PESA, a provider of analog and digital video and audio equipment, today introduced the latest version of its TDM3000 line of audio routers, now featuring integrated machine control and timecode options. The new options provide enhanced communications between broadcast devices and give users greater flexibility for improved production workflows.
“In all broadcast facilities, timecode is the link that allows all devices–every tape machine, server, automation system, and editor–to communicate in relation to time,” said Bob McAlpine, senior VP of sales and marketing at PESA. “By accepting and sending out timecode signals, TDM routing switchers simplify the movement of audio from device to device while maintaining critical time-based information. Integrated machine control adds to device responsiveness and the overall accuracy of signal routing throughout a facility or mobile production truck.”
The PESA TDM3000 large-scale audio routing switcher uses a time division multiplex (TDM) module to accommodate a denser switching matrix than conventional cross-point switches. The TDM module allows a substantial 1024 inputs by 1024 outputs to be compressed into a compact space with excellent flexibility in signal management.
The integrated SMPTE timecode input and output modules introduced today accept and generate timecode signals up to 100 times normal timecode rates, such as those used in the fast shuttle of a VTR. The TDM3000’s timecode modules can accept balanced and/or unbalanced inputs and send balanced and/or unbalanced outputs, using a 25-pin “D” connector to interface to external devices.
Each of the TDM3000’s integrated machine control modules features 16 I/O ports, and each I/O channel can be set dynamically as a master controller device or a slave-controlled device. PESA’s 3500PRO software enables operators to configure this functionality simply by selecting a port and deciding if it needs to be an input or an output.
Intended to address the demands of central machine rooms at TV stations and post houses, or the replay area of a mobile production truck, the TDM3000 machine control option facilitates switching between tape machines to enable dubbing, between automation and a tape machine or server for playout, between an edit controller and a tape machine for editing, or between a production switcher and tape machine or server for timeline-sequenced rolls, and more. All of these applications could be uni- or bi-directional depending on the setup of each piece of equipment.
For more information, please go to www.pesa.com.
