Server controllers | actiV - HT400 | altuS - HT200 series

actiV Filer Video Server Controller Hands-on live control of multi-channel servers The actiV Filer five-channel Video Server Controller offers hands-on control of multi-channel servers. It is designed for live programming and events – providing a full interactive user interface that is renowned for ease of learning and straightforward fast operation. The sleek hardware panel design is complete with a graphic display and a high level of operator feedback. It makes for stress-free on-air operation where even complex server replay tasks are resolved to a few button pushes.

Operation Modes

Intelligent channel control display

Multi-legend electronic keys display clip name and duration – with a countdown as clips are played. A highlighted key clearly indicates the selected video channel. The key changes colour for different functions; e.g. green for play, red for record. Multi-legend buttons (10 characters on 4 lines, and 64 colours) hugely extend the practical use of the control panels, e.g. timeline showing clip duration and position.

Playlist Import and Backup

actiV Loader is PC software that allows saving playlists to a PC and importing playlist data from third-party automation systems to an actiV Filer.

Clip Management

Clip List displays clip ID, timecode start and duration. Up to 2,000 clips can be accessed and played back instantly using the actiV Filer's scroll wheel.

Advanced Applications

Unattended Recording and Scheduling

Setting up a recording schedule allows multiple clips to be stored at defined times as a fully automated operation. This is ideal for requirements such as recording regular news exchanges, scheduled programmes, events etc.

Automation Backup

The actiV Filer panel gives hands-on control of servers from a very different and separate technology to automation systems. Operation is straightforward; there are no complex menus or PC keyboards and screens. The panels are totally independent of the automation system and, for a small fraction of the cost, offer a very practical and secure backup to server automation. actiV Loader software for loading playlist and Smart Switch to share control are options that may be added to enhance the backup operation.

Transmission

The ability to compose and run play lists give manual as well as pre-programmed operation. Using actiV Loader software playlists can be imported from an automation system and translated to run on the actiV Filer. Alternatively, the lists can be built up on the actiV Filer panel. Adding a Shot Box means 100s of clips prepared to play on specific channels are assigned to programmable 'Shot Keys'. In this way, clip access, cuing and replay can continue while recording, editing and preparation proceeds on the actiV Filer panel. Thus a wide range of transmission requirements, from playing whole programmes to live key/fill inserts into game shows, are covered.

Clip catalogue

Up to 10 separate playlists allow cataloguing on-disk clips for playback. This allows unattended playout – useful for News and Transmission.

Time delay and editing

Record, delay, edit and replay live incoming signals for re-transmission.

Digitising / Ingest

Automate the creation and compilation of clips from lines inputs or VTRs to servers.

Upgrades

Operational enhancements are available through the Hi Tech website, allowing convenient software upgrades via a PC. HT445

actiV Filer - Powerful standard features:

• Clip list, playlist and disk catalogue view
• Browse the server database for instant clip access
• Scroll wheel for fast scrolling of clips and cues
• Store/recall 2000 clips or 2000 cue in/out points
• In/out trimming, non-destructive editing and clip scanning
• Multi-channel operation for simultaneous multi-server control
• Intelligent channel selection keys show clip ID, timeline and timecode information
• Numeric keypad for fast and efficient number entry for clip selection and editing
• Plug-in standard PC keyboard for clip naming
• Soft keys for direct access to the most important functions
• VTR-style transport controls
• Programmable jog, shuttle and variable wheel sensitivity to best suit operational preferences
• On-screen monitor display (OSD) shows clip status and confirms actions 8 programmable trigger inputs and outputs (Optional)
• ON-AIR indicator
• On-panel high contrast 5½-inch graphic display.
• Controls all widely-used industry servers and VTRs
• 5 x 1 OSD routing switcher (Optional)

actiV Sports Slo-Mo Controller - Controller for both servers DDRs and VTRs make sports production easier, faster and more comprehensive. Multi-angle shots on air fast Sports - The actiV Sports Controller offers versatile control of video servers for the coverage and packaging of live broadcasting events that require instant replay in slow motion, as well as at full speed. It is optimised for live multi-channel control of video servers. The actiV Sports Controller panel not only looks good but is also packed with the features you need for precise hands-on operation of recording and slow motion replays. The result is smooth motion replay and the crucial frame accuracy that is essential for sports coverage – which makes Hi Tech Sports controllers the choice for broadcast operations around the world.

