New PESA easyPORT ‘Throw Down’ Converter Boxes Deliver Broadcast Quality Conversion at NAB 2012

Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, introduced its new series of easyPORT “throw down� multi-format converter boxes today at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth SL9615), which runs April 16-19 in Las Vegas, Nev. At the heart of the easyPORT concept is PESA’s compact four-port utility switch, which incorporates standard SFP-type pluggable module card cages. The easyPORT card cages can be populated to fit practically any combination of input and output signals, including HDMI/DVI, 3G-SDI, ASI, NTSC/PAL, and IP-to-ASI conversion.

easyPORT is currently available in 22 different configurations to handle a wide range of video conversion and distribution needs, but “blank� boxes can be customized for specific I/O applications. For example, HDMI can be converted to 3G-SDI, NTSC/PAL can be encoded to SDI, ASI can be converted to an IP transport stream, and coaxial cable runs can be converted to fiber optic transports. All video formats are transcoded or converted internally, and signals can be distributed over several possible transmission paths, including coax, fiber, and CATx for IP.

Internal to each easyPORT module is a switch fabric that allow users to select which input goes to which output. The module can also be set as a distribution module, allowing any single input to be transmitted to up to four outputs. With a 3G-SDI backbone, signal quality up to 1080p60 can be supported.

With built-in Ethernet and USB connectivity, easyPORT modules can be controlled over a network or locally. Each module includes PESA’s user-friendly CATTRAX software, which provides a simple interface for diagnostics, setup, and switching. Both USB and network connections can be displayed simultaneously, and multiple easyPORTs on the same network can be controlled and managed from a single software session. Changes for networked modules can be done anywhere on the network, but if a local check is required, the module can be simultaneously connected to a PC via USB.

The compact easyPORT can be mounted under a table, on the wall, or in an optional 1 RU power distribution frame. Up to four modules can be installed in a frame for shared power, reducing the need for multiple AC power plugs.

PESA Introduces PERC3000 Server-Based System Controller

Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, today introduced its server-based PERC3000 system controller. Building on the functionality of its widely popular predecessor, the PERC2000, the new PERC3000 supports single or dual configurations for demanding live production environments. The new system will be demonstrated at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth SL9615), which runs April 16-19 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Network, Web, and mobile applications can be supported with the PERC3000’s extensible server architecture. The PERC3000 provides a standard platform that can be easily scaled in the future as system performance demands and complexities increase. Its 1 RU commercial server utilizes a Debian distribution of the Linux operating system for deterministic and reliable operation. The system controller works in conjunction with PESA’s new TOUCH 72 remote control panel, which features 72 LCD pushbuttons and a 320×240 touch-screen display.

Regardless of where routing switchers are located, the PERC3000 provides remote control functionality, including real-time configuration with virtually zero download time. It uses network IP communications with all major system elements including routers, remote control panels, and third-party control providers. It also supports all current PESA routing switchers and RCP panels, as well as legacy products using the PRC communications protocol. Each panel has its own graphical panel setup menu for configuration information, including pushbutton source/destination assignments, addressing, and lock/protect.

With the PERC3000’s icon-based status interface, it is easy to check matrix, tieline, presets, salvo, communications, and more. Information in each status window automatically updates as changes occur for immediate feedback. It also offers full diagnostic capabilities to verify operation of the matrix control to the physical cross-point.

The PERC3000 supports up to 17 levels of control, 64 components, 256 tieline interconnects, 256 salvos, and 8,192 sources and destination names (increased from the PERC2000 limit of 2,400 names). Its virtual matrix mapping sets logical cross-point definitions within a physical matrix, so the cross-point can be assigned as needed. For systems that require video sources such as RGB, Y/C, composite, and other multi-level signal formats, the controller allows the router to be segmented into smaller matrices. The PERC3000 is fully compatible with PESA’s new browser-based Cattrax Web user interface, which is also being introduced at NAB.

