NAB 2012: Ross Video To Preview Software Enhancements

Ross Video will show new features and additions to its production switcher family, preview new software, and introduce Ross Robotics at Booth N3807.

Vision QMD & Octane Multi-Format Production Switchers
Ross’ Vision Series production switcher family continues to evolve with v15 software that will be showcased at NAB 2012. This new version extends the integration between Production Switcher, XPression Graphics system, and the company’s OverDrive Automated Production Control system. Sports and News workflows will be demonstrated that previously would have required multiple CG channels across multiple platforms, streamlining production tasks without compromising the on-air look. Also at the show will be new Vision control panel modules that accommodate additional external device control.

Carbonite Digital Production Switchers
Ross’ new award-winning mid-size switcher line-up adds the new Carbonite C1M, a 1 MLE production switcher with 24 direct access source buttons.  Version 6 software will also be demonstrated, bringing several  enhancements to this product. New features will include expanded MultiViewer capabilities, providing users with greater monitoring flexibility and control over screen layouts and labels. In addition, audio playout capabilities have been added to the Media Stores for playout with animated transitions. This version will be available to all existing Ross Carbonite users via a free download from the Ross Video website.

OverDrive Automated Production Control System
Ross Video will preview its v12 software for OverDrive. Version 12 completes the set of redundant options, which include HotSwap to switch between OverDrive servers, DeviceSwap to manage sync rolling of video servers, and FrameSwap allowing two Vision switchers to be operated synchronously from a single OverDrive system. Additionally, support has been added for Traditional Chinese text, .5MLE Vision switcher models, device status indications in GlobalView, and more. Also featured this year will be the QuickTurn new media workflow, which enables concurrent creation of web and broadcast streams.

XPression Real-time Motion Graphics
XPression has gone through some major enhancements for NAB 2012.  With the introduction of v4.0, users can now load multiple projects simultaneously, or even single graphics, without disrupting on-air operation.  In addition, in a MOS newsroom environment XPression can now apply different styles to the same graphics in a rundown. For example, all of the graphics in a morning news show can be re-skinned to have the evening news look, simply by selecting the appropriate style from the XPression Remote Sequencer.

On the design side, new animated text effects, more 3D primitives, new shader types, and a 64-bit XPression video codec add to the production power of the system.

Better data handling is now possible with XPression. The XPression Datalinq Server now offers full support for Daktronics and OES scoreboards, in addition to improved record handling that allows users to pick specific entries in a database, Excel sheet, XML, or text file to populate an XPression template.

Also new for NAB is the addition of more integration with 3rd-party systems.  XPression now fully supports Avid Command and Mosart production automation. In addition, there is a new XPression NLE plug-in for GV Aurora editing systems.

Ross Video will also showcase camera tracking for XPression virtual sets in partnership with North America’s most successful virtual set integrator, Unreel.  Tracking software and optional UX touchscreen GUI from Unreel add full camera tracking capability to XPression for dynamic virtual set environments.

openGear 3G/HD/SD Terminal Equipment
This platform continues to grow, offering the unique opportunity to select products from a range of technology leaders without requiring multiple frame standards.

DashBoard 5 takes openGear control to a new level offering enhanced graphical layouts with a suite of new elements and a new look. Built in flexibility allows for the creation of custom navigation and control surfaces to manage complex or unique control requirements.

The NWE-3G Nielsen Watermarks Encoder is now shipping: a modular solution with a 16 audio channel, 3 Gb/s processing core and passive bypass protection on all audio and video I/O. A single openGear frame can now be configured with a complete air path solution for Nielsen encoding, Loudness processing for CALM compliance and Dolby encode/decode with room left over for other complementary solutions like SCTE trigger detection or Fiber transport.

Furio Robotic Camera Systems
Ross Video’s recent acquisition of FX-Motion brings a whole new product line to the Ross booth at NAB 2012.  Furio Robotic Camera Systems use a unique absolute positioning system and rail based tracking along with lift and PTZ head and is ideally suited to automated studios as well as virtual set and augmented reality applications.

UNREEL Virtual Set Software
Ross Video has integrated its XPression broadcast production graphics platform and Furio robotic camera heads with the UX virtual-set control software from UNREEL.

The integrated virtual-set solution leverages UNREEL’s new UX touch-screen virtual-set management software. Integrating this technology with XPression’s real-time rendering capabilities produces sophisticated virtual sets that enable camera movement around the set while keeping the talent and other foreground elements locked in place within the virtual 3D environment. At NAB 2012, Ross will demonstrate a full virtual set with Ross Robotics Furio head on tracks with automated moves that include simultaneous changes to camera position, elevation, pan, tilt, and zoom.

“This integrated solution tells the world that XPression can now do high-end virtual sets with camera tracking,” says Brian Olson, Marketing Product Manager at Ross Video. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with UNREEL to bring this to our customers around the world.”

The “UX – UNREEL Xperience – Virtual Set Solution for XPression” includes camera tracking and touch-screen interface. Services include complete studio build-out, production crew, and creative development.