Ross Video
I completely agree on that many features of today's switchers are underutilized in current productions. Most of the users probably use only half of a switcher or less. The problem is that not all users use the same characteristics. The trick is to design the switcher so that it is easy to operate in any case. We believe that is one of the greatest strengths of the Synergy MD/X line: it is powerful and at the same time easy to use.
Broadcast Pix
As switchers can do more things, it is critical that the user interface evolve to make it easier. The control panels of Broadcast Pix are designed from the ground up to control many devices using controls that change to manage any selected device. For a even greater simplicity, the Broadcast Pix Slate 100 uses a monitor touch-sensitive with all camera movements on it: the user touches the camera they want, the clip and the graphic. This allows any novice to learn how to operate the switcher in a few minutes.
How do the production switcher users currents to the power of the switchers Modern? Don't they feel overwhelmed? Is there a workout appropriate?
Grass Valley
The reaction of users more Advanced is: "Wow! See all the power I have now within my reach." But this leads one to wonder about the others. directors who are not power users. That's why we design our control panels and user interfaces to make them intuitive and consistent with the philosophy of the interfaces of users of previous Grass Valley switchers . So, while the first reaction may be to feel Overwhelmed, the director quickly fishes the consistency of the key functions font selection, execution transitions, keyer preparation, learning and call of E-MEMs. In a short time, the camera director can manage the switcher with all the basic functions necessary for a production.
Subsequently, the director can learn the advanced features and increase your comfort level and competition with the new switcher.
We also offer a great variety of training courses to help both new users such as those already familiar with our switchers. Typically, we offer two versions of our training; basic training for new users and classes advanced for directors who are ready to take a step forward in switcher production capabilities. We also offer maintenance classes for engineers who need to install, make improvements and maintenance of equipment of production. Production courses with switchers are do at our nevada City, California, and in Weiterstadt, Germany. We also offer training in the customer site, which may turn out to be the same course offered in our training centers, or it can be tailored to an individual user.
Ross Video
I've heard stories of customers who buy expensive switchers from our competition and then are not able to use them properly, for the complexity implicit even in the most tasks Simple. As I mentioned, it's not a problem on the line Synergy MD/X. Beyond Synergy and Synergy panels Control, the real revolution that has come is the system of production automation OverDrive, by Ross. With OverDrive, things are so simple again that a single operator can take care of a production easily. This jump reminds me of how complex DOS was for the simplest tasks, but now my kids use computers and the internet without any difficulty.
Broadcast Pix
Trying to have control over more and more features from a traditional panel is difficult. Broadcast Pix has focused on evolving the control and in adding a great graphical user interface size (or multiview) where the program, the preview and all fonts and keyers are displayed in motion. With an advanced interface, designed to handle power in addition to modern switchers , the needs of Training for the entire control room are much less.
What can we expect in the future of switcher technology production? (Can we expect greater integration with routers, higher distributed processing etc.?)
Grass Valley
I think we will see an increase integration of production and other equipment, in addition to stronger integration and greater control of devices today supported by the switcher. I also believe that other types of device will be managed from the system switcher control. Like budgets and time of production are reduced, and this becomes more complex, the pressure on staff is greater. Directors will see their switcher as the extra power they need to reach their goals.
Input and output formats are also increasing rapidly, as well as the use of IT-based interfaces ( information) or formats of the professional world. I think we'll see an increase in the use of interfaces such as DVI, HDMI, DV and HDV and others, not only in professional production environments such as corporate events, but also in broadcast environments Advanced.
Ross Video
While switchers will continue to become more powerful, noticeable change will come due to the growing importance and eventual replacement of the control by production automation systems based on Computer. Hundreds of new stations in North America are currently in this process. Other applications of Live production will be replaced later. Personally I love the look of the big control panels and we will continue to offer excellent control panels for a good time, but the shift to automated production with systems as OverDrive is an economic decision.
Broadcast Pix
Over the next decade he leaves to accelerate the movement that is taking us from switchers as an independent apparatus to which a series of components to create a control room, towards solutions Integrated that are essentially a control room inside the switcher. This is going to cause live TV production to be more affordable, both in equipment and personnel. So, too, its use will be disseminated in other areas, especially those that distribute live productions on new technologies of low cost like internet, projectors, iPods, phones cell phones, etc.
Do you have any other observation on trends in this business?
Grass Valley
The years 2003 and 2004 were huge in North America for the construction of large HD trucks, as the demand for HD content was fueled by live production of sporting events, concerts, programs of awards and some films of cinema. Now that the market has matured, there is a growing demand for local news and national in native HD (no longer converted). It is very likely that this is the engine of the North American market in the coming years years.
South America and Europe are very different in terms of HD production. World events such as the Athens and Turin Olympics, and the World Cup Football in Germany, increased demand for trucks of HD production. However, there is still a large market for this type of mobile units in Europe. Fixed installations as new stations are not necessarily looking for HD equipment today, but at least they want teams that can be converted later. Content producers know that although their needs Whether they are SD today, HD is definitely part of their future.
Ross Video
With the jump to the high Definition, broadcasters are looking for ways to cover the cost of upgrading your equipment from control room to HD. Controlling devices and products like OverDrive can save money on operational costs or allow you to perform better quality programs, more frequently and the same personnel. The revolution has begun.
Broadcast Pix
The availability of HD cameras for cheaper studio and HD TV sets, it's producing a greater interest in HD switchers . The Slate systems, from Broadcast Pix, support SD inputs and outputs SDI, composite analog, S and components, plus HD-SDI for both 1080i and 720p. As part of this movement towards HD, Broadcast Pix switchers are the best in mix 4:3 and 16:9 content in the same production. Switchers Conventional shrink video when they convert rates of appearance, which makes the characters look wider or too thin. On the contrary, Broadcast Pix allows the user treats each entry by making a box or trimming, of so that the original proportion of each will be respected camera, clip or graphic. Some switchers treat the proportion as an expensive option; only in Broadcast Pix this is standard for every input, clip, or graphic.
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