Broadcast Pix is positioning its Slate models as professional broadcast video switchers that combine the functions of a complete control room while remaining operable by one person. The range targets live broadcast, corporate, entertainment and education productions that need professional output on limited budgets.
The switcher uses a conventional A/B programme-preview architecture for up to twelve analogue or digital live sources, three to six keyers, one to eight chroma keyers, and optional downstream-key and auxiliary buses. Each keyer has its own DVE channel.
An integrated still and clip store provides direct access to a large number of video clips, graphics and animations. The included Inscriber TitleMotion character generator supports on-air and off-air graphics creation. Optional CG Connect software can import data from external sources through an XML interface. Scoreboards or financial graphics can therefore update in real time, using an external Excel file as a data source, for example.
The integrated multiviewer can display and arrange sources, audio meters, timers, logos, titles, graphics and tally indicators on a large display. An optional camera-control interface allows positions to be set manually with the console joystick, stored and recalled at the press of a button. Programmed camera moves are supported. Operators can save switcher functions and commands as snapshots for sequential recall or automate them through scripts.
Every Slate model includes frame synchronisers and AutoAspect Control for mixing 4:3 and 16:9 sources. Switcher delay remains constant regardless of the effects in use. The console provides direct access to nine sources through labelled LCD PixButtons and another nine through a shift layer. Slate can be operated from a hardware console, touchscreen or mouse, either separately or in parallel. Touching a source image on the monitor can take it directly to air.
A software console emulator, SoftPanel, exposes all functions virtually and enables distributed operation from different locations without additional control hardware. External audio mixers can be controlled over MIDI, allowing complex audio setups to be automated.
Slate 100, 1000 and 2100 models are available with analogue or SDI inputs. Autosensing 1080i, 720p and SD inputs are due from IBC 2007 and can be integrated into existing systems.
