SAM ships over 100 Kula production switchers since April launch

SAM’s Kula range of multi-format production switchers is generating strong momentum in the industry, with the company shipping more than 100 switchers worldwide since its launch at NAB 2016. Major media organisations in countries including China, the USA and The Netherlands are now tapping into the Kula features.

Kula uses the company’s FormatFusion3 technology to mix any format, up to and including 4K. This eliminates the need for external conversion equipment. Capable of handling 4K/1080p/HD and SD in 1M/E and 2M/E versions, Kula can manage multiple formats making it both future-proof and adaptable for today’s production environment. The 2M/E HD/SD version can be switched to 1M/E 4K mode, allowing users to benefit from higher production values.

Rob Rowe, General Manager, Live Production and Infrastructure at SAM commented, “There’s no doubt that the broadcast industry is undergoing an exciting period of transformation. 4K is no longer just a buzzword, and content is now being captured and delivered in a wider range of formats within the same production workflow. Kula is the perfect switcher for these changing times because it’s versatile, affordable, and works within a variety of production environments including live events (flyaway packs, OB vans) sports, houses of worship and conferences and events. With its ability to combine SD, HD, and 4K capabilities, Kula provides a level of support to the market that simply can’t be matched.”

At IBC the company is also announcing a complete new line-up of MultiViewers. Available in sizes from quad splits to enterprise monitoring solutions and featuring high-quality image monitoring with IP and 4K UHD options, the line-up includes different MultiViewers with varying features that support a range of industry applications including playout, signal monitoring, live production and OB/mobile environments.

The line-up offers a mix of features including:

• Support for multi-channel analogue, SD, HD, 3G and IP inputs
• Supports 4K UHD for inputs and outputs
• Audio metering and optional Dolby E metering
• UMD tallies
• Alarms for video, audio and metadata
• Clocks with timers and time zone offsets, subtitle and closed captioning
• Integrated control and monitoring with SAM’s unique Media Biometrics technology enabling true monitoring by exception