NVision has begun shipping its NV5128-MC master control/routing switcher, a unit specifically designed for stations in the process of converting existing analog infrastructure to digital. The first two customers for the control panel are CBS Television City in Los Angeles, and Al Hurra (formerly known as Middle East Television Network), the Springfield, Va.-based, U.S. government-run Arab-language satellite television channel aimed at Iraqis and intended to compete with the al Jazeera Arab television network.

The control panel debuted at NAB2003 in Las Vegas, and can be supplied stand alone or with a hardware control panel. It enables operational control of master control switchers from one panel or group of panels. Features include A/B video and audio mixing, multi-level keying and built-in DVE. An HD version will debut at NAB2004 in Las Vegas.