The IT/IP-centric platform is previewed in Amsterdam before the product is launched in 2020. This system is based on an open software architecture “and will bring ground-breaking innovations to many markets in the video industry, starting with a very powerful broadcast video switcher,” says Panasonic.

It is designed as fully resolution and format-independent and based on CPU/GPU processing. “It allows users to allocate processing power with 100% efficiency and achieve performance levels currently impossible with traditional hardware-based products,” says the firm. “It offers uncompressed processing, true uncompressed 4K inputs and full support of baseband and IP signals (such as ST2110 and NDI) at the same time.

The platform is also ready for Remote Production and can be integrated in a full IP-based environment. Along with the support of virtually any kind of signal in a single server, the platform offers 1-frame latency processing.

“This new modular and open architecture platform is a game-changer for many customers involved in high-quality video production and delivery, either live or in the studio, allowing customers to optimise and future-proof their investment whilst maintaining the ultimate in flexibility,” said Andre Meterian, Panasonic EMEA Director. “The Live IP Switching application is just the start for this new platform. Its video processing architecture allows users to build and run any kind of application. In the near future, this new platform will be at the heart of video production, being used as a video processor, scaler, mixer or server. There is simply no limit to what can be achieved with this one platform for many applications.”

A new 12G-SDI compatible compact 4K Live Switcher, the AV-UHS500, will also be on display at IBC 2019. Planned for release in February 2020, the switcher “represents the next step in switching technology from Panasonic” it says.

In addition to providing 4K/3G/HD multi format support, the device allows the same number of HD inputs and outputs to be maintained even when operating in 4K.

Five optional boards have also been developed to increase the number of inputs to as many as 16 SDI or 8 HDMI, for operation at big events with a large number of cameras. The unit is equipped with 5 keyers, including 2ch of chroma-key and 2ch of PinP, to enable a variety of production effects. The switcher is also equipped with an up/down conversion function, HDR/SDR conversion function and ITU-R BT.2020/BT.709 conversion function. These enable the flexibility to select video output as needed in environments where there are a variety of formats being used.