A tieline is a link between levels of control, allowing an input on one matrix level to be available to outputs on another matrix level. As a result, all sources on a router are available through a specific physical connection between dissimilar matrix signal types. The PERC3000’s tieline management control interface makes it easy to manage grid representation for tielines, allowing quick status and administrative override capabilities, as well as allowing the matrices to be treated as one large multi-format system.

Salvos allow a user to change cross-points on multiple destinations from a single “take� operation. Advanced configuration parameters for source, destination, and level can be setup to simplify operations when simultaneous cross-point switches must be taken together.

The PERC3000 will be available in early Q4 2012.

New PESA Remote Control Panel Includes Touch-Screen, Programmable LCD Push Buttons for Intuitive Switching

Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, today announced the TOUCH 72 remote control panel. Featuring 72 programmable LCD push button switches in an 18×4 configuration along with a color touch-screen display, it provides a powerful, intuitive interface for accurate switching operations in a compact 2 RU package that is only three inches deep. The new panel will be demonstrated at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth SL9615), which runs April 16-19 in Las Vegas, Nev.

The 320×240 full-color TFT touch-screen displays the continuous status of destination, source, preset, level, and lock information. User menus, also available from the main screen, can be used for multi-output salvo switching or to provide extended pages of sources or destinations. With its soft menu structure, the TOUCH 72 can be reconfigured on the fly for alternative modes of operation or different sets of source and destination configurations.

Each pushbutton can be configured as a source, destination, level, or salvo. Up to 16 characters can be used to identify each switch, and individual switch background colors can be assigned as well. Names are dynamically updated on each affected LCD switch as the system configuration is changed.

In addition to the standard preset/take panel operation, the TOUCH 72 offers a “hot take� operation, which allows an operator in a live production to take a single source directly online with a single switch press. Standard switching combinations and modes, such as audio-follow-video, video only, and audio only, as well as complex multi-level audio breakaways, are also supported.

Like other PESA remote panels, each TOUCH 72 can be individually customized or it can share sources, destination lists, and additional system configurations with other TOUCH 72 panels for easy grouping. Panel configurations can be edited – or copied then edited – to reduce the time needed to prepare a panel for online operation.

The TOUCH 72 operates in a network environment and includes two RJ45 network connections to support daisy-chain configurations or standard home-run network wiring topology for each panel. As a software-based product, its functionality can be easily expanded after initial deployment to take advantage of new features as they are developed.

Billerica, Massachusetts – Broadcast Pix™ today announced that Granite™ and Mica™ Video Control Centers™ are now shipping with new high performance hardware platforms with Intel® quad-core technology running Microsoft® Windows 7, as well as expanded enterprise-class storage.The new platforms and version 3.0 Video Control Center software are being demonstrated on every Broadcast Pix system at the 2012 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev., April 16-19 (Booth SL6424).

Unlike traditional video production switchers, Broadcast Pix systems also handle file-based content and data streams. The new platforms and Windows 7 software enhance file management, system performance, and system robustness, while providing familiar Windows 7 tools. Plus, Video Control Center 3.0 features optimized touch-screen control, and Windows 7 enables dual touch-screen control for enhanced flexibility.

“With so much control at their fingertips, our customers push our Video Control Centers to create great looking live video with extensive layering, file-based macro effects, and automated data,� said Ken Swanton, CEO. “Our new platforms enable producers to do even more and do it faster.�

Beyond its new hardware platform and Windows 7 software, Granite’s standard configuration now includes redundant power for both the Granite Server and its companion Granite Switcher. Plus, Granite’s integrated Clip Store capacity has been doubled, providing up to 60 hours of storage, and a new premium storage option provides up to 180 hours of redundant RAID 5 storage.

Granite is available in six models and supports up to 22 HD/SD-SDI inputs, plus seven channels of clips, animations, and graphics. Available in four models, the cost-effective Mica family of Video Control Centers features eight HD/SD-SDI inputs plus seven channels of clips, animations, and graphics. In addition to a multi-format production switcher, both native HD systems include built-in clip store, graphics system, Fluent-View, Fluent Macros, and external device controls.

