Hi Tech Systems launches Q-Tracker at IBC

Hi Tech Systems, manufacturer of multichannel controllers for VTRs and disk servers used by broadcasters and facilities companies worldwide, is launching an entirely new type of controller at IBC2005.
Q-Tracker is a new way to control multiple video servers, VTRs and DDRs that has appeal for production staff and technical operators alike. It redefines the easy-to-use GUI and exploits the innate power of the established Hi Tech control panels to offer more accuracy, more speed and instant access to all recorded footage. This very clear and direct control is designed to ease any pressures and uncertainties of production and, in creative hands, lead to more ideas for exciting and informative programming.
Using a touchscreen GUI, Q-Tracker complements, or offers an alternative to, buttons-and-timecode panel operation. It presents clips as moving pictures superimposed on the stage; be it a racecourse or a studio, making the events of live programming easy to follow and providing controls for the associated multiple recorders. Details of the event or programme are shown together with the record and play control of footage.
Q-Tracker bypasses any fear factor of technically oriented controls to give very direct and clear access to required footage. Rather than keeping plans in your head you can actually see them and what you are doing plainly and accurately. For instance, in sport, close multi-angle analysis of umpire decisions, referee judgements, finish-line orders and the like are a breeze. Live programme operation is instant and assured.
Q-Tracker is a low-cost add-on for the well-known HT 800 series panels, or it can be used stand alone. With control extendable up to 1km, different production areas can be connected according to needs. The record sources are displayed in windows at the top of the GUI. In single-user mode Q-Tracker can directly connect to, and control, a number of VTRs or DDRs using the Sony 9-pin protocol. Then, touching the appropriate window, stores a cue point; to replay select and touch a cue from the list and it will be cued up. To play, touch the PLAY VTR transport button.
See Hi Tech at IBC 2005 on Stand no, 10.139.
(SP/KMcA)