Utah Scientific has combined dual-channel master control and signal routing system in a complete, affordable solution for broadcasters moving to multichannel operation. With the new Dot.Box, multichannel services are easy to implement, operate and maintain.
Dot.Box targets broadcasters that have avoided mutlichannel deployments due to a perceived technical complexity, initial capital requirements and the cost of keeping a system going once it’s in place. The Dot.Box package is also backed by Utah’s 10-year warranty with 24/7 maintenance support.
The system consists of a UTAH-400 HD/SD routing switcher with 32 inputs and 16 outputs and two MC-400 master control processor boards with MCP-400 master control panels — basically everything necessary to put two SD/HD switchable channels on-air.
For reliability, the router incorporates dual power supplies and dual crosspoint/controller boards. The two MC-400 processors are housed in the router frame with access to all 32 sources and also feature internal logo keying and external key signal inputs for flexibility, automatic EAS message presentation, video frame buffers on all master control video inputs, and an independent MCP-400 physical control panel for each master control channel.
Router control is handled by a SoftPanel-2 virtual control panel system, which allows the user to create and deploy virtual panels to meet any control requirement. Dot.Box packages are available in both 32- and 64-router frames. The Dot.Box 64 is wired for future expansion of inputs, outputs and additional master control channels.