About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is a leader in live video production systems. Its Video Control Centersâ„¢ empower operators with patented techniques that combine cameras, clips and graphics to create compelling live video. The integration of a multi-format switcher, clip store, graphics system with a Harris or Chyron CG, and device controls provides the lowest cost of ownership at a fraction of the cost of a conventional control room to buy, staff and operate. Systems range from compact systems controlled by a touch-screen or voice-automation to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios in more than 100 countries. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Broadcast Pix, Granite, Mica, Fluent, and Video Control Centers are trademarks of Broadcast Pix, Inc. Patented.

Bergen, Norway, Vizrt Ltd. (Oslo Main List: VIZ)

Vizrt Ltd., a leading provider of content production tools for the digital media industry, announces the latest integration of the Viz Media Engine with the upcoming release of Adobe® Premiere®Pro CS6 software. This new integration gives editors more efficient productivity by allowing them to search and select source material from Viz Media Engine within Adobe Premiere Pro CS6. Selected source material is dragged onto the timeline and media is directly available without a time-consuming file-transfer. The finished product can then be rendered and exported to the Viz Media Engine through a dialogue where in metadata can be added to the material.

“We are very excited to work closely with Adobe as we developed this plugin to support our customers’ needs,� said Petter Ole Jakobsen, CTO of Vizrt.

At NAB 2012, Adobe will reveal more about Creative Suite 6 video tools, which are expected to ship in the first half of 2012. Redesigned by and for editors, Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 combines faster performance with a sleek, customizable user interface and powerful trimming tools that let editors work the way they want to. Learn more about the top new features in the upcoming Creative Suite 6.
http://success.adobe.com/en/na/programs/events/1203_16108_nab.html

Viz Media Engine takes care of the complete chain of ingesting, storing, transcoding and publishing content to a variety of formats adapted to almost every consumer device available. From a single point users have complete control over all their assets, including metadata, playlists, archive and storage.

About Vizrt:

Vizrt provides real-time 3D graphics and asset management tools for the broadcast industry – from award-winning animations & maps to online publishing tools. Vizrt’s products are used by the world’s leading broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, the BBC, BSkyB, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK, The Globe and Mail, Times Online, The Telegraph, and Welt Online. Furthermore, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions such as the Stock Exchanges in New York and London use Vizrt systems.

Vizrt is a public company traded on the Oslo Main List: VIZ, ISIN: IL0010838154. For further information please refer to www.vizrt.com

XA77x9.5 features OS-TECH image stabilization, FIND diagnostic system, 16-bit encoding, dust-proof and anti-fogging technology, macro shooting, and remote control

Wayne, N.J., April 11, 2012 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division announced that it will introduce the XA77x9.5 HDTV field lens during the NAB 2012 convention, which runs from April 14th-19th in the Las Vegas Convention Center (Booth #C7525). The XA77x9.5 is well suited for use within mobile trucks, at stadiums, sporting events, arenas, larger houses of worship – anywhere a long lens would be beneficial in capturing detail and close up images from far distances.

“This is a lens that makes high-quality, long-distance shooting possible for a much wider range of customers,� said Thom Calabro, Director, Marketing and Product Development, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division. “And it comes standard with several key features that ensure rock solid performance.�

Among them, the XA77x9.5 features the company’s patented OS TECH image stabilization. OS-TECH contains sensors that detect the slightest movement caused by vibration. A correction signal is applied to the optical system, which helps to maintain a stable image when shooting from an unstable platform, or in windy conditions.

The lens’ advanced diagnostic FIND (Focused Intelligent Network Diagnosis) system aids in preventative maintenance and troubleshooting by evaluating lens electronic and mechanical parameters.

The XA77x9.5 also incorporates FUJINON’s dustproof and anti-fogging technology. All FUJINON field lenses have a fixed front element that reduces dust contamination and serves as a protection for the front focus group. A concealed compartment that contains a drying agent reduces fogging in internal lens components due to humidity. All of this helps in maintaining long-term reliability and performance.

