Pixel Power unveils Clarity2 Broadcast Graphics Systems

Cambridge-based Pixel Power have announced the introduction and immediate availability of Clarity2, its new hardware platform for state of the art broadcast graphics.
James Gilbert, Commercial Director of Pixel Power, states: "The introduction of the Clarity2 platform brings together disparate pieces of presentation equipment - the traditional DVE, character generator, clip and still store and downstream keyer - into one easily automated device, which enables broadcasters to deliver exciting on-air graphics and reduce overhead and capital costs. The versatility and flexibility of the Clarity2 range makes it a sure bet for the long-term investment in graphics systems."
Based on the successful Clarity range, Clarity2 features dual AMD Athlon MP2000+ processors and multiple pixel processors, the system combines multiple elements for rapid delivery of on-air graphics at reduced costs.
With an easy to learn Windows user interface and proprietary video hardware, Pixel Power say Clarity2 is ideally suited to live news, sports, channel branding and production environments.
Clarity2 SD is a dual-channel standard-definition character generator featuring two channels of 2D DVE for live squeezebacks and two streams of uncompressed video and key clip playback. Multiple graphic layers are supported, including full frame cell animations, complex text animations and animated bugs. Each channel can be automated independently and includes an independently controlled downstream keyer. This combination of features makes Clarity2 SD ideal for automated channel branding applications.
Clip storage can be expanded externally using third party RAID disk solutions via the built in Ultra160 SCSI interface. All video and audio processing is entirely independent of the Windows operating system, ensuring frame accurate synchronization. The clip storage is accessible using standard Windows networking interfaces and any Windows codec for clip import and export. Video can also be digitized in real time from the serial digital inputs and the built in RS422 port will control a VTR for timecode accurate capture.
Clarity2 is also available in a high definition configuration supporting one or two channels in all common HiDef formats including 1080p/sf. Each high definition channel includes dual frame buffers with independent transition effects, mask plane and real time text animations as well as a 10-bit downstream keyer.
For flexibility in post-production and broadcast two SD channels and one HD channel can be combined within the 5RU frame.
There is a full upgrade path from Clarity2 SD to the high definition configurations.
Pixel Power, www.pixelpower.com
(SP)