NAB 2012: Snell

Snell was busy at NAB 2012, unveiling Kahuna 360 Compact video switcher, KudosPro image-processing platform, Momentum asset management solution and a 4-RU version of its Vega routing platform. The company also highlighted improvements to its ICE channel-in-a-box and Morpheus automation systems.

MOMENTUM

Momentum from Snell


Momentum, a media asset management (MAM), workflow automation, and resource planning solution, enables broadcast operators and media producers reduce operational costs. By creating a unified platform from which all the elements in a production workflow can be easily managed, Momentum allows producers to allocate and track everything from media assets to technical resources by using thin-client service-oriented architecture (SOA) to control proprietary and third-party applications running on various hardware platforms. Users with access rights can design and implement custom workflows that control third-party applications and automate repetitive tasks.

ICE Channel-in-a-Box

"Momentum is very modular and has the ability to customize the workflow easily," says Vice President of Marketing and Channel Management John Shike. "The solution is very 'drag-and-drop'. We applied what we learned from NLEs to broadcast operations to make a richer experience."

MORPHEUS ICE &
ICE CHANNEL-IN-A-BOX

Snell also introduced enhancements to its ICE Channel-in-a-Box and Morpheus automation. Driven by Morpheus, ICE is a compact IT playout system that can scale from a single channel to more than 100 while maintaining the same user interface. With ICE 3.0, the user now has integrated 3D graphics, CG functionality with timeline control and the ability to populate fields from the playout schedule, as well as external data sources.

"Broadcast is much more of a mixture of traditional broadcast equipment and IT now," said Shike. "With ICE, you replace what used to be a master control switcher, graphics and 3D DVE into a single computer, one box."

Snell has also incorporated a new content validation feature in ICE 3.0 to analyze source material and prevent problem files from risking on-air output. Last, Snell offers optional SAN storage to ICE 3.0.



Snell Morpheus ICE


New refinements to Morpheus include second-screen capabilities and full virtual machine support that facilitates lower space and power requirements. Snell also simplified the Morpheus user interface for the operation of multiple channels and complex operations. "Morpheus playout automation is mature," said Shike. "We've upgraded the interface, but also given the user the option of the old or new GUI. We think seriously about how operators use the equipment."

KAHUNA 360 COMPACT

Kahuna 360 Compact


Snell also introduced Kahuna 360 Compact, a smaller-frame version of the company's Kahuna 360 video switcher, which offers 1080P switching in a 6-RU chassis. Ideal for live production environment applications such as OB trucks, houses of worship and studio-based productions, the Kahuna 360 Compact offers the familiar Kahuna interface and enables a seamless migration from SD and HD...and then 1080P.

At a cost effective price, Kahuna 360 Compact also makes Snell's high-level switcher technology available to a more market segments. The Kahuna 360 Compact offers the same functionality as its bigger cousin, with up to three full mix/effects and seven keyers per M/E as well as Snell's own Make M/E technology, which enables multiple independent sub-level switchers. Snell's FormatFusion3 technology lets users mix HD, SD, and even single-link 1080P sources into a single production and provide multiple outputs of SD, HD, and 1080P.

Revisiting the theme of powerful features at a cost-effective price, Snell also unveiled the 1-RU KudosPro, a compact, format-flexible image-processing platform priced as low as $3,299. Introduced in six versions (single-, dual-, and quad-channel format and frame rate converters), the KudosPro is aimed at broadcasters, news agencies and any production concerned with cost and space. KudosPro converts all SD, HD, and 3Gbps video formats, and a wide range of audio formats including AES, embedded audio, and Dolby E. Snell's RollCall system provides system management and monitoring. Other features are relay bypass, HDMI monitoring output, closed caption and timecode management, and AFD support.

4-RU

4-RU version of its Vega routing platform


Snell also debuted a new 4-RU version of its Vega routing platform that enables users to configure any signal port independently for fiber or coax (copper) connectivity, and any port to be configured as either an input or output. Now within a 192-port design, the Vega routing platform allows operators to pack dozens more signal ports into 4-RU than could fit into a conventional routing system.

At NAB 2012, Snell showed broadcasters that the transition from SD to HD and beyond can be a managed, sensible path. The company has unveiled products that enable users to move ahead at their own pace, retaining ways of working that are familiar or pushing ahead into the brave new world of IT. At the same time, Snell has paid close attention to demands of cost effectiveness, space and complicated workflow. By enabling clients to automate and simplify, for costs that make sense, Snell ensures itself a place of importance in the broadcast and production environment.

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