FOR-A Global - News Release New FOR-A frame rate converter, Virtual studio demo support 'IMAGINATION TO CREATION' theme at IBC2009

News Release

New FOR-A frame rate converter, Virtual studio demo support 'IMAGINATION TO CREATION' theme at IBC2009

August 3, 2009

London, UK, August 3, 2009 - Since 2005, FOR-A has focused on delivering products and technologies in direct response to customer demand. The company will maintain its "Imagination to Creation" theme with a demonstration of new virtual studio technology and the European debut of the FRC-8000 frame rate converter during IBC2009, which runs Sept. 11-15 at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam (Hall 2, Stand A51/B59). "Innovation and imagination are inseparable concepts for this industry," said Peter Jones, General Manager, FOR-A (UK) Ltd. "If our customers imagine it as a possibility, we're dedicated to making it a reality through new and innovative products. The IBC convention provides FOR-A with an excellent opportunity to showcase our latest innovations to the global electronic media marketplace."

First shown in the United States at the 2009 NAB Show, the FRC-8000 multi-format frame rate converter is equipped with a new image processing board for HD and SD format conversion. The powerful, feature-rich unit uses FOR-A's vector motion compensation technology to perform integrated up, down, and cross conversion with the highest possible quality. The FRC-8000's mathematical algorithms perform conversion tasks in two steps, first analyzing the pixels comprising each video frame to predict how they will move on screen, followed by conversion based on the number of lines required at output. Other features include one-touch setup, multi-channel audio conversion, and optional two-channel Dolby E encoding and decoding.

FOR-A will also demonstrate VRCAM, a plug-in for its Brainstorm eStudio 3D realtime graphics software package. With VRCAM, a virtual studio can be created without any modifications to existing cameras, lenses, tripods and other parts of an established camera system. Studio operation is simplified because the VRCAM system requires no location data detection sensors or complex calibrations typically required by a traditional virtual studio, when used with the MBP-12CK chroma key option found on FOR-A's MBP-1244 video card.

With ordinary studio sets, the camera's range of motion necessarily limits the picture that can be produced, but VRCAM moves a virtual camera through the CG, removing picture limitations and enabling dynamic productions that extend beyond the size of the studio. The subject is inserted as a video wall on a CG set and put in place as a CG object, achieving a virtual studio in which the actor's movements are tied into motion on the CG set. It is an elegant solution for news programs and weather forecasts that use fixed camera work, strong visual productions that are difficult to create with traditional camera work, or smaller scale video productions. FOR-A also offers a library of background CG sets.

Established products on display include the HVS-300HS, a compact 1 M/E multi-format switcher that debuted at IBC2008. An ideal choice for broadcasters and production companies that have not fully upgraded to HD, the HVS-300HS features a frame synchronizer and resizing engine on each input, which makes it possible to mix various SD and HD signals. Other features include a built-in 16-split multi-viewer, 2D and 3D DVE transitions. FOR-A will also showcase its HD/SD 3Gbps capable HVS-5000 series of switchers, including the 2 M/E HVS-5300A, 3 M/E HVS-5300, and 4 M/E HVS-5400. All switchers in the series are designed for both live and post production, and all models include a touch panel controller.

FOR-A will also show its cost-effective 3Gbps upgradable UFM-30 Series modular frame system. The UFM-30 Series line has been expanded to include the UFM-30UDC Up/Down/Cross Converter and UFM30DDA Video Distribution Amplifier. The UFM-30UDC features an up/down cross converter equipped with 3G/HD/SD-SDI input/output and an analog composite input and analog composite output for monitoring purposes. It supports 3G levels A and B and up to eight channels of embedded audio input/output and features a built-in frame synchronizer and aspect ratio converter. The UFM-30UDC provides on-screen display (OSD) on preview output.

The UFM-30DDA Video Distribution Amplifier allows for a single input to be distributed up to 11 ways through the use of the UFM-3DDAEX. It supports data rates of SDI 270Mbps, 1.5Gbps and 3Gbps and reclocks and equalizes 3G/HD/SD-SDI signals reducing noise and interference. The UFM-30DDA supports a DVB-ASI bit rate of 270Mbps.

UFM-30FS features automatic changeover switching and can work in traditional frame sync or line sync mode for minimum delay. The UFM-30FSR, available with by-pass relay, will also be shown. UFM-30DCC Digital Color Corrector offers balanced mode and is ideal for RGB signals. It also features a differential mode for color correction without affecting white balance settings, and sepia mode for working with color in monotone - available in single or dual channel. All UFM-30 Series can be controlled by IP network via UFM-30CTL network control module.

FOR-A is a major manufacturer and distributor of video and audio systems to the broadcast, postproduction and professional video markets. For more information about FOR-A's product line, call +44 (0)20-8391 7979 or visit our web site at www.for-a.com <http:/ www.for-a.com/> .