Autocue Introduces 'Radical Transformation' With QNxt System

Autocue is introducing a radical transformation to the world of prompting at this year’s IBC with the introduction of network-based architecture.
Autocue is renowned for its ability to introduce technological step-changes in its sector in a timely manner and this is no exception.
The company has taken a radical new approach to deliver this leap forwards in prompting versatility, reliability and usability. The QNxt system uses an IP architecture and comprises QMaster software on a PC, which communicates over an Ethernet link with a QBox unit co-located with the prompter. By providing a level of intelligence at the prompter a number of real world user benefits immediately open up. Prior to this innovation every prompting solution has relied on a single composite video source produced by a central PC leading to an inherent lack of flexibility and potential entire prompter system failure.
Kieran Smith, Autocue CEO, explained: “The QNxt architecture is Autocue’s answer to longstanding customer demand for a versatile, robust and modern approach to prompting. By introducing a level of intelligence at the prompter, Autocue unleashes functionality in the field or studio previously only dreamed of.”
The benefits include: wireless operation, local presenter or remote operator control – over any distance - and individual control of each prompter in a multi-prompter environment. This allows off-air presenters to scroll through the script individually while the on-air presenter continues. By also being light and portable, the QBox provides presenters with much greater flexibility in their interaction with the camera.
Smith continued: “With presenters able to self-operate and the ability to operate remote prompters from a central location, staff costs can be reduced. This, combined with the increased reliability and flexibility provided by the system, means the prompting world is set for real change.”
QNxt comprises QBox and QMaster. QBox is the hardware component - approximately the size of a car radio – that is located at the prompter and contains the script and local prompting applications. It communicates with the central control PC via an Ethernet link, allowing high-speed IP communication wired or wirelessly. This allows the camera and prompter to be untethered. QBox will work with any third-party on-camera unit too. QBox offers a range of connectivity options including IP, USB, IEEE1394, FireWire, Serial and Bluetooth.
A further element of the QNxt product line is QPro, a software-only prompting system. This is a limited-capability product that allows remote operation of a prompter but without the high level functionality of QBox.
This QNxt product line is incorporated within Autocue’s QSeries range. As a consequence, QSeries now includes the entire portfolio of Autocue software applications, ranging from prompting – with QNxt – through production and scripting with QNet, to newsroom products with QNews and QSmart. QSmart is an affordable newsroom system targeted at developing and small market stations, and was launched at NAB this year; IBC 2006 sees its European debut.
For further information visit www.autocue.com.
(SP)