Broadcast Pix to Show New HD I/O Board and AutoAspect Software

Broadcast Pix will demonstrate enhancements to its Slate line of switchers at NAB2007. New Auto Aspect software adds aspect ratio management to the switchers, and later this year the line will add HD inputs and outputs.

The new AutoAspect software enables 16:9 and 4:3 inputs to be used interchangeably and mixed together in the same live production, while maintaining the native aspect ratio of each element, rather than stretching them. AutoAspect can also simultaneously output 16:9 and 4:3 versions of the same show, with graphics in the corners of each, rather than limited to a common safe area.

Each input on the Slate switcher can be set for one of four AutoAspect treatments: box, crop, 14:9 or anamorphic (stretched). The box, crop and 14:9 settings all maintain the original aspect ratio of the camera. AutoAspect is a free software upgrade; and is available now.

The new HD-SD I/O board will enable all new and existing Slate switchers to add HD cameras. It supports HD-SDI in 1080i or 720p, as well as SD-SDI. It provides four inputs and one output, each of which can be HD or SD. Up to two boards can be added to a Slate workstation, for up to eight HD live inputs.

"Broadcast Pix is all about providing tools for solo operators and small teams to create great-looking live video that once required a large control room and staff," said Broadcast Pix President Ken Swanton. "AutoAspect solves the many challenges of mixing 4:3 and 16:9 content in the same production. The HD board turns Slate into a powerful, yet easy to run, HD-SD control run, with switcher, monitoring, CG and clips. Together with emerging HD studio cameras, Slate will accelerate the democratization of HD live production."

Broadcast Pix will be in booth SU14215.