CYPRESS, Calif— FOR-A America will showcase its new FOR-A MixBoard powered by ClassX at the 2025 NAB Show, April 6-9 in Las Vegas. The FOR-A MixBoard is a fully software-based switcher that enables users to create complex compositions with unlimited layers via an intuitive GUI. The solution can adapt to various production workflows, from traditional broadcast to live streaming and beyond. First introduced at IBC 2024, the FOR-A MixBoard will be available for shipping shortly.

The software switcher supports various input types including SDI, NDI, and SRT, making it a versatile solution for hybrid production setups, the company said.

"We’ve been developing and advocating for the use of software-defined technologies for a while,” said Satoshi Kanemura, President, FOR-A America. “The FOR-A MixBoard, powered by ClassX, is exactly the type of solution we’re excited to offer our customers. It’s highly scalable and cost-effective, providing the flexibility broadcast and live event producers need today.”

The FOR-A MixBoard comes in two variants: a basic model supporting 8 inputs and 2 outputs, and an advanced model featuring 16 inputs and 4 independent outputs. The independent outputs provide flexibility for program and preview feeds or custom configurations, adapting to a wide range of production scenarios. Input types can be mixed and matched between SDI, NDI, media, live streams and innovative inputs, allowing the creation and quick recall of complex projects with dynamic layouts and effects. The auto-sense of the video input source frame rate, resolution, and audio tracks contribute to a quick setup.

Key innovations of the FOR-A MixBoard include new video input types such as the Media Engine for seamless playout of video clips, stills, playlists, and the Compositor for creating complex layouts and transitions. The MixCompositor enhances source management, providing greater control and flexibility during live productions such as box-in-a-box transitions.

Advanced DVE capabilities enable complex transitions and effects, while customizable shaders offer unique visual effects and color correction options. A built-in multi-viewer composition tool allows operators to create custom layouts for monitoring multiple sources simultaneously.

The SoundFlex audio mixing feature within MixBoard supports up to eight audio input tracks, which can be independently mapped and mixed on four L+R mixed main tracks. Each one of up to four MixBoard independent output channels can be assigned with one or more of the four mixed main tracks. An intuitive SoundFlex Controller window can be optionally used for mixing during live productions.

Barbara D'Innocenzo, Sales Manager for ClassX srl, commented on the collaboration: "We've focused on creating a powerful yet incredibly user-friendly system. The FOR-A MixBoard allows users to create compositions and transitions with just a few clicks, something that would typically require extensive programming on traditional hardware switchers. FOR-A's extensive experience and strong presence in the broadcast market make them an ideal partner to distribute this innovative technology."

FOR-A America will be in Booth #N707 in the North Hall of the LVCC. The company will also hold an NAB welcome reception, “FOR-A Connect,” Saturday, April 5th at 3 p.m. in Room S232 in the South Hall.

LONDON—The production switcher is a foundation of any studio gallery or OB truck and any change in how it works marks a fundamental shift in the way TV operations are run. This is particularly the case for switchers right now, not just because of the increase in remote working but also a general reappraisal of the best interface for this key function.

“In the past the only switcher conversation was around how many mix effects [M/Es] and keyers there were,” says Niels Borg, senior product manager for automation and switchers at Vizrt. “Now, the conversation has shifted toward a focus on how flexible a production system is. Customers want to know whether it is baseband only, IP friendly, where it can be deployed and if they are able to mix and match sources and transcode on the fly. Forward-looking switchers are now software powered.”

Borg observes that IP is one of a “powerful” trio, which is completed by software and the cloud. “By moving from SDI, where linear limitations to some degree cause linear production thinking, to IP-software-cloud, a whole new reality of production opens up—particularly with what is achievable in terms of content,” he added.

FLEXIBILITY AND CROSS-POLLINATION

In terms of market trends, Tim Felstead, product and solutions marketing manager for live production at Sony Professional, sees the most important as flexibility and cross-pollination.

“Producers are looking for switcher systems that fit a wide gamut of production scenarios, which have inbuilt scalability and can be used via flexible user interfaces with a view to reducing operational costs,” he says. “On the other hand, because of the increased demand for remote and distributed production, with operators and [locations] decoupled, we’re also seeing different production levels being implemented by broadcasters. The aim is to be efficient and tailor solutions to the real requirements of the output.”

Felstead adds that this has resulted in increased demand for a blend of technologies in switchers.