HT445s actiV Sports features

• Smooth, accurate slow motion with T-bar control

• 'Trick' Keys store/recall more data for instant access to wider control

• Multi-channel control for a wide range of industry servers, VTRs and disk recorders

• VTR-style transport controls for ease of use

• Programmable jog, shuttle and variable wheel sensitivity to best suit operational preferences

• Store and recall 2,000 clips and cue points

• Fast access to cues via keystrokes of VTR controls

• Multi-angle cueing and slow motion replay with ganged record/playback channels

• In/out trimming, non-destructive editing and clip scanning

• Back-to-back replay of clips to create a highlights spot reel

• Soft keys for direct access to the most important functions

• Clip list, playlist and disk catalogue views

• Scroll wheel for fast access to clips and cues

• The on-screen monitor display (OSD) shows clip status and confirms actions

• Numeric keypad for fast and efficient number entry for each clip selection and editing

• On-panel high contrast 5½-inch graphic display extends control and feedback

• Eight programmable trigger inputs and outputs.

STANDARD FEATURES

Intuitive control panel Ergonomically designed control panel with jog/shuttle wheel and T-bar for smooth slow motion replays which are fast, easy and reliable. 'Trick' Keys store/recall more data for instant access to wider control, and the numeric keypad allows fast recall of cues or timecode points. Scalable control 3 or 4 camera record channels and 1 or 2 playback channels (programme and preview/edit). Fast cueing and playback Up to 2000 cues can be created 'on the fly' to create a cue list. Quickly and easily mark, save and recall cues with just a few keystrokes. Live jog mode switches live action to playback – for instant action replay. Gang any of the selected record and playback channels to provide multi-angle cueing and slow motion replay. Search while recording Slow motion replays can be scanned and then cued as soon as the replay start point is defined. Syncro Load Multiple cues can be loaded to the same timecode position as a nominated cue. Once loaded the two synchronised cues can both be replayed at variable speed, allowing operators to compare action – e.g. to see a finish from several different camera angles or again, to provide a fill and key replay. Highlight editing Compile up to ten separate playlists for broadcast when the event is over. Create and edit playlists while the event is still being recorded.

ADVANCED FEATURES

Cue Box Mark points using the optional Cue Box to create meaningful cue or clip names for compiling highlight reels or play lists. Cue Box is a fully customisable keypad: programme any of its 128 keys from the actiV Sports to build a list of field descriptions, eg competitor's name, action (goal or crash), vehicle type etc. Then with a few button presses, the clip list contains cues or clips which fully describe each event. Applications: Sports events in stadiums. Outside broadcasts. Studio sports production. Programmable Options Individual programmability of each serial port: eg record only, play only, and play and record. NB this feature is dependent on server type. Clip Management Clip List displays clip ID, timecode start and duration. Up to 2,000 clips can be accessed and played back instantly using the actiV Sports scroll wheel. Intelligent Camera Channel Control Display Multi-legend electronic keys display clip name and duration – with a countdown as clips are played. A highlighted key clearly indicates the selected video channel. The key changes colour for different functions; e.g. green for play, red for record. Multi-legend buttons (40 characters, 64 colours) hugely extend the practical use of the control panels. E.g. a timeline to show clip duration and position is displayed within the button. Upgrades Operational enhancements are available through the Hi Tech website, allowing convenient software upgrades via a PC.

altuS - Dual Clip Controller The latest controller from Hi Tech Systems features compact control of two server ports with clip management tools to make the most of a server's record and replay capabilities. Operators no longer have to rely on a front panel user interface to select, load and play clips in a live environment – which can be fraught with disaster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HT252 Clip Controller Features

• Odetics and AMP protocols - HT252. VDCP protocol - HT262

• Browse infinite number of clips on the server.

• Store 99 clips in memory plus five on dedicated shot keys

• "Clip Navigator" for clip loading, naming (for recording), jump to beginning/end of clip and +/- 1 frame advance/retard.

• Non destructive clip trimming with mark in and out keys

• 32 character clip names supported (20 displayed)

• Ports groupable for play or record – for key and fill channels

• Keyboard interface for clip naming or shot box

• "Smart Wheel" for jog, shuttle and varispeed

• High brightness display

• Operational and technical set up menus

 

FACILITIES:

Serial connectors: RJ45 - 8 pin sockets.

