Stand no 7.229, IBC, Amsterdam
Autocue, leading provider of newsroom automation and prompting solutions, is introducing a transformation to the world of prompting at this years IBC with the introduction of network-based architecture.
The company has taken a radical new approach to deliver this leap forwards in prompting versatility, reliability and usability. The QNxt system uses an IP architecture and comprises QMaster software on a PC, which communicates over an Ethernet link with a QBox unit co-located with the prompter. By providing a level of intelligence at the prompter a number of real world user benefits immediately open up. Prior to this innovation every prompting solution has relied on a single composite video source produced by a central PC leading to an inherent lack of flexibility and potential entire prompter system failure.
Kieran Smith, Autocue CEO, explains, The QNxt architecture is Autocues answer to longstanding customer demand for a versatile, robust and modern approach to prompting. By introducing a level of intelligence at the prompter, Autocue unleashes functionality in the field or studio previously only dreamed of. The benefits include: wireless operation, local presenter or remote operator control over any distance – and individual control of each prompter in a multi-prompter environment. This allows off-air presenters to scroll through the script individually while the on-air presenter continues. By also being light and portable, the QBox provides presenters with much greater flexibility in their interaction with the camera. Smith continues, With presenters able to self-operate and the ability to operate remote prompters from a central location, staff costs can be reduced. This, combined with the increased reliability and flexibility provided by the system, means the prompting world is set for real change.
QNxt comprises QBox and QMaster. QBox is the hardware component – approximately the size of a car radio that is located at the prompter and contains the script and local prompting applications. It communicates with the central control PC via an Ethernet link, allowing high-speed IP communication wired or wirelessly. This allows the camera and prompter to be untethered. QBox will work with any third-party on-camera unit too. QBox offers a range of connectivity options including IP, USB, IEEE1394, FireWire, Serial and Bluetooth.
A further element of the QNxt product line is QPro, a software-only prompting system. This is a limited-capability product that allows remote operation of a prompter but without the high level functionality of QBox.
This QNxt product line is incorporated within Autocues QSeries range. As a consequence, QSeries now includes the entire portfolio of Autocue software applications, ranging from prompting with QNxt through production and scripting with QNet, to newsroom products with QNews and QSmart. QSmart is an affordable newsroom system targeted at developing and small market stations, and was launched at NAB this year; IBC 2006 sees its European debut.
Imagine an outside broadcast scenario where the script is sent to a presenters mobile phone, they load the script via Bluetooth onto the QBox and then make final edits using the QBox script editing application, explains Smith, continuing, The cameraperson is using a shoulder-mounted ENG camera or DVCam with an 8 lightweight prompter and has the QBox attached to their belt, all running off their battery belt. The cameraperson is thus entirely unhindered and is free to get the best dynamic camera shot, while the presenter scrolls the script using the wireless hand control. This is just one of many exciting examples of the benefits of the QNxt technology in action.
Autocue has appointed Frank Hyman to the position of Sales and Marketing Director.