Kortrijk, Belgium, 6 February 2017 – Barco is proudly enhancing its successful Event Master portfolio of screen management systems with an expansion unit. The Event Master Ex processor adds unseen possibilities to extend the Event Master systems. Linking the Ex with the Event Master processors (E2 or S3-4K), not only allows users to grow their input and output capacity, more importantly, 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.

“Our popular Event MasterTM processors excel in versatility and flexibility as they can be tuned to any show size or configuration,” comments Chris Colpaert, VP Image Processing at Barco. “With the introduction of the Ex, we offer video professionals a broader choice of configuration options. They can choose from our pre-populated boxes, such as the E2 and S3-4K, custom build-to-order systems, or link additional boxes, like the Ex, when their needs grow.”

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 8 inputs and 8 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 multiviewer.

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. Colpaert expands on this: “The modular design of the Event Master products allows customers to gradually expand with new software, I/O cards or boxes to support bigger, more complex shows. Each additional Ex adds I/O capacity, allowing users to build their system over time and invest in processing as the need arises.”

Professional UHD image processing

“With the new Ex system the mad scientists from Sacramento prove again that they are truly listening to the needs in the market,” says Francesco Elsing, Global Director Video Services at Satis&fy. “In combination with the Gen 2 input cards, the Event Master series is now the one and only solution for professional 4K UHD image processing – no matter in what scale.”

As a stand-alone processor, the Event Master Ex is an affordable scaler with the same processing power as four ImagePROs. 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.

Bringing 4K 60p performance to all shows

4K resolution is becoming mainstream in the AV world. By delivering four times as much resolution as 1080p Full HD – with greater texture and sharper details – 4K is revolutionizing display technology and transforming image quality as we know it. As 4K matures, video professionals are demanding full 4K60p 4:4:4 performance. Barco’s groundbreaking Event Master screen management systems and event controllers meet – and exceed – these rapidly growing expectations. Excelling in image quality, full color reproduction, high I/O density, expandability, durability, and extremely low latency, this product portfolio constitutes the most comprehensive and flexible 4K 60p screen management solutions available today.

Come and see the Event Master portfolio at ISE

Discover the brand-new Ex and the other Event Master family members at the ISE trade show, RAI Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 7 – 10 February. You will find Barco at booth 12-F100.