Panasonic intros production switcher with built-in multiviewer

Panasonic
has expanded its line of multi-format video switchers with the AV-HS400.
Available in December, Panasonic says the HS400 easily integrates into existing
HD/SD workflows and can mix HD and SD video sources. The new switcher also
includes a built-in MultiViewer preview, an expandable HD/SD architecture, 3D
Digital Effects, chroma key, and a multitude of other advanced features.

Designed
for use in studio or mobile production systems worldwide, the all-in-one HS400
supports these HD and SD formats — 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p,
480/59.94i, and 576/50i; and accepts optional boards for up-conversion of
standard definition signals to high definition.

With the
switcher’s built-in MultiViewer, users can output four, six, or 10 images from
different sources to a single high-resolution display, eliminating the need for
multiple HD source and Preview monitors. The MultiViewer output can also be
used to provide multi-image, large screen display for entertainment, education,
and worship.

For
enhanced creativity, Panasonic says the HS400 features a high-quality chroma
key that provides clean, production-quality composite images for professional
applications such as green screen, news, and weather. Other advanced functions
include picture-in-picture (PIP), downstream key (DSK), and a versatile Aux
Bus. Users can select from 43 video transitions including standard wipe,
squeeze and slide patterns and 3D digital effects such as page turn and
rotation.

The HS400
has a built-in, switchable 10-bit frame synchronizer for each input – ensuring
reliable, glitch-free switching, even with non-synchronous sources such as
Blu-ray DVD players or remote camera feeds. Reference (black burst) signal
outputs are also provided to enable synchronization with external systems.

The basic
unit includes four HD/SD-SDI inputs and four HD/SD-SDI outputs. The
switcher may be expanded to support up to 8 inputs and 8 outputs through the
use of optional I/O boards. Options include dual HD/SD-SDI inputs (with SD
up-conversion), dual HD/SD component inputs (with up-conversion), and dual DVI
inputs (up to WXGA 1280 768). Other board options include dual
component outputs and a component/scaleable DVI output with a maximum
resolution of 1920×1200 pixels.

Additional
features include tally outputs for up to eight cameras, an LCD display for
viewing settings, GPI input, RS-422A remote control, an Ethernet interface for
connection to a PC, an SD card slot for integrating still graphics, on-screen
display of menus and programmable user buttons.

The
AV-HS400 will be available in December at a suggested list price of $10,990.
The optional boards available are: AV-HS04M1 board with dual HD/SD-SDI inputs and
SD up-conversion, suggested list price $1,950; AV-HS04M2 board with dual HD/SD
Analog Component inputs with SD up-conversion, SLP $1,790; AV-HS04M3 board with
dual DVI inputs with up-conversion, SLP $1,990; AV-HS04M4 board with dual HD
Analog Component outputs, SLP $1,150; AV-HS04M5 DVI/Component output board with
DVI resolution scalable to 1920×1200 pixels, SLP $2,390.