Ross Video launches TouchDrive

Following its announcement during the Ross Live season 2 keynote last month, Ross has formally launched the latest update to its Carbonite range of production switcher panels, TouchDrive.

TouchDrive is a new family of control panels that has been designed with the technical director (TD) at heart. It brings the same touch technology you know from the world of smart phones to video production switchers, and every display on the control panel is touch enabled, allowing features to be dropped right under the fingertips of the TD.

These high-resolution displays, based on IPS LCD technology, make source and device control faster, and enable functions like bus map creation without having to dive into menus. The new curved panel design puts every button within reach,  and the custom colour schemes enable TDs to configure and organise the panel look to their specific preference.

TouchDrive also includes a built-in DashBoard computer, enables integrated DashBoard control for various Ross products, and features convenient power/display/control connections for an additional external display.

Nigel Spratling, vice president of switchers at Ross, commented: “We spent the last year talking to TDs from around the world, and the feedback was extremely consistent, TDs have asked us for more freedom to create, greater operational efficiency and improved integration of production control.

“We’ve taken all of that input onboard and we’re very pleased to offer TouchDrive as our solution, the new curved panel design, redesigned GUI and touch features really take production switcher design into a whole new space, and the initial feedback from our beta-test customers has been amazing. We’re very proud to introduce TouchDrive, and we know TDs are going to love using it.”