Barco has added a new switcher to its Event Master portfolio of screen management systems with an expansion unit. The Event Master Ex processor allows for linking the Ex with the Event Master processors (E2 or S3-4K), not only allows users to grow their input and output capacity but it enables them to expand the scaling and switching power of their entire system. When linked with a fiber optic cable the Ex can be in a different location than the E2 or S3-4K, up to 100 meters away, acting as a true stage box. The new Ex processor is currently shipping.

And, two Event Master Ex processors with up to two input cards and two output cards can be connected to each E2/S3-4K link connection. This enables eight inputs and eight outputs per link connection. For the E2, this means up to 32 additional inputs and outputs and for the S3-4K, this adds up to 16 inputs and outputs — all without adding another full-sized processing chassis. What’s more, the Ex allows signals to or from a stage to be concentrated via the Ex processor and transported over a single, bi-directional fiber to the Host unit. In this way it acts as a unique stage box application that doesn’t leave Event Master users flying blind. The Event Master system has been designed from the beginning to accommodate the Ex processor, allowing inputs and outputs on the Ex to be visible in the Host unit’s multi-viewer.

Event Master features modular I/O cards and software that can be used across the entire product family. So, video professionals can flexibly configure their systems and service their units in the field. This also makes cabling and systems simpler. And, as they not only bring the latest interfaces, but new features as well, the cards make the Event Master range future-proof.

The system can be configured to provide a 4×4 scaling matrix of HD sources, or scaling and converting to/from 4K@60p. Users can link up to two stand-alone processors for an 8×8 HD or 2×2 4K60p scaling matrix.

Here are the technical details.