FOR-A To Showcase FA-1010 Signal Processor, Compact MXF Clip Servers

FOR-A Corporation of America, a leading manufacturer of video and audio systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, introduced the FA-1010 signal processor at the 2013 NAB Show (C5116), which runs April 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. With 10 video inputs and outputs, the new FA-1010 offers multi-channel routing between sources as well as effective video and audio signal processing for line, relay, reporting, production, editing, and delivery applications.

Also known as “THE Processor,” the FA-1010 supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, NTSC, and PAL video formats. The standard configuration includes 10 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs and outputs, each synchronized independently for a clean switch, even between asynchronous signals.

There are 16 channels of embedded audio for 3G/HD-SDI synchronous/asynchronous input and 12 channels for each synchronous SD-SDI input. The FA-1010 provides extensive audio support, including SDI embedding and de-embedding. A/D and D/A conversions are also possible with an optional expansion card. The FA-1010’s signal processing ensures ancillary data, such as subtitles and time code, and remains intact while performing delay or level adjustment, down-mixing, remapping, and other functions.

Users can choose between frame, line, or AVDL sync modes (adjustment range in AVDL mode is 5H in HD and 1H in SD). The FA-1010 also offers three different color correction modes – balance mode for RGB signals, differential mode that does not affect white balance, and sepia mode for monotone color schemes. A built-in Web server, combined with the FA-1010’s PC-based GUI, makes it easy to change settings from a computer or tablet on the network.

Four slots in the rear panel of the 1 RU FA-1010 can accommodate a variety of expansion cards to increase functionality. Options include analog component video I/O, Dolby E encoder/decoder, loudness control, and more.

“The FA-1010 offers extreme connectivity and is loaded with functionality. That’s why we call it THE Processor,” said Pedro Silvestre, Sales Director, FOR-A Corporation of America. “In the past, you needed separate signal processing equipment for each channel, but we’ve integrated support for 10 channels in one compact frame sync with room for expansion.”

The FA-1010 will be available this summer.

FOR-A has also announced two new compact MXF clip servers, the MBP-120SX and MBP-125SX, for ingest, playback, and playout applications. Ideal for file-based production workflows, the new 1 RU servers will be demonstrated at the 2013 NAB Show.

For ingest, the MBPs can capture files from an external XDCAM drive or network drive, convert HD/SD-SDI signals to MXF files in real time, and support up to eight channels of embedded audio (the MBP-125SX also supports for eight-channel AES audio). Both models are equipped with HD/SD-SDI I/O and solid-state drive (240 or 480 GB), and both are compatible with Sony XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422, MPEG HD422, MPEG HD, and MPEG IMX file formats.

Multiple MBPs can also be components of a user-constructed playout system that does not require a dedicated playout server. Material can be stored on a shared NAS unit, then specified MXF files can be transferred over the network to multiple MBPs. Output from the MBPs follows the automatic program playout system. MBPs can also be combined with another video server for more advanced configurations. Clips can be added over the network, even during video recording or playback, for seamless operation.

“With built-in flash memory, the new MBP-120SX and MBP-125SX create a very stable ingest or playout environment,” said Pedro Silvestre, Sales Director, FOR-A Corporation of America. “These are very versatile servers that can be deployed in a variety of applications.”

In conjunction with FOR-A’s MediaConcierge media management system, an MBP can be incorporated into a user-constructed clip server application, providing database-driven management of video clips and playout programs. Each MBP ships with control software for standalone operation, and registered clips are instantly recognizable by thumbnail display in the control software. Optional software offers remote control of the system over the network and manages list-based clip playout.

The MBP-120SX features one HD/SD-SDI input and output, while the MBP-125SX has four outputs, two of which support time code display. In addition to the MBP-120SX’s support for SMPTE RP188 ANC time code, the MBP-125SX also adds support for ANC and LTC time code. A full range of interfaces on both models includes an 100Base-TX/1000Base-T Ethernet port for high-speed file transfer, USB ports for connecting an external XDCAM or keyboard and mouse, RS-422 for external control, GPI for remote control of playback, and a DVI-I computer display port for use of the included control software.

The MBP-120SX and MBP-125SX will be available in June.