FOR-A UNVEILS SMARTSTUDIO ON-AIR GRAPHICS SYSTEM AT IBC2011
Fort Lee, N.J., September 10, 2011 – FOR-A Company Limited, a leading manufacturer of video and audio systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, is demonstrating its new SmartStudio on-air graphics system during IBC2011 at the RAI Amsterdam (Hall 2, Stand A51) this month. SmartStudio provides real-time character generation, clip recording, and picture-in-picture capability – all within one unit. It’s ideally suited for use in live event production, studio production, and webcasting.
The affordable, all-in-one system is powered by FOR-A’s developed MBP-1244 Video Platform, which delivers 4:4:4:4 RGB signal processing and an improved PC-based, real-time graphics solution. The video I/O board supports one HD-SDI (1080i) or SD camera and three additional video sources.
An optional MBP-12CK chroma key board adds a high-quality chroma key with a simple user interface and turns SmartStudio into a virtual studio system, complete with edge color replacement, filtering, and other functions to reduce noise. There are also four outputs, including a streaming output for easy Internet distribution. It can be operated with any FOR-A switcher.
“With SmartStudio, operators can switch, play clips, add graphics, and even use it as a virtual studio system with the optional chroma key. It’s an ideal solution for small studios, schools, and webcasters,” explained Hiro Tanoue, General Manager, Americas/Europe Group, Overseas Sales and Marketing Division, FOR-A Company Limited.
SmartStudio’s template-based CG, built around the Brainstorm interface, can key graphics over background video internally or output key and fill signals for an external mix. 3D templates can be created with Brainstorm eStudio, while 2D templates can be created using Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft PowerPoint. In addition, a built-in map data converter allows still or animated maps to be used as templates, which can be enhanced with text or objects. The built-in clip player enables playback of multiple files in full HD, and playlists can be created easily and stored for future use.
In addition to being a stand-alone production system, SmartStudio includes a software plug-in that allows it to be used as a CG wipe and picture-in-picture wipe generator. The software also enables switchers to be controlled from SmartStudio templates. FOR-A MXF clip servers and baseband converters can be controlled via SmartStudio templates as well, with their outputs used as picture-in-picture inputs on SmartStudio.
About FOR-A Company Limited
FOR-A Company Limited is a major manufacturer and distributor of video and audio systems to the broadcast, postproduction and professional video markets. For more information about FOR-A’s product line, call 201-944-1120 or visit our web site at
