PIXEL POWER GRAPHICS JOIN FORCES WITH ECHOLAB SWITCHERS

Booth SU6820, NAB2007, Las Vegas, 16 April: Pixel Power and Echolab announce a landmark alliance at NAB2007 that will see the integration of their respective broadcast graphics technology and live video production switcher. The combined solution allows switcher operators to control the graphics and clip play-back from the switcher to simplify the live video production process and provide enhanced flexibility.

“Pixel Power’s alliance with Echolab is the cornerstone of a joint effort to eliminate complexity in broadcast workflows and increase integration of broadcast-quality production systems,” said Pixel Power Inc. CEO Pete Challinger. “The concept of integration now goes beyond mere interoperability to the point that separate units can be merged into a single system.”

The functionality of Pixel Power’s Clarity 300 will be controlled from the Echolab Opera 3416 switcher in the new, fully integrated solution. The alliance demonstrates Echolab and Pixel Power’s dedication to building graphics technology into customer-focused broadcast solutions.

Clarity 300 is a high-performance, single-channel character generator, still-store and clip-playback system with a familiar Windows-based interface. Already compatible with industry-standard technology, it supports playback of up to 60 minutes of uncompressed video clips in a variety of formats and 4:2:2 and 4:2:2:4 still image sequences.

The Echolab Opera 3416 is a powerful 1ME dual-format switcher with six full-function keyers, DVEs, frame-synchronisers, frame stores, and many other standard features. With its industry-standard ‘look-ahead’ preview architecture, and flexible partner product control system, the Opera 3416 makes it very easy to create stunning live video productions.

“Echolab continues to innovate switcher technology and as a result recognised the need for an integrated solution designed to make the operator’s life easier,” said Chris Graham, Echolab’s director of product planning. “We selected Pixel Power for its sophisticated technology and reliable hardware at an affordable price.”

Pixel Power is exhibiting its full product range at NAB2007 on booth SU6820.

Notes to editor

Pixel Power is a leader in the development and production of SD and HD broadcast graphics systems, news production workflow tools and live interactive content with more than 2,000 installations worldwide. With a local presence around the world the company’s award-winning solutions suit broadcasters, post-production houses and outside broadcast (OB) trucks of all sizes for distinctive, professional, reliable and cost-effective on-air graphics.

Established in Cambridge, UK, in 1987, the company also has a wholly owned subsidiary office in Florida, USA, and a dedicated network of distributors and support offices around the world.

Echolab Corporation (http://www.echolab.com) is a leading provider of video production switchers and tools that offer flexibility and on-air reliability for the production and distribution of digital media in a variety of formats. Built on Echolab’s award winning “System On Chip” technology, the dual-format Opera, SDI-format Nova, and new multi-definition Ovation MD lines of production switchers deliver the highest quality output in analog and all digital formats, and are scalable for future expansion and operational enhancements.