NAB 2017: FOR-A To Highlight Low-Cost Switchers, Expanded Switcher Lines

FOR-A (Booth C5117) will introduce the low-cost HVS-490 live HD/4K/UHD multiple-effects production switcher and cost-effective HVS-100 Express. In addition, it will showcase expansions to its MFR series of routing switchers and 1M/E HVS-100 video-switcher series.

Also on display will be the HVS-100TB2 interface, MBP-200TB2 SDI gateway with Thunderbolt interface, and FVW-700 HD/4K/UHD telestrator.

HVS-490 switcher
The new HVS-490 production switcher is designed for use in any live environment, including mobile shoots, events, and in-house corporate productions. Event memory and macro functions make it easy to set up quickly for live performances. And FOR-A’s MELite technology eliminates the need for multiple switchers in a multimonitor staging scenario.

HVS-490 switcher

Thanks to its compact size, the HVS-490 is suited to mobile production or events at venues where space is limited but production quality is critical. With integrated frame synchronizers and multiviewers, the HVS-490 reduces the amount of equipment required. Using multiple control panels, the system enables several operators to work on separate tasks.

Optional input and output expansion cards enable support for 40 inputs/18 outputs, 36 inputs/20 outputs, or 32 inputs/22 outputs, including two-channel HDMI outputs. In 4K, 10 inputs/six outputs, nine inputs/six outputs, or eight inputs/seven outputs are supported. The HVS-490 also has 16 channels of 2.5 DVE as standard and can be optionally expanded to a maximum of 32 channels.

Building on the success of the HVS-2000 2 M/E switcher, the HVS-490 offers such features as MELite and FLEXaKEY, which allows a traditional aux bus to transform into a functional mix effects with cuts, mix, wipes, keys, and DVE, including full preview. MELite extends the switcher’s 2M/E to 6M/E performance. MELite is the building block for more easy-to-use features, such as upstream and downstream transition effects.

The four FLEXaKEY keyers provided are designed for flexible reassignment. They create keys that can be freely assigned to M/E 1, M/E 2, or aux buses (if there is a need for four keyers on an aux, no problem), extending the switcher’s performance beyond that of conventional switchers. Up to 12 keyers can be combined. Combine an AUX bus and MELite for P-in-P display or use as an upstream key. FLEXaKEY can also be applied to create a multimonitor video wall with a single HVS-490.

HVS-490 has a frame synchronizer and a process amplifier at all inputs, and a resize engine (enlarged) is also installed within four video inputs. The switcher can input SD- and HD-resolution video simultaneously without external devices, such as upconverters. PC images can also be resized.

A built-in multiviewer supports three outputs as standard. Ten or more layout patterns can be selected for each output, including a 16-split view. Using the HDMI 2.0b output at 4K enables a display of up to 48-split with three outputs.

The HVS-490 includes an extensive feature set of audio functions. Users can bring AES audio directly into and out of the mixer, reducing the need for external embedders and de-embedders. Natural-sound audio can be routed from one source as a master to other outputs, and an internal frame sync can be added without losing the embedded audio.

With the HVS-100TB2 Thunderbolt2 expansion card, a total of four streams of non-compressed Full HD video input and output can be transferred by a single card to any HVS series switcher via a single connection.

The new MBP-200TB2 SDI gateway can convert large amounts of media into SDI-formatted video through single Thunderbolt cable, transferring any range of graphics: on-screen text, RCG, video marking, clip-server playout, and more. This eliminates the need for a workstation or dedicated graphics station.

Also being introduced are new tools for FOR-A’s next-gen FVW-700 HD telestrator, which supports 4K/UHD and 1080p HD. New to the FVW-700 are preformatted and hand-drawn icons, a highlighted video marker, and a WiFi interface.

MFR-4000 12G-SDI routing switcher
The ground-up design of the new MFR-4000 12G-SDI routing switcher enables matrices of 72×72 inputs and outputs for efficient single-wire 4K routing. The MFR-3000 can be configured for up to 64×64, the MFR-5000 up to 128×128, and the MFR-8000 up to 256×256 — all now available with Gearbox technology. In 4K mode, the MFR-3000 is capable of matrices up to 16×16, the MFR-5000 up to 32×32, and the MFR-8000 up to 64×64.

MFR-4000 12G-SDI routing switcher

Many in the MFR series matrix optionally support versatile core system components like RS-422, analog audio, and AES audio-interface routing. The MFR routers are team players with other FOR-A devices, such as tally connections with peripherals (video switchers, multiviewers). Thanks to the specifications of 12G-SDI, 4K signals can be carried over a single cable, with less setup time and less space needed for equipment. Conventional 3G-SDI routing switchers require four crosspoint switches for input and output of 4K video. With 12G-SDI, 4K video can be carried over a single cable.

“Our 12G-SDI backbone allows our customers to use and expand their infrastructure with familiar technologies while establishing a greenfield SDI facility,” say Hiro Tanoue, president, FOR-A America. “With a 12G-SDI setup, the same line of coax transports 4K, HD (1.5G and 3G), and SD signals. The installation is easier and less expensive with less wiring to deal with. Our goal is to help our customers along the way into 4K by using our 12G-SDI and IP-based (IP gateway) solutions.”

New FOR-A Gearbox supporting 4K conversion (quad-link 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI) enable 4K support in routers previously incompatible with the format. Making their debut at NAB 2017 are: the MFR-16SDIGB, MFR-16SDOGB, MFR-8SDIGB and MFR-8SDOGB Gearbox.

The MFC-2GB 12G-SDI–to–quad-link 3G-SDI converter, a standalone Gearbox device, is also being introduced at NAB 2017. The MFC-2GB provides two channels of conversion between 12G-SDI and quad-link 3G-SDI, SQD, and 2SI.

HVS-100 Express
With a list price of $7,900, the HVS-100 Express is controlled via any tablet, handheld, or laptop device with a web browser as opposed to a “hard” control panel.

HVS-100 Express

“This is something many of our customers have been asking for,” said Tanoue. “A switcher with all the bells and whistles and clear upgrade path that our other switchers offer but at a much lower price point. We’re able to do that with a software-controlled version of our HVS-100 video switcher, and we’re very excited to show it off to our customers.”

The HVS-100 is well-suited for use in all types of locations — events, sports, news studios, OB vans, houses of worship — and for corporate video production. Any computer device with a web browser can control the feature-rich HVS-100 Express switcher. The HVS-100 Express accepts simultaneous SD and HD inputs and supports 3G and 4K production.

The HVS-100 Express includes frame synchronization on all inputs; four full-function keyers, each with full-function DVE; a built-in multiviewer with 20 display layouts; a resizing engine; 2.5D wipe effects; embedded audio; and a chroma keyer. A clip-memory feature within the still store supports playback of video or animations.

The HVS-100 Express accepts HVS-100TB2 Thunderbolt2 I/O expansion cards, which allows users to transfer video content with a single cable through computers and interface with other devices, such as character generators, virtual studios, and/or file-based/IP products. One cable allows transmission of four HD signal lines.

The HVS-100 Express is currently available for sale in North and South America.