Panasonic Expands Multi-Format Switcher Line With New 16-Input AV-HS450

* High-Powered Switcher Features Built-In Dual-Screen

MultiViewer and Wide Range of 3D Effects *

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Here at NAB, Panasonic has announced a powerhouse addition to its popular multi-format switcher line-up, the new AV-HS450 HD/SD live switcher. This expandable, affordable, high-performance switcher offers 16 SD/HD-SDI standard inputs with a unique built-in, dual-screen MultiViewer, multiple keyers, four aux busses, two Picture-in-Pictures (PiP), shot memory, and 3D effects for both background and key inputs. With 16 built-in frame-synchronizers, four built-in up-converters, four SD/HD-SDI outputs and two scalable DVI outputs all as standard, the HS450 offers a powerful modular platform with expandable capabilities for enhanced performance and ease of operation.

The HS450 switcher is designed to provide versatile, economical, 10-Bit 4:2:2 HD or SD live switching for mid-size studio or mobile production systems worldwide. It supports 1080/59.94i,1080/24Psf, 1080/23.98Psf, 720/59.94p HD formats and 480/59.94i in SD, and accepts optional boards for additional up-conversion, down-conversion and scaling of many video formats. The switcher is also equipped with a dual, redundant power supply.

The HS450’s built-in, dual-output MultiViewer allows users to see four, six, or 10 images on each of two high-resolution displays. Up to 16 image can viewed on a single screen, and a total of 20 can be configured for display on two screens. This eliminates the need for multiple HD source, preview, aux, and key monitors, saving significant cost and space, and enabling a more flexible production workflow. The adjustable MultiViewer outputs can also be used to provide multi-image large screen display for entertainment, education, and worship.

For enhanced creativity, the HS450 features high-quality chroma, linear, and luminance keyers that provide clean, broadcast-quality composited images for applications including virtual sets, news, and weather. Other advanced functions include dedicated hardware for two PiPs, two downstream keyers (DSK), 3-D effects for upstream keys, remote pan-tilt camera control with pre-set memories, multiple Aux busses with mix transitions to Aux1, shot memories and more. Users can select a wide range of video transitions, including high-quality 3D digital effects such as page turn and rotation.

The HS450 is equipped with a built-in, switchable 10-bit frame synchronizer for each of its 16 inputs, ensuring reliable, glitch-free switching even with non-synchronous sources such as remote camera feeds. Reference (black burst) signal outputs and Genlock input are provided to enable synchronization with external systems.



The compact, two-rack-sized HS450 can be expanded to support up to 20 inputs and 10 outputs using optional I/O boards. A maximum of 32 crosspoints may be programmed, to enable full access to all inputs and internal sources. The switcher can also control a Panasonic pan/tilt system with up to five cameras via an RS-422A port. Another RS-422A port enables communication with editing systems and other third-party devices. Additional standard features include camera tally outputs, an LCD display and OSD (on-screen display) for viewing switcher settings, GPI input, an Ethernet interface for connection to a PC, an SD card slot for storage of graphics and system set-up information, and six dedicated user-programmable buttons.

At NAB, Panasonic also introduced a full HD DVI dual-input board (model AV-HS04M8), which further expands the versatility of this powerful and cost-effective switcher. The HS450 switcher is likewise compatible with all the existing up-conversion and down-conversion option cards available for Panasonic’s 8-input AV-HS400A multi-format HD/SD live switcher system.


The AV-HS450 switcher and the AV-HS04M8 M8 I/O option card will be available in fall 2009.