Broadcast Pix Slate systems add features for presentation markets

11 November 2008

Massachusetts - Broadcast Pix Inc., the company that redefined the switcher as a live integrated production system, announced the availability of version 7.1 (V7.1) software for all of its Slate systems.
V7.1 activates an optional DVI/VGA Input/Output (I/O) card on all Slate HD models to provide up to two DVI/VGA inputs and outputs, and it enhances Slate's keying capabilities. V7.1 also enables control of Panasonic robotic cameras and enhancements to Slate's built-in multi-view monitor.
The new DVI and VGA outputs enable Slate systems to directly feed a projector for presentation applications, such as image magnification at a corporate event, within a house of worship or live event staging. Many next-generation projectors and plasma monitors accept HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs, and the new DVI output enables a DVI to HDMI cable to be connected to provide HDMI output for 720p, 1080i or even 1080p.
The new DVI and VGA inputs bring the content of a laptop or other computer into a Slate system.
"Version 7.1 makes Slate an even better one-man band," said Broadcast Pix president Ken Swanton. "Slate already combined a production switcher, CG, clip stores, multi-view monitor, aspect converter and video format converter. 7.1 adds DVI and VGA format converters, so you can input and output just about anything. Now it's even easier and more economical for a single operator or small crew to create very compelling live video."
V7.1 also provides luma key support in all Slate systems, which enables an input to be keyed on top of cameras, clips and animations by the Slate system. V7.1 also adds support for external video with key inputs from external graphics systems, in addition to keying all of the rich graphics, animations and clips included inside every Slate.
The multi-view enhancements in V7.1 provide up to four copies of each output and three of each input for display on a Slate system with multiple monitors attached. All Slate systems can support two monitors with the option to support up to four monitors. Monitors for all of Slate's six keyers can also be viewed on the integrated multi-view, whereas conventional multi-view systems cannot monitor any keyers.