Snell & Wilcox integrates Kahuna with OmniBus Columbus

Snell & Wilcox’s Kahuna
SD/HD multiformat production switcher is now under the control of the OmniBus
Columbus broadcast automation and control system. The powerful integration of
the two solutions enables broadcasters to automate the delivery of on-air news
content from a variety of sources and formats, and facilitates HD news
broadcasts without requiring upconversion of SD content.
As directed by a newsroom
computer system (NRCS), Columbus automatically
drives on-air events via the Kahuna switcher and gives Columbus users immediate and instant access
to the full complement of Kahuna functionality. Kahuna is the world’s first
production switcher to offer simultaneous SD and HD operations, enabling
seamless integration of any SD sources, such as handheld camera feeds,
graphics, or archives, into HD news productions without requiring outboard
upconversion.
With predefined macros
from the Columbus
rundown list, users can access the Kahuna to recall content snapshots
instantly, choose new sources, and enable both video and audio transitions from
one source to another. In addition, operators can access the rich array of 3-D
digital video effects (DVE) available through Kahuna IMPAKT. As required, the
operator can override the automation system to perform live, directed switching
via Kahuna.
NRK (the Norwegian
Broadcasting Corporation), a longtime OmniBus Columbus customer, has
implemented Kahuna switchers in three of its newly equipped studios in Oslo. As NRK makes its
transition to HD programming, the Kahuna switchers and OmniBus automation
system will help future-proof operations by providing the technology
infrastructure for end-to-end control of all HD and SD media assets.
“The Kahuna/Columbus integration
reflects our ongoing commitment to give customers access to the latest and most
state-of-the-art devices that complement our automation and control
functionality,” said John Cunningham, executive vice president of
development and services at OmniBus. “Kahuna is a powerful addition to the
portfolio of devices that an operator can control on the Columbus system, and it provides
unprecedented functionality for integrating SD sources into HD news
productions.”
“As broadcasters
continue to make the transition to digital, high-definition production, they
need tools that streamline the process of delivering on-air broadcasts often
consisting of multiple content sources and types. This is especially true in a
fast-paced news environment,” said Joe Zaller, vice president of corporate
development at Snell & Wilcox. “By partnering with the best of breed
in broadcasting automation, we’re able to give our customers a fully integrated
solution for delivering the highest quality news programming.”