Major update to the leading non-proprietary news production solution in the US breaks the video format barriers of traditional file-based news systems; eliminates transcoding and intermediate formats to speed workflow
Las Vegas, NV - April 14, 2008
- Bitcentral, Inc., a leading provider of non-proprietary digital news production, archiving and distribution solutions to television stations, will demonstrate a major upgrade to their revolutionary Precis News Production System in booth SL 7720 at NAB 2008. Capped by a dramatic change to the browser-based user interface, Precis 4.0 displays significant enhancements to raw media management, format-agnostic playout and remote contribution.
Precis 4.0 has shattered the barriers and challenges faced by traditional file-based workflows with the integration of Matrox® Video Product Group's X.mio SD/HD video I/O card and hardware engine into the overall Precis solution. The new hardware integration enables the Precis system to keep acquired video files in a native format throughout the production process, while still archiving news content in efficient compressed formats for instant retrieval.
"The day has finally arrived when time-stealing file conversions are eliminated," said Fred Fourcher, President and CEO of Bitcentral. "From ingest to air, Precis 4.0 was designed to reduce the barriers typically associated with the news workflow. Precis 4.0 enables stations of all sizes to cost effectively convert to tapeless HD news production, while creating a streamlined news workflow we view as the most efficient in the market."
The solution also includes a "proxy editor" interface reducing the need for stand-alone, non-linear editing software. Precis also is fully integrated with Grass Valley® Edius and Sony® Vegas, but works with other non-linear editing systems, such as Final Cut Pro.
The Precis 4.0 demonstration system will feature a format agnostic HD/SD four-channel playout, individual configuration and independent control of each channel, as well as an embedded clip-store functionality separate from channels controlled via rundown. Precis 4.0 offers enhanced MOS integration, and the company will demonstrate an ENPS workstation with embedded Precis video objects and intuitive status displays for producers and writers.
To complement the enhanced functionality of the system, the Precis system demonstrated at NAB will utilize a Maximum Throughput® Sledgehammer®, an extremely fast network-attached storage (NAS) device deployed by several Precis customers to fulfill high-speed online storage needs. The result is incredible system smoothness and sheer speed to complement unprecedented versatility.
"A station may be SD or HD; shoot with virtually any camera on the market; feed video from any mobile source; manage all materials with multiple users on any platform; edit materials with most editing software; while not having to worry about transcoding," added Fourcher. "The overall result is a workflow second-to-none in efficiency, speed and utmost flexibility. This allows Bitcentral to truly work for the unique needs and challenges of news stations of every size, region and complexity."
Bitcentral at NAB 2008
Bitcentral will be demonstrating their Precis system running on reliable Hewlett Packard™ hardware, as well as with Final Cut Pro® editing software, file-based cameras and additional newly integrated components in booth SL 7720 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In addition to the booth, Bitcentral will host a private suite in the adjacent Renaissance Hotel for special meetings and appointments. Appointments may be made by contacting Bitcentral at sales@bitcentral.com.
About Bitcentral, Inc.
Bitcentral provides innovative solutions that transform the management, production and distribution of the news. Established in 1987, Bitcentral delivers cutting-edge turnkey systems that combine proven broadcast and network computing technologies to enable end-to-end digital workflows. With a growing suite of solutions, Bitcentral changes the way broadcast news does business. Bitcentral is headquartered in Irvine, CA.
For further information, contact Charlie Grisham at Bitcentral, Inc. at: 18872 Bardeen Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612; Phone: (949) 417-4152; Fax: (949) 474-1885 or visit the company's website at www.bitcentral.com.
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