Ross Video’s Carbonite supports 3G and 4K production

Ross Video has announced free software upgrades that not only enable Carbonite to be switched to 3G (1080P 50 or 60 (59.94)), but also open the door to the very latest production format: UHDTV (4K).

“These updates make Carbonite the perfect tool for users who want to adopt the very latest full HD progressive standard and make sure their production system investment is protected for years to come,” said Nigel Spratling, Marketing Product Manager for Ross Video.

“To upgrade to 3G, users simply download the free software. Once in 3G mode, Carbonite’s MiniMEs can be used for UHD (4K) production by turning on MultiScreen mode. That’s truly remarkable processing power—at zero cost—and yet another innovative first from Ross. No other switcher of this size and price point can offer 3G, let alone 4K at 50 and 60Hz.”

No new hardware is required to switch to 3G. Current Carbonite owners simply have to download the free software. In 3G mode, the number of DVEs is reduced to four from eight, and the maximum number of MultiViewer windows is reduced to 10 from 16, for a total of 20 independent sources across two output heads. 3G signals contain twice the data of standard HD and, as a result, some resource reduction occurs. All other resources remain the same, and MiniMEs, MultiScreen and 2.5ME modes all are accessible.

Carbonite’s MultiScreen mode locks all four MiniME controls together, enabling mixes, cuts and keys to be applied to UHD 3G quad link inputs. While MiniMEs have no preview output, all of the basic switching functions and keying to provide perfectly produced UHD output can be easily and quickly delivered. As many as six UHD quad link sources can be input for UHD program output and, if the quad link format is pixel/line interleave, sources can easily be monitored via standard 1080 displays and Carbonite’s MultiViewers. This quad link format also enables simultaneous UHD and 1080P outputs.