And 16-bit optical encoding output provides high positioning accuracy in virtual environments. An advanced back focus system on the XA77x9.5 allows macro shooting from as close as 2.7m from the subject. With an optional controller, the advanced back focus provides enhanced production features. Of course, this HD field lens is compatible with all existing FUJINON EFP controllers, and full remote control via RS-232 is standard.

To view all press releases for NAB 2012 from the Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM North America Corporation, please click on the link below:

www.FujifilmUSA.com/2012NAB

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 16 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2010, and in the year ended March 31, 2011, had global revenues of $25.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 86 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

FUJIFILM Optical Devices Division, 10 High Point Drive, Wayne, New Jersey 07470. Phone: 973-633-5600. Fax: 973-633-5216. Web site: www.FUJINON.com

Bergen, Norway, Vizrt Ltd. (Oslo Main List: VIZ)

Vizrt Ltd announced today that FOX Sports employed Vizrt live broadcast graphics technology during its HDTV coverage of the Daytona 500 on February 27, 2012. This is the second consecutive season that the Vizrt graphics production workflow has been an integral part of The Daytona 500 telecast.

Considered one of the most prestigious races on the NASCAR calendar, the Daytona 500 is held annually at the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL. For this year’s race, FOX Sports used four Viz Trio template-based, real-time 3D character generators (CG) paired with four Viz Engine 3D rendering engines for real-time compositing of graphics and video. The Viz Engines were used to generate live graphics including lower thirds, over the shoulders, full screens and the FOXBOX crawl driven by real-time data of the running order of the drivers.

“Coming into the 2012 NASCAR on FOX season we wanted to make a unique visual difference, and Vizrt has helped us achieve this. We believe the Viz Artist authoring software, along with its real time 3D rendering, helped create one of the most unique analysis tools ever used in sports broadcasting,� said Zac Fields, Director of Graphics for Fox Sports.

The main set, dubbed the Hollywood Hotel, featured the Ford Tech Center, an interactive display that leveraged a Viz Trio/Viz Engine combination feeding video and graphics to a 55-inch Perceptive Pixel touch screen. NASCAR on Fox Announcer Jeff Hammond used the touch screen to explain the innovative technology and 3D car parts behind NASCAR vehicles. The Vizrt scene included over 2 million polygons running in real time on an Nvidia Quadro 6000 graphics card. Click on the link below to see the interactive display in action:

http://www.vizrt.com/news/article14958.ece

“We’re thrilled that FOX Sports has once again demonstrated confidence in our live graphics technology, and we’re delighted to be a part of an event that NASCAR fans wait for all year,� said Petter Ole Jakobsen, CTO of Vizrt. “The talented designers at Fox Sports have really taken full advantage of the Viz Engines capabilities by designing scenes that are both engaging and very functional. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with FOX Sports and to continuing to provide a reliable, creative 3D HD graphics workflow that enhances their live sports coverage.�

About Vizrt:

Vizrt provides real-time 3D graphics and asset management tools for the broadcast industry and media houses – from award-winning animations & maps to online publishing tools. Vizrt’s products are used by the world’s leading broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, the BBC, BSkyB, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK, The Globe and Mail, Times Online, The Telegraph, and Welt Online. Vizrt is a public company traded on the Oslo Main List: VIZ, ISIN: IL0010838154.

Fort Lee, New Jersey – FOR-A Company Limited, a leading manufacturer of video and audio systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, today announced the FRC-30 HD/SD frame rate converter, which will be showcased at the 2012 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 16-19 (Booth C5219). Packaged in a compact form factor (1 RU high, 1/2 RU wide), the new FRC-30 can be switched between motion compensation and linear conversions to deliver optimal results for various source material.

In motion compensation mode, the FRC-30 detects the motion vector amount of a moving object and generates its motion in frames. In linear conversion mode, frame conversion is based on previous and next frames. Built-in up/down/cross converters deliver SD to HD, HD to SD, and 1080i to 720p conversions as well. The FRC-30 supports several video formats – 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/23.98PsF, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 525/60, and 625/50 – and includes HD/SD-SDI and analog composite I/O.