“Driven by increasing capacity in GPUs [graphics processing cards] and associated software, many tasks can be offloaded from FPGAs [field-programmable gate arrays],” he explains. “CPUs [central processing units] are currently still restricted in capacity for high-end switchers, yet continue to evolve in terms of clocks and cores.”

FRIENDLY TO FIRST-TIMERS

As is well known by now, the COVID pandemic accelerated the move towards remote production that was already happening. This has called for greater flexibility and functionality from production switchers but another development in user requirements is taking that even further.

“Over the last two years, almost every industry has adopted video streaming in some capacity, whether to reach employees and aid internal communications or stay connected with customers,” says Darren Gosney, technical sales manager at Blackmagic Design (BMD) EMEA. “As a result, there are more inexperienced or untrained operators working with production switchers for the first time. They need systems that are simple to set up, quick to learn and scalable over time.”

As part of this, BMD offers a choice of how to control its switchers, all of which can be run over an IP connection.

“This means operators who want a traditional hardware control surface can take that option,” Gosney says. “However, users moving into live production for the first time can begin working on a software interface before migrating to hardware over time.”

Offering traditional, pro broadcast operators and the new breed of untrained operators a selection of control options is now a priority for all manufacturers. Nigel Spratling, vice president of production switchers and video servers at Ross Video, observes that among the trends influencing the design of switchers is the need to reinvent the long established M/E architecture, coupled with creating “denser” devices that have more capacity in a smaller platform.

“Another trend is for re-engineering existing technologies or platforms to create new hybrid production environments, adding switcher capability to a video routing and processing platform,” Spratling says. He adds that the expanded market for production switchers is also having considerable influence.

“In the U.S., the term ‘broadcaster’ used to refer almost exclusively to call letter stations and national networks,” he said. “The term has evolved over the years and now encompasses virtually any entity that distributes its productions to a broad segment of its viewing audience. But regardless of market vertical, distribution method or workflow, core requirements for a switcher continue to be reliability, flexibility and ease of operation.”

TWO SIDES TO THE MARKET

Graham Sharp, chief executive of Broadcast Pix, highlights that last factor as a crucial feature for production switchers, regardless of the operator’s level of knowledge or experience. 

“It’s now a game of two halves, with the high end on one side and prosumer on the other,” he says. “That last category has grown dramatically, with demand in the corporate and church sectors. It’s no longer about feeds and speeds and although some companies are trying to convince people everything should be 4K, the bigger impact has been made by IP. The fact that you can now control things remotely means that [the priority] becomes ease of use.”

Sharp continues that non-professional users are likely to either use less than five percent of a M/E panel or not understand it at all. But, he says, even broadcast veterans do not necessarily want all the buttons, bells and whistles on control surfaces today, preferring instead to load presets into a few macros. This change in attitude, he says, informed the design of the ChurchPix live production and streaming system.

“All the camera moves can be pre-set in templates and controlled from a touchscreen,” Sharp says. “We also have a client who controls the broadcast of town halls from a single office, remotely connecting to IP cameras on-site. This is production switching as a service and is similar to what some broadcasters have done by broadcasting several soccer games a day from the same control room.”

DIFFERENT INTERFACES

While Sharp is of the opinion that M/E’s will remain in the high-end market until people are “weaned off it,” Greg Huttie, vice president for production switchers at Grass Valley, comments that the use of the older interface as opposed to touchscreens is about the preferences of individual technical directors and vision mixers.

“It comes down to how the interfaces differ, the feel and tactility,” he says. “But at the same time TDs do like automation, the recall and different effects. Ultimately, when a director or producer asks for something, the engineer in charge should be able to give it to them.”

In terms of the emerging switching as a service trend, Huttie says Grass Valley has made it part of its AMPP (Agile Media Processing Platform), which is designed to work in cloud-based live production scenarios.

“What it’s about is if you don’t have the hardware on location, you can link into the cloud and utilize what you want or need when you need it,” he explains. “In effect, there is now a greater focus on the future and looking at customers’ needs. It’s about how you fit into the program, whether it’s a small talk show or the Super Bowl. Broadcasting is now about producing more content and what switchers fit best.”

The switcher will continue to be at the heart of broadcast productions in the future but where it is located, how it is controlled and—if switching does indeed become a service—on what business model it operates are all key questions still to be answered. 

