Press Releases: Latest News

Kahuna Multiformat SD/HD Production Switcher Now Available in Smaller Form Factor

New Compact Mainframe and Range of Control Panels Brings the Power of the Kahuna Multiformat SD/HD Switcher to Smaller Applications

--

HAMPSHIRE, U.K. - Aug. 29, 2006 - Broadcasters no longer need to choose between size and functionality when it comes to SD/HD production switchers. Snell & Wilcox has eliminated this tradeoff by extending the power of its multi-award-winning Kahuna SD/HD production switcher to small- and medium-sized applications with the introduction of a new compact mainframe and a series of compact control panels. Now users who require a 1-M/E or 2-M/E production switcher can enjoy all the power, functionality, and flexibility of Kahuna - including powerful IMPAKT 3-D DVE capabilities - that make it the switcher of choice for a smooth and controlled transition to HD.

The new additions to the Kahuna switcher family maintain the full power and functionality of the top-of-the-line system. This includes FormatFusion technology, which provides the ability to seamlessly intermix SD and HD sources within the same production. Also included are significant keying power, four 2-D DVEs per M/E, a large number of inputs and outputs, and the ability to integrate easily with a large number of external systems such as routing switchers, VTRs, media servers, and slow-motion machines.

"Until now, the purchasers of compact switchers have been forced to give up something in the way of power and functionality in return for a smaller form factor," said Joe Zaller, vice president of marketing at Snell & Wilcox. "The design philosophy behind this compact Kahuna switcher is totally different. We've taken all the quality and functionality of the world's best production switcher and simply scaled it to a smaller package. The result is a tremendous level of choice and flexibility for our customers."

The new 6-RU Kahuna mainframe supports up to two full M/E banks and four tiles of IMPAKT 3D DVE, and can be used with a broad range of full-sized and compact Kahuna control panels. The system's networking capabilities enable users to assign M/Es and DVE power dynamically to individual panels, and the system can be easily upgraded to accommodate a facility's growth.

Recognized with the 2005 Frost & Sullivan® award for "Worldwide Technology Leadership in Production Switchers," the Snell & Wilcox Kahuna is the first production switcher to offer simultaneous SD and HD operations in the same mainframe with the same control panel. This functionality, enabled by the company's unique FormatFusion technology, makes Kahuna a future-proof solution for broadcasters seeking to make a smooth and controlled transition to HDTV operations.

Every Kahuna is also backed by the incomparable customer care and technical support of Snell & Wilcox.

"We're proud to support all of our Kahuna systems with the utmost care and attention," added Zaller. "The new Kahuna is no exception. Our customer service and technical staff are positioned to ensure that each Kahuna switcher is integrated and installed to best suit the client's operational needs and functional requirements."

More information about the Kahuna and other Snell & Wilcox products is available at www.snellwilcox.com.

Snell & Wilcox designs and builds the world's most advanced systems for video playout, mastering, repurposing, infrastructure, and live production switching. Providing solutions that deliver immediate value while enabling a controlled and cost-effective transition to HD and file-based systems, the company serves a worldwide base of customers in the broadcast, postproduction, cable, satellite, and IPTV markets. In business since 1973, Snell & Wilcox maintains its U.S. headquarters in Burbank, Calif., and European headquarters in Hampshire, U.K. Additional offices are located in New York, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Russia. Visit www.snellwilcox.com for more information.

EMEA Press Contact: Becky Smith, on behalf of Wall Street Communications, Phone: +44 (0) 1622 684 592. E-mail: becky@ella-beck.co.uk.

Americas Press Contact: Susan Warren, Wall Street Communications, Phone: +1 631 261 1013. E-mail: susan@wallstreetcom.tv.

Asia Pacific Press Contact: Dave Netz, Wall Street Communications, Phone: +1 303 329 0359. E-mail: dave@wallstreetcom.tv.

Snell & Wilcox, Putting Pictures to Work, Kahuna, FormatFusion and IMPAKT are all trademarks of the Snell & Wilcox Group. All other trademarks mentioned herein are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.