Live Content Producer
AWS-G500
Live Content Producer
AWS-G500
The Anycast Station Live Content Producer is a development that combines decades of Sony AV expertise together with industry-leading IT technology. Designed as a powerful content creation tool for live event programming, it comprises a high-quality video switcher, an audio mixer, a large LCD display, and a streaming encoder and server all packed into an attach case size chassis weighing only about 17 lb. (8 kg). To accommodate todays growing needs to integrate video, audio, and a variety of PC input sources in live events, the Anycast Station system provides a comprehensive set of AV and IT inputs. These include analog composite, S-Video, DV Input, and balanced analog audio as well as computer RGB input. The unique processing of the Anycast Station system allows live switching between these video and computer sources without the use of external line converters or degradation in picture quality. When it comes to program delivery, the Anycast Station system is very flexible too. Straight from the Anycast Station system the user can feed programs to tape or a large venue display, store input sources to hard disk drives for nonlinear editing, or even stream the program on the web. With all these unique features, plus a logical design for ultimate ease of use, the Anycast Station system is a tool that can be used by anyone, anytime, and anywhere for church productions, product promotions, event and live staging, music clip creation, conferences, seminars, and distance learning. Just plug in the power cord, turn on the power, and deliver the program.
Internet Projector Camera 3 Streaming
Camera 2 Camera 1
Input Source Recording
Presentation Materials 3
MAIN FEATURES
All-in-one design
The Anycast Station system comes equipped with a video switcher, an audio mixer, an LCD display, and camera control functions, all packed into a compact attach case design.
1: Video Switcher
Provides: -1280 x 1024 100-MHz/[Link] 8-bit processing -6 primary inputs plus one still picture source -1 ME with 1 keyer -1 DSK + 1 fixed station logo
A: Source Display
Displays the thumbnail video of each input source. The windows of the sources selected for PGM out and PVW out are highlighted in red and amber, respectively.
2: Audio Mixer
B: Streaming Display C: PGM Display
Provides: -48 kHz/24-bit processing -6 stereo channel input mixing -6 channel faders and 1 master fader
Displays the parameters and current server status of the streaming video.
3: Access Buttons
Displays the source currently distributed or presented.
Pressing an access button calls up the control menus of the associated input to the LCD screen. A variety of video and audio parameter settings can be made.
D: PVW Display
Displays the next source selected for output after the transition.
4: Mixer Output Controls
This approach eliminates any external wiring and cumbersome signal adjustments, making setup extremely easy and quick. On the large LCD screen, there are two windows for monitoring the program and preview outputs, together with seven windows to view each individual input source plus one internal still picture source, eliminating the need for many picture monitors. These factors make the Anycast Station system a powerful device for producing live events, virtually anywhere and with a minimum production crew. Despite its compact design, each function of the Anycast Station system provides uncompromising power and quality.
Provides controls for the audio monitor output level, talkback On/Off, and dimmer On/Off of audio monitor, built-in speakers, and headphone output.
E: Switcher Parameter Display F: Guide Display
The currently selected effect pattern is indicated with an effect icon. Effect and DSK transition durations are also displayed.
5: On-line Button
Triggers or stops the following functions. - Streaming distribution - Recording of input sources or PGM output to compatible hard disk drives
6: Menu Operation/Camera Control
General menu selection/settings are made using the menu button and jog roller. This area also provides control functions for compatible Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras. The position controller allows Pan/Tilt control of compatible Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras while the ten keys are for camera position memory store/recall. VISCA control is used to provide Pan, Tilt, Zoom, Focus, and White Balance control functions. Six or more position memories are available to store Pan/Tilt/Zoom settings.
Displays guides for controlling compatible Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras such as zoom, pan, tilt, focus and iris. Camera position memory numbers/names of the camera selected on the NEXT button row are also displayed. Also displays general menu selections and settings.
G: Built-in Stereo Speakers H: Audio Level Display
Displays PGM aux and mix audio levels.
