Barco Releases Audio Card for its Flagship Video Converter

	Barco ImagePro II series - all-in-one video scaler, scan converter, and switcher.

Barco, an image processing technology manufacturer, has added an audio model to the ImagePRO-II - its flagship video converter - to provide users with a wide variety of options for embedded audio. Next to this ImagePRO-II audio model, Barco is also adding three new multi-format switchers with 3G/BarcoLink SDI outputs to its PDS series. A third new product Barco is introducing is a 16x16 DVI router with HDCP support. The new MatrixPRO-II 16x16 DVI supports resolution up to 2,048 x 1,080 and can be managed by the Encore controllers. Following the FSN3G-1004, Barco is also releasing two new pre-configured multi-format presentation switchers: the FSN3G-1802 and the FSN3G-1804. Barco will showcase its image processing innovations at InfoComm 2013, from June 12-14, in Orlando, Florida.

"We continually strive to expand the functionalities of our flagship ImagePRO-II video switcher - also known as the most advanced video tool box on the market," says George Koumis, product manager at Barco. "With our three ImagePRO-II models we can perfectly meet the demanding requirements of the live event industry. The standard model offers all of the advanced image processing tools one needs, while the dual output model supports stereoscopic 3D and can convert one input signal to two separate outputs at different resolutions independently. Our newest model with audio support, allows for a wide range of capabilities for audio embedding and de-embedding."

With the brand-new audio mezzanine for the ImagePRO-II, users have a wide range of options for embedding and de-embedding audio between the HDMI, DisplayPort, and SDI signals and the analog and digital AES signals available on the DB-25 connector located on the audio board. This DB-25 connector provides I/O interface to four analog and eight AES digital channels. Users can link the input video source with its own embedded audio signal or with the analog or digital AES signal from the DB-25 connector. The de-embedded HDMI, DisplayPort, and SDI input audio signals can also be selected to appear on the discrete analog or digital AES outputs. A custom audio breakout cable provides access to the analog and digital AES signals through four XLR and eight BNC connectors. This audio option will be available both as an upgrade kit and as a separate model.

Next to adding an audio model to its ImagePRO-II series, the ImagePRO-II dual output model's software has been updated to support the conversion of stereoscopic 3D (S3D) sources to alternate S3D signal formats. This model supports single or dual stream stereoscopic S3D inputs and outputs.

The second image processing innovation to be launched at InfoComm is the PDS-3G series. The popular PDS presentation switchers are now available with SDI 3G/BarcoLink output, picture-in-picture (PIP) and Matrix mode. The picture-in-picture and Matrix mode will be available to all PDS switchers via a simple software upgrade.

The third new product is the MatrixPRO-II 16x16 DVI router. This affordable HDCP-compliant video signal matrix router can switch any of the 16 DVI inputs to any or all of the 16 outputs. Any input source - whether it's an HD-DVD player, a Blue-ray player, or a computer with high-resolution graphics - can be routed to a DVI or HDMI output digital display. The MatrixPRO-II 16x16 DVI router accepts inputs with resolutions up to 2,048 x 1,080 (including 1,920 x 1,200). In addition to the 16 outputs, the router includes an additional monitoring output to which any input can be routed.

The FSN-1400 video processing chassis - part of the FSN multi-format switcher - comes with pre-installed system and mixer/effects cards, but additional cards can be added to this chassis to meet the requirements of specific applications. In addition to the FSN3G-1004, two new pre-configured models have been added: the FSN3G-1802 and the FSN3G-1804. The FSN3G-1802 includes eight native and 10 universal inputs, four PIPs, a 16-channel multi-viewer, two universal outputs, and 14 aux outputs or seven aux mixers for side screens or Digital Surface Models (DSM). The FSN3G-1804 includes eight native and 10 universal inputs, four PIPs, a 16-channel multi-viewer, two universal outputs, and six aux outputs or three aux mixers for side screens or DSMs. All FSN models can now be controlled from a GUI running on a Windows PC or Mac, as well as from the FSN-150 control desk.

Barco's latest image processing technology will be on display at InfoComm, Orlando, Florida, from June 12-14, at booth 2543.