Deko CGs from Pinnacle Systems Company

By Eugeny Zaytsev

Review contents:

CGs yesterday, today and tomorrow Software and hardware tools for TV programs graphic branding Graphic tools of DMS module system The use of XDR2-GENSEC in the systems of regional air branding Akula VTM video compositing system. New model range — new features Profitt’s titling and air branding systems, clock and logo generators Overview of the systems based on extended version of Alpha Pro software X-CG character generator — good choice for titles creation TitleBox graphic manager Clock Station Leitch’s equipment for air branding Matrox InfonetTV Deko CGs from Pinnacle Systems Company Pixel Power equipment Stream Labs.’s video cards Videoprinter system for DSC video switchers Videonics titling machines

Modern titling machines are sophisticated multi-functional computer devices necessary practically in every studio. Very often character generators or CGs as they often are being called combine several functions which more extends their field of use.

For today there are two different classes of CGs. First class CGs are based on computer cards (PCI as a rule) which are installed mostly into any modern PC and along with appropriate software allow output graphics and text. Second class CGs are stand alone devices. Sometimes such titling machines can be based on standard computer platform but specialties frame design, fan system and existence of special keyboard and other input devices make it possible to count them as second class devices.

It is possible to make a differentiation into professional and broadcast systems which are different in terms of dedication and field of use. Devices dedicated to production in Post Pro differ from broadcast CGs not only by functions available but also by price. Sure the requirements to broadcast equipment reliability are harder.

Like any other broadcast equipment the titling machine must be not only convenient and functional but also reliable. Nevertheless unfortunately till present day personal computers weakly accord to the “reliability” term and CGs based on cards installed into standard PC with Windows OS and in equal conditions shows less fault tolerance than specialized devices.

By this particular reason I.S.P.A.-Egineering Company tries to use in its projects second class’ devices. There pretty enough such systems on the market but one wants to note the Pinnacle Systems’ equipment of Deko line.

Pinnacle Systems offers solutions based on Microsoft Windows OS. Of course the reliability of Windows is not high but familiar interface simplifies system’ assimilation and gives possibility to struggle with the problems by computer means.

Pinnacle Systems product range for operation with graphics and text is limited to CG Deko line only. All of them use standard PC platform but have different modules with digital and/or analog interface, and HD Deko500 can even work with HD signal.

For today Deko1000 — “youngest” representative of the family (Deko500 model discontinued) — successfully executes main functions of text output and well suites for titles creation within studio environment. Combination of Deko Animation interface and macros system allows creating interactive graphic or text captions for financial and sports news or weather forecasts. As a sources the Excel, Access format files and web pages data can be used. Like all modern CGs Deko family models have wide features in terms of titles compositions and use if Fit-to-Fill technology gives a possibility of automatically placing and applying text in specified window.

Another feature is Sports Ware additional option which lets at good moment immediately output prepared text and graphics onto existing page. This function as follows for the name is dedicated first of all for output comments for sports reports.

Nevertheless, main goal of CG is titles output. In this there are practically no limits in manipulations with text fragments and fonts. Deko systems support True Type, PostScript, and Unicode fonts; they can work with Cyrillic ones. Beside symbols color, style and texture changing it is possible scaling, offset and spinning in any direction, and use of efficient mechanism for anti-aliasing on bent lines allows reaching high quality of the graphics been output. Deko1000 system has a basic set of special effects (wipes, stretches, slides, crawl, roll etc.) which are being executed in real time and can be used with “live” video background. Additionally built-in frame grabber lets capturing image from passing through video and storing it as graphic file.

HD Deko500 also has mostly the same functions but operations with high definition signal define its own limits. For instance StillDeko option will not work.

Further development of the line is Deko2200 and it has extended features and is dedicated to use both for video production and air branding. Use of specialized software modules (Automation, Templates, Macro Language, Post Deko, Database power) along with ease and intuitive interface allows quickly prepare the material and output it to the screen.

In comparison to its predecessor Deko 2200 has a number of important features:

• Motion module for 2D effects creation;
• Output system for context independent titles which don’t require re-rendering upon text or graphic information change;
• Shrink-to-Fit system for automatic titles positioning inside defined area using different templates;
• Control of graphics playback from Thunder & Lightning video servers, as well as of DVEXtreme 3D effects system;
• Animation Playback module for animated logos and textures creation;
• Data import (graphics, text, textures) from files created by Aston and Chyron converters;
• Digital (SDI) and/or analog (composite, Y/C, component YUV & RGB) interfaces;
• Up to three channel (two program channels and one preview channel) within single system.

Use of Still Deko module which is oriented to work with external sources of graphics opens wide possibilities of database creation for quick search of any graphic elements. It also allows solve different tasks:

• Output of graphic pictures through Thunder and Lightning systems;
• Input of data from Thunder and Lightning systems;
• Thunder’s clips link to Deko’s graphics and further playback with a possibility of switching between sources.

One more interesting point of Deko line is Post Deko titles generation software thanks to which there is a possibility prepare the material on any computer in the network and then send it to air or store as a template for further work.

Open Deko’s architecture, no doubts, has its own pluses but working in live air the reliability is a matter.

As a conclusion it has sense to note that final choice should be done strictly after fine analysis of all necessary functions and system’s features.

Material provided by I.S.P.A.-Engineering Company