SwitcherSwitchers have evolved over the years. In thebeginning, they just switched between cameras. Then they added keyers,special effects and memories. In the 90s they went digital and addedDVEs.
Now, Broadcast Pix is taking switchers to a new level, with integrated
multi-view monitoring, graphics, clips, networking and more. It's an entire live video production system, but the
cornerstone is still a great switcher. Now a solo operator can
create great looking video that used to require a team. When teams are
still needed they can be networked in from inside the studio or a
remote location.
 Classic Panel Layout
Production
switcher operators will feel at home on a Broadcast Pix control panel
on every Slate 1000G - 5000G Switcher. Slate 100G switchers can
add a smaller panel as an option, and come with an intuitive interactive
monitor wall, keyboard shortcuts and a browser based SoftPanel with the same classic layout
as the physical control panels. On the 1 M/E panel, the preview, program and source rows
have 9 direct access input buttons. Shift provides access to 18 total
inputs. The 2 M/E panel has 16 source buttons, and 32 with shift. A classic next transition section enables any of the keyers to
be tied to a background transition. (for 1 M/E Panel close up - click here)
 Only Broadcast Pix has the Content on the Button
Broadcast Pix is the only panel that shows you at all times what content is active on every source and keyer. Unique PixButtons
show an icon of the tool assigned to the source, and the name of the
active content. Green is off, orange is preview, red is on-air. For
example, in the 9 sources shown here, the icons at the top show that
the 9 sources have been assigned to: 3 cameras, 1 tape recorder, and
from inside the system's workstation: 2 channels of Clips, a still
store, Character Generator and Logo generator. The Still Store is
on-air and red. The PixButtons also tell the exact content, such as the
River clip and Mens Fours clip are now in the two clip stores, and the
CG is Mens Double.
Up to 6 Keyers and DVE Boxes
The Slate 100G - 3000G each come
with 3 keyers with DVEs and a chromakey. They can add three more optional keyers, each with a DVE. The Slate 5000G has 6 keyers standard.
Each DVE can do a compression, also known as a DVE box or a picture in picture. For
example, 3 DVE boxes create a 3 camera interview. Each DVE box can have a colored border and may be sized and
cropped. Use memories to Squeeze- back from full frame to a box.
Broadcast Pix is the only switcher that tells you at a glance what is
on a chroma/luma key, thanks to PixButtons, as shown below. PixButtons
tell what is on each key, at a glance, as shown below, which has Camera
1 on-air on key1, Clip store 1's River clip on preview on key 2, and a
Pinnacle Logo on key 3. Key 4 can be used for a linear key when a video and key source (fill and cut) are used from an external CG or other studio device.
Over 100 Wipe and DVE Effects
The switcher has over 100 special
effect transitions, many of which use an additional standard
DVE. These include fades, wipes, clock wipes, push-offs and squeezes.
The active effect is always shown on the effects PixButton with its
built-in display.
New effects can be rapidly selected from the PixButton library.
The Most Comprehensive MemoriesSnapShot memories can recall a
panel set-up, or the set up for a DVE or chromakey. TimeLine memories
recall a series of timed steps, and are great for sequences like
lead-ins. Unlike conventional switchers these memories, called scripts, recall not just
switcher functions but all the tools in the system. Now a switcher
memory can not only recall keyer, DVE and other switcher functions, but
also roll a specific clip, select and start a specific crawl or
graphic., and graphics can role a clip, add a title and switch to a
camera.
Digital and Analog InputsBroadcast Pix Slate 100G and 1000G switchers handle 16 inputs as standard
equipment, including 4 live inputs for cameras or tape deck, 2 for a
clip with key, and 10 more for five channels of stills and graphics with key. The 4
live inputs can all be SDI digital (either HD/SD or SD only), or analog (composite, Y/C
or component). Four more live inputs can be added as an option, either
HD/SD SDI, SD only or analog. For outputs, the system has 3 program and preview
outputs, and can have 1 more to provide auxiliary outputs of any live
or internal source or clean feed.
Slate 5008G switchers have 8 live inputs plus 2 clips and 5 graphics, and the live inputs can be HD/SD or SDI only, analog or hybrid. Slate 5016G, 5032G and 3000G models include integrated routers for even more I/O.
Unlike most HD switcher, Broadcast Pix HD systems are truely multi-definition. Rather then having to set the entire system to 1080i, 720p or SD, each input can be set individually, so you can mix all three formats. And you can ouput all three simlutaneously as well.
Broadcast Pix Slate 210G0 Switchers come with 22 inputs,
including 8 live inputs, and 14 more from the system's hard drives, such as a clips,
stills and graphics. The 14 provide 7 video and key pairs for 2 clip
stores with key and 5 channels of graphic stores with key. The 8 live inputs can all be SD SDI digital, or up to 4 can be analog
composite, Y/C or component. Six more inputs for a total of 14 live
video inputs, and 4 more can be added as an option, in either HD/SDI, SD only or
analog. For outputs, the system has 4 program and preview outputs each,
for 2 SDI, one composite and one component.
Both Timed and Untimed InputsLike other broadcast switchers,
the system handles synchronous sources, such as broadcast cameras and
VTRs, that are genlocked to a house black reference source. In
addition, the Broadcast Pix switchers accept asynchronous sources from a DVD player or
other untimed source.
Rugged for Live ProductionBroadcast Pix switchers are built to
handle the stress and pounding of live production. They are designed
for many years of aggressive use. The push buttons, knobs, fader arm
and joystick are of the highest quality. The board inside the
workstation has a secure hold down bar to work in demanding
environments like mobile production.
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We chose these Broadcast Pix systems for their attractive price/performance. Because of the Slate’s integrated functionality—including a two-channel Harris® Inscriber™ CG, six keyers, DVE, still and clip stores, and multiviewer monitoring—we were able to build out our control rooms very cost-effectively. And one operator can manage the entire production from a single control panel.”