Digital Production Switchers - Aspectizers

Simultaneous 4:3 & 16:9 Production

Synergy Production Switchers from Ross represent a new type of digital production switcher, one designed specifically for Live Dual Aspect Ratio DTV Production.

The cut over to DTV will require broadcasters to deliver a new 16:9 format DTV signal while continuing to deliver the current 4:3 NTSC signal for years to come. The live productions for these two transmitters must deal with a changing mix of 4:3 and 16:9 sources.

The key to being able to handle simultaneous dual aspect ratio production is to be able to aspect ratio convert on the fly-inside the production switcher. Synergy features program quality internal aspect ratio converters called "Aspectizers". Internal Aspectizers™ make it possible to convert 4:3 to 16:9 or 16:9 to 4:3 on any input. To further enhance the conversion process, Aspectizers feature smooth pan and scan, squeeze effects, color background generators, and more. The look of the format conversion is easily controlled by the switcher operator either manually or by using quick presets. This makes it simple to handle sources that can quickly change aspect ratios such as those fed through VTRs, routing switchers, or remote feeds. When an Aspectizer is installed, both the original and the aspect ratio converted images are available within the switcher simultaneously, effectively doubling the number of switcher inputs. Both formats are available just like other inputs on the switcher and can be separately assigned to a button, accessed through a shift function, or can be chosen automatically depending upon the current production format of an MLE. Synergy Aspectizers can also be placed on the switcher outputs. This provides several options as to how a simultaneous dual aspect ratio production can be achieved.

4:3 Outputs

16:9 Outputs