Blend
Blend is Orad’s file based channel in a box solution that provides HD/SD video playout coupled with 3D real time graphics. Blend is a high quality cost effective solution that is set to address today’s workflow challenges.
Blend is a single box based solution in which 2 channels co exists. The first channel is dedicated to video clips playback while the second is dedicated to graphics playout. Both channels are controlled from the same user interface by a single operator and thus dramatically reduce the operational costs as well as the system’s foot print in the facility.
Video playback
Blend is a file based video server. It supports playback of all commonly used file formats and codecs including MPEG 2, MPEG 4, DV 25, DV, IMX and wrappers such as MXF, AVI and Quick Time. Clips can be played back in SD, HD and even uncompressed HD is supported. The clips are copied to the local storage as files and the copying process can take place while on air without disturbing the current playout. The clips playback could be triggered either manually or from automation using standard VDCP protocol.
Blend is a frame accurate system and supports back to back playback of clips. In its standard configuration, Blend provides a single clips playout channel which can be extended to 2 independent channels.
Using Orad’s grabber board and clip recorder application, Blend can also ingest short clips such as commercials and store them in multiple formats within the Blend storage.
Graphics playout
Based on Orad’s graphic legacy, Blend offers 3D HD/ SD real time graphics playout. Blend is a native 3D solution which offers stunning graphic look. All commonly used graphic elements such as multiple tickers, lower thirds, full frames, animated logos are supported and smart logic can be easily introduced to the graphics without the need for scripting or programming. The video output of blend can be captured by its graphic playout enabling squeeze backs of the video during credits or any 3D DVE effects. In addition to video clips, 2 live video inputs can be added to the graphic scene. Data can be pumped into the graphic templates from external databases supporting all commonly used database formats.
Robust hardware
Blend is based on Orad’s HDVG platform providing maximum performance and reliability. The video clips are stored on a 4x2 tera Sata based storage in Raid configuration. Blend offers external access to storage and allows replacing faulty hard drives while on air. Blend is a fully redundant solution. Hot swappable power supplies, mechanical and software bypass and Raid configuration for both system disks and storage. Blend supports 16 channels of embedded audio (8 pairs) supporting mixing, presets and cross fades.
Control
Both the video and the graphic channels are controlled from the same user interface by the same operator. Blend is a scalable solution that can start from a single channel and gradually increase to a multi channel setup. Typically video and graphic elements are organized in a playlist. Video items are treated as primary events while graphic elements as secondary events with the ability to create smart relations between the primary and secondary events. Items can be executed either manually, from GPI or by automation. Blend integrates with all popular automation systems such as Harris, Snell (ProBel), Pharos, Pebble Beach and more.