Broadcast Pix Ships File-based Switcher Macros


Broadcast Pix has released Version 7.3 of Slate, their integrated live video production system. The update features Fluent Macros, a file-based switcher macro memory system. It also provides enhancements to its Fluent Multi-View and its 2 M/E Slate 5000 switcher control panel, as well as support for the new low-cost Slate 100 Control Panel.

“Fluent workflow tools are what make our switcher a live integrated production system,” said Ken Swanton, president of Broadcast Pix. “Today we add Fluent Macros, so now with a single button push you can recall a powerful sequence of switcher moves with specific clip and graphic files. This packs more power into a single button push than any switcher, ever.”

Fluent Macros can also control robotic cameras, audio mixers and video servers. The new Fluent Macros Editor makes it easy to design with a graphical editor, and the macros can be executed through a player window or from the control panel. Applications include using animated wipe files for transitions in sports coverage, animations and graphic files with multi-box talking head displays for broadcast news, and automated camera moves with graphic and clip files for city council meetings and other government productions.

Fluent Multi-View enhancements provide automatic layout for 16.9 and 4.3 content on most monitors. Every window is individually resizable. Safe zones are available on program and preview. The Slate 5000 Control Panel has new memory rows for easy access to macros and snapshot memories, while ME1 and ME2 memory capacity has been increased to 3,000 total recalls.

Slate Version 7.3 also supports the Slate 100 Control Panel. This features a classic preview/program switcher layout including a next transmission section for managing the system’s three keyers. There is also a bank of buttons that corresponds to thumbnails on the new Slate 100 Fluent Multi-View.

Slate Version 7.3 is a free upgrade for all Broadcast Pix Slate customers and can be downloaded at www.broadcastpix.com.