Broadcast Pix™ today announced Slate Portable, a new system for live video production on location. Designed for quick setup on a table or other work surface, Slate Portable provides all the power of a Slate™ video production system in a compact, cost effective, all-in-one unit, including: HD/SD production switcher, multi-view monitoring, clip stores, graphics system with Harris Inscriber CG, Fluent™ workflow software, and format and aspect conversion for 1080i, 720p, SD, and analog. It is available now.
“Slate Portable is the ideal solution for high quality, cost-effective live video production in the field,” said Ken Swanton, President of Broadcast Pix. “You get the power and reliability of Broadcast Pix in a compact package that’s built for easy transport and sets up in minutes.”
Fold down the cover to reveal the built-in monitor, keyboard, and touch-pad, attach cables to secure BNCs and XLRs on the back, and create compelling live video. Slate Portable has a carrying handle on top, and comes in a padded carrying case with wheels for easy transport. It features rugged aluminum construction, measures just 17x14x12 inches (44x35x25 cm), and weighs 45 pounds (20 kg).
“I was not fond of what other fly packs had to offer. Rolling racks really weren’t an option for us, and the other portable all-in-ones available on the market were a bit awkward with their functionality,” said Justin Cowgill, Director of Facilities and Technology for CreaTV San Jose, a nonprofit public channel that serves the city of San Jose, Calif. “My first time out with the Slate Portable was the easiest setup I’ve ever had in the field, and it’s only gotten easier the more I use it. It’s a great machine.”
Slate Portable supports eight external inputs in HD or SD-SDI or analog, or a hybrid configuration, plus 14 internal video and key inputs for clips and graphics. The switcher has three standard and three optional keyers, each with a DVE for picture-in-picture and other effects. Five graphics stores can hold thousands of graphics, which can be created on the built-in Harris Inscriber CG, while the dual channel clip store can hold up to 200 hours of QuickTime, H.264, and ProRes HD and SD clips with audio.
Fluent Watch-Folders enable clips and graphics to be easily imported from all popular editing and graphics systems. Fluent Macros combine switcher moves and specific files for powerful effects. Unlike conventional multi-views that show only outputs and sources, Fluent Multi-View also shows keys, clips, and graphics.
A single operator can create compelling live video, or Slate Portable can be expanded for team use. It can be operated from the touch-pad by clicking on either its multi-view or SoftPanel. Its built-in monitor can be upgraded to a touch-screen to further simplify operation, and a second monitor can be attached for a larger multi-view or separate graphics operator. A variety of control panels can be attached, from the cost-effective Slate 100 Control Panel to larger 1 M/E and 2 M/E panels. Other Slate options may be added as well, including DVI I/O, control of Sony, Panasonic or Hitachi cameras, and control of audio mixers. A hard case is available as an option.
Slate Portable is priced at $20,900 in SD and $24,900 in HD/SD.
For more information, please visit: http://www.broadcastpix.com/Slate_Portable_Datasheet.pdf
About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is the leader in integrated live video production systems. Its Slate systems create compelling live video, and they run unique Fluent software that provides a file-based workflow that streamlines production and improves functionality. With its integrated switcher, multi-view, CG, clip and graphic stores, and aspect and format conversion, Slate is a fraction of the cost of a control room to buy, staff and operate. Slate is future-proof, as it is upgradeable to 3G 1080p. Broadcast Pix is based in Massachusetts, with distributors worldwide. Customers include leading broadcast, webcast, podcast, cable, entertainment, mobile, corporate, education, religious, and government studios in over 70 countries. For more information, go to www.broadcastpix.com.