IBC2009 

X50™ Frame Synchronizer/Converter

Harris continues to set the standard for innovative, top-performing processors with the introduction of the X50™ entry-level frame synchronizer and converter. This best-in-class, single-channel platform delivers the exceptional quality and functionality that have come to define the popular and award-winning Harris series of 1RU processors, which also includes the X85™ and X75™.

The X50 is compact and cost-effective, yet feature-rich, offering an array of analog and digital baseband video and audio processing capabilities. This 1RU frame sync/converter effectively and reliably supports standard-definition and high-definition formats, as well as optional 3 Gb/s 1080p Level A and Level B processing, for hybrid television and production systems. With easy-to-use controls, the X50 comes standard with a myriad of features, including color correction, closed caption/teletext capabilities, control and monitoring via a built-in Web server, Active Format Description (AFD) support, two fully controllable Aspect Ratio Converters and 16-channel embedded audio processing. Available options include a fiber input and output plug-in.

The powerful, affordable and energy-efficient X50 processor can easily be incorporated into the workflow of any broadcast environment — from small stations and OB vans to production studios and networks.

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See X50 featured on Broadcast Engineering TV from IBC 2009!

Predator II-GX™ Multiviewer

HD Multi-Image Display for Broadcast and Professional AV Applications

Scalable, Next-Generation Control and Monitoring Solutions

Predator II-GX is more than just an HD multiviewer — it is a complete HD control and monitoring solution. It features auto-sensing support for multiple input standards and a modular architecture that allows smaller models to be expanded as demand grows. The Predator II-GX multiviewer is an ideal solution for smaller control room settings as a standalone system for 4 to 32 channels, or for medium to large control rooms where multiple Predator II-GX multiviewers can be combined as part of a distributed multiviewer solution.

Combining pristine quality images, easy-to-use editing software and an array of standard monitoring capabilities, the Predator II-GX also offers extensive ancillary data decoding capabilities and provides on-screen decode and display of closed caption, digital vertical interval time code and aspect ratio data (Wide Screen Signaling/Active Format Description). The optional computer graphics card allows for the addition of test, monitoring or control sources on-screen as part of the multi-image display.

The Predator II-GX multiviewer is well-suited for a control room that is expected to be redundant, flexible and open to future growth. Available in a 1 or 2RU enclosure, Predator II-GX offers industry-leading graphic capabilities and is ideally suited to master control, outside broadcast and production environments.

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Invenio® Digital Asset Management

From Entry Level to Enterprise Level

Invenio® is a suite of software solutions that can take broadcasters from ingest all the way to complete digital asset management — ensuring today’s investment fits an operation’s needs now and into the future. Providing a total media asset platform, Invenio empowers creators and owners to manage the entire content life cycle, from ingest to cataloging, storage and retrieval to support today’s multiple platform distribution. Invenio’s modular design lets you build a system from the bottom up, enabling them to meet current requirements and then continually upgrade to the next level as the operation’s needs change.

Create value in your content by delivering efficiencies and productivity gains in archiving and production activities, making it possible to create new products and services faster with shorter time to market.

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Launchpad Integrated Channel Launch Solution

As viewers continue to move beyond the traditional TV model in the ways they consume media, broadcasters around the world are looking for ways to expand their services, lower operating costs and improve output quality. Centralized master control facilities that enable multichannel operation are no longer enough. Today’s broadcasters need a powerful, streamlined channel launch solution that allows them to cost-effectively add new capabilities and tap new revenue streams in emerging delivery methods.

Harris Launchpad is a groundbreaking, fully integrated channel launch solution that utilizes the full breadth of the Harris portfolio’s interoperable capabilities to prepare content for playout to any of the growing number of distribution methods available to DTV broadcasters. From multichannel TV transmission to mobile TV and online content delivery, Launchpad offers a robust, streamlined technology solution that enables any broadcast operation to cost-effectively and efficiently launch new channels today.

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Harris® LAX Air-Cooled L-Band Transmitter

The Harris® LAX air-cooled L-band solid-state transmitter provides today’s broadcaster unmatched performance, reliability and quality. Designed with future broadcasting needs in mind, the LAX transmitter is the world’s most compact digital L-band transmitter and provides a single transmission platform capable of multiple modulation schemes. It’s the ideal solution for companies planning new multimedia broadcast services in the 1450 to 1492 MHz band.

