As it promised earlier this year, Broadcast Pix has released the latest version of its Slate (version 7.3) integrated production system, which includes a file-based switcher macro memory system called Fluent Macros. With the IT-centric Fluent Macros, users can recall a sequence of switcher moves, with specific clip and graphic files, with a single button push.
Chip Potito, production engineer for Melrose Massachusetts Television, said the new Fluent Macros has allowed him to create complex effects and easily and quickly recall them.
Fluent Macros is the only macros system that combines switcher moves and file recalls, which is ideal for complicated combinations. They can also include control of robotic cameras, audio mixers and video servers. The new Fluent Macros Editor makes it easy to design with a graphical editor, and the macros can be executed through a player window or from the control panel. Applications include using animated wipe files for transitions in sports coverage, animations and graphic files with multibox talking head displays for broadcast news, and automated camera moves with graphic and clip files for city council meetings and other government productions.
Other new enhancements in Slate v7.3 include new capabilities for its Fluent Multi-View and its 2 M/E Slate 5000 switcher control panel, as well as support for the new low-cost Slate 100 control panel.
New Fluent Multi-View enhancements provide automatic layout for 16:9 and 4:3 content on most monitors. In addition, every window is individually resizable, including key windows, and Fluent is the only Multi-View in the industry to show windows for each keyer. Plus, safe zones are now available on program and preview. The Slate 5000 control panel has been upgraded with new memory rows for easy access to macros and snapshot memories, while ME1 and ME2 memory capacity has been increased to 3000 total recalls.
Slate Version 7.3 also provides support for the low-cost Slate 100 control panel, which was demonstrated earlier this year at the 2009 NAB Show. The Slate 100 control panel features a classic preview/program switcher layout including a next transition section for managing the system’s three keyers. There are also controls for the Slate 100’s built-in Fluent workflow features, including a bank of buttons that corresponds to thumbnails on the new Slate 100 Fluent Multi-View for easy selection of digital assets and device controls.
Slate Version 7.3 is a free upgrade for all Broadcast Pix Slate customers and can be downloaded at www.broadcastpix.com/support.html/.