Broadcast Pix unveils HD Family of Slate Switchers; Cooperation with Harris

Broadcast Pix 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 and be seen at NAB this
year in (Booth #SU10605).

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.

The Slate 100 HD provides a very cost-effective, integrated,
live HD video production studio, priced at $14,400, including a new custom
keyboard. The Slate 1000 HD adds a professional switcher control panel.
The Slate 3000 HD adds a router manufactured for Broadcast Pix by Harris
Corporation, providing up to 18 live inputs and more redundancy. The
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.

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. 16×16 and 32×32 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.”