FOR-A will continue to demonstrate its commitment to 12G- and IP-enabled technology during the company’s ninth consecutive appearance at CABSAT, being held March 12-14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The company is developing IP interfaces and remote-control capability via standard protocols for the 12G products for its existing 3G/HD product line. FOR-A will exhibit in booth C1-20 during the conference.

“Our focus at CABSAT will be on delivering the latest innovations across our live production solutions – switchers, servers, routers, and graphics systems that align with our vision of 12G- and IP-enabled productions,” said Mr. Takaaki Imoto, Senior General Manager, Overseas Sales & Marketing Division, FOR-A Company Ltd. “Our wide range of technology enables customers to migrate to IP-based operations while protecting their current investment. We’re looking forward to a very successful CABSAT in Dubai next month.”

CABSAT has historically proven itself a key platform for FOR-A to connect with customers. “The MENA market continues to grow for us,” said Mr. Imoto. “We’ve secured some sizable, high-profile projects in this region. In previous years, we’ve showcased many new products, connected with our customers and identified new business opportunities and market trends. This year, we will continue along those lines. And we’re looking forward to the launch of several exciting new products, which we expect to draw more attention to our solutions.”

The technology highlights from FOR-A at CABSAT will include:

- The SOM-100 media orchestration platform

- The FA-9600 multi-purpose signal processor

- Demonstration of the latest developments when using the Fujitsu IP-HE950

H.265/HEVC real-time video encoders for remote production

- A stronger and more efficient HD integration with third party graphics, replay systems and production servers

FOR-A’s new media orchestration platform (SOM-100) provides seamless interoperability between baseband and IP traffic. An integrated baseband/IP control and monitoring system, it’s designed for use in a mixed SDI/IP environment. SDI and IP routing switchers are managed as one routing switcher in a virtual group. The SOM-100 offers seamless operation of a variety of video equipment, monitored centrally from its interface. It can execute routing system control and process control, so that it supports collective operational changes of multiple pieces of equipment and executes time reservation. The system also features a web interface for easy access from multiple computers.

FOR-A will showcase the next generation in its line of signal processors – the FA-9600. The dual-channel unit provides HDR and Wide Color Gamut support and conversion of multiple formats, such as: 12G, 4K (UHD), 1080p, and SD/HD. Each of the FA-9600 processor’s two HD/SD inputs includes a frame synchronizer. Because the multi-purpose signal processor features 12G-SDI terminals, optional software opens the door to 4K(UHD) production. Adding an expansion card provides four more channels of 3G-SDI input/output or six channels of 12G-SDI distributed output. The FA-9600 simplifies all types of video conversion. A newly developed color processing circuit supports the latest gamut and dynamic range specifications, and an optional converter circuit is available for up/down/cross conversion.

Finally, FOR-A will show the latest developments in the area of remote production using Fujitsu IP-HE950 H.265/HEVC real-time video encoders. Employing the latest compression tools and image processing algorithms to provide best-in-class video fidelity, the IP-HE950 supports real-time 4K contribution, as well as SD and HD. FOR-A is a distributor of Fujitsu’s high-performance encoders and decoders in North America, Europe, Middle-East and Africa, as well as select regions in Latin America.

FOR-A will also demonstrate a stronger and more efficient HD integration with third party graphics, replay systems and production servers – resulting in greater flexibility and improved cost savings. FOR-A recently partnered with Variant Systems Group (VSG). Variant’s Envivo Replay is a complete replay solution packaged with an intuitive touch screen user interface that can be learned how to use in 20 minutes. Integration with all of FOR-A’s HANABI production switchers comes standard. FOR-A will also demonstrate ODYSSEY’s Insight Production Server - a versatile four channel playout system designed for studio and OB Van environments. Insight's flexible event processor allows users to connect multiple devices and interact with FOR-A production video switchers, routing switchers, CG generators, GPIO-connected devices and other studio equipment to orchestrate event triggering for a seamless production. FOR-A will also provide demonstrations of the ClassX (CG) content creation and graphics playout solution. ClassX is a dedicated broadcast solution for 2D/3D character generation, live motion and play out graphics with numerous layers available. ClassX is integrated with all of FOR-A’s HANABI video switchers.

CABSAT features over 900 exhibiting companies and is the premiere technology show for vendors looking to reach broadcasters, production houses and studios, content owners and creators, systems integration firms and distribution channels in the Middle East/Africa/South Asia region.

