Low cost HD switching from Megahertz Broadcast Systems

The advent of High Definition broadcasting has led Megahertz Broadcast Systems to devise a low cost Emergency Changeover Unit that is capable of handling HD digital video.
The low-cost unit, called The HD Switch, is based on a simple frame design with each frame able to take three modules. It is specifically aimed at broadcasters who want to switch a signal between two different outputs but do not want the expense of a complex router.
Steve Burgess, Megahertz technical director, said: "We realised there was demand for this product when we were building a large HD ready broadcast vehicle for Middle East broadcaster KTV. While there were plenty of products on the market that supported SD video, there was very little that would allow us to switch an HD signal in such a simple and easy way."
The modules can include audio cards, control cards and/or video cards for either SD or HD. The unit is self powered and incorporates a remote control interface for ease of use.
"This unit is very straightforward because it has been designed to fulfil a specific need," Burgess adds. "We believe that, with HD becoming increasingly important, there is a definite need for a simple low cost unit that can handle both SD and HD digital video."
(GB)