Broadcast Pix Now Shipping New Mica Live Production Systems

Broadcast Pix has announced that Mica, its new cost-effective live video production system, is now shipping. Powered by native HD technology from Broadcast Pix Granite systems and Broadcast Pix Fluent software that tightly integrates video and file-based content, Mica allows single operators to create live productions.

The company also announced its Powerful Punch Tour, which is stopping at a number of dealers and trade shows in cities worldwide this fall to demonstrate its Mica and Granite systems.

“With Mica, you pay for a switcher and get an HD control room. Our system is so well integrated that a solo operator can combine cameras, clips, and graphics to create compelling live video,” says Ken Swanton, president of Broadcast Pix. “Mica was a big hit with international audiences when we introduced it at IBC in Amsterdam this month, and we already have units being shipped to U.S. customers.”

Housed in a single 4 RU case, Mica includes a multi-definition switcher that can mix eight HD/SD-SDI inputs with seven channels of internal clips, animations, and graphics. There is support for up to six keyers and DVEs, six HD/SD-SDI outputs, and two DVI outputs. It also includes a 30-hour clip store and a Harris or optional Chyron character generator.

Four Mica models are available. Mica Desktop is controlled through a touch screen or mouse interface, while Mica 500 includes a control surface with a patented device control section. Mica 1000 and Mica 2000, with larger and more powerful control panels, sport patented PixButtons, which dynamically display sources and devices in the button to switch with confidence.

One of the first customers to purchase Mica is Tualatin Valley Community TV (TVCTV), which manages the PEG (public, educational, and governmental) access channels that serve 14 communities near Beaverton, Ore. TVCTV produces more than 400 programs a year, and is transitioning to HD production in its new facility. Its two new Mica systems will provide the same production platform in both control rooms of its new facility.

“We’re very excited about Mica. It allows us to expand, but keeps us within budget. Ultimately, it will save us money,” explains Thaddeus Girard, production services manager, TVCTV. “With so many tools in one system, Mica will allow us to create more powerful videos with smaller crews. For one person to control this whole operation is huge. Producers can fire off high-quality, dynamic shows using macros and easily add production value.”

The Powerful Punch Tour began mid-September and will stop in a number of cities over the next few months. All registered attendees will be entered in a drawing to win an iPad 2, and there will be additional giveaways at each location. Registration for the Powerful Punch Tour is free, but space is limited at each venue. To pre-register for a specific tour stop, visit www.broadcastpix.com/Powerful-Punch-Tour.html.

Upcoming tour dates for the Powerful Punch Tour include:

  • Oct. 5: Chicago, IL, Roscor Corporation
  • Oct. 7: San Jose, CA, VMI, Inc. (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library)
  • Oct. 18: Los Angeles, CA, TV Pro Gear (Glendale facility)
  • Oct. 18-19: Minneapolis, MN, Alpha Video
  • Oct. 20: Denver, CO, AVX 2011 (Rocky Mountain Audio Video Expo)
  • Oct. 25: San Jose, CA, VMI, Inc. (Sunnyvale facility)

Additional stops in the Powerful Punch Tour are already being planned for New York, Detroit, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Tampa, as well as international stops in Mexico City, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok.

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