7: Device Control
Provides basic control functions of external hard disk drives used for playing back video material. The jog and shuttle dials are also used for focus and zoom control of compatible Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras.
8: Talkback Microphone
Used for talkback purposes. An intercom connector is also provided on the rear panel should the use of an intercom system by preferred.
9: Wireless Keyboard (Turned Over)
C F E G A B G
4 3
5 6
2 7 1 8 9
MAIN FEATURES
Easy and integrated operation
The Anycast Station system makes live event programming as simple as possible. This is because the Anycast Station system requires very little or no technical knowledge of switcher and mixer setup and operations due to its extremely intuitive control surface and large LCD display. With the Anycast Station system, switching between the desired input signals is an extremely easy task. This is because all input sources, as well as the preview and program outputs, are shown on one large LCD screen simply select the next desired signal from the NEXT button row and slide the transition fader or hit the Cut button. Whats more, the window frames of the input sources chosen for the program and preview outputs are highlighted in the same color as the program and preview window markers. This gives operators complete comfort that the correct inputs have been selected. A variety of preset effect patterns are available for source switching transitions as well as for inserting keys.
The large LCD panel display also provides a comfortable visual environment which makes parameter adjustments and other control adjustments as easy as possible. For example, entering characters for source names, network settings, and other numerical data is easily achieved by referring to the indications on the LCD display. Audio EQ adjustments and input video-level adjustments are also performed on the display using easy-to-understand graphical menus. Whats more, remote control of one or more compatible Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras is also simple, since the Anycast Station system allows Pan and Tilt adjustments from its position controller, in addition to Iris, Focus, and Zoom control using the jog and shuttle dials. It also includes White Balance adjustment via the on-screen control set up menu. Simply put, the Anycast Station Live Content Producer combines creative power and ease of operation in one integrated production system.
Seamless switching between video and PC sources
In live events, theres no telling what types of signal sources need to be presented or distributed. With the Anycast Station system this dilemma is a thing of the past. The Anycast Station system allows live switching between a variety of signal sources from standard definition video (Analog composite, S-Video, DV) to PC images with XGA or SXGA. Two important features make this
Primary Inputs
possible the sophisticated built-in line converters and the high-resolution internal processing. Each input source supplied to the Anycast Station system is up-converted and processed within a 1280 x 1024 progressive domain to allow switching between sources of different resolutions while keeping picture degradation to a minimum. The program can be output from a variety of interfaces including Analog composite and S-Video for video, and D-Sub 15-pin outputs for projectors and Plasma displays.
Internal Process PGM Outputs
Composite
Video
Y/C DV Input
Up Converter
Down Converter
Composite Y/C
Video
Switching
(1280x1024 pixel)
Computer RGB (XGA/SXGA)
Up Converter
Down Converter
Computer RGB (XGA/SXGA)
Flexible video input configurations
As standard, the Anycast Station system offers the following video and PC inputs. These are provided as interface modules installed in the slots of its rear panel. Primary inputs 1 to 4: Analog composite, S-Video, DV Primary inputs 5 to 6: RGB (XGA, SXGA) Rear Panel Connectors
Should a different input configuration be required, the interface modules are also provided as optional accessories, allowing users to configure the system exactly as required. Whats more, the Anycast Station system allows each input on these modules to be assigned to any one of the primary inputs via simple menu settings.
Left Side Panel Connectors
MAIN FEATURES
Multi-camera recording for convenient nonlinear editing
During a live event, each signal source supplied to the Anycast Station systems primary inputs can be recorded to external hard drive storage. The Anycast Station system allows synchronized recording of two primary input sources to a third-party IEEE1394-interface-equipped hard Multi-Camera Recording
disk drive connected to its rear panel. This means that with only two hard disk drives, 4 primary inputs can be recorded. After the event, connecting these hard disk drives to an IEEE1394-equipped compatible nonlinear editor*1 allows editing to start very quickly, with the benefits of using hard drive storage to feed the source material.
