FOR-A talks multiviewers and graphics
FOR-A is introducing both the MV-42HS HD/SD Multi Viewer, a compact, low-cost unit that supports up to four asynchronous or mixed HD-SDI and SD-SDI inputs, and the SmartStudio on-air graphics system at this year’s show.
The MV-42HS has a variety of on-screen features for a customized display environment. Its half-rack size (W 212 x H 44 x D 161.5 mm) and simple user interface make it an ideal multi viewer for OB trucks and master control facilities.
The MV-42HS offers high-resolution HD-SDI and DVI-D output as either a full-screen picture or four-image split view. It has an auto resize engine for SD input. Embedded time code as well as level meters for up to eight channels of embedded audio can be displayed for all inputs. A title display of up to eight characters is available for each input as well, and it will all be available around the end of November.
SmartStudio, meanwhile, provides real-time character generation, clip recording, and picture-in-picture capability – all within one unit, and is thus ideally suited for use in live event production, studio production, and webcasting.
The affordable, all-in-one system is powered by FOR-A’s developed MBP-1244 Video Platform, which delivers 4:4:4:4 RGB signal processing and an improved PC-based, real-time graphics solution. The video I/O board supports one HD-SDI (1080i) or SD camera and three additional video sources.
An optional MBP-12CK chromakey board adds a high-quality chromakey with a simple user interface and turns SmartStudio into a virtual studio system, complete with edge color replacement, filtering, and other functions to reduce noise. There are also four outputs, including a streaming output for easy Internet distribution. It can be operated with any FOR-A switcher.
“With SmartStudio, operators can switch, play clips, add graphics, and even use it as a virtual studio system with the optional chroma key. It’s an ideal solution for small studios, schools, and webcasters,” explained Hiro Tanoue, General Manager, Americas/Europe Group, Overseas Sales and Marketing Division, FOR-A Company Limited.
SmartStudio’s template-based CG, built around the Brainstorm interface, can key graphics over background video internally or output key and fill signals for an external mix. 3D templates can be created with Brainstorm eStudio, while 2D templates can be created using Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft PowerPoint. In addition, a built-in map data converter allows still or animated maps to be used as templates, which can be enhanced with text or objects. The built-in clip player enables playback of multiple files in full HD, and playlists can be created easily and stored for future use.
In addition to being a stand-alone production system, SmartStudio includes a software plug-in that allows it to be used as a CG wipe and picture-in-picture wipe generator. The software also enables switchers to be controlled from SmartStudio templates. FOR-A MXF clip servers and baseband converters can be controlled via SmartStudio templates as well, with their outputs used as picture-in-picture inputs on SmartStudio.