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Panasonic announces AV-HS400 multi-format HD/SD live switcher with built-in multiviewer image preview (29/11/2007)

Seamlessly Integrates in HD or SD Workflow, Equipped With Expandable HD/SD Architecture and Optional Up-Conversion from SD to HD

Panasonic has announced the newest addition to its line of multi-format video switchers - the AV-HS400. Available in December, the high-performance HS400 easily integrates into existing HD/SD workflows, flawlessly mixing HD and SD video sources. The new switcher also includes a built-in MultiViewer preview, an expandable HD/SD architecture, 3D Digital Effects, chroma key, and a multitude of other advanced features.

Designed for use in studio or mobile production systems worldwide, the all-in-one HS400 supports these HD and SD formats -- 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 480/59.94i, and 576/50i; and accepts optional boards for up-conversion of standard definition signals to high definition.

With the switcher's built-in MultiViewer, users can output four, six, or 10 images from different sources to a single high-resolution display, eliminating the need for multiple HD source and Preview monitors. The MultiViewer output can also be used to provide multi-image, large screen display for entertainment, education, and worship.

For enhanced creativity, the HS400 features a high-quality chroma key that provides clean, production-quality composite images for professional applications such as green screen, news, and weather. Other advanced functions include picture-in-picture (PIP), downstream key (DSK), and a versatile Aux Bus. Users can select from 43 video transitions including standard wipe, squeeze and slide patterns and 3D digital effects such as page turn and rotation.

The HS400 has a built-in, switchable 10-bit frame synchronizer for each input - ensuring reliable, glitch-free switching, even with non-synchronous sources such as Blu-ray DVD players or remote camera feeds. Reference (black burst) signal outputs are also provided to enable synchronization with external systems.

Ideal for a wide range of applications ranging from broadcast studios to live entertainment, the compact HS400 offers an expandable, modular architecture. The basic unit includes four HD/SD-SDI inputs and four HD/SD-SDI outputs. The switcher may be expanded to support up to 8 inputs and 8 outputs through the use of optional I/O boards. Options include dual HD/SD-SDI inputs (with SD up-conversion), dual HD/SD component inputs (with up-conversion), and dual DVI inputs (up to WXGA 1280 _ 768). Other board options include dual component outputs and a component/scaleable DVI output with a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 pixels.

Additional features include tally outputs for up to eight cameras, an LCD display for viewing settings, GPI input, RS-422A remote control, an Ethernet interface for connection to a PC, an SD card slot for integrating still graphics, on-screen display of menus and programmable user buttons.

The AV-HS400 will be available in December at a suggested list price of $10,990. The optional boards available are: AV-HS04M1 board with dual HD/SD-SDI inputs and SD up-conversion, suggested list price $1,950; AV-HS04M2 board with dual HD/SD Analog Component inputs with SD up-conversion, SLP $1,790; AV-HS04M3 board with dual DVI inputs with up-conversion, SLP $1,990; AV-HS04M4 board with dual HD Analog Component outputs, SLP $1,150; AV-HS04M5 DVI/Component output board with DVI resolution scalable to 1920x1200 pixels, SLP $2,390.

www.panasonic.com/broadcast

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