Camera 1 Camera 2 Camera 3 Camera 4
HDD Handover
DV Compression
Nonlinear Editing
*2 *1 Please contact your nearest Sony office or authorized dealer for compatible hard disk drives, compatible nonlinear editors and software operating conditions. *2 [Link] is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a product is equipped with an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an [Link] connector may not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation
Streaming Encoder and Streaming Server
The Anycast Station system provides a built-in Streaming Encoder and Streaming Server. The Streaming Encoder function allows the highquality program output of the Anycast Station system to be streamed in real-time with minimum degradation and through very simple procedures for distribution over the Internet, LANs, or leased lines. When the number of clients is relatively small, the built-in Streaming Server function allows the streamed video to be distributed right from the Anycast Station system without the need of an external
streaming server connection. The following streaming functions are provided: Codec: Real Video and audio encoders Streaming server: Helix DNA Server Bit rate: 50 to 300 kbps Resolution: 240 x 180, 320 x 240 In future software versions, the built-in Streaming Encoder will also allow you to connect to external streaming servers. This allows the live event to be further distributed to hundreds or even thousands of viewers.
Using built-in Streaming function A/V Processing Streaming Encoder Streaming Server
Web Small number of clients
Service Provider
Using Service Provider A/V Processing Streaming Encoder Streaming Server
Streaming Server
APPLICATIONS
A range of features make the Anycast Station system suitable for virtually limitless applications. The following are typical examples.
Example: Large projection application
The Anycast Station system is a convenient live content creation system that allows easy integration of PC images, such as Microsoft PowerPoint slides and Excel sheets, into live video programming. The Anycast Station system is designed such that PC image quality and/or video quality are not degraded during source switching, keeping the final program output quality at its best. Since image quality is important when displaying presentations on large projection systems, the Anycast Station system serves as a powerful tool in such applications. The preview monitor on the LCD screen further assists in selecting the next source to be put on screen, allowing for a very smooth, seamless presentation. Whats more, by preparing video clips to be used in the presentation on third-party hard disk drives, operation of the entire presentation becomes much smoother, especially compared to using conventional tape based playback devices. And, of course, using the built-in streaming capability or signing up with a streaming service provider allows the impressive screen projection to be distributed across the web, delivering the message wherever desired.
-Church production -Product promotion -Corporate videos -Event staging -Live stages/music clip creation -Conferences/seminars -Distance learning
Large Projection Application
SDTV
Camera
PC RGB
PC RGB Analog Video
Video Clip
Ticket Sale Revenue
Video Clip
Internal Process 1280 x 1024 Pixel
Ethernet PowerPoint
Optional Accessories
BKAW-550
PC Video Interface Module
BKAW-570
SD Video Interface Module
Dimensions
14 3/4 Inches (375mm)
133
4 1/2 Inches (114mm)
17 Inches (424mm)
14 Inches (354mm)
4 Inches (93mm)
13 3/8 Inches (339mm)
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SPECIFICATIONS
General Model Power Requirements Operating Voltage Power Consumption Operating Temperature Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight
AWS-G500 AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz AC 90-260 V, 47/63 Hz 160 W 41 to 104 F (5 to 40 C) 17 x 4 1/2 x 14 (424 x 114 x 339 mm) Approximately 17 lb 10 oz (8.0 kg)
Other Interfaces NETWORK USB1.1 RGB(GUI) REMOTE FACTORY USE MEMORY STICK MEDIA VISCA
Video Signals VIDEO INPUTS (standard configuration) BNC Type x 4 Composite Video: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative DIN Type x 4 S-Video Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative C: 0.286 Vp-p at burst, 75 (System Mode 59.94 Hz) C: 0.3 Vp-p at burst, 75 (System Mode 50 Hz) IEEE 1394 6-pin Type x 4 DV IEC 61883-2 equiv. D-Sub Shrinked 15-pin Type x 2 (Female) RGB XGA, SXGA VIDEO OUTPUTS Composite S-Video BNC Type x 1 Video: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative DIN Type x 1 Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative C: 0.286 Vp-p at burst, 75 (59.94 Hz) C: 0.3 Vp-p at burst, 75 (50 Hz) Extended D-Sub 15-pin Type x 2 (Female) XGA, SXGA BNC Type x 2 Sync: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative (59.94 Hz) Sync: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative (50 Hz) C: 0.286 Vp-p at burst, 75 (59.94 Hz) C: 0.3 Vp-p at burst, 75 (50 Hz) IEEE 1394 6-pin Type x 4 IEC 61883-2 equiv. One of the DV inputs can be configured to DV output through the menu settings.
