SONY'S NEW HYBRID ROUTING SWITCHER OFFERS FLEXIBLE SD AND HD VIDEO PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES

Integrated Routing System Supports Multiple Signals, Provides Upgrade Path and Is Compatible with Legacy Systems—All Within the Same Frame

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 20, 2006 - Sony is announcing an integrated routing system with multi-format, live production flexibility.

This hybrid routing switcher series supports standard- and high-definition video, AES digital audio, and RS-422 control signals—all within the same mid-size matrix for use in television studios, OB vans, and production houses.

The new IXS-6000 line, featuring two router models (IXS-6600 and IXS-6700) is compatible with existing Sony infrastructures, and can be used in conjunction with the company's MVS and DVS series production switchers or as a stand-alone router.

"The router is the core of any broadcast installation, and a truly effective routing system must be able to evolve as an organization's needs change over time," said Paul Greene, product manager for live production systems at Sony Electronics. "The IXS-6000 series is a modular system that not only allows multiple signal formats to co-exist within the same frame, but will also support internal processing capabilities."

The series supports video matrices of 16 x 17 up to 128 x 136. Using the wide bandwidth of an HD signal within the router matrix, the IXS series supports large balanced digital audio matrices of 32 x 34 up to 256 x 272.

The new series' programming system has been enhanced beyond traditional S-Bus systems.

"When the router frame is configured for multiple signal formats, the control system can define each of the different signal matrices as a separate router frame," Greene said. "This eliminates much of the confusion associated with programming hybrid router frames."

The IXS-6000 series supports the S-Bus communications protocol to provide backward compatibility with legacy Sony routing systems. It also offers Ethernet connectivity for a higher level of redundancy within the control system.

If one communications method fails, the other continues to function without any downtime. Additionally, the availability of an Ethernet interface in the larger system enables faster response times and remote operation over longer distances, as well as HTML-based set-up.

The IXS series allows easy maintenance and self-diagnosis. A front-panel LCD screen displays set-up information, such as S-Bus station ID and IP address, and error/warning messages.

The system monitors communications quality, link status, and backup CPU status, and detects cross-point errors.

Designed as a replacement for Sony's HDS-X3600/X3700 series of routers, the IXS-6000 series reduces power consumption by 20 percent over its predecessors (550W for the IXS-6700; 300W for the IXS-6600).

Features specific to the IXS-6700 router include:

Features specific to the IXS-6600 router include:

The IXS series is currently available. Pricing is based on system configuration.

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