Broadcast Pix unveiled Slate Portable, a new system for live video production on location. Designed for quick setup on a table or other work surface, Slate Portable provides all the power of a Slate video production system in a compact, cost-effective, all-in-one unit, including: HD/SD production switcher, multiview monitoring, clip stores, graphics system with Harris Inscriber CG, Fluent workflow software, and format and aspect conversion for 1080i, 720p, SD and analog.
Slate Portable has a carrying handle on top, and comes in a padded carrying case with wheels for easy transport. It features rugged aluminum construction, measures just 17in x14in x 12in, and weighs 45 pounds.
Slate Portable supports eight external inputs in HD or SD-SDI or analog, or a hybrid configuration, plus 14 internal video and key inputs for clips and graphics. The switcher has three standard and three optional keyers, each with a DVE for picture-in-picture and other effects. Five graphics stores can hold thousands of graphics, which can be created on the built-in Harris Inscriber CG, while the dual-channel clip store can hold up to 200 hours of QuickTime, H.264, and ProRes HD and SD clips with audio.
Fluent Watch-Folders enable clips and graphics to be easily imported from all popular editing and graphics systems. Fluent Macros combine switcher moves and specific files for powerful effects, and Fluent Multi-View also shows keys, clips and graphics.
A single operator can create live video, or Slate Portable can be expanded for team use. It can be operated from the touch-pad by clicking on either its multiview or SoftPanel. Its built-in monitor can be upgraded to a touch-screen to further simplify operation, and a second monitor can be attached for a larger multiview or separate graphics operator. A variety of control panels can be attached, from the cost-effective Slate 100 control panel to larger 1 M/E and 2 M/E panels. Other Slate options may be added as well, including DVI I/O; control of Sony, Panasonic or Hitachi cameras; and control of audio mixers. A hard case is available as an option.
