Panasonic AG-HMX100 A/V Mixer Available

The AG-HMX100, a low-cost HD/SD digital A/V mixer that incorporates a built-in MultiViewer display function and combines high-quality video switching and audio mixing features in a single, compact unit, is now available from Panasonic.

The mixer offers a very flexible user interface and supports SD and HD formats, plus switching of 3D sources. Setting a new standard for a multi-format HD/SD A/V mixer, the HMX100 is ideal for use by schools, hotels, government facilities, corporations, public access channels, live events and weddings, and in mobile or portable applications. Highly affordable at a suggested list price of $5,800, the multi-format HMX100 is designed to support multiple camera workflows.

With its ability to switch 3D HD video sources, Panasonic says the unit is the first affordable live switcher for use in 3D production. The HMX100 offers an array of interfaces including four HD/SD-HDI inputs/outputs, two HDMI inputs and two analog composite inputs, allowing the HMX100 to connect directly to virtually any camcorder or other video source. Additional connections include a DVI-I input for computer use, two DVI-D outputs (PGM and Multi-Viewer), a microphone input, dual aux in and audio outputs, a headphone jack, as well as connections for genlock, GPI, RS-232C and tally output.

In addition to the ability to mix embedded audio from HD/SD-SDI camcorders and other sources, the HMX100 offers eight XLR and two RCA connectors for line level audio inputs, as well as embedded audio output and two channels of analog audio out.

The compact HMX100 features a 5.7-inch LCD display and an intuitive control panel that provides easy access to digital effects including basic pattern key, transition wipes (over 100 wipe patterns), chroma and luminance keys, downstream keying (DSK), title key, time effects (still/strobe) and fades (in/out, video, audio).

The unit also features preset/event memory buttons and will store up to 100 event memories.   For added flexibility, the mixer has a MultiViewer output that allows users to display video sources, audio levels, and a waveform monitor in multiple windows on a single high-resolution monitor, eliminating the need for multiple HD source and preview monitors.

When connected to a single display, it can display preview out, audio level meters, program out, input audio level meters (digital inputs only), six video inputs, one DVI-I input and a waveform monitor.   The HMX100 has 12-bit processing ensuring high image quality, and offers international support of 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p and 480/59.94i and 576/50i production formats. Weighing less than 20 pounds, the mixer features 10 keys for setting inputs and joystick control of key adjustments.

For use in A/V systems, the HMX100 connects easily with Panasonic projectors via DVI-D, HD-SDI and RS-232C connections to mix various sources during a presentation, and can remotely control selected projectors’ power and shutter settings.   The AG-HMX100 mixer is available at a suggested list price of $5,800.