26 MANAGEMENT
October 2017
Grass Valley ’ s broad portfolio of video switchers makes it easier to produce compelling content
by somu patil
Somu Patil is vicepresident of Sales , Asia , Grass Valley .
The right production switcher makes it possible for broadcasters to assemble and deliver content that engages viewers and keeps them coming back . Technical directors rely on switchers to control various video sources or combine those feeds in different ways for special effects , making it possible to create a more compelling viewing experience . With all the options on the market today , choosing the best switcher for the job can be a challenge .
The needs of broadcasters and production professionals are changing as more of the workflow takes place either in the field or in remote studios . In many cases , this has driven a need for switching solutions with a smaller footprint or a lower entry cost to supplement the ongoing reliance on high-end switchers in central locations and larger operations .
From live sports and production studios to corporate studios , churches , or universities , switchers play an important role . The family of production switcher panels and frames from Grass Valley , a Belden Brand , is designed to reduce the complexity of today ’ s production workloads while providing flexibility to meet any demands in the future — including 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) productions and IP connectivity . With the ability to use any switcher panel with any switcher frame for the ultimate in production flexibility and scalability , Grass Valley helps to protect its customers ’ switcher investments in hardware and in training . Customers who have learnt to use any K-Frame switcher have learnt to use them all . In
As a software-based platform , GV ’ s Karrera with K-Frame is a new modular approach to production switchers that delivers more creativity to create compelling and engaging content . addition , broadcasters can even run multiple panels and / or shows off the same frame at the same time .
The K-Frame V-series is the newest addition to the company ’ s family of frames . It is a compact , 3RU frame that extends the flexibility of the Grass Valley K-Frame production switcher product line in price and performance to address the needs of low to mid-range broadcast applications — especially for smaller trucks , venues , installations , midtier universities and institutions , and houses of worship . Along with the compact GV Korona panel , the new V-series frame represents a powerful , full-featured switcher that is available at an aggressive list price , boasting a small footprint that is convenient for many applications that simply cannot accommodate larger switchers .
When the K-Frame V-series and GV Korona switcher panel are paired together , this space-efficient solution requires no compromises on enterprise features . It is modular for field reconfiguration and serviceability , which is a true convenience not offered in competitively priced switchers . Its 36x18 matrix supports SD , HD and 4K / UHD in quad split and 2SI modes , and can handle up to three licensed M / Es and two additional video processing engines ( VPEs ) for added keying and mixing power .
Due to its modularity , it can easily be upgraded to an all-IP or mixed SDI and IP environment in the future . Because it is a full-fledged member of the K-Frame family , the V-series can be used with any GV K-Frame switcher panels , such as Karrera and Kayenne , and requires no training for anyone accustomed to working on Grass Valley K-Frame switchers .
Additionally , shows created in any K-Frame switcher can be saved and shared among other switchers , including the new V-series . This convenience can be leveraged by
The right production switcher makes it possible for broadcasters to assemble and deliver content that engages viewers and keeps them coming back .
customers who may already own a Kayenne or Karrera switcher and would like to share the “ look ” they have created in a different application .
Choosing a switcher panel also requires a careful analysis of the space and performance needs for the particular application . Building upon the industry-leading production switcher quality and performance for which Grass Valley is known , the new GV Korona offers the same robust feature set as the Kayenne and Karrera Video Production Center switchers , but does so with a smaller , space-efficient control surface .
Available in 1 , 2 and 3M / E ( stripe ) panels , GV Korona can be packaged with the compact K-Frame V-series or K-Frame S-series , although it is compatible with all Grass Valley K-Frames for unlimited flexibility in video production .
Broadcasters around the world see Grass Valley switchers as the “ gold standard ”, and GV Korona extends that reputation by bringing a much-needed compact option to professionals who work in mobile units or small studios . Now , they have access to the legendary performance and creative power in a switcher that
According to GV , broadcasters around the world see Grass Valley switchers as the “ gold standard ”, and GV Korona extends that reputation by bringing a much-needed compact option to professionals who work in mobile units or small studios .
comes at a lower price point and a smaller footprint . And the advantage to operators is that there is no new training required — once they know how to use any one of Grass Valley ’ s switchers , they know how to use them all .
GV Korona ’ s surface features an innovative built-in touchscreen interface in the transition area that enables operators to work quickly and intuitively to produce compelling content for a variety of applications . GV Korona also has a touchscreen menu system integrated directly into the panel and uses the popular OLED and colour technologies , much as the other larger Grass Valley panels do .
The GV Korona two-stripe panel supports 20 assignable buttons on each stripe or M / E row , features a built-in multi-touch menuing system , and offers an innovative touchscreen in the transition area . The one-stripe version has 15 assignable buttons . The all-new GV Korona three-stripe ( 3M / E ) panel retains the key features that the GV Korona is known for with the multi-touch menu system and touchscreens in all transition areas , and now offers an additional stripe , each with 25 source-select buttons .
Together , the GV Korona and K-Frame V-series create a very powerful offering for anybody looking for a no-compromise production solution at an affordable price . With the ability to choose the best switcher and frame combination for any specific application or space , broadcasters are well positioned to create and produce engaging content that will meet the demands of today ’ s viewers and consumers . ❑