Ross Video New Products At IBC 2007

July 10, 2007

Source: Ross Video

Ross Video will be debuting new products and advancements to existing products to the European market at IBC 2007 including: the new Vision Series Production Switchers, a new line of SoftMetal Video Servers, version 5.1 of the OverDrive Production Control System, and the openGear terminal equipment platform introduces the DashBoard Control System and SNMP Protocol.

Vision Series Production Switchers

Ross Video will introduce of 5 new production switchers at IBC 2007. The Vision Series is Ross' next generation multi-definition production switcher, handling standard and high-definition formats. The 5 new models, ranging from 1 to 4 M/Es, include: the Vision 1 MD, Vision 2 MD, Vision 2 MD-X, Vision 3 MD-X and Vision 4 MD-X.

Building on over 30 years experience in production switchers, the Vision control panel incorporates a number of new concepts. Vision is highly modular and all models share a common platform and common set of modules. The use of RGB buttons results in a stunning new look and allows personalization of the Vision control panel. Vision offers a new DualDisplay™ color touch screen allowing the operator to view and control two menus simultaneously. A long list of other enhancements including built-in manuals, Linux based OS, and integration with the OverDrive® control system makes Vision the most advanced on the market. Leveraging over 1 Million lines of Synergy Series software, the Vision Series has a head start with a well developed feature set and a full complement of device control options.

Vision Production Features
· AuxKeys mixing and keying on aux bus outputs
· Proc Amps for quick video fixes and adjustments
· Color Correctors enabling creative color adjustments
· Squeeze & Tease MD Warp DVE
· MLE Store Still Stores
· Media Cache Animation Playout
· UltraChrome High End Chroma Keyer
· Up to 96 Inputs
· Up to 48 Outputs
· SmartConversion SD/HD on the fly conversion system
· Built-in Hard Drive for storage of configuration settings, memories, stills and animations
· Preview Overlay head's up display

"We’ve incorporated considerable customer input into Vision," said David Ross, CEO, Ross Video. “ We continue to push the state of the art and we're looking forward to unveiling Vision at IBC 2007.”

The Ross line now includes 20 different models of production switchers. Ross continues to offer the Synergy SD (standard definition) and Synergy MD (multi-definition) production switchers along with the new Vision Series. A path for existing Synergy SD and MD customers to move to the Vision platform is available.

SoftMetal Video Servers

Ross Video will launch a new line of next-generation video servers at IBC 2007. SoftMetal Video Servers will deliver a more integrated production solution that will complement the Ross Synergy Digital Production Switchers and OverDrive Production Control System.

SoftMetal is designed using Ross technology and expertise to provide the broadcast industry with an advanced video server incorporating key elements that includes: multi-definition capability with on-the-fly resolution scaling, graphics workflow support, client/server architecture for distributed control, robust IT server class hardware and flexible, software based CODECs.

We are thrilled to be introducing SoftMetal. Our customers have been requesting more integrated solutions and with SoftMetal they can expect a competitively priced, feature-rich product, with the same Ross superior customer experience,” said Jeff Moore, President, Ross Video. “The SoftMetal Video Server product line makes a great companion to our Synergy Series Production Switchers and OverDrive Production Control System. The goal is to expand the Ross portfolio of products to meet the needs of our customer’s complex live productions.”

Multi-Definition Capability
As a multi-definition server, SoftMetal comes equipped with on-the-fly scaling on every output, converting clips from SD to HD or HD to SD automatically as they play to air. This feature is ideal for today’s productions, which rely on a mix of SD and HD source material.

Improves Graphics Production Workflows
In a production setting, SoftMetal provides support for completing the graphics workflows by accepting networked transfers of Targa Stills, Targa Animations and pre-compressed graphics clips with available SoftMetal CODECs. SoftMetal offers the ability to link Video and Alpha channel clips and adjust and lock timing for production playback, right in the server.

SoftMetal Architecture
· SoftMetal control is based on a client/server architecture with the client side applications written in Java and able to run on a Mac, PC or Linux computer. This allows control of a SoftMetal system from the user’s desktop of choice.
· IT server class components are used throughout SoftMetal servers, providing a robust and reliable system with features such as RAID 1 mirrored system drives, RAID-5 protected MediaDrives, redundant power supplies and hot swappable mid-chassis system fans.
· Software-based CODECs provide SoftMetal with a flexible, future proof architecture that is adaptable to future compression schemes and formats as they emerge.

SoftMetal Video Servers are available for order in 36 different configurations, 18 standard definition models and 18 multi-definition models.

OverDrive Production Control System

Ross Video will introduce version 5.1 software for the industry leading OverDrive® Integrated Live Production Control System at IBC 2007.

Ross Video will introduce version 5.1 software for the industry leading OverDrive® Integrated Live Production Control System at IBC 2007.

OverDrive’s version 5.1 offers many new features including integration with CG MOS enabled devices, control of Vinten robotics and Wheatstone audio mixers and support for multiple networked OverDrive client systems. OverDrive’s client/server architecture allows facilities to run no break back-to-back shows without a break, monitor, audit and edit rundowns remotely and control devices from multiple locations.

Broadcasters from small, medium and large markets have accepted the OverDrive Integrated Production Control System as a trusted automation technology,” said Brad Rochon, OverDrive Product Manager, Ross Video. “Version 5.1 software will enable users even more device control, and the client/server architecture will provide greater flexibility to monitor and control devices or rundowns from multiple locations. The extensive feature set of OverDrive version 5.1 will enable customers to further increase production efficiency and improve their on-air product.”

OverDrive is a highly flexible and scalable production control system with a real-time LiveLink™ MOS interface to the newsroom editorial system. The extensive device control capabilities of the Synergy Standard Definition and Multi-Definition production switchers combined with OverDrive gives users the ability to execute a more consistent, efficient, and sophisticated news production.


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