The Briefing Room

NEW FEATURES TO DEBUT AT IBC 09 IN HALL 11, STAND G30 WITH ROBOTIC PEDESTAL, PAN/TILT HEADS AND ESTABLISHED MANUAL CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Staines, UK (8 July 2009) – Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a well-established leader in both manual and robotic camera support, will present its recently released control system with new features that include offers customizable layouts and HD/SDI wide screen options. The TR-T/HD Touch Control Screen system will be highlighted at IBC 2009 in Hall 11 Stand G30 alongside the new generation TR-S High Capacity Flexible Control Panel. Both systems can control up to 16 cameras to deliver operational and cost benefits and making them ideal for legislative, parliamentary or TV studio applications.

NEW! TR-T/HD – HD/SDI Compatible Touch Control System
The TR-T system is the latest generation of touch control panel capable of controlling both Shotoku and third party robotic cameras systems. A single operator position can control up to 16 cameras resulting in operational improvements and significant cost benefits.

The TR-T system is now also available in optional HD/SDI configuration for compatibility and ease of integration with the latest generation studio systems. The new configuration includes an HD/SD video capture providing not only thumbnail shot images, but live video capture for the unique “selected camera� TR-T mode. The TR-T/HD control panel seamlessly integrates with most third party HD/SDI video routers for capture card and preview monitor routing. To further enhance the system the TR-T/HD is supplied with a high-resolution widescreen VGA display using the latest Acoustic Pulse touch screen technology. This provides exceptional accuracy and durability over many years of intensive use without ever requiring recalibration. Further enhancements to the system include a completely configurable screen layout supporting 16 cameras displayed in any order and configuration to suit the particular requirements of the programme.

The TR-T/HD is compatible with all Shotoku heads as well as third party systems as part of the Phoenix control solution. Phoenix allows existing robotics users to choose their own upgrade pace by replacing obsolete control system hardware and software with up-to-date technology while leaving the core electro-mechanical subsystems.

Like the well established TR-T the TR-T/HD panel style uses multicoloured illuminated keys to communicate system status and control settings, with the same high precision joystick for ultra-smooth on-air control which has become the trademark of a Shotoku system.

TR-S High Capacity Flexible Control Panel
The flexible Type-S is a high capacity remote control panel that expands to support up to 16 camera channels making it ideal for even the largest parliament, legislature, or TV studio systems. It uses the same advanced features and intuitive interface as the Company’s standard TR-8S but includes state-of-the-art panel keys, clear, bright LED illumination displays, and a high contrast LCD that indicates the current status of all cameras in the system. New setup facilities enable key features and performance characteristics to be modified from the control panel itself. The Type-S panel integrates with all Shotoku remote pan and tilt heads.

TRP-100 Fully Robotic Studio Pedestal
Shotoku’s compact and powerful TRP-100 fully robotic studio pedestal is ideal for all studio applications including news, sports, and current affairs. The TRP-100 supports any payload up to 220 lbs. (100Kgs) while gliding through 2.5 feet (750mm) of elevation at up to 1 foot (300mm) per second. Its advanced navigation and full manual override exemplify its ability to extend the boundaries of traditional robotic camera control. The user friendly TRP-100 incorporates Shotoku’s unique design for fast, smooth movements while maintaining accuracy and repeatability and also supports advanced virtual studio tracking applications. Controlled by the innovative Shotoku TR-T Control System, the TRP-100 pedestal allows full X,Y, and height camera movement in conjunction with conventional pan and tilt motion. The sophisticated navigation system is easily calibrated within seconds using a simple target-tile placed anywhere on the studio floor.

The pedestal’s pneumatically balanced, three-stage height mechanism is based upon the same high-performance sub-system used on the Company’s popular and award-winning manual pedestals such as the TP-80 and TP-90.

Dual level safety systems prevent collisions and compliment the more conventional bumper system that halts the pedestal when an obstruction is reached. A clear LCD touch panel display provides local information and status for easy diagnostics and configuration.

Shotoku will also demonstrate its full range of robotic, manual and VR sensor Pan/Tilt heads.

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and remote controlled pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides camera control systems capable of interfacing with third party remote camera equipment. Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan and operates offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. For further information: www.shotoku.tv

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