Production Switchers | Carbonite

Top Reasons to Buy

Carbonite is a series of production switchers that includes 6 models that suit a variety of production needs and budgets. Carbonite enables the creation of sophisticated, professional grade broadcasts in a compact and tough package.

Compact Size
With space conscious control panels and a tiny 2 RU production engine chassis, Carbonite is perfectly sized for even the most space constricted studios, flight cases and OB vans.

Powerful Standard Features
Carbonite offers a broad set of powerful standard features despite its small size.

Budget Sensitive 

The affordable price of Carbonite means that you don't need to compromise on production quality to get the features, size, ruggedness and durability that you demand.

I/O Capacity

  • I/O Capacity
  • 10 outputs
  • Dual 16 input MultiViewer™
  • Preview output
  • Program outputs
  • 8 independent routable outputs
  • 16 or 24 external inputs
  • 6 internal inputs: 4 Ethernet connected media stores for still and ANIMATION play-out with up to 16 channels of audio, 1 black source & 1 wash generator per MLE with separate color generator for Aux outputs

Add to each unit 2 independently selectable black burst or tri-level sync reference outputs and one reference input results in massive capacity from a tiny 2 RU frame!

Multi-Definition
Carbonite is engineered with a future-proof Multi-Definition architecture providing support for all popular SD and HD formats out of the box.

Easy to Use
Operators don't have time to go digging through features menus during a live production. Carbonite features intuitive panel ergonomics and production efficiencies consistent with that of much larger switchers resulting in rapid execution and fewer production errors. No need to memorize arcane menu hierarchies. No time or effort is wasted navigating through the panel to see and get what you want.

  • Convenient rapid operation
  • Single touch wipe patterns
  • Single touch 2D DVE effects
  • Memory recalls with MemoryAI™ recall to preview
  • MediaWipes™ - Animated Transitions
  • Intuitive auto-follow menus
  • Panel glow – all buttons can be viewed in darkened environments
  • DashBoard LiveAssist™ GUI with MediaManager™

Dual 16 Input MultiViewers
Carbonite comes standard with dual 16 input configurable MultiViewers. An integrated multi-viewer can save significantly in monitoring costs by reducing the number of monitors required as well as eliminating the need for a costly outboard multi-viewer system.

  • Dual 16 input broadcast quality multi-viewer
  • External and internal sources assignable to any window
  • PGM and PVW available in large or small windows
  • Red (on air) and green (on preview) tally indication
  • Source mnemonic labels with adjustable transparency
  • Drop shadows behind mnemonic text for enhanced readability

Ross Video XPression CG Integration
To further extend the features and capabilities of a compact switcher Ross Video has made available a Software only XPression system that can Render Stills directly to the Media Store Channels. High Quality 3D HD Graphics can now be created on the fly from a Laptop or PC and sent over the network directly into the Media Store channels. All Productions can have high quality graphics without sacrificing inputs or having to buy a costly external CG.

MemoryAI™
Recall to Preview
A Patent Pending Technology exclusive to the Ross Video Carbonite Production Switcher. MemoryAI allows a user to build their memories how the want the result to look on air. During operation the user just recalls the memory but instead of going to air blind the switcher will analyze for conflicts and create the memories on air elements with the available resources on the preview side. The user can then chose how they want to take it to air via the transition area.

It does not matter which Keyer the memory was stored with as the MemoryAI™ will reorganize the system to create the desired result without the user having to do anything more than press the Cut/Auto Trans button to take it to air.

High Quality Effects
Great looking effects are a real production enhancer! Carbonite switchers support a variety of digital video effect functions. Support for two channels of 2D DVE allows for one or two box Picture in Picture as well as for DVE background transitions. Each Carbonite is also equipped with two versatile wipe generators including support for:

  • Diamond, circle, and diagonal wipes
  • Pattern multiplication and pattern rotation
  • Soft edges and matte filled borders

True Next Transition Operation
Big switcher feel is enabled through features such a true next transition style operation. Carbonite allows effortless full previews and the transition of any combination of layers. All Carbonite models feature a high end fader with "zinger" LEDs and direct transition buttons with variable transition rate capabilities.

UltraChrome™ Advanced Chroma Keying
The patented Ross UltraChrome uses advanced video processing technology to provide exceptional blue spill reduction and clean edges, even with difficult source material. Glass, smoke, translucent materials, and natural shadows are handled superbly. Setup is a breeze with single-touch auto chroma keying and intuitive touch-up controls.

Professional Grade
In addition to its tough construction, a number of professional grade features make Carbonite the choice for quality productions:

  • 10-Bit image processing
  • Input and output black burst or tri-level sync references (internally or externally generated)
  • Frame synchronizers
  • Up/down conversion
  • LTC time code input for LiveEDL
  • 34 input general purpose interface
  • 34 tallies
  • Editor port
  • Equipment room production chassis

Choice of Models and Options
It's a Ross philosophy to offer our customers a powerful package for a competitive price. That's why Carbonite is available in 6 models.

Durable and Tough
Strong all-metal body, high end buttons, the Legendary Ross Fader and professional grade joystick positioner (Carbonite 16 & 24) make Carbonite quite rugged. The shocks and the abusive life of flight case and OB vans usage have been anticipated. Carbonite has been tested to withstand 10 G's of vibration force and passed with flying colors.

Options
Add to the reliability of Carbonite by choosing the redundant power option that provides dual power supplies for both the control panel and the production engine. Also available from Ross is an In-Desk or Rack Mounting Kit designed especially for the Carbonite 1. (Carbonite 1M and 2M does not require a mounting kit). More options...

Frames for a Buck
We recognize that integrating a switcher into your facility may involve conversion. Ross provides a full line of openGear®, RossGear® and GearLite™ terminal equipment. When you purchase RossGear® or openGear® cards with your switcher, we will sell you the rack frame and power supply for $1.

Faders Guaranteed for Life
A malfunctioning fader can really mess up a live production. Carbonite faders are our fourth generation design and we're so proud of them that we've guaranteed them for the life of the switcher.

One-Year Transferable Warranty
Protection for your investment! Carbonite switchers are so tough, we gave them a full comprehensive warranty. The warranties offered by the competition are usually limited warranties. Be sure to take this into account when comparing the competition's pricing by comparing the cost of an extended warranty.

Free Software Downloads from the World Wide Web
There's no need to budget for costly ongoing software maintenance plans because all Carbonite software upgrades are free for the life of the product. We just love showing customers all the great new things their Carbonite can do.

Free Tech Support for Life
One thing that Ross has always done is take care of our customers. In fact, the Ross Video Code of Ethics states: “Rule #1 - We will always act in our customer’s best interest”. If you have a technical question about our products, we’ll answer it. Free.

  • Even if your warranty has expired.
  • Even if we have to put you in contact with the engineer that designed it.
  • Even if you need to talk to David Ross himself (613-228-0688).

Now that’s service!