Panasonic Production Switcher Offers Built-In MultiViewer

Panasonic’s new AV-HS400A multi-format HD/SD live production switcher is now available with features like built-in MultiViewer image preview, full 10-bit HD processing, an expandable HD/SD architecture with 3D digital effects and more. Also two additional I/O option cards further expands its versatility, according to the company.

The unit’s modular architecture comes standard with four HD/SD-SDI inputs and four HD/SD-SDI outputs (1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p, or 480/59.94i), and can be expanded to support up to eight inputs and eight outputs with seven different optional I/O boards. These optional boards can up-convert of SD signals to HD, downconvertHD to SD, and scale DVI output to 1900×1200. The switcher maintains a built-in, switchable 10-bit frame synchronizer for each input.

The HS400A’s built-in MultiViewer can output four, eight, or 10 images from different sources to a single high-resolution display. It features customizable labels for each window and users can easily create custom input window names of up to six characters, or quickly select from a list of common names (e.g. CAM7). They also have the ability to adjust brightness or remove labels or the background “bar.”

New key functions added to the HS400A include 3D DVE key effects for dramatic transitions, flying key for dynamic titling effects, a full key for a virtual second picture-in-picture, and many other creative tools.

In terms of graphics, the switcher can import files via Ethernet interface for fast access to titles and pictures, alpha channel support, and more. The HS400A includes HS400Tool software (Windows only) to enable automatic import and sizing of imported TIFF (with Alpha Channel), PNG (with Alpha Channel), BMP, GIF and JPEG images. SD card graphic functions now include support of both JPEG and Bitmap files, and readouts for number of files and remaining card space.

Camera control functions include pan/tilt/zoom/focus operation of a single remote camera via joystick directly from the front panel, or switched operation of up to five remote cameras in conjunction with any current Panasonic AW-RP series camera controller.

Other standard features include tally outputs for up to eight cameras, both built-in LCD and On Screen Display for viewing settings, GPI input, RS-422A remote control, and user-programmable function buttons.

The HS400A is available now at a suggested list price of $11,890.

New option cards for the HS400A include the AV-HS04M6 dual analog composite input card (ideal for use with legacy equipment) and the AV-HS04M7 dual HD/SD-SDI output card with high-quality down-conversion—for facilities requiring simultaneous HD and SD output for IMAG, recording, and Web-casting. The AV-HS04M6 is available now at a suggested list price of $1,990; the AV-HS04M7 is now available at a suggested list price of $2,190.

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