BUF upgrades Management System for NAB 2002

BUF Technology have made several enhancements to their Spot Server Management System since its introduction at last year's NAB.
New features include VDCP protocol support, multi-channel server control with VTR control, and a clip name and timecode/countdown video inserter option. Spot software updates are free and are uploaded simply by connecting Spot to a PC.
VDCP protocol is now supported within the single-channel Spot system and all standard features including playlists, loops, playlist entry cut and paste, record with auto-clip naming, clip scan, and on-the-fly editing work identically to the Odetics protocol version.
For Odetics protocol servers, Spot now comes in a multi-channel version. The standard Spot panel coupled with a 1RU rack-mounted frame now controls up to eight server channels and two VTRs.
Programme content can be frame-accurately recorded into the server from tape, and playlists can be recorded back to tape using simple menus on the Spot panel. The eight server channels can be split between multiple servers if needed, increasing flexibility and reducing console space.
One button push can load a fill and key clip or multiple clips with manual or auto channel selection. Playlists can be loaded with one-button push and started manually or by GPI contact closure. Frame-accurate synch between channels is assured via video reference loop-through inputs. Separate playlists can be run simultaneously on different channels or channel groups without affecting frame accuracy, making multi-channel Spot ideal for complex entertainment program production and multiple feed origination.
The video inserter option superimposes the currently loaded clip name and timecode numbers into a composite video signal for monitoring purposes. This 1RU option for the multi-channel version of Spot can be set to insert the currently loaded clip name along with the countdown time until end of clip, giving directors and others in a production control room useful information about clip playback.
BUF Technology, www.buftek.com
(GMcG)