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Snell Introduces Enhancements to Kahuna Production Switcher Enabling Streamlined IT-Based Workflows, and Support for 3-D Operations (19/5/2009)

New K-Watch and K-Mirror Software for Kahuna Multiformat SD/HD Production Switcher Bring Efficiencies of IT-Based Workflow to Live Production Operations

Snell, the new company formed through the merger of Pro-Bel and Snell & Wilcox, introduced a variety of enhancement for its acclaimed Kahuna multiformat SD/HD production switcher at the 2009 NAB Show.

Enhanced functionality includes new software applications that address the demand for IT-based workflows across production operations, as well as new capabilities targeted to 3-D acquisition in live production. By making it easy for broadcast and production facilities to transfer, share, and backup project files across an IT backbone, the new K-Watch and K-Mirror software applications bring greater efficiency, flexibility, and security to production switching. The Kahuna's new 3-D stereoscopic functionality simplifies acquisition of high-quality 3-D video.

K-Watch for Kahuna The K-Watch software application facilitates the conversion and uploading of file content and graphics to one or multiple networked Kahuna systems. The software supports creation of files in the IT domain and transparent placement of those files onto the switcher without disrupting its operation. With this capability, broadcasters can easily publish name plates and lower-thirds to a Kahuna system, or share other files among multiple networked switchers. By eliminating the need to upload files manually, K-Watch increases control over files, cuts the time required to deliver media to the switcher, and lowers the risk of error. K-Mirror for Kahuna K-Mirror is a software application that allows users to gain significant workflow efficiencies by backing up valuable work, whether working with a single Kahuna or in a networked multiple-Kahuna environment. K-Mirror facilitates the rapid backup and sharing of Kahuna Projects, each of which is a complete show, series, event, or production consisting of elements including graphics files, animations, effects memories, DVE memories, and engineering configurations.

Project files, representing all pre-production work and related settings and elements, now can be copied onto the facility's IT backbone and shared across Kahuna systems. As a result, the entire Kahuna Project for a particular show can be loaded remotely, from a completely separate studio, without disrupting production personnel. Much faster than conventional backup via USB or media drive, K-Mirror brings a cost-saving combination of speed and security to production switching.

3-D Stereoscopic Functionality?The newly developed 3-D stereoscopic functionality for the Kahuna makes it easier for operators to fine-tune the alignment of cameras, thus enabling faster and more cost-effective calibration of cameras for 3-D acquisition. With these added capabilities, the Kahuna offers advanced processing that, through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, enhances the operator's ability to shoot, monitor, and control 3-D video for live production in sports, entertainment, and other programs.

www.snellgroup.com  

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