“The FRC-30 may be compact, but it’s packed with functionality,� said Pedro Silvestre, sales director for FOR-A Corporation of America. “With a choice of conversion modes, it provides outstanding frame rate conversion regardless of content, and offers down, and cross conversion of SD and HD content.�

FOR-A will also show its modular UFM-30FRC frame rate converter, introduced at NAB last year. Designed for installation in FOR-A’s UFM series of universal frames, it also provides a choice of motion compensation or linear conversions, as well as up/down/cross conversion of HD/SD-SDI and analog composite sources at various resolutions and frame rates.

About FOR-A

FOR-A is a major manufacturer and distributor of video and audio systems to the broadcast, postproduction and professional video markets. For more information about FOR-A’s product line, call 201-944-1120 or visit our web site at www.for-a.com.

Lightweight and compact PL 19-90 CABRIO (ZK4.7×19) zoom features detachable drive

Wayne, N.J. – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division will introduce the newest member of its PREMIER PL Mount Zoom family during the NAB convention (Booth #C7525), running from April 14th-19th in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The PL 19-90 Cabrio (ZK4.7×19)features an exclusive detachable servo drive unit, making it suitable for use as a standard PL lens or as an ENG-Style lens. The ZK4.7×19 also features flange focal distance adjustment, macro function, and is LDS (Lens Data System) and /i metadata compatible. With a 19-90mm focal range and weight of only 2.7kg including servo motors, this lens has the longest focal range available in a light weight zoom.

“We’re very excited to bring this new lens to NAB this year. It bridges the gap between film- and news-style shooters, it affords a new level of flexibility to all,� explained Thom Calabro, Director, Marketing and Product Development, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division. “Someone more accustomed to shooting feature films or commercials may not want a servo attached to the lens, but an operator used to shooting video in a typical ENG-style will be very comfortable with the servo. Cinematographers will be right at home with this lens. The lens is set to accept industry standard cine motors and matte boxes. Plus, the lens has all the lens data output that appeals to a Cine-style shooter. LDS and /i metadata compatibility is very useful when you want to record the position information of zoom, iris and focus for computer animation and other uses.�

The digital servo on the PL 19-90 has 16-bit encoding, so operators can be assured that all lens data output is extremely accurate.

The PL 19-90 covers 31.5mm sensor size on a digital cinema style camera. While sensors on standard broadcast cameras are all the same size, sensors on digital cine cameras vary greatly. This new zoom ensures the image captured will cover large sensors for optimal, full-frame resolution. A nine-blade iris part of the design as well, creating the most natural-looking imagery possible.

Barrel markings are luminous for visibility in dark shooting situations. Distances are listed in feet or meters and can be changed in the field.

The PL 19-90 can be controlled using cinema industry standard wireless controllers, as well as existing FUJINON wired and wireless units. Whether you are from a film background or a video one, the Premier PL 19-90 offers uncompromising quality and unprecedented flexibility.

The other Premier PL Mount Series lenses are available in 14.5-45mm T2.0, 18-85mm T2.0, 24-180mm T2.6, and 75-400 mm T2.8-T3.8.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 16 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2010, and in the year ended March 31, 2011, had global revenues of $25.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 86 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

FUJIFILM Optical Devices Division, 10 High Point Drive, Wayne, New Jersey 07470. Phone: 973-633-5600. Fax: 973-633-5216. Web site: www.FUJINON.com

Billerica, Massachusetts – April 4, 2012 – Broadcast Pix™ today announced that Video Control Center™ 3.0 software, which adds new functionality to current Granite™ and Mica™ systems, is now shipping. New features include touch-screen control, voice automation, virtual sets, and a second-generation Fluent Rapid CG™ 2 that integrates Daktronics scoreboard control. All these new 3.0 capabilities as well as the company’s flagship Granite 6000 and family of Mica systems will make their NAB debut at the 2012 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev., April 16-19 (Booth SL6424).