About FOR-A

FOR-A, a worldwide, industry-leading manufacturer, offers a wide range of broadcast and production products with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, including: HD, 4K and IP products. FOR-A continues to offer future-ready, cost effective, advanced technology solutions. Products include: video switchers, routing switchers, multi-viewers, full 4K high-speed cameras, IP encoders/decoders, multi-channel signal processors, 8K/4K/HD test signal generators, color correctors, frame synchronizers, file-based products, character generators, video servers and much more.

For a full range of HD and 4K production and processing solutions, as well as IP-based products, visit our web site at www.for-a.com.

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FOR-A Company Limited, 3-8-1 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0013 Japan

Phone: +81-3-3446-3936, Fax +81-3-3446-1470 Web site: www.for-a.com

Portability, flexibility, scalability: There were lots of “abilities” to be found at NAB Show when it came to technologies in the switching, routing and KVM space. A growing number of technologies are offering the ability to provide control from nearly anywhere via control-over-IP technologies via a tablet or panel, while other solutions are offering M&E users a set of integrated all-in-one production systems that combine switcher/graphics/server into one package.

Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD

Broadcast Pix BPSwitch

SWITCHERS
BLACKMAGIC DESIGN debuted the ATEM Television Studio HD, a portable live production switcher for broadcast, professional and AV users. The system includes eight inputs, re-sync in each input, built-in DVE, aux out, chromakey and flash-based media store.

BROADCAST PIX introduced the BP-switch family of integrated video production switchers, which feature what the company says is the industry’s first control-over-IP from anywhere by tablets, phones and panels. The new switchers include BPNet hybrid SDI and IP I/O capability, streaming, and optional robotic camera control. The company also showcased the Broadcast Pix Commander, a new series of live production systems featuring a streamlined touchscreen interface.

DATAVIDEO released the HS-1500T HDBaseT portable video switcher, which features a joystick, knob and preset buttons for controlling pan, tilt, zoom of up to three PTZ cameras, and a built-in 17.3-inch monitor for Multiview.

EVS showcased its DYVI IT-based switching solution, which offers distributed live production and new scalability features. 

FOR-A unveiled the HVS-2000, a six M/E video production switcher as well as an expansion of its 1 M/E HVS-100 video switcher. The HVS-100 Express, for example, is controlled via tablet, handheld or laptop with a web browser as opposed to a traditional hard control panel.

Grass Valley K-Frame V-Series switcher

GRASS VALLEY is targeting the smaller end of the market with the 3RU IP-capable K-Frame V-Series. The frame is designed to complement the company’s GV Korona switcher panel by fitting into locations with limited space. As part of the K-Frame family, the V-series can be used with any Grass Valley switcher panel, and broadcasters can run multiple panels and shows off the same frame simultaneously.

JLCOOPER ELECTRONICS showed the compact Proton broadcast switcher panel, designed for use with Blackmagic’s ATEM.

Newtek TriCaster TC1

NEWTEK launched TriCaster TC1, a multicamera production system that offers switching, streaming and recording in HD, 3G and 4K UHD 60p; multisource video mixing with including 16 external inputs; and integrated video servers allowing for playback, replay and live editing. The company also highlighted the NewTek IP Series with a four-stripe control panel; scalable, multisource live video mixing of 64 4K UHD 60p source channels; and stored media playback capabilities.

PANASONIC unveiled the AV-HLC100 Live Production Center, which combines a 1 M/E switcher, remote camera controller and audio mixer functions. Designed to enable live streaming with one-person operation, the live production center is targeted at university sports, webcasting, live streaming and live event video production.

ROLAND rolled into NAB with new firmware and software upgrades for its VR-4HD AV and streaming switcher and V-1SDI 3G SDI video switcher.

ROSS VIDEO introduced a range of new features and functionality for its Carbonite and Acuity production switcher lines, including Carbonite UHD software. For Acuity, Ross showed Acuity software v6.0, which adds LiveEDL and soft panel operation. Ross also used NAB as a launching point for a new all-in-one production solution, Graphite, which includes a Carbonite production switcher, XPression 3D motion graphics system, two channels of clip server, and audio engine within a single 4RU chassis.

RUSHWORKS released a new control panel that incorporates a T-bar for manual transitions with numerous short-cut keys for multiple effects. The VDX T-Bar Control Surface integrates with the company’s VDESK and REMO multicamera production systems.