At the heart of the Harris LAX transmitter is the software-defined Apex M2X™ multimedia exciter. The Apex M2X supports a wide range of global digital standards — including ATSC, ATSC M/H, DVB-T/H, ISDB-TB, FLO, DMB, DAB, CMMB and CTTB. Software upgrades allow easy migration to different modulation requirements. Harris digital exciters have logged more hours in real-time broadcast than all others combined, so with the Apex M2X exciter you can be confident that your LAX transmitter will deliver a flawless digital signal that complies with technical and regulatory standards for all multimedia and mobile television services.

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Videotek® Compact Monitor Series

CMN-41 and CMN-91

You’ll be amazed by the new Videotek® Compact Monitor Series — the smallest solution on the market for efficient video and audio signal monitoring. Two models are available: the CMN-41 multiformat on-screen monitor and the CMN-91 multiformat signal analyzer with integral LCD. Each model has two SDI inputs, with versions covering SD through 3 Gb/s and selectable waveform, vector, gamut, timing, and picture full-screen display. With Videotek Compact Monitors you can meter all 16 channels of embedded audio or the one AES input. You can also view the waveform of the composite or tri-level external reference to verify signal integrity and customize the MLT display with independent size and position of waveform, vector and picture.

A standard 11-17 VDC power input and optional battery mount provide flexible powering for both fixed installations and field operation. Low power consumption allows the use of convection cooling for silent operation. Both the scope (CMN-91) and rasterizer (CMN-41) packages are extremely lightweight and are available as portable or “rackmountable” units. Each package provides a compact half-rack footprint less than seven inches deep, and the short mounting depth integrates easily with today’s LCD monitors.

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Inscriber® G5™ Broadcast Graphics System

The Inscriber® G5™ broadcast graphics system delivers a robust and complete single-channel HD/SD live-to-air solution. It pairs the powerful Altitude™ Express graphics board - offering video capture, HD/SD downconversion, integrated DVE effects and hardware-based video clip playback - with Inscriber G-Scribe™ creation and playout software. Housed in a 3RU chassis, the G5 platform delivers flawless 2D and 3D real-time graphics in either SD or HD. It can easily be incorporated into the workflow of any automated, live news/sports broadcast environment through the use of Intelligent Interface® or MOS protocols, or via the unique Harris Direct Control™ interface. With standard features ranging from the support of embedded/discrete AES audio to end-to-end media file management, Inscriber G5 is the industry’s most powerful yet affordable, all-in-one graphics system.

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Multiviewers - Change Your View

A new campaign called “Change Your View” [pun intended] was launched by Harris Multiviewers to the IBC2009 audience.  With the Zandar multiviewer company now fully embedded [pun intended] within the Harris business the range of multiviewer products is wider than any other in the industry.

Speaking with Deirdre Smith today, Director of the Multiviewer product line, I learned that the latest addition to the portfolio is a direct result of customer consultation and requests to bring multiviewers to the modular platform.  From the Press release “IBC2009 saw the launch of the QVM6800+Quad card, a quad-split “multiviewer in a card” that brings high-quality, multi-image display processing functionality to the popular Harris 6800+ modular core processing platform.”

Multiviewers certainly help change your view in OB trucks as we saw here in the L’Opera truck parked outside the entrance to Hall 1 at IBC.  Quad splits, modular quads, multiviewers embedded inside routers, expandable multiviewers, the lot, Harris have it covered - now all they need is Quad Bikes and Amsterdam is covered!

X marks the spot where it happened

Visitors to the Harris stand today saw the launch of the brand new 1RU X50 synchroniser/converter, as a giant 2m tall X-shaped display was unwrapped under their eyes to mark the occasion. The X50 joins the now well-established X75 and X85 platforms to offer significant processing power in a very small form factor.
Why do I care? 
According to Oliver Abadeer, European product marketing manager, the X50 is “….simplicity personified. Customers working in dynamic environments such as OB trucks now have the highest quality 1RU processor at a great price to be competitive in doing their jobs.”

1RU synchroniser processors seem to have been a Harris speciality since they created the blueprint for this kind of device 10 years ago and have continued to be at the cutting edge ever since.
 
A technical spec is available here.
The X50 is ideal for OB truck and production studio environments.

Barista barista barista!

Peel me off the ceiling said the excited customer I met who had been back to the Harris stand in Hall 7 at IBC2009 to enjoy yet another cup of the amazing coffee.

Harris has always made sure that the whole customer experience at tradeshows is high on the agenda and hospitality is top. 

This year there were fewer customers at the show and exhibitor staff was also reduced so everyone was working harder than ever before.  The great news is that the customers have been getting more concentrated attention and at the Harris stand the attention to detail and customer experience was happening throughout the demonstration positions as well as in the detail on top of the coffee.