LCD Speaker
RJ-45 Type x 1, 10/100base-TX USB A Type x 2, USB1.1 equiv. D-Sub Shrinked 15-pin (Female), 1280 x 800, 60 Hz D-Sub 9-pin (Male), RS-232C D-Sub 15-pin (Male), Original Parallel I/O Memory Stick TM Slot Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo are not supported. DIN 8-pin Type x1 Supports Sony VISCA camera commands. 15.4" High Brightness LCD, 1280 x 800, 60 Hz Built-In Speaker x 2, Size: 20 x 40 mm
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES Installation Guide x 1 (2) BKAW-570 (1) BKAW-550 85 keys + Pointer / Infrared communication Keyboard Application Software Printed Manual Operation Manual
RGB BB OUT
DV
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES BKAW-550 PC Video Interface Module RGB D-Sub Shrinked 15-pin Type x 2 (Female), XGA, SXGA BKAW-570 SD Video Interface Module Composite BNC Type x 2 Video: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative S-Video DIN Type x 2 Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 , Sync negative C: 0.286 Vp-p at burst, 75 (System Mode 59.94 Hz) C: 0.3 Vp-p at burst, 75 (System Mode 50 Hz) DV IEEE 1394 6-pin Type x 2 IEC 61883-2 equiv. HDD/DV [Link]: IEEE 1394 6-pin Type x 1 HDD IF: SBP2
Recoder Port HDD/DV (standard configuration) Audio Signals AUDIO INPUTS Analog Inputs 1-2
[Link]: IEEE 1394 6-pin Type x 2 HDD IF: SBP2
Analog Inputs 3-6 Analog Inputs 7-8 AUDIO OUTPUTS PGM OUT MIX OUT AUX OUT MONITOR OUT HEADPHONES INTERCOM
XLR/TRS Combo Type x 2 Ref. Level: +4 dBu, -20 dBu, -44 dBu Mic. Power: +48 V TRS Type x 4 / Ref. Level: +4 dBu, -20 dBu, -44 dBu Pin x 2 / Ref. Level: -10 dBs TRS Type x 2 / Ref.: +4 dBu / Impedance: 150 Pin Type x 2 / Ref.: -10 dBs / Impedance: 10 k TRS Type x 2 / Ref.: +4 dBu / Impedance: 150 TRS Type x 2 / Ref.: +4 dBu / Impedance: 150 1/4Stereo Phone Jack Type x 2 70 mW x 2 / Impedance: 47 D-Sub 9-pin Type (Female) / Original Parallel I/O
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Sony Electronics Inc. 1 Sony Drive Park Ridge, NJ 07656 [Link]/AnycastStation
2005 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate. Images on the LCD display are simulated. Sony, [Link], Anycast Station, and Memory Stick are registered trademarks of Sony. Helix and the Helix logo are trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. Microsoft, Excel and PowerPoint are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. [Link] is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an [Link] connector may not communicate with each other. Please refer to the documentation that comes with any device having an [Link] connector for information on compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection. For information on any Sony device having an [Link] connection contact Sony at 1-800-686-7669. Printed in U.S.A. (3/05)
V-2221-A MK10126V1