At NAB, Echolab, 360 Systems, Avitech Video and Compix Media are introducing "Studio Ensemble," a consortium dedicated to bundling integrated turnkey studio solutions to transition to a digital video workflow without obsolescing existing equipment.
The initial turnkey bundle consists of four professional broadcast studio products for the entry-level broadcast-quality customer base: Echolab Opera 3408 dual-format (digital/analog) production switcher; 360 Systems ImageServer 2000; Compix Media LCG8000R character generator; and Avitech MCC-8004dE Multiviewer -- Media Command Center. In addition, Echolab has developed a software protocol bundle to integrate its switchers with each of the Studio Ensemble components, enabled by Echolab's "system on chip" technology.
"The true benefit in the Studio Ensemble package is that end users and systems integrators can build 'best-of-breed' studios without being tied down to just one company," said Battista Remati, director of marketing communications for Echolab. "Because it's pre-integrated, it brings higher-quality equipment within the reach of end users who otherwise could not afford the cost of integration. ... And the studio remains 'open' -- it's still possible to integrate products from suppliers outside the consortium."
Studio Ensemble is being launched in the U.S. market at NAB2006 and will be rolled out to international markets in July; ongoing joint marketing is in place through the end of 2006. Each of the Studio Ensemble partners will independently offer their products through their own distribution channels, and it's also available online.
Echolab is in Booth C26026; 360 Systems in Booth SU2993; Avitech in Booth SL3000; and Compix Media in Booth SL564.