TV PRO GEAR introduced its fifth-generation FlyPak, an integrated remote production center that can be shipped in specially designed cases or installed within custom production vehicles. Moving into support of virtual reality, TV Pro Gear also debuted their VR Truck designed for 4K live streaming.

US BROADCAST DISTRIBUTION showcased the Production Bot Switch 8, a portable live production system that allows users to switch up to eight HD-SDI sources (or two 4K UHD sources) and professional XLR/TRS audio.

ROUTING
With an eye on HDR and UHD, EVERTZ showcased a series of 12G-SDI solutions including a 12G-SDI router.

FOR-A launched the MFR-4000 12G-SDI-supported routing switcher, adding to its existing MFR-3000, MFR-5000 and MFR-8000 models.

GRASS VALLEY introduced GV Node v2.0, an all-in-one IP processing and routing platform that also supports advanced SDI-based workflows to leverage existing systems while making way for live telecasts over end-to-end IP. The company also showed GV Convergent v1.3, which offers IP fabric/SDI router control and configuration capabilities.

IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS showcased its Platinum IP3 router, which provides multiformat signal distribution capabilities including support for HD, 3G and 4K/UHD.

Utah Scientific 400 Series 3 hybrid digital router

PESA debuted SmartView, an app for Android-based tablets that provides monitoring and control of PESA routers.

ROSS VIDEO was on hand with new routing solutions including the new RCP-QE Series remote control panel, which offers 18 or 36 colored backlit graphic LCD keys with multiple menus. The company also showed the new Ultrix 12G router/audio processing engine and multiviewer.

UTAH SCIENTIFIC unveiled the 400 Series 3 hybrid digital router, designed to accommodate SMPTE ST-2110 and SMPTE 2022-7/6/5 IP standards, along with 3G SDI, analog HD and SD, as well as myriad audio formats, including analog, digital AES3, MADI, TDM and AES67 all in a common frame.

Adder CCS-PRO8 system

KVM SWITCHES
ADDER introduced the Adder CCS-PRO8 system, which allows operators to control up to eight machines across eight displays using one mouse and keyboard. The company also demo-ed AdderLink XDIP, an IP-based KVM extender/matrix.

BLACK BOX showcased the Boxilla KVM and AV/IT system management platform, which manages KVM, KVM over IP, virtualized end-points and AV/IT devices on one centralized command center. Also on the IP train, the company showcased how its InvisaPC solution can be used alongside media transport platforms to demo IP interoperability and full KVM access for remote production.

G&D NORTH AMERICA showed the KVM extender DP1.2-Vision-XG, designed to transmit 4K or 8K video at 60 Hz up to 10,000m over as many as four synchronous video channels. The company also showcased the DP1.2-Vision, which transmits computer signals via fiber or CATx, as well as the DP-Vision-IP system, which provides access to computers over IP.

IHSE debuted the new Draco OPS+ KVM extender, a 4K DisplayPort KVM module designed for larger UHD displays that incorporate Intel’s OPS+ open pluggable specification. The company also launched Tera Viewer software, which provides an IP-based preview of video signals passing through Draco Tera KVM matrix systems. Also on tap, the new Matrix Grid board, designed to simplify interconnection between Draco tera enterprise KVM matrix switches and the Draco vario KVM USB 3.0 extender system.hinklogical showcased a new uncompressed private cloud solution that provides zerolatency video, KVM and UI control, and supports 4K DCI 4:4:4 video sequences at up to 60 fps. The company also demo-ed TLX24, an uncompressed 4K KVM non-blocking 24-port uncompressed KVM matrix switch that supports both premise and cloud-based editing workflows.

If there’s a theme to be found when it comes to switching and routing technology, it’s one of both expansion and retraction. New solutions on the show floor are offering more inputs, more DVEs and more functionality when it comes to handling multiple formats and functionalities.

At the same time, these hard-working machines are doing it all in a smaller footprint with an eye on meeting more than just the needs of broadcasters, but also corporate and education markets, too.

SWITCHERS
BLACKMAGIC DESIGN will showcase ATEM Television Studio HD, a broadcast-quality live production switcher designed for both broadcast and professional AV users. ATEM Television Studio HD features eight inputs, multiview, two flash-based media players and a DVE for effects.

