[SatNews] Ross Video has announced that DashBoard 6.1, a major new release of its popular, open, facility control and monitoring solution, is available for free download from https://www.rossvideo.com/.
The new release of DashBoard includes a more sophisticated version of PanelBuilder™, and provides a powerful platform upon which complex workflows that intelligently integrate multiple devices from Ross Video and a variety or other vendors can be presented as custom control panels.
Staying true to its openGear heritage, DashBoard 6.1 remains a comprehensive facilities-management tool that makes it quick and easy to view the status of a facility of any size on a single screen, and drill-down to individual device level with a minimum of mouse clicks. Consistent device editor interfaces make it simple to configure, control and update all devices, in parallel if necessary. DashBoard 6.1 also makes a TCP connection with each device. This interconnectivity, which is independent of device complexity or vendor, communicates even rapidly changing parameters, such as audio meters, in real-time and leads to a highly responsive user interface.
First introduced in DashBoard version 6.0, PanelBuilder now supports interoperation with devices that provide network accessible interfaces via UDP, TCP and HTTP protocols. This new IP connectivity significantly enhances DashBoard’s library of addressable devices, which was already large and included hundreds of devices from more than 60 openGear and DashBoard Connect partners, and ensures there is virtually no limit to the devices that can be integrated into a workflow.
Plus, Ross Video has announced free software upgrades that enable Carbonite to be switched to 3G (1080P 50 or 60 (59.94)) as well as open the door to the latest production format: UHDTV (4K).
“These updates make Carbonite the perfect tool for users who want to adopt the very latest full HD progressive standard and make sure their production system investment is protected for years to come,” said Nigel Spratling, Marketing Product Manager for Ross Video. “To upgrade to 3G, users simply download the free software. Once in 3G mode, Carbonite’s MiniMEs can be used for UHD (4K) production by turning on MultiScreen mode. That’s truly remarkable processing power—at zero cost—and yet another innovative first from Ross. No other switcher of this size and price point can offer 3G, let alone 4K at 50 and 60Hz.”
No new hardware is required to switch to 3G. Current Carbonite owners simply have to download the free software. In 3G mode, the number of DVEs is reduced to four from eight, and the maximum number of MultiViewer windows is reduced to 10 from 16, for a total of 20 independent sources across two output heads. 3G signals contain twice the data of standard HD and, as a result, some resource reduction occurs. All other resources remain the same, and MiniMEs, MultiScreen and 2.5ME modes all are accessible.
Carbonite’s MultiScreen mode locks all four MiniME controls together, enabling mixes, cuts and keys to be applied to UHD 3G quad link inputs. While MiniMEs have no preview output, all of the basic switching functions and keying to provide perfectly produced UHD output can be easily and quickly delivered. As many as six UHD quad link sources can be input for UHD program output and, if the quad link format is pixel/line interleave, sources can easily be monitored via standard 1080 displays and Carbonite’s MultiViewers. This quad link format also enables simultaneous UHD and 1080P outputs.
The Ross Video Carbonite infopage is located at https://www.rossvideo.com/production-switchers/carbonite/options.html
Additionally, Ross Mobile Productions (RMP) will introduce the OT1 compact production vehicle at this year’s NAB tradeshow.
Designed around a tightly integrated Carbonite Production Switcher and XPression Graphics core, the RMP vehicles will deliver fiber and Triax camera capabilities, an advanced communication system and a dual-user eight-channel replay system. This incredible production power enables these Mercedes Sprinter-size vehicles to deliver network-quality production and meet consumer demand for coverage of more sporting and other live events. As well as providing crew and equipment, RMP also undertakes the responsibilities of the producer and provides a full-service solution known as “packaging.” RMP’s services also include customizing, and creating score bugs and graphics packages.
RMP will fund freelance training initiatives to enable this next-generation of Ross Video’s workflow tools to become widely and easily accessible. In keeping with its stated spirit of friendly competition, Ross Video will make many of the integrated solutions it refines for RMP available to other mobile operators and packagers at special package pricing and with support arrangements.
