VCC 3.2 features camera control enhancements that include thumbnail displays of each preset position, as well as auto-follow of camera switching and enhanced macro integration
Broadcast Pix™ today began shipping its Video Control Center™ 3.2 software, a free upgrade that improves its Granite™ and Mica™ integrated live video production systems. Camera control enhancements include thumbnail displays of each preset position, as well as auto-follow of camera switching and enhanced macro integration. The built-in clip server now supports native Avid DNxHD clips and multi-definition ProRes and H.264 clips, while the six-channel graphic store adds frame capture. Plus, custom monitor layouts and macros can now be tied to each show, and a new option turns any Granite 2000 system into a 2 M/E switcher.
“Today’s announcement enhances our leading end-to-end integration,” said Ken Swanton, Broadcast Pix CEO. “Reaching out and controlling cameras with the kind of integration in Version 3.2 really sets Broadcast Pix apart. Plus our enhanced clip, graphic, and switching systems provides a level of integration that enables a small crew to create amazing video.”
The new camera control software displays a thumbnail of each camera preset position, rather than just the number of each preset, on the system’s Fluent-View enhanced multi-view display. The visual reference helps an operator quickly select the desired camera position. Plus, with new camera follow, each camera’s preset choices appear automatically when that camera is previewed on the switcher. Thumbnails can be created for 100 preset positions on each of up to 12 Panasonic robotic cameras, as well as 16 preset positions on each of up to 12 Sony robotic cameras.
Camera control is now tightly integrated with Fluent™ Macros, a unique macro system that allows switching, file recalls, effects, and camera moves to be recalled with one button push. Additional camera control enhancements include finer manual control of pan, tilt, and zoom to allow very slow zooms for long-range camera shots, plus support for Panasonic cameras installed using IP cabling instead of serial, which greatly simplifies wiring.
“The new features will definitely benefit our use of robotic cameras,” said Dennis Bergeron, station manager for Holliston Cable Access, Inc., in Holliston, Mass. “Broadcast Pix has significantly improved our production of in-studio shows. Fluent Macros and built-in graphics, clip stores, and animations have allowed us to improve the professional look of our productions. The number of enhancements that come out with every software release is impressive, and I look forward to every release to see what has been added or improved.”
DNxHD, the native Avid 1080i or 720p file format, is the third clip format supported by Fluent Clip Server in every Granite and Mica system. Using Fluent Watch-Folders, 1080i DNxHD clips can flow into Broadcast Pix systems over a TCP/IP network directly from Avid editing stations, even in the middle of a live production. V3.2 also delivers expanded options for ProRes and H.264 formats, adding 720p and SD to existing support for 1080i files.
Originally offered as a 1 M/E panel, the Granite 2000 can now be upgraded to be used as a 2 M/E panel, providing a low-cost system with a small footprint and full 2 M/E functionality. The $1,900 option activates four buttons on the control panel that enable its entire M/E bank to shift to M/E 2, and adds buttons for transitions between M/Es. V3.2 also allows operators to use two control panels simultaneously (1 M/E per panel). For example, one operator can control a live television broadcast while a second operator switches an Internet-based stream, or two panels can control two screens at a live event.
The new Show Link feature allows each show to save and recall its own Fluent-View monitor layout and Fluent Macros. This allows different programs or operators to customize their productions to match their resources, removing unnecessary elements from the Fluent-View layout, resizing and repositioning elements on the screen, and having a list of show-specific Fluent Macros at the ready.
The V3.2 software upgrade is the third software upgrade since 2012; earlier enhancements have added optimized touch-screen controls, integrated virtual set software, multi-screen support for 1 M/E systems, scoreboard integration, multi-lingual user interface, and optional voice-automated video production.
About Broadcast Pix The leader in live video production systems with end-to-end integration, Broadcast Pix was founded in 2002 and has customers in more than 110 countries. Its Video Control Centers™ combine an integrated switcher, clip server, CG, and external control software with patented control panels, unique touch-screens, and exceptional displays. Systems range from compact systems controlled by touch-screen or voice automation to large sophisticated control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, streaming, sports, corporate, education, religious, and government studios. Learn more at http://www.broadcastpix.com.