PIXEL POWER LAUNCHES NEW HIGH DEFINITION CHARACTER GENERATOR

Entirely new platform advances the state of the art for high definition graphics

April 18, 2005, NAB, Booth SU7132…
Pixel Power Ltd. (www.pixelpower.com), Cambridge, England, today announced the introduction of Clarity5000, an expandable high definition character generator, still and clip store in a compact 5RU chassis.

Clarity5000 is Pixel Power’s entirely new hardware architecture to meet the next generation of graphics requirements encompassing standard and high definition formats. Building upon the knowledge of the existing Clarity range, Clarity5000 takes HD graphics to the next level, with graphics capabilities beyond that of current state of the art SD graphics systems. Clarity5000 runs the latest Clarity Version 7 software, which includes clip capability, perspective DVE, timeline animation and real-time 3D options.

Clarity5000 is available in single and dual channel configurations. Each channel supports SD (525/625) in any aspect ratio, as well as any high definition format including 1080i60, 1080i50, 720p60, 1080sf48, 1080p24 and 1080p25. A single channel system is HD/SD switchable, whilst dual channel systems may be dual channel HD, dual channel SD or simultaneous HD and SD. Each channel provides a dedicated preview output with key. The preview output can also be repurposed as an auxiliary channel with basic text and stills capability.

An optional clip player provides tight integration of clip content in both HD and SD modes of operation. Using internal or external storage, the clip player provides 2 streams of HD clips or up to 4 streams of SD clips. Clarity5000 also offers real-time squeezeback of internal clip sources and live video inputs, with up to 4 live inputs in HD or 8 live inputs in SD.

Clarity5000 can playback and record up to 4 audio channels. Additional audio capabilities include de-embed, ducking, group mix and re-embedding, making Clarity5000 ideal for adding voiceovers or sound effects to promos.

Clarity5000 is engineered for reliability. Fault sensing bypass relays on the internal downstream keyers are fitted as standard, ensuring signals stay on-air in the event of system fault or power failure. Optional redundant power supply and external RAID5 storage provide further protection in critical transmission areas. Clarity5000 is compatible with all the major master control, branding and newsroom automation systems.

James Gilbert, CEO of Pixel Power Inc., commented: “No longer will it be necessary to up-convert standard definition graphics to maintain sophisticated graphics looks in high definition programmin; Clarity5000 goes beyond the capabilities of the best standard definition CGs, combining HD clips, DVEs, real-time 3D and text animation within a compact 5RU chassis”.

About Pixel Power:

Established in 1987, Pixel Power is dedicated to providing broadcasters and facilities with powerful graphics and character generator products. With a flexible, professional range of award-winning products, Pixel Power has over 2000 systems installed worldwide.

Pixel Power Ltd. corporate headquarters is located in Cambridge, England, with a wholly owned US subsidiary, Pixel Power Inc., based in Pompano Beach, Florida. Pixel Power maintains its global presence through a worldwide network of distributors. www.pixelpower.com

All trademarks used herein, whether recognized or not, are the properties of their respective companies.

* Images available on CD or at www.pixelpower.com