Quantel Debuts LiveTouch System

Quantel has debuted its LiveTouch sports highlighting system. First demonstrated at NAB, the system was demonstrated with the latest software, which adds soft cut transitions, inter-server streaming and alternative output modes.

LiveTouch is a new range of studio sports highlighting systems that feature an ergonomic live control panel and bi-directional editor integration. It scales from a compact and cost-effective single server and panel, to an enterprise-wide, cross-studio solution, extending Quantel's fast-turnaround workflow into sports replay – eliminating complexity, media duplication and workflow bottlenecks. New features include:

Soft cut transitions
Playlists can be played out from the LiveTouch panel with user-configurable transitions between events, giving more creative on-air choices.

Program and Preview modes
LiveTouch outputs can be configured for alternative workflows where two independent outputs are required.

Inter-server streaming allows multiple LiveTouch servers to be used as one large, virtual server, giving operators instant access to any clip irrespective of where it is being recorded. This simplifies operations and saves costs as just one operator can be selecting highlights from feeds into multiple servers; for example, when a live TV program is covering multiple games simultaneously.

There are three models in the LiveTouch product range:

LiveTouch Highlights
LiveTouch Highlights is the entry level, standalone system, comprising a single LiveTouch server and one or two LiveTouch control panels and integrated editing. It offers a low entry cost and can be deployed in any studio environment.

LiveTouch Production
LiveTouch Production is a complete highlighting system for sophisticated studio applications. It is powerful enough to support multiple studios and demanding productions, yet is simple to configure and use. LiveTouch Production includes integrated editing as standard, allowing fast editing of highlights and playout of finished pieces.

LiveTouch Enterprise
LiveTouch Enterprise adds sports highlighting to Quantel Enterprise sQ fast turnaround production systems. The result is a unified system covering every aspect of sports highlighting and program production that delivers a workflow that eliminates much of the media duplication that often exists today.

"We have trialed LiveTouch with a number of major sports broadcasters around the world since we first showed it in prototype form last fall," said Neil Maycock, Quantel and Snell VP, Marketing. "It has been overwhelmingly welcomed, and we have also been able to incorporate their feedback into the ongoing development of the system – hence the new features on show at NAB. The first installations will be happening over the next few weeks, and development will continue apace to ensure that LiveTouch keeps growing well beyond the capabilities of other highlights systems."

www.quantel.com

www.snellgroup.com

(JP)