“We are very excited to bring all these new products to NAB. They advance the state of the art in control surfaces for live video creation,� said Ken Swanton, CEO. “Their superior integration of video, file-based content, data, and devices enables great live video to be created by a small team or a single operator – or in the case of voice automation, without any operator at all.�

Broadcast Pix is known for innovative panels that control both video and file-based content, but not every TD prefers a traditional control panel. Video Control Center 3.0 features the first optimized touch-screen control, with joystick and knobs for robotic camera control and picture-in-picture (PiP) box sizing. New controls simplify key layering, provide switcher transitions, and offer enhanced controls for source selection.

A breakthrough in voice automated video production is the new VOXâ„¢ option, which eliminates the need for an operator for some live productions. It enables microphones to trigger Fluentâ„¢ Macros on any Granite, Mica, or Slateâ„¢ system to select camera presets, roll clips and animations, add or remove graphics, and execute PiP compositions. VOX is ideal for adding video to radio station broadcasts, as well as coverage of government and corporate meetings for television, Internet, and in-house projection.

Video Control Center 3.0’s new virtual set software with simplified chromakey setup enables up to eight cameras to have virtual backgrounds plus three key layers on top for PiP, titles, and motion backgrounds. Broadcast Pix provides several backgrounds, but any photo can be used – and a built-in image editor can crop and blur an image to simulate depth of field. The virtual sets can also integrate with Fluent-Macros for effects, such as three virtual sets in PiP boxes on an animated background.

Fluent Rapid CG 2 connects on-air graphics to databases, RSS feeds, custom action buttons, and now Daktronics scoreboard controllers and EZNews news titles. Second-generation features include dual channel for two graphics at once, as well as very fast updates including clocks by the second. Broadcast Pix will demonstrate with a Daktronics scoreboard in its NAB booth.

Granite 6000, the largest Video Control Center, features an expanded 2 M/E switcher control panel with 24 source buttons per row, as well as two banks of patented device controls to run its built-in 120-hour clip store, Harris or Chyron CG, and external devices. The panel has 143 patented PixButtonsâ„¢, which show file names on the buttons. The highly redundant system has up to 22 SDI multi-definition inputs, plus seven channels of clips, animations, and graphics.

The Mica family of Video Control Centers provides exceptional value, making Broadcast Pix technology accessible to many applications. It features eight SDI inputs plus seven channels of clips, animations, and graphics. Mica is available in four models, starting at just $16,900.

About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is the leader in live video production systems. Its Video Control Centersâ„¢ empower operators with patented techniques that combine cameras, clips and graphics to create compelling live video. The integration of a multi-format switcher, clip store, graphics system with a Harris or Chyron CG, and device controls provides the lowest cost of ownership at a fraction of the cost of a conventional control room to buy, staff and operate. Systems range from compact systems controlled by a touch-screen or voice-automation to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios in more than 100 countries. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Fort Lee, New Jersey, April 4, 2012 – FOR-A Company Limited, a leading manufacturer of video and audio systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, will demonstrate its new SmartDirect all-in-one live production system at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth C5219), which runs April 16-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Powered by a Brainstorm graphics engine and FOR-A’s MBP-1244 video processor, the PC-based system delivers high-end graphics and uses templates and automated playlists to dramatically simplify video production workflows. Introduced at IBC 2011, the system was first referred to as “Smart Studio� and has now been officially dubbed “SmartDirect.�

With Brainstorm’s Easy On Air Graphics template-based CG interface, SmartDirect can key graphics over background video internally or output key and fill signals for an external mix. 3D templates can be created with Brainstorm eStudio, while 2D templates can be created using Adobe® Photoshop® or Microsoft® PowerPoint®. A built-in map data converter allows still or animated maps to be used as templates, which can be enhanced with text or objects.

SmartDirect also includes a number of production templates for content creation. For example, select “news� and the system generates a news program playlist and material template. Operators can then edit and customize the playlist, materials, and graphics to create each segment of the program. During an actual production, SmartDirect implements all operations automatically – from switching cameras to rolling video clips to managing graphics – by following the completed playlist. All actions can be automated or some steps can be done manually, and changes can be made on the fly if the live program does not follow the predetermined playlist.

