Pro video blog…Produced by Philip Johnston DoP/Editor

pana-hs4501The HS450E switcher is designed to provide versatile, economical, 10-Bit 4:2:2 HD or SD live switching for mid-size studio or mobile production systems worldwide. 

It supports 1080/50i,1080/24Psf, 1080/23.98Psf, 720/50p HD formats and 576/50i in SD, and accepts optional boards for additional up-conversion, down-conversion and scaling of many video formats. The switcher is also equipped with a dual, redundant power supply.

The HS450E’s built-in, dual-output MultiViewer allows users to see four, six, or 10 images on each of two high-resolution displays. Up to 16 image can viewed on a single screen, and a total of 20 can be configured for display on two screens. This eliminates the need for multiple HD source, preview, aux, and key monitors, saving significant cost and space, and enabling a more flexible production workflow. The adjustable MultiViewer outputs can also be used to provide multi-image large screen display for entertainment, education, and worship.

For enhanced creativity, the HS450E features high-quality chroma, linear, and luminance keyers that provide clean, broadcast-quality composited images for applications including as virtual sets, news, and weather. Other advanced functions include dedicated hardware for two PiPs, two downstream keyers (DSK), 3-D effects for upstream keys, remote pan-tilt camera control with pre-set memories, multiple Aux busses with mix transitions to Aux1, shot memories and more. Users can select a wide range of video transitions, including high-quality 3D digital effects such as page turn and rotation. 

The HS450E is equipped with a built-in, switchable 10-bit frame synchronizer for each of its 16 inputs, ensuring reliable, glitch-free switching even with non-synchronous sources such as remote camera feeds. Reference (black burst) signal outputs and Genlock input are provided to enable synchronization with external systems.  

The compact, two-rack-sized HS450E can be expanded to support up to 20 inputs and 10 outputs using optional I/O boards. A maximum of 32 crosspoints may be programmed, to enable full access to all inputs and internal sources. The switcher can also control a Panasonic pan/tilt system with up to five cameras via an RS-422A port. Another RS-422A port enables communication with editing systems and other third-party devices. Additional standard features include camera tally outputs, an LCD display and OSD (on-screen display) for viewing switcher settings, GPI input, an Ethernet interface for connection to a PC, an SD card slot for storage of graphics and system set-up information, and six dedicated user-programmable buttons.

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Having been working in the video business since 1988 I have amassed a great amount of knowledge of both the kit and production values over the last 30 years.

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