Sony AWS-G500 Anycast Station

Powerful content creation tool for live event programming. Comprises a high-quality video switcher, an audio mixer, a large LCD display, and a streaming encoder and server. The AWS-G500 provides a comprehensive set of AV and IT inputs, which include analog composite, S-video, SDI (optional), DV input, and balanced audio as well as computer RGB inputs. The unique processing of the Anycast Station system allows live switching between these video and computer sources without the use of external line converters or degradation in picture quality. The unit is delivered in a standard configuration which includes one (1) BKAW-570 SD Video Interface module and one (1) BKAW-550 PC RGB Video Interface module. These modules, as wella s the BKAW-580 Serial Digital Interface module, are also available separately as optional accessories, allowing the user to reconfigue the unit to suit their particular application.

Powerful live event content creation tool.
Combines decades of Sony AV expertise with industry leading cutting edge IT technology.
Comprised of a high-quality video switcher, an audio mixer, a large LCD display, and a streaming encoder and server - all packed into an attache case size chassis weighing only about 15 lb.
The video switcher provides 4:2:2 8-bit processing, 6 primary inputs plus one still picture source, 1 ME with 1 keyer (selectable between Linear Key/Luminance Key/Chrominance Key) and 1 DSK with 1 fixed station logo).
The audio mixer provides 48 kHz/24-bit processing, 6 stereo channel input mixing, 6 channel faders and 1 master fader.
Uses high-resolution (1280 x 1024 pixel) internal processing for seamless switching between video and PC sources.
Offers versatile input/output choices (Input: Composite, S-Video, DV, and RGB/ Output: Composite, S-Video, RGB).
Incorporates VISCA control functions for compatible Sony Pan/TIlt/Zoom cameras.
Has a large LCD screen for PGM and PVW monitoring, plus 7 windows for input source and one internal still picture source monitoring.
Offers built-in streaming encoder and streaming server function (optional feature).
Easy operation with one integrated control panel and the multi-window LCD.

All-in-one design : The Anycast Station comes equipped with a video switcher, audio mixer, an LCD display, and camera control functions, all packed into a compact attaché case design. This approach eliminates any external wiring and cumbersome signal adjustments, making setup extremely easy and quick. On the large LCD screen, there are two windows for monitoring the program and preview outputs, together with seven windows to view each individual input source plus one internal still picture source, eliminating the need for many picture monitors. These factors make the Anycast Station a powerful device for producing live events, virtually anywhere and with a minimum production crew.

Easy and integrated operation : The Anycast Station makes live event programming as simple as possible. This is because the Anycast Station requires very little or no technical knowledge of switcher and mixer setup and operations due to its extremely straightforward and intuitive control surface. the Anycast Station combines creative power and ease of operation in one integrated production system.

Seamless switching between video and PC sources : The Anycast Station allows live switching between a variety of signal sources - from standard definition video (Analog composite, S-Video, DV, and optional SDI) to PC images with various resolutions. Two important features make this possible - the sophisticated built-in line converters and the high-resolution internal processing. Additionally, the program can be output from a variety of interfaces including the standard analog composite, S-Video, DV, and optionally SDI using the BKAW-580 for video, and D-Sub 15-pin outputs for projectors and large screen displays.

Flexible video input configurations :The Anycast Station offers the following video and PC inputs. These are provided as interface modules installed in the slots of its rear panel:

Primary inputs 1 to 4: Analog composite, S-Video, DV
Primary inputs 5 to 6: RGB (VGA, XGA, SXGA)

Should a different input configuration be required, the interface modules are also provided as optional accessories, allowing users to configure the system exactly as required. What's more, the Anycast Station allows each input on these modules to be assigned to any one of the primary inputs via simple menu settings.

Multi-camera ISO recording for use as a nonlinear editing source: During a live event, each signal source supplied to the Anycast Station's primary inputs can be recorded to external hard disk drive. The Anycast Station allows synchronized recording of two primary input sources (per video interface board) to a third-party IEEE1394-interface-equipped hard disk drive connected to its rear panel. This means that with only two hard disk drives, 4 primary inputs can be recorded. After the event, connecting these hard disk drives to an IEEE1394-equipped compatible nonlinear editor allows editing to start very quickly, with the benefits of using hard drive storage to feed the source material.

Streaming Encoder and Streaming Server : The Anycast Station provides a built-in Streaming Encoder and a Streaming Server. The Streaming Encoder function allows the high-quality program output of the Anycast Station to be streamed in real-time - with minimum degradation and through very simple procedures - for distribution over the Internet, LANs, or private lines. When the number of clients is relatively small, the built-in Streaming Server function allows the streamed video to be distributed right from the Anycast Station without the need of an external streaming server connection.