IBC 2004 PREVIEW - FOR-A SHOWCASES NEW RANGE OF HD/SD TECHNOLOGY AT IBC

FOR-A showcases new range of HD/SD technology at IBC Features live demos of FOR-A's virtual studio technology

Jul 19th, 2004

July 19, 2004 - FOR-A, a leading manufacturer of digital SD and HD systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, is showing for the first time in Europe its newest HD/SD digital video switcher at IBC 2004. The newest member of the popular Hanabi series, the Hanabi HVS-1000HS is a cost-effective, multi bit-rate, multi-format switcher.

In addition, FOR-A will be demonstrating its latest virtual studio technology, digiWarp-EXII, as well as its wide range of time-base correctors, HD/SD switchable image stabilizers and color correctors and a high-resolution camera.

FOR-A will be showing the following product line up:

Digital video switchers

Hanabi HVS-1000HS - the HVS-1000HS is a digital video switcher, which enables broadcasters to easily transfer between SD and HD in real-time. Part of the Hanabi family, the HVS-10000HS provides performance, quality and practicality in a compact, easy-to-use and low-cost package. It features up to 16 video inputs, up to two DVE layers, chromakeying, compositing and editing functionality - all in a compact 2U mainframe.

Hanabi SD switcher - an on-air digital video switcher designed for live production use in either studio or OB environments. It includes six keyers, two mix/effects layers and four floating DVEs.

Virtual studio systems

digiWarp-EXII - visitors to the FOR-A stand will see a live demonstration of the company's virtual studio software. Using digi-Warp-EXII, artists can create complex scenery made up of four object layers with a live blue screen image. This expands the limits for depth of field production in 3D space beyond what was originally possible with a single background layer. Each background layer can be swapped instantly during broadcast to increase the creative possibilities for producers and directors in a live environment.

digiStorm - visitors will also witness the latest joint developments between FOR-A and Brainstorm Multimedia in the world of virtual 3D software.This includes the latest version of eStudio, a virtual studio broadcast graphics program, as well as new plug-ins for its virtual studio and 3D presentation graphics software.

Frame synchronizers, color correctors and multi-viewers

In addition, FOR-A will showcase its well-established range of time-base corrector and frame synchronizers, including the FA-145 and FA-395A, IVS series image stabilizers, DCC color correctors and the industry-leading MV-40F and MV-162 multi-viewers.

Finally, FOR-A will be showing its specialist range of cameras - the high frame-rate VFC-2000 and the high-resolution IHC-600 cameras, which demonstrate the state-of-the-art technology behind the whole FOR-A product range.

About FOR-A Established in Japan in 1971, and with over 400 people at offices worldwide, FOR-A is a leading manufacturer and distributor of audio and video systems to the broadcast, post-production and professional video markets. Its product line-up includes high quality digital video switchers, color correctors, image stabilizers, high-resolution cameras and virtual studio software. Customers include some of the world's leading broadcasters and post-production groups. For more information please visit www.for-a.com