BROADCAST PIX will feature Broadcast Pix Commander, a new series of live production systems featuring a streamlined touchscreen interface that enables non-technical personnel to execute sophisticated productions. The system is designed for government, corporate and education markets.

CINEGY will show the Cinegy Channel Broadcasting Suite, which includes flagship products for playout and live production.

EVS will demo the DYVI IT-based switching solution, which offers distributed live production and new scalability features.

FOR-A plans to showcase the HVS-490 switcher and introduce a new range of production switchers.

GRASS VALLEY will feature the space-saving GV Korona, which features 1 or 2 M/E panels that supports multiple HD formats and can be upgraded to 3G/4K.

NewTek IP Series

JLCOOPER ELECTRONICS will show its compact Proton broadcast switcher panel, designed for use with Blackmagic’s ATEM.

NEWTEK will showcase its NewTek IP Series, a software-driven, modular video production system with virtually limitless access to video sources and video mixing options. Designed to work cohesively in an ecosystem, NewTek says its IP Series is the first large production system designed for IP video while also fully backwards compatible with SDI; using separate scalable high-performance components for the mixing and control, input, and output of sources allowing virtually unlimited scalability.

ROSS VIDEO will feature its Carbonite Black Solo, which targets the needs of professional yet compact productions. Solo features six SD/HD-SDI connections and three HDMI inputs and for outputs there are five SDI and one HDMI, all completely assignable. The switcher also features six floating frame synchronizers with format converters that can be assigned to any input.

ROUTING
FOR-A will show the MFR-3000 3G-SDI routing switcher as well as the MFR-4000, MFR-5000, and MFR-8000 12G-SDI-based routing switchers.

PESA will be on the prowl with the Cheetah routing switchers, which support high-definition video for SD/HD/3G-SDI/4K as well as analog video, embedding and conversion.

UTAH SCIENTIFIC will address the realities of every day SDI workflows with its new Series Three hybrid digital router engine, which accommodates high-density SDI and creation of IP signals from a central frame and handles any number of IP and SDI professional video signal formats.

KVM SWITCHES
ADDER will feature its Adder CCS-PRO8 system, designed to allow operators to control up to eight machines across eight displays using one mouse and keyboard with FreeFlow technology and USB 3.0. The company will also demo AdderLink XDIP, an IP-based KVM extender or matrix that works across a standard 1GbE local network and provides the ability to transmit up to 1920x1200 video stream, audio and USB over a CATx cable.

BLACKBOX will showcase its new Boxilla KVM and AV/IT system management platform, which manages KVM, KVM over IP, virtualized end-points and AV/IT devices on one centralized command center and empowers KVM and AV/IT deployments using a web-enabled and common user interface. BlackBox will also show how its VSN2000-ENC and VSN2000-DEC H.264 encoder and decoder can be integrated within pro-AV solutions to enable transmission of full HD video and audio over the internet or any IP network, as well as integrate with Black-Box products like the Radian, iCompel and ControlBridge.

G&D NORTH AMERICA will showcase its KVM extender DP1.2-Vision-XG, which can transmit 4K or 8K video at 60 Hz up to 10,000m over as many as four synchronous video channels. The DP1.2-Vision model will also be on hand, and allows for the transmission of computer signals up to 10,000m via fiber optics, or 140m over CATx cables. The DP-Vision-IP system, meanwhile, provides access to computers over IP structures and supports DisplayPort video resolutions up to 2560x1600 at 60 Hz or 3840x2160 at 30 Hz.

IHSE Draco ultra

IHSE will debut the Draco vario KVM USB 3.0 extender system, which supports 5 Gbps SuperSpeed USB deliveries, including high-speed hard drives and high-resolution cameras at up to 100m over multimode fiber- optic cable. Also new, the Draco OPS+ KVM extender simplifies installation, operation and management of remote displays, providing single-wire connection from remote media players and source devices to screens. A new update to the Draco ultra DisplayPort Extender increases its color depth from 24 bit video to 30 bit, and a Switch and Preview function for the Draco tera tool allows users to monitor connected video sources and manage computers and consoles through an IP connection.

THINKLOGICAL will demonstrate its TLX24, an uncompressed 4K KVM non-blocking 24-port uncompressed KVM matrix switch that supports both premise and cloud-based editing workflows. The TLX delivers extension and switching of full resolution 4K DCI video (up to 4096x2160 resolution) at 60 Hz frame rate using two fiber-optic or CATx copper cables.