- The IQ Modular intelligent infrastructure range that includes more than 400 intelligent component building blocks, and 26 new 3 Gbps-capable modules. Available in 76 variants, IQ Modular gives customers unlimited flexibility in tailoring a broadcast facility to the demands of HDTV. Compatible with emerging 3 Gbps standards and metadata-rich infrastructures, as well as current analog, SD, and HD standards, an IQ Modular infrastructure serves as a unified, flexible, and future-proof system for digital broadcasting. Modules in the new 3 Gbps IQ range are also available in SD and HD versions that may be upgraded easily and affordably to 3 Gbps operation when the broadcaster's HD-3Gbps road map warrants the shift. The IQ Modular range of format conversion modules is built on Snell & Wilcox acclaimed motion-adaptive technology optimized for maximum performance. Modules in the range also provide frame synchronization, audio embedding and de-embedding with advanced Dolby® E/D processing, metadata handling, and SMPTE 2016 AFD ARC support.
- RollMap, the company's flagship control and monitoring system, provides a rich graphical monitoring environment with total system visibility and control. The latest release of RollMap incorporates custom-defined control user interfaces, SMS and e-mail alerts, real-time status and event reporting, audio-level metering, and advanced alarm-level masking and filtering. In addition to SNMP support, RollMap features integrated Snell & Wilcox Hyperion content monitoring technology, which evaluates audio, video, and metadata using unique algorithms that allow detailed analysis of content. Integration with the Volicon Observer® MPEG-4-based compliance monitor increases the efficiency with which operators can view and assess the severity of RollMap and Hyperion alarms. Comprehensive support for third-party products further simplifies the task of monitoring and maintaining the health of the complete broadcast infrastructure.
The Alchemist Ph.C – HD motion-compensated frame-rate standards converter offers simultaneous SD and HD conversion in its compact 3-RU mainframe. Its comprehensive one-box approach delivers HD frame-rate conversion between 50-Hz and 60-Hz HD standards for both 1080i and 720p formats; SD frame-rate conversion between 50-Hz and 60-Hz material; and motion-compensated HDTV up/down/crossconversion. At the 2009 NAB Show, Snell & Wilcox will unveil new features including a FilmTools option that delivers results with film-like quality quickly and affordably. A new option for integrated Dolby® E audio handling simplifies broadcast and post-production workflows and eliminates the need for outboard Dolby decoders and encoders, thus reducing space, setup, and configuration requirements in replication and dubbing operations. The addition of SNMP support allows for the full integration of Alchemist Ph.C – HD into standard networked control systems. Built on a 3 Gbps-ready roadmap, the leading standards converter can adapt along with broadcasters' evolving infrastructures.
- The MachHD offers cost-effective, high-quality motion-compensated HD and SD standards and format conversion with synchronization capability. Ideal for broadcast applications such as live news and events, ingest, and playout, the compact standards converter offers multi-rate HD/SD inputs and outputs. The unit provides up/down/crossconversion — both within and between frame rates — along with aspect ratio conversion and colorspace conversion, complemented by AFD support. The MachHD, which is part of the Kudos Plus product family, supports embedded AES (balanced and unbalanced) and analog audio. Its compatibility with the Snell & Wilcox RollCall control and monitoring system enables smooth integration into the overall plant infrastructure, and 3Gbps functionality will be introduced in Q2 2009. The MachHD has dual redundant PSU capability and is provided in a single-RU housing with remote control capability via Ethernet.
- Snell & Wilcox is introducing 3 Gbps-versions of standards converters and synchronizers in the company's Kudos Plus family. The HD CVR700 SD/HD linear frame-rate converter and the HD TBS700 SD/HD synchronizer/stabilizer give users the flexibility to transition to HD-3Gbps infrastructures through a simple software upgrade, and each system supports Web updates to ensure an easy upgrade path. Compatibility with Snell & Wilcox's RollCall remote monitoring system enables easy maintenance of Kudos Plus devices along with other infrastructure gear. Further enhancements include composite video support, enabling full compatibility with a broad range of broadcast equipment.
- The Quasar Ph.C motion compensated upconverter combines four Emmy® Award-winning Snell & Wilcox technologies in its compact 1-RU package to deliver HDTV outputs with twice the resolution of competitive products that use conventional linear adaptive techniques. Dramatically improved upconversion and cut-detection algorithms enhance performance on a wide variety of complex images, allowing Quasar Ph.C to deliver stunningly sharp upconverted images from inputs with fast motion, fine detail, or both. New features on display at the 2009 NAB Show include timecode passing, which simplifies systems design in upconversion applications, and GPI-driven aspect ratio conversion that allows the upconverter to integrate AFD into the workflow. Newly introduced SNMP support allows the Quasar Ph.C to be integrated easily into standard networked control systems. Handling of European captions makes the solution a smart choice for broadcasters and media companies everywhere.
- The K-Watch software application extends the power of networked Kahuna SD/HD production switchers by allowing file content and graphics to be converted and uploaded to one or multiple networked Kahuna systems. Addressing the demand for IT-based workflows in the realm of production, K-Watch enables creation of files in the IT domain and transparent placement of those files onto the switcher without disrupting its operation. With this capability, broadcasters can easily publish name plates and lower-thirds to a Kahuna system, or share other files among multiple networked switchers. By eliminating the need to upload files manually, K-Watch increases control over files, cuts the time required to deliver media to the switcher, and lowers the risk of error.
- The new K-Mirror software application for the Kahuna SD/HD production switcher allows facilities to gain significant workflow efficiencies by backing up valuable work, whether working with a single Kahuna or in a networked multiple-Kahuna environment. K-Mirror facilitates the rapid back-up and the sharing of Kahuna Projects, each of which is a complete show, series, event, or production consisting of elements including graphics files, animations, effects memories, DVE memories, and engineering configurations. These project files, representing all the pre-production work, and related settings and elements, now can be copied onto the facility's IT backbone and shared across Kahuna systems.
- Kahuna's stereoscopic enhancement makes it easier for operators to fine-tune the alignment of cameras, thus enabling faster and more cost-effective calibration of cameras for 3-D acquisition. With these added capabilities, the Kahuna offers advanced processing that, through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, enhances the camera's ability to shoot, monitor, and control 3-D video for live production in sports, entertainment, and other programs.
The new Kahuna 1 M/E HD delivers the breakthrough multiformat performance of the industry-leading Kahuna production switcher in a 3-RU mainframe. With the addition of the 1 M/E HD, the Kahuna line now provides the broadest range of mainframes and control panels of any production switcher in the broadcast industry. The Kahuna 1 M/E HD offers a substantial feature set in a cost-effective, entry-level solution for broadcasters seeking the flexibility of a multiformat production environment to enable a gradual, controlled transition to HDTV. Featuring exclusive Snell & Wilcox FormatFusion image processing technology, the Kahuna 1 M/E HD enables seamless, real-time mixing of SD and HD video, in any format, without compromise or loss of quality. Designed for live production environments such as mobile, studio, and news, the Kahuna 1 M/E HD offers a familiar user interface while delivering superior multiformat picture quality in busy, fast-paced, live production environments.
Satnews Daily
February 11th, 2009
Snell & Wilcox (Booth SU1917 + SU1717)
Snell & Wilcox designs and builds the advanced systems for video playout, mastering, repurposing, infrastructure, and live production switching. Providing solutions that deliver immediate value while enabling a controlled and cost-effective transition to HD and file-based systems, the company serves a worldwide base of customers in the broadcast, postproduction, cable, satellite, mobile TV, and IPTV markets. At NAB, the Company will present...