Broadcast Pix™ has announced the availability of its version 5.0 software for its
Granite™ and Mica™ integrated production switchers. The software debuts the new
Virtual Studios high-end virtual set platform, adds expanded support for third-party
IP-based cameras and streaming appliances, and includes the ability to correct
content issues with Source Controls in real time.
Virtual Studios combines the power of Broadcast Pix’s ClearKey™ chromakey
technology with sophisticated virtual backgrounds for up to eight cameras. By
preserving shadows and other natural lighting in the set, on-screen talent looks like
they are in a virtual environment, not pasted onto a set background. Unlike other
basic integrated virtual sets, Virtual Studios allows multi-box DVE compositions to
be scaled to full screen or squeezed back into the box effect – and does not require
optical camera tracking systems.
The Virtual Set Moves feature saves up to four moves per camera without optical
tracking systems, allowing operators to zoom, pan, and tilt into the virtual set – and
then recall various moves with a user-defined speed. The result is virtual camera
movement without using extra keyer resources and camera operators. All moves
and background assignments are saved on a per show basis, so it is easy to switch
looks between different productions. Plus, the AutoFlags feature allows you to use
any still background to fill in the black pillarboxes on the sides of a 4:3 image in a
16:9 production.
“Our customers are going to be amazed with Virtual Studios, which is very easy to
use but delivers far more realistic results than a simple drag-and-drop solution,’
said Kevin Prince, president and CEO of Broadcast Pix. “All the improvements in
Version 5.0 enhance our integrated platform and make it easier to produce world-
class productions with limited personnel.’
With Source Controls, it is easy to reposition logos, squeeze video to compensate
for incorrect aspect ratios, and fix other content issues in real time, rather than
exporting the content and correcting it offline. Source Controls takes advantage of
Broadcast Pix’s patented technology for low constant delay by allowing live
cameras, as well as internal clips and graphics, to be resized and moved via DVE
before being applied to a keyer. Adjustments are not globally assigned, which
allows custom settings on individual pieces of content. Plus, adjustments can be
saved as a macro for easy recall of source presets.
V5.0 software also expands robotic camera control to a number of IP-based
cameras, including Sony BRC-Z330, BRC-900, and SRG-300 models and Marshall
Electronics models. Vaddio camera systems have also been added, with IP and
serial control of the RoboSHOT, ClearVIEW, and PowerVIEW camera lines. Up to 12
cameras can be controlled through one Broadcast Pix system, including a mix of
different models and manufacturers. Presets can be saved for easy recall, and built-
in tally feedback is sent to cameras to display on-air status.
Also new for V5.0 is integrated IP control of Matrox Monarch HD and Monarch HDX
streaming and recording appliances. Streaming and recording can be controlled
individually, or users can program a macro to create a one-button push start for
both functions. Recorded programs can be stored on an attached network drive or
USB drive – or directly connected to Broadcast Pix’s Watch-Folders for a truly
integrated workflow. Files can be played back natively in the clip store or copied to
NLE systems for editing.
