Quantel extends server range with the launch of Picturebox sQ

Quantel has unveiled Picturebox sQ – a brand new addition to the world-leading sQ server range that provides an integrated approach to the creation, playout and management of graphics.
According to Quantel, Picturebox sQ is the perfect partner for Paintbox. In keeping with the modern approach to graphics, Picturebox sQ plays out moving sequences in the form of clips as well as stills. Picturebox sQ is also HD upgradeable, making it a totally futureproof investment for broadcasters looking to solve all of their long-term graphics playout and management needs.
The management facilities of Picturebox sQ bring a new dimension to the editorial control of graphics creation and playout. On the same network as both Paintbox and Picturebox sQ, there can be a number of independent viewing and editing stations. In this way creative, content and legal approvals can all be achieved ‘on-line’, playlists can be updated and new graphics added while the system is literally on-air.
To the on-air operator the QPlay panel will feel instantly and reassuringly familiar, based as it is on the much loved, highly ergonomic control panel from the original Quantel Picturebox that found so much favour with thousands of broadcasters worldwide. However the new software behind the new panel provides even more flexibility for the input, output and rundown processes.
The addition of an optional slo-mo lever also makes Picturebox sQ a natural fit for live events, as does its compact size. In addition, the speed and positive simplicity of the picture management provides the confidence so essential in live applications.
The brain of the system is an IGA (Integrated Graphics Architecture) computer that manages the database. The new IGA marries seamlessly with the ISA (Integrated Server Architecture) computer in sQ server systems, ensuring total transparency of data between the graphics server and the broadcaster’s main production system. Quantel’s unique Frame Magic technology ensures optimum performance and storage utilisation.
“We have drawn on all our many years’ experience in the field of close-to-air graphics creation and playout to ensure that the reliability, performance and facilities of the new Picturebox sQ are ideally matched to the needs of today’s broadcasters’ workflow and efficiency requirements,” says Quantel Marketing Manager - Graphics, John Woodhouse. “As a result, Picturebox sQ feels instinctively absolutely right for the modern broadcast environment.”
(SP)