News

Accom Debuts ProServ MX.8 HD/SD Video Production Server (6/5/2005)

Accom(r) today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters convention, the launch of ProServ MX.8, the industry's most versatile video production server. The ProServ MX.8 offers up to four high definition channels or up to eight standard definition channels. All channels offer symmetrical inputs and outputs. For complete versatility, ProServ MX.8 can simultaneously record, play, edit and manage HD and SD content.

ProServ MX.8 uses high-quality JPEG 2000 compression with user-selectable bit rates ranging from 25 to 200 Mb/s. To ensure frame accurate insert editing, I-Frame only compression is used. Clips can be recorded in video, or video + key configuration. ProServ MX.8 provides up to eight tracks of uncompressed AES/EBU or embedded digital audio per channel.

Accom is also pleased to introduce its new EasyClip(tm), a Windows(r)-based graphical user interface that runs on a PC to edit content directly on the server without the added step of copying it to the editor's local storage first. Multiple seats of EasyClip can operate on clips even while they are being recorded. Using EasyClip's drag and drop interface, or by importing a pre-built list, EasyClip can construct complex multi-channel clip lists in seconds for playout on the ProServ MX.8. EasyClip can streamline production by formatting programs for air, editing compilation reels, and doing other media composing work.

The ProServ MX.8 comes standard with a RAID-5 disk array, redundant power supplies, redundant system disks and the well known reliability of the VxWorks(tm) operating system - the most widely used real-time operating system for mission-critical applications.

With optional expansion, local storage capacity on each ProServ MX.8 chassis can be increased up to five times. Multiple ProServ MX.8 servers can also be connected through a high speed data network to create larger multi-channel installations. Server-to-server media transfers can be made across the network while Accom's TruClip(tm) file ID system assures correct file identity across all servers.

ProServ MX.8 interfaces easily into any studio environment by providing an outstanding range of control options. Accom's intuitive hardware control panels offer the reassurance of instant response from a physical control surface familiar to anyone who has operated a VTR. The control panel and ProServ's onscreen menus provide comprehensive control over server operations and setup parameters without the need for a PC. A single control panel offers comprehensive control of up to eight channels in a single chassis, or for multi-operator use, up to eight control panels can access one chassis. ProServ MX.8 comes with VTR Archive software for automatic storage of clips onto videotape, and clip metadata on disk. ProServ can control external devices such as VTRs, or be controlled by automation systems and studio switchers. Master and slave control is provided via RS422 ports for each channel using industry-standard protocols, with an additional 16 GPI inputs and 12 GPI outputs. ProServ also ships with a full API, allowing studios to easily adapt it to their media management scheme and their unique workflow.

Housed in a compact 4RU chassis, the ProServ MX.8 provides multi-channel HD and SD server functionality for less than the cost of a single studio HD VTR. Suited to applications such as multi-camera productions, streamlined post-production editing, graphics production, and mobile operations, ProServ MX.8 is ideal for a fast-paced production environment.

"No other server on the market today offers the recording quality, flexibility, rock solid reliability, ease of use and third party integration that ProServ MX.8 does," said Greg Smith, Broadcast Products Marketing Manager for Accom.

www.accom.com