IBC 2018: Tektronix expands PRISM IP/SDI monitor series
Tektronix, an innovator of video test, monitoring, and diagnostics solutions, announced the expansion of its PRISM hybrid IP/SDI monitoring line with the addition of a 10G operations unit, integrated audio, and dual-screen extension capabilities, as well as a 25G upgrade path for all PRISM products.
Tektronix’s forward-looking PRISM platform now boasts comprehensive monitoring capabilities across both operations and engineering workflows. “Our focus with PRISM was initially to help the early adopters solve the hardest problems associated with IP deployments,” says Charlie Dunn, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “Now that the market has become more mature, we’re dialing in the features that the larger set of customers most need: full IP/SDI operational capabilities, a 2.5” depth dual screen display for space-constrained environments, integrated audio monitoring, and a path for customers looking to upgrade to 25G.”
Here are the highlights of the expanded line:
A Robustly Featured Base with Modular Additions
The next generation of PRISM has been designed to be the single instrument that customers need to address the range of requirements from Broadcast Operations to Broadcast Engineering. The new platform is available in both a 3RU ½ Rack or a 1RU 19” rack form factor. The 3RU unit comes with an integrated touchscreen that provides unmatched screen real estate for easy operation. The base units come with IP connectivity enabled and tools such as IP status, SDI timing measurements, event log, waveform, vector, and diamond all provided as standard. PRISM’s modular design and a broad range of options enables customers to tailor their PRISM to meet their targeted applications such as high-end Editing and Technical QC needs with features like WCG Vector, and CIE charts; or full Engineering capability including timing measurements, audio measurements, compliance measurements, IP measurements, and graphing. Control for the configuration and when that is done is completely at the discretion of the customer.
Extended Screen Option for Greater Display Area and Space Efficiency
Tektronix is also pleased to introduce the industry’s first ever extended display, available to use with both of the new form factors. By extending PRISM’s full touch screen architecture into a fifth window or tile on a second screen, Live production customers can now view full-size waveform and vector side by side without needing to purchase a second measurement instrument. The new internal power supply also creates space efficiencies. Customers in space constrained environments can rackmount PRISM remotely and then use a purpose built 2.5” depth dual display touch screen, establishing PRISM as one of the narrowest depth tools in mobile production environments.
New Audio Monitoring Capabilities
The 1RU version of PRISM will now include a speaker option and associated volume and balance knob. Operators can save cost by effectively having the waveform monitor and audio unit functionality combined into a single 1 RU instrument. Customers will be able to easily and quickly select and listen to the audio channels they are interested in on either headphones or through high quality integrated speakers.
All PRISM Products Have a Path to 25G
All generations of the PRISM family will be upgradable to a 25G interface board. The broad availability of upgrade kits to all PRISM generations is part of Tektronix’s commitment to safeguarding customer investments.