PS2 - PC. keyboard interface

Power input: 4 pin XLR .

Power: 12 VDC (5 watts).

Operating Temp: 0 - 35 Deg C.

PHYSICAL: Height (max.): 55 mm. Width: 172mm. Depth: 146 mm inc. rear connectors. Weight: 0.56 Kg.

Accessories Supplied: RJ45 to 9-pin D-type adaptors

FACILITIES:

Serial connectors: RJ45 - 8 pin sockets.

Keyboard connector: 6 pin mini DIN.

Power input: 4 pin XLR .

Power: 12 VDC (20 watts)

Operating Temp:0-35 DegC.

PHYSICAL: Height (max.): 95mm. Width: (max): 330mm. Depth: 212 mm inc. rear connectors. Weight: 2.2 Kg.

Accessories Supplied: RJ45 to 9-pin D-type adaptors

actiV Loader

Translation and Backup Integration for actiV Filer Streamlines Transmission automation.

actiV Loader is an integrated Windows based application that accepts and translates industry-standard format play-lists and makes them available for use on the actiV Filer control panels. In addition, it allows both imported and actiV Filer-originated lists to be held in a PC. This is the key to a range of further possibilities including backup, distribution and checking contents outside the usual panel and automation environments.

Translation

The actiV Loader provides a quick and straightforward way of loading the day's play-list from the automation system into the actiV Filer control panel. This removes the need for operators to manually re-create play-lists on the control panel and it ensures 100 percent accuracy. Play-lists from the automation system are accepted in the industry-standard Harris automation protocol. If these include secondary events for features such as character generation, DVE and mixing, they are filtered out to produce a list that can be run by actiV Filers offering cut clip-to-clip transitions. After conversion, the translated file contains the following information:
Translated file name
Clip ID (the actual clip name as stored on the server)
Start of message time code (START)
Duration of clip (DURATION)

Up to 249 clips can be listed in one play-list. Larger lists are accommodated by automatically flowing into another of up to 10 play-lists. The original imported file name is used to create a name for the play-list.

Backup

In addition to handling third-party play lists, the actiV Loader can also transfer clip information to and from actiV Filers and display it on a Windows PC. Using common PC applications the information can be stored and retrieved from an actiV list file (*.alf) for backup purposes. Wider access to play-list information is then available as any PC users, even those without automation software, are then able to view, copy and print play lists.

Programmable Shot Box

Connected to the actiV Filer the Shot Box gives access to 100s of pre-recorded video clips. Clips are prepared to play on specific channels and assigned to keys arranged in 10 banks. The server can be controlled by the actiV Filer and the Shot Box at the same time. Clips can be recorded, (INGEST), edited and prepared on the actiV Filer while being played from the Shot Box

Programmable Cue Box

For sports that demand cues to be stored with meaningful descriptive names to assist the operator, then the Cue Box is essential. Connected to the actiV Filer the Cue Box creates cue points with names that conform to user-defined categories, that are added as part of the cue definition. Each key on the cue box is pre-programmed with a text description and action to create a cue "on the fly" while the clip is being recorded or played back. Cues are reference points into a clip and consist of a name, the start time code point and the end time code point. The server can be controlled by the actiV Filer and the Cue Box at the same time.

GPI interface

Small module that fits inside the actiV console that provides 8 programmable general purpose inputs and outputs.

Keyboard interface

Enables actiV Controller operator to enter text, for example to make up descriptive clip names.

Protocols

Mix VTR and disk protocol - control server and VTR from any actiV controller for VTR ingest, tape backup, automation etc

Profile - native Profile protocol, superior clip handling, directory control, timecode track, sub clips

Sony MAV - native control protocol - only way to control the MAV555

Quantel - native control protocol - only way to control the Quantel range of servers

Playlist scheduling

10 playlists each containing 249 entries - play clips back to back, add breaks, skip clips, edit playlist.

Advanced Disk searching

Allows operator to configure filters to search a large clip databases for only specific clips.

Master to Slave linking

Link 2 controllers of any type to send clip data as a background function from one controller to another. Uses one control port per controller for the link. price inclusive for both controllers.

Schedule recording

Schedule in advance clips to be recorded

Peripheral Bus Control (PBus)

The PBus (or EMEM) interface is a capability offered on many production switchers enabling more extensive and sophisticated control than can be offered by traditional GPIs.