Videoprinter system for DSC video switchers

By Nikolay Azin

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

Universal multi-functional Videoprinter air branding system for TV facilities of any level allows insert into video signal separate text messages as still signs, roll, and crawl. It can be done as overlay both onto “live” video and onto stills created by the system itself. There is a possibility of automated playout of information messages combined into single block containing a sequence of previously prepared pages replacing of which is being escorted by edge effects. Multilingual interface exists. In addition to basic Russian and English languages user can create its own interface based on national language. The feature of software is use of specialized fonts developed for TV applications. One can draw any fonts. Besides, control of DSC545 and DSC645 video switcher is provided.

The system contains DSC643 or DSC545 (645) devices and personal computer with software Videoprinter installed to it. The software functions in Windows 95/98/XP environment. Typing, editing, storing of information and its transfer to DSC643-645 in basic configuration is being performed by thee software without use of any additional devices but Ethernet card via which connection of PC with DSC643-645 is realized.

At present time a number of applications realized for the system.

Real time arrow clock

Sub-program operates in basic configuration of Videoprinter system and doesn’t require any additional connections. Computer’s system clock serves as reference time source. Creating clock the program uses BMP or TGA files containing different clock’s elements: three arrows, clock plate and background. Each of these elements can be developed separately in any appropriate graphics application. Arrows need just exterior view and to be drawn and rotation axis to be specified.

Programs and movies titling

Working with titles and graphic objects in Videoprinter system

Sub-program operates in basic configuration of Videoprinter system. It allows performing input titles from text files into movies or TV programs.

Interactive polls

For interactive system realization beside software, PC and DSC545 (DSC643) the phone lines interconnection device is needed. Sub-program allows processing phone calls incoming via eight phone lines. In this process creating diagram of incoming calls is being created in form of bars getting longer depending on calls quantity for each of phone lines. User can on its own make an external view of interactive screen. Each caller can be sent with voice message. Processing results can be stored in text format.

Scheduled operation

In this mode automated playout of information clips sequence according with play list is provided.

“Live” air Videoprinter system interface

Real time titling

Sub-program operates in basic configuration of Videoprinter system. It allows performing quick inserting separate text messages as still signs, rolls and crawls into video signal with overlay both onto “live” video and onto stills created by the system itself. An operation is being done using ready templates with input windows for text adding.

Scheduled operation with MPEG-2 files

For this function realization it is necessary to install one or two XCARD devices into PC. Playback can be done for both single MPEG-2 files (if only one XCARD is used) and for file sequences combined in any order in the play list (two XCARDs are used). For DSC545 (645, 700) devices playback control can be realized from remote control unit for which XCARD’s output signals are fed to DSC545 (645) input and routing control is being performed by Videoprinter software.

Advertising banner output

Videoprinter systems makes it possible to organize new TV advertising type — popping up banners. Sub-program operates in basic configuration of Videoprinter system overlaying dynamic small size images (dynamic logos) onto passing through DSC545 (645, 643) video signal. For creating images AVI files of any duration are used. It is enough just create small size images set which demonstrate the good, logo, advertising slogan and output them at appropriate moment; ideally with relation to TV story. For example someone in the movie cleans his teeth and at this moment small picture with toothpaste ad can be displayed for several seconds. DSC545 device allows do it right from video switcher pressing appropriate button launching a banner according with story displayed. As a variant it is possible to create a chain of such banners in advance relatively to the whole movie story and output them in automated mode.

Remote control of DSC643, 644, 545, 645, 700 devices

There is a possibility to control each of these devices from PC via RS-232 interface. To illustrate this possibility Remote software application which emulates remote control unit is developed. Moreover both console and PC can be connected to devices simultaneously. In this case with control from PC an indication on console totally dubs actions performed on PC.

Remote software video mixer

The software provides opportunity to create macros allowing automatically process commands sequence. Macros can be created in form of text file using commands set. There is record mode during which each action memorizing occurs. This record can be stored and than reproduced.

Playback of ready-to-use information blocks upon command from DSC545 (645) RC unit

Special buttons on remote control (RC) unit the software associates with information blocks. Therefore for sending a block to air it is enough just press appropriate button on RC unit.

Material provided by Okno-TV Company