New KAIROS mainframe, enhanced compact live switcher and software functionality to improve the efficiency and quality of video production
Bracknell, UK. 8th April 2024 – Panasonic Connect Europe today announced a series of new products and enhancements designed to improve the efficiency and quality of video production. The latest KAIROS mainframe, compact live switcher and enhanced software functionality will be on show at Panasonic Booth C3310 at the 2024 National Associations of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas from April 14 to 17.
New KAIROS mainframe and functionality
Panasonic is introducing the new mainframe KAIROS Core 200 AT-KC200L1 and the latest software update (version 1.7), including smart routing functionality. The AT-KC200L1, which supports SDI I/O as standard, and the new smart routing functionality[1], provide improved video quality and productivity when using KAIROS for broadcasting, events, sports and in the corporate and education markets.
The AT-KC200L1 mainframe is equipped with similar functionality as the second-generation KAIROS Core 200 (AT-KC200) announced in June 2023. It supports 24 inputs / 12 outputs (FHD) as standard[2] but offers more flexible video production to customers using SDI-based video production systems. In addition, up to 32 inputs/16 outputs (FHD) can be supported by installing the optional product AT-KC20M1 SDI I/O Board, released in February 2024.
The 1.7 version software update is compatible with all KAIROS Mainframes (AT-KC2000/2000S1, AT-KC200/200L1 and AT-KC1000/KC100) and enables a new function called Smart Routing. It automatically imports video from the network switch[3] into KAIROS to enable the virtual handling of a larger number of input sources. As a result, video bandwidth limitations are removed when using a large number of inputs on KAIROS for video production.
Live switcher enhancements
Panasonic has also announced the May 2024 release of exciting enhancements to its AV-HSW10 compact live switcher to improve the efficiency and quality of video production for webinars and other live events. The new AV-HSW10 will combine the stability of Panasonic’s broadcast and professional hardware switchers with the scalability of a software solution. Updates include firmware version 2.00 for streamlined setup and the free AV-SF10 software control panel for efficient one-person operation and remote operation.
The updates will further enhance seamless video-production environments connected to Panasonic PTZ cameras, including support for various IP transmission standards designed for today’s video-production needs. Also, integration with RP Link and tally control via IP connections will facilitate high-quality online communication.
Following the high-end AV-UHS500, the updated AV-HSW10 will also generate a moving colour-bar to expedite setup time at live events, especially those with LED walls and large displays. Colour bars available in moving and still picture mode will enable checks for missing dots in LEDs and displays and video output for IP connections, eliminating the need for an external test signal generator.
The new software control panel will allow switcher functions to be conveniently controlled from a PC or tablet (Windows 10/11 or MacOS Monterey/ Ventura/Sonoma). Detailed settings and confirmation of input/output sources, conventionally performed with buttons and knobs, can be easily executed with a PC keyboard or touch screen. Functions exclusive to a software control panel, such as sequencing of shot memory, direct write/replace of still memory will be possible for more efficient pre-shoot preparation and on-shoot review. The GUI will integrate the control screen, live video monitoring and multiviewer, similar to Panasonic’s popular large switchers, for easy switching between multiple video inputs/outputs. The intuitive GUI can be easily used by a single person, including operators with minimal experience.
New PTZ Camera and Teams certification
In addition, the NAB Show will be the first chance to see the latest AW-UE30 PTZ camera in operation. The UE30 is small, quiet, affordable and ideal for education and business meetings as it features built-in auto tracking The AW-UE4 PTZ camera will also be available for demonstration following its recent certification for use with Microsoft Teams.