ISE 2023: Panasonic Expands KAIROS Live Production Platform With Two New Core Mainframes, Software Enhancements

Panasonic Connect Europe announces the next generation of KAIROS, its live production platform, and provided an advanced preview to visitors at ISE 2023, in Barcelona, Spain. The release expands the KAIROS ecosystem, adding two new Core mainframes (the KC200 and KC2000) and software enhancements that will increase the platform’s scalability to support larger and more complex productions.

The proliferation of streaming workflows has challenged production teams to create more dynamic content that delivers high volumes of quality video and graphics to multiple screens, but the specific scale, budget, and production requirements may vary significantly. Panasonic Connect’s KAIROS platform scales to meet the needs of any production. The latest release will expand the ecosystem, including:

• The KC2000 will offer the most capacity yet, boasting 200% of input & output capacity compared to current Cores, along with more video processing power and a much larger 900 GB internal clip player
• Both new Cores can support 2022-7 network redundancy when connected to two 100Gb ST 2110 networks
• The 4RU Chassis for both the KC200 and KC2000 offer significantly reduced noise levels appropriate to run in venue or studio

“With this release, Panasonic is demonstrating our customer-focused commitment to expand KAIROS’ already broad range of functionality” says Brad Rochon, KAIROS Group Manager.

Both new Cores will be available in 2023 and the associated new software will deliver many new features and increased functionality, including enhanced audio support, 3rd party alliance integrations, deeper system log support and GUI operational improvements.

Ideal for productions ranging from broadcast studios to remote production and streaming of live sports and concert events, KAIROS virtualises traditional switcher functions eliminating many legacy switcher hardware constraints with innovative CPU/GPU architecture and utilises a multi-format Agile I/O feature to remove the one-to-one input constraints of SDI only switchers.

The new 4RU chassis for both models features high airflow at lower fan speeds, significantly reducing noise and allowing the platform to be placed directly next to the action. The KAIROS platform natively supports the transition to IP and cloud workflows with simultaneous SDI, ST 2110, and streaming support. ST 2110 support streamlines the connection to Panasonic’s latest ST 2110 compatible cameras, the AW-UE160 PTZ and the AK-PLV100GJ Cinelive studio camera, perfect for multicamera productions.

“This latest generation takes KAIROS to the next level and further underlines our commitment to continue to expand its already broad range of functionality for the benefit of our broadcast and media users, as well as the rental and staging market with advances such as improved quietness,” says Andre Meterian, Director of Professional Video Systems for Panasonic Connect Europe. “KAIROS is the ideal solution for those looking to move to a next-generation IT/IP centric platform for unlimited production creativity, regardless of format or content destination.”

These latest introductions build on other recent KAIROS ecosystem developments such as KAIROS Compact Control to provide easy control of multiple scene/multiple output production with 12XPT style operation, control of Ross XPression graphics and the release of new KAIROS software control modules.

The next generation of KAIROS hardware will be shown at the 2023 NAB show in April, with the hardware and software becoming available in the latter half of 2023.