An optional video switcher link connects SmartDirect with an external FOR-A switcher, such as the HVS-300HS or HVS-350HS, to deliver more elaborate graphics, wipes, and effects. The link allows SmartDirect to control basic switcher functions, or the switcher can recall graphics directly from SmartDirect through macros and event memories assigned to user buttons on the control panel. Add an optional MBP-12CK chroma keyboard, and SmartDirect delivers virtual set capabilities with VRCAM-S software, complete with edge color replacement, filtering, and other functions to reduce noise.

A built-in clip player enables playback of multiple files in full HD, and playlists can be created easily and stored for future use. Another option links SmartDirect to external MXF clip servers, such as FOR-A’s MBP-100PD, MBP-100SX, or MBP-110SXA. With its optional streaming feature, SmartDirect can simultaneously encode and distribute video over the Internet.

“SmartDirect is a great addition to any live event, webcasting, or studio production facility that already use our HVS-300HS or HVS-350HS video switchers, because it provides phenomenal graphics capabilities,� said Pedro Silvestre, sales director for FOR-A Corporation of America. “It’s also an affordable way to add sophisticated graphics or virtual sets and simplify productions for operations with limited production personnel.�

About FOR-A

FOR-A is a major manufacturer and distributor of video and audio systems to the broadcast, postproduction and professional video markets. For more information about FOR-A’s product line, call 201-944-1120 or visit our web site at www.for-a.com.

SEATAC, WA — When Zolo Media purchased KBNZ in 2010, master control for the CBS affiliate in Bend, Ore. (DMA #193), was handled through another station in Portland. An ambitious project to build an on-site master control facility was approved in early 2011, with a firm Sept. 1 start date for 24/7 operations. With a tight deadline and no finalized plan in place, professional video and audio systems integration firm ABS (Advanced Broadcast Solutions) was tasked with designing and building the facility.

“I really appreciated ABS’ understanding of our perspective,� recalled Conor Miller, chief broadcast engineer. “We had to build a very efficient, scalable, and cost effective master control. We never got the sense that they were just pitching products. They helped us design the project in the best way for our business.�

Originally, ABS had been hired as consultants when the small market station was exploring its master control options. Before taking over the project, ABS provided a site survey, offered recommendations on space and power, and calculated costs for both the build and continuing operational expenses. “Having ABS involved from the beginning was priceless,� Miller said. “It gave our leadership team peace of mind, gave us another set of professional eyes on the project, and then gave us an advocate for all the vendor relationships.�

KBNZ’s master control was built in an area of the facility that had been filled with office cubicles. Once the walls were built, there was only a 13×15-foot room for master control, so efficient use of space was essential. Racks were pre-wired with equipment and tested at the ABS facility in SeaTac, then moved to KBNZ for permanent installation.

Based around Harris ADC playout automation, the native 1080i HD master control features an embedded audio workflow. There are two Harris NEXIO four-channel playout servers, one for each channel. Content is mirrored on both servers for redundancy. A Harris IconMaster master control switcher provides two layers of automation and integrated graphics. Other equipment includes an Evertz Xenon routing switcher, Evertz VIP-X multi-viewer, two Samsung 58-inch commercial LCDs, Linear Acoustics audio processing and Wohler audio monitoring gear, and a Argosy custom console.

The new facility handles master control for KBNZ and COTV, a PEG channel located in the same facility and operated by sister company BendBroadband, a locally owned cable television, digital phone, and high-speed Internet service provider in Central Oregon. “It was a very smooth and successful project that came in on budget and on time,� Miller said. “ABS fills a really great market need right now for coming in and building efficient, reasonably scaled projects.�

About ABS:

Based in SeaTac, WA, ABS (Advanced Broadcast Solutions) delivers customized, technologically superior solutions for broadcast, corporate, house of worship, entertainment, government, and educational facilities – from design and integration to installation and support services. Since 1982, its experienced technical staff has installed more than 700 systems for clients including Fisher Communications, Cowles California Media, Real Networks, Cisco Systems, and Microsoft Studios. For more information, call 206-870-0244 or visit www.advancedbroadcastsolutions.com.