Broadcast Pix updates Video Control Center for Mica and Granite

In addition to improving camera control, the new version supports Panasonic cameras over IP instead of serial cabling, greatly simplifying installation.

Broadcast Pix has begun the distribution of Video Control Center 3.2, a free update that improves its Granite and Mica production systems.

The main improvements have to do with camera control, including miniature screens of each preset position, as well as automatic camera switching tracking and improved macro integration.

The built-in clip server now supports native Avid DNxHD and multi-definition ProRes and H.264 footage, while six-channel graphics storage enables frame capture. Additionally, custom monitor layouts and macros can now be linked to each production and a new option turns any Granite 2000 into a 2 M/E mixer.

Of note, the new camera control allows thumbnails of each of the signals to be displayed on the screen in their predefined positions, in addition to having the help of Fluent-View rich viewer technology.

Visual reference helps the operator quickly select the desired camera position.

With each new camera tracked, presets appear automatically when a preamp is called up in the mixer.

As for the thumbnails, it is possible to create up to a hundred predefined positions in each of the up to 12 cameras Panasonic robotics, as well as 16 preset positions on up to a dozen cameras Sony.

Camera control is tightly integrated with Fluent Macros, a unique macro system that allows switching, archiving, saving, effects and camera movements to be recalled with the push of a button. Additional improvements include camera control with greater manual pan, tilt and zoom control to enable very slow zooms on long-range cameras, as well as supporting Panasonic cameras over IP instead of serial cabling, greatly simplifying installation.

Thanks to Fluent-View and Fluent Macros, operators of different programs can customize their productions to match certain resources, eliminating unnecessary elements, and being able to change the size and position of elements on the screen.

The V3.2 software update is the third since 2012. Previous improvements have added optimization of touch screen controls, integrated software for virtual sets, multi-support screen for 1 M/E, multi-language interface and the possibility of using an automated voice system.