Snell & Wilcox Announces Integration of Kahuna With OmniBus Columbus Automation and Control System

May 6, 2008

Source: Snell & Wilcox

Snell & Wilcox's Kahuna SD/HD multiformat production switcher is now under the control of the OmniBus Columbus broadcast automation and control system. The powerful integration of the two solutions enables broadcasters to automate the delivery of on-air news content from a variety of sources and formats, and facilitates HD news broadcasts without requiring upconversion of SD content.

As directed by a newsroom computer system (NRCS), Columbus automatically drives on-air events via the Kahuna switcher and gives Columbus users immediate and instant access to the full complement of Kahuna functionality. Kahuna is the world's first production switcher to offer simultaneous SD and HD operations, enabling seamless integration of any SD sources, such as handheld camera feeds, graphics, or archives, into HD news productions without requiring outboard upconversion.

With predefined macros from the Columbus rundown list, users can access the Kahuna to recall content snapshots instantly, choose new sources, and enable both video and audio transitions from one source to another. In addition, operators can access the rich array of 3-D digital video effects (DVE) available through Kahuna IMPAKT. As required, the operator can override the automation system to perform live, directed switching via Kahuna.

NRK (the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation), a longtime OmniBus Columbus customer, has implemented Kahuna switchers in three of its newly equipped studios in Oslo. As NRK makes its transition to HD programming, the Kahuna switchers and OmniBus automation system will help future-proof operations by providing the technology infrastructure for end-to-end control of all HD and SD media assets.

"The Kahuna/Columbus integration reflects our ongoing commitment to give customers access to the latest and most state-of-the-art devices that complement our automation and control functionality," said John Cunningham, executive vice president of development and services at OmniBus.

"Kahuna is a powerful addition to the portfolio of devices that an operator can control on the Columbus system, and it provides unprecedented functionality for integrating SD sources into HD news productions."

"As broadcasters continue to make the transition to digital, high-definition production, they need tools that streamline the process of delivering on-air broadcasts often consisting of multiple content sources and types. This is especially true in a fast-paced news environment," said Joe Zaller, vice president of corporate development at Snell & Wilcox. "By partnering with the best of breed in broadcasting automation, we're able to give our customers a fully integrated solution for delivering the highest quality news programming."

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