CES 2011: Ross Video Unveils Vision 2 Live Production Studio, CrossOver Solo Switcher

Ross Video has introduced the Vision 2 Live Production Studio, a production system package that combines all of the necessary creative tools into a tightly integrated package.

“Producers wanting to harness the power of today’s multi-definition production tools often struggle with the complexities introduced when various servers, switchers and graphics systems are combined”, says Nigel Spratling, Switcher Business Development Manager for Ross Video. “Interfaces across different platforms are not always intuitive or user friendly and there are lots of choices out there. By packaging and integrating a production ‘suite’ we have eliminated these concerns and created a powerful yet affordable system that is very easy to use.”

At the center of the system is the elegant Vision 2 control panel with full mnemonics, a 2 MLE QMD chassis loaded with: 16 Multi-Def Inputs, 16 Multi-Def Outputs, 4 Channels of 3D DVE that have Pre-Processor Effects, Key-combiner with intersecting planes, Backside Video, Timelines and 3D Borders.

Also included is a SoftMetal Video Server with 1 input channel and 2 output channels for simultaneous playback and program recording. The SoftMetal server is tightly integrated with the Vision for precise and instant control of clip playback during live productions. This server includes 16 channels of digital audio for every video channel and can playback embedded audio and discreet digital audio channels at the same time.

In addition, users can create incredible graphics with the XPression Studio AE SCE system, including 3D motion graphics, titles, and logos on multiple layers. Control is fully integrated with Vision. The XPression Studio AE SCE is a complete hardware/software system with video and alpha outputs and a separate input for including external sources within the user’s designs.

CrossOver Goes Solo
Ross Video has also introduced the new CrossOver Solo, a compact switcher for space restricted applications and limited budgets. The CrossOver Solo will begin shipping in Jan. 2011 at a US MSRP of $9,995.00.

Based on the CrossOver 12, the Solo has the same features and specifications; however the main electronics and signal I/O are combined with the panel as a single unit, reducing cost and size. CrossOver is a 1 MLE production switcher that features 12 External Multi-Definition SDI Inputs, a 10 Input Multi-Viewer, SD/HD operation, 6 x Internally Generated Sources, 3 x Keyers, 2 x 2D DVEs, Input frame synchronization for untimed sources, internal SD to HD conversion, 4 x Internal Media Stores for stills and animations, Superb UltraChrome Chroma Keyer, Internal Reference Generator with 3 Independent Outputs, and 100 Event Memory System with MemoryAI.

“With the introduction of the CrossOver Solo, we are making available some very desirable features that were financially out of reach to many”, says Nigel Spratling, Switcher Business Development Manager at Ross Video“. “Houses of Worship, Educational Institutions and Corporate A/V systems have often had to make compromises to achieve their goals and stay within budget. With CrossOver Solo, that changes. We are very excited that we can now offer such remarkable power at a sub $10k price point with a product that is not a ‘stripped-down’ version of what producers really want”.

Just like its predecessors, the CrossOver Solo also has a direct interface to the 2D/3D XPression CG and Graphics system. An XPression software package can be added that renders graphics, lower thirds, and titles directly into the CrossOver media stores via a simple Ethernet connection.