software developed by Broadcast Pix. The software enables
seamless expansion of the switcher’s inputs and outputs,
display of inputs on the built-in multi-view monitor, and
fail-safe switching. While the Slate workstation is very reliable
because the switching is done on the Slate boards inside,
if the computer should ever stop all cameras can still be
switched using a redundant control system between the panel
and router, until the workstation comes back on line. 16x16
and 32x32 HD/SD and SD-only routers are offered, as well as
remote control panels and tally boxes.
According to Kerry Wheeles, Director of Product Marketing
for Harris Distribution Products, “We’re excited
that Broadcast Pix has chosen our Panacea routers for its
new Slate HD family of live video production switchers. This
selection by Broadcast Pix further solidifies the Panacea™
leadership position in routing solutions. With Panacea™,
just like Broadcast Pix switchers, customers do not have to
sacrifice quality for affordability. We’re optimistic
about the market for the new Slate HD line and look forward
to a bright future between Harris and Broadcast Pix.”
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